In the last TPK blog post, you were introduced to three kinds of earthy-hued calligraphy ink. Today, you’re going to meet the glitzy cousins of those inks! The sparkling inks detailed in this post are perfect for when you want to make something glamorous and unique, something that makes observers do a double-take. You’ll learn the nuances behind various metallic calligraphy mediums, and you can use the information presented today and in the next TPK blog post to decide which sparkling ink (or inks) are right for you!
Finetec Golds and Pearl Colors Palettes
Finetec is my favorite supply when it comes to writing sparkling calligraphy. Believe it or not, Finetec calligraphy “inks” are actually watercolors! The watercolors are made with mica, which is a natural shimmering mineral. When you put a Finetec-loaded pen to paper, you will be amazed at how beautiful the effect is; for example, check out the sumptuous color in the Kaitlin Style menu pictured below!
Of course, as a beginner, I puzzled over how one could use hardened little circles of finely-ground glitter, essentially, to create liquid beauty on a page. The answer lies in adding water and mixing: you can learn exactly how to use the palette in this blog post, which includes a helpful tutorial video.
I love both of the Finetec palettes (the Pearl Colors and the Golds) because of their extraordinary opacity and the fact that you as the calligrapher can easily control the viscosity of the ink based on how much water you mix in. However, there are some downsides. First of all, if you’re new to using Finetec, there’s a little bit of a learning curve; you have to figure out the “sweet spot” as far as viscosity goes for you. Secondly, you have to brush Finetec on to the back of your nib. That’s fine if you’re making one card or envelope, but if you’re making a lot of envelopes (e.g. for a wedding), the process will be very time-consuming! Finally, Finetec is a little on the pricey side — the palette will run you around $25 plus shipping. That’s a hefty chunk to pay for calligraphy ink, but it’s worth noting that the palette will last you for several years.
If you live in the US, you can find the Finetec palette at Paper and Ink Arts. UK residents can strike gold (ha!) at Penman Direct. In Germany/the EU, you can purchase Finetec at coliro.de, and in Canada you can find it at Artist Supply Source. If you do not live in any of these countries, and you know where the Finetec palette can be purchased locally, please comment! You never know: your information may be the key to happily ending someone’s search!
Lumiere by Jacquard
Like the Finetec palette, Jacquard’s Lumiere paint (which doubles as calligraphy ink) is infused with mica to give it a lot of vibrant sparkle. Lumiere paint is a good multi-purpose supply to keep around; Jacquard boasts of its ability to adhere to any surface including canvas, leather, wood, and, of course, paper. I don’t believe it was originally developed to be a calligraphy ink, but eventually someone figured out that it can be used as such, and now artists in the calligraphy world are doing really neat things with it.
If you are going to use Lumiere as a calligraphy ink, diluting it is an absolute must! When you get a new bottle of Lumiere, you’ll want to transfer about two tablespoons of the paint into a separate container …
Then, add about 1.5 teaspoons of water. The ratio of paint to water should be approximately 4:1 to ensure opaque coverage when creating calligraphy.
Next, shake the container vigorously to mix the water and paint together.
Once the water and paint have mixed, you can dip your nib directly in the mixture and use it as a calligraphy ink, as shown in the lace envelope art photo below! If you’re having trouble getting the ink to flow, you can always add a little bit more water. If you add too much water (you’ll know it’s too much because the ink will no longer be opaque), that’s no biggie; just let the ink sit out without the lid for a couple of hours to allow some water to evaporate out.
One of my favorite things about Lumiere paint, particularly the colored varieties like Halo Pink Gold, is the fact that the creations you make with it look very different depending on which angle you’re viewing them from. For example, if you look at the Janet Style envelope below straight-on, the color is indeed a reddish gold.
However, if you angle the envelope toward a light source, it suddenly bursts with golden brilliance! It doesn’t even look like the same envelope!
I like Lumiere ink because it comes in a variety of different colors, and once you add water, it’s convenient to use. I have noticed, however, that its coverage isn’t quite as good as Finetec because you do need to add a significant amount of water to make it calligraphy-friendly. It’s acrylic paint, so it also gunks up your nib relatively quickly, which facilitates the need to wipe off the nib quite often. All in all, though, its brilliant, interactive tones and convenience are worth it!
You can purchase Lumiere ink at Paper and Ink Arts in the US, Art Van Go in the UK, Art Materials in Australia, and Artist Supply Source in Canada. For all other countries, you can use the handy search tool on the Jacquard website to see where you can buy Lumiere ink locally! (Make sure you click “Products Carried” on the right to double-check that Lumiere is one of them.)
