Hand Carved Penholders
I’m not currently accepting orders or selling holders, but the page below has a bit of info about my process, and the custom holders I’ve made for fellow calligraphers.
In 2014 I wanted something I couldn’t find; a good quality calligraphy nib holder that supported my hand without forcing me to use a specific grip. Straight shaft holders allow flexibility of use, but often not a lot of support, and many of the readily available wood ones were heavy, bulky, or felt incorrectly weighted. Ergonomic holders have been around for over a century, and generally provide support, but not necessarily where I wanted it. I was spoiled. I learned pointed pen calligraphy using my great grandfather’s Zanerian fine writer. These holders are flexible for use with a variety of scripts. They’re lightweight, perfectly balanced, and much smaller than most of our contemporary options. I wanted something that combined all these traditional qualities with the comfort and support of an ergonomic holder. I figured if I couldn’t buy it, why not just make it.
What began as a personal quest to make a custom tool for myself quickly grew into an accidental side hustle. I developed a core holder design and a customized approach making holders to fit for my fellow calligraphers. The underlying form is a constant, but each holder is a unique creation, carved and finished fully by hand. Each one is made in accordance with my core values combining beauty of form with functionality to create a superb, comfortable tool that—with proper care—will last a lifetime.
My great grandfather’s Zanerian Fine Writer from the late 1800s
A selection of my holders showing a range of sizes, flanges, woods, and finishes
A vintage Strahm ergonomic holder (top), with a replica I made (bottom)
The 2020 pandemic drastically changed my business (as it did for so many). In the years since it has been a challenge to fit in holder making with my other work. I am not currently accepting custom orders, or offering general fit, readymade holders up for sale on a consistent basis. The future is always an uncertainty for a self employed artist and calligrapher. I love making holders, and will offer them again if I can. If you’d like to be kept up to date on any holder happenings, please sign up for my email list.
Process
Past Orders
A few of the many holders I’ve made. None of these are for sale, they’ve all gone to new homes where I hope they’re treasured and being used to create beautiful work.
