DND Favorite Things: Glass Dip Pens

DND Favorite Things: Glass Dip Pens. Glass Dip Pens, also known as Glass Pens and Glass Springs, are as fun to use as they are beautiful to look at. Here’s what you need to know about using these works of art!

DND Favorite Things: Glass Dip Pens

I was wandering around the Medival Fest at Cochem Castle in Germany last year with a glass of honey wine in my hand when I happened upon the cutest booth of leather notebook and glass dip pens by Feder und Buch.

The woman running the booth was so sweet and helpful. After trying the glass pen, I was immediately in love. I ended up buying this glass dip pen, ink barrel, and a leather notebook. And a bottle of the honey wine. 😜

Later that week, I went to the Feder & Buch website and bought a few more pens and another ink barrel. I shared the above photo on my Facebook page and received the kindest email from the owner of Feder & Buch a few days later.

It will forever be one of my favorite memories of our time living in Germany. I’ll never hold a dip pen without remembering spending that day at the Medieval Fest.

Glass Dip Pens FAQs

The pens go by a few names: Glass Dip Pens, Glass Pens, and Glass Springs. Initially, I was introduced to them as Glass Springs.

Are glass pens fragile?

Made of crystal glass, the pens look fragile, but they’re much sturdier than you’d think. I treat them like I do any of my dip pens and I’ve never had one break.

What kinds of ink can you use with them?

They work with pretty much any kind of ink. I’ve used the pens successfully with watercolor inks, calligraphy inks, and fountain pen inks.

How do you clean them?

Just dip the nib in water or gently rinse off the ink under a faucet. Pat dry with a paper towel.

What kinds of paper do you recommend?

While they’ll work on nearly any kind of paper, the ink spreads more on certain types. I’ve found I get the best results with calligraphy paper or this copy paper for just practicing.

Where can I get a glass dip pen?

• In Germany, I ordered from Feder & Buch. As I understand it, they’ll ship internationally upon request.
• I have several that from Amazon. My mother in law got me this lovely blue one last Christmas, and I just ordered this gorgeous galaxy pen.
• Etsy has a good selection.
• Check local “mom and pop” type art and writing stores in your area. If they don’t request any, ask if they can order one for you.

Anything else I should know?

Look for pens with a lifetime guarantee. The spring (nib) will probably break down at some point but many companies, like Fever & Buch, will repair them for free.

Quality glass pens will not scratch on the paper, and the springs hold and release ink evenly. You get what you pay for. 😉

How To Use Glass Dip Pens

Glass dip pens are so easy to use!

1. Dip the nib of the pen in your ink.
2. Allow any excess ink to drip into the below.
3. Write! I like to do a few strokes on a scrap piece of paper just in case I get any blobs from any remaining excess ink. The ink should last for quite a few sentences (or more!) before you need to re-dip.
4. If you’re changing colors, dip the nib in water and gently dry with a paper towel before dipping into a new ink.

Here’s a short video of a glass dip pen in action!

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