Ink Giveaway
As part of this series of ink-focused posts, I want to give you the chance to try out these beautiful, sparkly supplies! This post’s giveaway includes one bottle of Lumiere paint/ink, one bottle of Iridescent ink, and one large container of PearlEx powdered pigment, all in the colors of your choosing. Additionally, you will receive a Finetec Golds palette! The total value of this prize is $42.45 plus shipping cost, and I’m glad to ship anywhere! You may enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Just as a side note, you don’t have to utilize all of the entry options; even if you just enter using one (e.g. the “Answer a Question” option), you’re still eligible to win.
This giveaway will end on Tuesday, February 16th, at 11:59 PM MST (Denver, CO, USA timezone). On Wednesday, the winner will be contacted and his or her name will be displayed on the Rafflecopter widget in this blog post!
If you have any questions about the two types of “ink” detailed in today’s post — or tips on where to find them in your country — please feel free to comment. I’m glad to offer input, and I am always looking for suppliers to recommend to readers across the globe. Thanks so much for reading TPK, and we’ll reconvene this weekend with more information on making glamorous, glittering calligraphy!
Warmly,
Hi Lindsey,
I stumbled upon your blog whilst googling away as I am new to calligraphy. You are so talented and creative 🙂 I ordered the Kaitlyn style from Scribbles and it is a perfect way for me to learn this lovely lettertype. I have a question about the Finetec and usage. I am getting married next year and I would like to write my envelopes using Arabic gold. Now I have watched your video on Finetec and how to get the best out of it (excellent video!) but I wonder if there is a way to ..how to say this.. Liquify the Finetec in such a way I just dip in my nib and write away 50 envelopes instead of brushing the ink on every time? I hope you get what I mean, if there is any alternative ink to use which will give me a similar gold sparkle but is more friendly to write please do let me know 🙂 After reading your post I am considering the Lumber Halo Rose Gold as an option, but I wanted to ask your expert opinion first 🙂 Thanks! Lots of love from the Netherlands!
Hi Savita!
I think that in your situation, I might consider using one of the Ph. Martin’s Iridescent inks! I like Finetec the best for its effect, but, as you correctly surmised, it does take time when writing a large quantity of envelopes. 🙂 The Iridescent inks are more convenient and require much less fuss!
When using your diluted Lumiere, would you dip the nib into the ink or would you brush the ink onto the nib like you do with Finetec? Love your blog, I’ve gained so much knowledge already!
Hi Kandice! You could brush the Lumiere onto your nib, but I actually just dip it. 🙂 Faster and easier that way!
For anyone in the UK (I’m not sure if it works in other countries, sorry) but if you were looking to try out the Lumiere Jacquard paints they sell a pack on Amazon.
It’s not too expensive and it’s a pack of 9 different shiny colours so if you wanted to try more than one it might be a good investment 🙂
Thanks so much, Ashleigh! Where to buy tips are always SO appreciated!
I am loving your blog! Such beautiful lettering and a wealth of information. Have you tried lettering with Twinkling H2Os? They have such a lovely shimmer and huge palette, I was wondering if they would be good.
Hi Karen! I haven’t tried them, but am sure they would work great! 🙂
A few months ago my sister gave to me four pots of Lumiere that she didn’t want anymore and I didn’t know what to do with them and nearly gave them away myself.But! I stumbled across your post today and now I know EXACTLY what I am going to do with them! Thanks!!!!!
She’ll be wanting them back after she sees what you were able to create with them! 😉
I love this post! I found an art store (for any west coast Canadians – Opus has them!) that has the Lumiere and Finetec inks so I spoiled myself today. I’m glad you shared the ‘recipe’ for the Lumiere – when I got home and just HAD TO TRY ALL THE THINGS I just threw a dab in a dish and sloshed in some water. Not very precise, but I can see how beautiful it’s going to be. In trying the Finetec, you really have to get that wet to make it flow, hey? But also, I can see how beautiful it’s going to be. New toys for the win!
So happy you’re loving your new goodies. 🙂 I’m not very precise either; sometimes being too precise can take away from the fun!
Would love to try that gold iridescent gold ink!! I’m trying to learn calligraphy so I can hand letter my wedding invitation envelopes for my 2017 wedding and that would be beautiful!!!
The Iridescent gold would be a fantastic choice for wedding invitations because it’s lovely and convenient to use! 🙂
Always interesting reading your posts and seeing your beautiful work.
Thank you!!
Another very interesting and informative post! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I love looking at the envelopes with their beautiful illustrations and calligraphy.
They are so fun to make! Thank you!!
Lindsay, you are the best! I love your style and confident manner of lettering! Mine is ok, but always looks a little shaky! I want to be just like you when I grow up!
It’s just practice; I promise! 🙂 Thanks so much!!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us beginners so learning is less frustrating for us!
I remember what it was like to be a beginner, and I’m so happy to be able to make the learning process more seamless for others. 🙂 Thanks, Anna!
Hi Lindsay,
Thank you so much for the great blog post! I just purchased the Finetec gold and am excited to try it. The Luminere looks very interesting as well. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. It is truly appreciated.
