fter seeing our Calligraphy tutor Anthea Power use the Schmicke Aqua Bronze Powder in Copper on a demonstration at Christmas I just had to have my own! These powders are lovely, they work beautifully on white but WOW do they ‘pop ’on darker colours like black.
These powders come in 5 different colours: Silver, Rich Pale Gold, Rich Gold, Pale Gold and Copper.
What you will need:
Schmicke Aqua Bronze powder in a colour of your choice (if you’re like me you will buy them all!)
Water
Pipette
Gum Arabic
Palette or glass jar
Nib pen and nib
Paper in the colour of your choice
Brush
Lolly pop stick
I started by mixing the paint up in a glass jar, I prefer to use a jar as then there is no waste and I can put the lid on and use again another time.
Using the lolly pop stick I put a small amount of the Powder into the jar along with a few drops of gum Arabic. I then mixed this with my brush which makes a paste, and then I added a few drops of water using the pipette.
I kept adding small drops of water until the mixture was similar to ‘single cream’ consistency. I applied the mixture to my nib pen using a brush, I find this is the best way to write when doing calligraphy as you very rarely need to dip your paint brush in your ink/mixture and there is less chance of drops ending up on your paper. I try not to let the mixture run out and apply every few letters; I do this so I don’t run out half way through a letter.
As I write I try not to rush, I take it slow and steady as I don’t want to make a mistake, I find this is the best thing to do and it’s lovely to see the letters taking form and shape. Once the powder is dry it is slightly raised and is sparkly.
You are then able to mount the piece and put it in a nice frame of your choice.
Useful tips:
Putting a new nib in a flame for a few seconds then into water will burn any oils that are left over when being made; this will help the ink ‘stick’ better to the nib.
Applying the mixture with a brush to the nib is much easier than dipping.
Ruling your paper out before you start is always a safe bet, unless you are confident to start without a guide line.