God Bless,
Pat
I know you’ll love the Finetec palette! The trick is to be patient with it/yourself, then once you get the hang of it, you’ll be off making amazing things. 🙂
Thanks so much for all the helpful information. You are a wealth of knowledge!
Thanks, Kim! I’m so happy this post was beneficial!!
I have a question! I’ve been following your blog and doing tutorials with the hopes of addressing my wedding envelopes. I think I would like to do script for the names, and just print for the address. Should you still use the calligraphy nib for block prints, and which one? I have the Nikko nib suggested. If not, what do you recommend?
Hi Natalie!
You’ll still use the calligraphy nib for block prints. 🙂 There are actually a couple of examples, I think, of the calligraphy + print combination in Molly Suber Thorpe’s book Modern Calligraphy; you may find inspiration in looking through that book!
I really appreciate you providing sources in Canada- I’ve really been struggling to find good sources in the True White North.
I try to recommend retailers wherever I can! I do wish I could find more in Canada, though … :-/
thanks for this generous giveaway! 😀
So excited about the bottle of Lumiere paint
I love running giveaways! Thank you!! 🙂
So would you say the Lumiere ink is better for Wedding envelope calligraphy? I know you said Finetec isn’t, but it wasn’t clear if Lumiere would be easier to work with for lots of envelopes.
I think for a lot of envelopes, I’d probably go with Dr. Ph. Martin’s Iridescent! You can learn about that in Part II. 🙂
Great information ! I also like that you inform about where the inks can be bought throughout the world. That s very thoughtful of you, many don t realize that eg in Europe the same things are not so accessible. I did not know the Lumière ink, it sounds reallu exciting !
Thank you! I’m always happy to try and find retailers wherever I can. 🙂
I don’t know where you find all this time to share your precious knowledge with everybody else, but I can tell you it is always informative to read your postings.
Long life to you and your blog!!!!
Greetings from Quebec City,
Jocelyne Charest
Thank you, Jocelyne! 🙂 I’m so happy that you enjoy reading the blog; thank you for the kind compliment!
I absolutely LOVED this blog! I’m obsessed with the Dr. Ph. Martin Copper Plate Gold ink and have been debating back and forth on buying the Finetec pallet and you 100% sold me. And now I want to try all the other too! thanks for your insight. Excited to check out more of your blogs!
I know you’ll love the Finetec — it’s awesome once you get the hang of using it (which will take a few minutes)! 🙂
Awesome information. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad this is helpful; thank you for the compliment!
oh wow! 🙂 thanks from my heart.. this is my hearts LOVe… i have not taken any classes but i do all the handwriting on the cards i sell locally… mind you..where i live is sorta back-woodsy so i am lucky if i get a card sold every other week. . but i love to be there for people and i have my own boosts of encouragements… and understanding to those who find physical health a trial;) so… thanks for all this lovely info.. sending love…
I love that you are selling your creations! Perhaps you would consider opening an Etsy shop? That would be a cool way to distribute your talent all over the world. 🙂
Seeing this post is a huge help. I’m still gaining facility with the finetec pallet. Your blog post on the finetec helps a lot. I’m trying to find the perfect pink hue of sparkle!! I do have a question about creating pieces of work – Do you change nibs with these different inks? Is there a combination of ink+nib that you prefer? You mentioned having to wipe off the nib quite often. This is also good news because my experience has been the same. I made a rookie mistake by not cleaning my nib often, and it created some sparkle residue that I can’t remove. I really ruined the nib. Side question: In general, how often do you find yourself tossing out old nibs for new ones?
Thank you for offering up great advice! xoxo!
Hi Serena!
I generally use the Brause EF66 nib, though if I want a broader downstroke, I’ll revert to the Brause Rose. 🙂 In general, I probably toss out nibs every 6-12 months … so, not super often! You’re right that they’ll last longer with regular cleaning.
Thank you, Lindsey, for your helpful description (with the spectacular lace example) of Lumiere ink/paint and your explanation of how to dilute it correctly for calligraphy. Really useful information and I love the pink gold!
Sharon Kenney Biddle
Thanks so much, Sharon! 🙂 I agree; the pink gold is so pretty!
This post is so timely as I have a glam project to do! Thank you for the helpful information. Apologies if you covered this already, but what nib is best used for the Lumiere ink?
Hi Lukeki! I have used it with the Brause EF66 and the Brause Rose; I had good results with both! 🙂
Really appreciate your insights into inks for calligraphy.
Thanks so much, Paul! 🙂
Great information! I wish I could try all of these inks! Some years ago, I bought the Pebeo silver and it reminds me very much of the Lumiere ink you describe: it also needs to be diluted. I cannot say anything about the colour of the gold, because I never tried it. But the silver is nice to add some sparkling to my calligraphy.
That is a great recommendation — I’ve never tried Pebeo! Thanks so much. 🙂