How to Write Beautifully on Handmade Paper: Pro Tips and Tricks

Handmade paper has always been a favourite of mine for wedding stationery, and it’s easy to see why! More and more couples are choosing it for its timeless, romantic feel—with its unique texture, it adds that extra touch of old-world charm and elegance that makes invitations and stationery truly special.

However, because of its delicate nature and fibrous texture, writing on handmade paper with a pointed pen can be seriously challenging. I remember the first time I tried—it was a total disaster! I gave up almost immediately because I just couldn’t figure out how other calligraphers made it look so effortless. Every attempt only left me more frustrated, so I put it aside for months and months.

Then, out of the blue, a couple reached out and asked me to create handmade paper place cards for their wedding. Talk about panic! But in a way, it was exactly what I needed—a push to finally figure it out. I probably wasn’t amazing at it back then, but taking on that challenge taught me so much and helped me improve along the way. I’d love to share some of those tricks I picked up during that process. Hopefully, they’ll help make your experience a little easier than mine!

Before we dive in, here’s a little about the handmade paper we use in our studio. The beautiful handmade paper is supplied by Kethy from Kethstudio—it has a lovely textured finish with gorgeous deckled edges, and available in several sizes. Keep in mind that there are many types of handmade paper out there, sold by different makers, but the tips I’m sharing here have been tested specifically on this paper.

Now, let’s get into it! Here are some tricks I’ve learned that might make writing on handmade paper a little easier for you too.

How to Prepare the Handmade Paper

Before you begin writing, it’s important to prep your handmade paper properly. Grab some inexpensive hairspray (I personally use the one from Aldi—it does the job just fine!). Lightly spray the paper from a distance—not too close, but not too far either. You want to achieve a very light, even layer. This step helps create a slightly firmer surface, making it easier for your nib to glide and reducing the chances of your nib catching on the tiny fibres of the paper. Let it sit to dry for a few hours or, ideally, overnight for best results. You want to make sure that the handmade paper is completely dry before starting any project.

The Importance of Prepping Your Nib

I love using the Nikko G or Zebra G nib—it’s my go-to for most projects as well as on handmade paper. But just like we prep the handmade paper, it’s important to do the same with your nibs. Preparing your nib is key to getting that smooth writing experience, even on regular, smooth paper. Personally, I always like to use a brand-new nib for each new project, especially if I want to create those thin hairlines (upstrokes). With a new nib, you will always come across a protective coating that has been applied onto the nib from the manufacturer. It's crucial to remove this coating or you'll run into issues like the ink not flowing properly.

Here are the steps I use to remove this protective layer;

• Hold the nib over a flame for a second or two to burn off any oil coating.

• Dip the nib in water and gently clean it with tissue paper.

  
  

Your nib is now ready to go!

Choosing the Right Ink

Choosing the right ink is key to getting the best results and achieve the smoothest writing experience. Over the years, I’ve tried a ton of different inks, but nothing compares to Kuretake Sumi Ink. It’s got the perfect consistency—not too thick, not too watery—and it doesn’t need any adjustments. No adding water or thickening it up, it’s good to go right out of the bottle. The only downside is that it’s available in black only.

For other colours, you’ll want to make sure the ink isn’t too thick or too watery. With thicker inks, you will have the issue of not achieving that smooth glide and continuously having to dip your nib into the ink bottle after each letter (very frustrating and tedious!). While super watery inks won’t give you the clean, crisp results you’re after. The key is that you should be able to write one whole name without having to ink your nib in between the letters.

I had the chance to use watercolour cubes for a project once, and let me tell you—it took forever to finish! Because of the way it works, I had to keep adding water to get the right consistency, which was a total hassle. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great for writing on standard cardstock, but when it comes to handmade paper, it’s definitely not my go-to ink for these kinds of projects.

So, finding that perfect balance is key! Whether it’s adjusting the ink to the right consistency or choosing the best one for your handmade paper projects, it makes all the difference. This is exactly why I don’t offer a wide range of colours for these projects—I stick to the ones I know will work (mainly black). Trust me, after my past struggles, I’m not looking to go through that frustration again!

How to Ink Your Nib the Right Way!

Now, let's talk about the best way to add ink onto your nib. When I first started, I always thought the best method was to dunk the whole nib straight into the ink pot. Spoiler alert—it made my writing super splotchy and thick, which wasn’t the look I was going for at all. I prefer my downstrokes to be a bit thinner for that elegant, flowing style.

The key here is to avoid overloading it with ink, which can lead to splotchy writing. When applying the ink, I always use an ink dropper instead of dipping the nib directly into the bottle (as pictured above). If you’ve seen any of my calligraphy videos, you might’ve noticed that the top side of my nib doesn’t have much ink—that’s because I prefer to apply it to the underside of the nib (from the vent hole to the tip). Of course, every calligrapher has their own way of doing things, but this method has always worked really well for me! Once your nib is inked, make sure to remove any excess by writing a few short lines on scrap paper before starting your actual project. This will help prevent any unwanted drips and blotches.

Pro tip: If I notice the ink isn’t gliding as smoothly as I’d like, I'll clean the nib and then start by dipping my nib in water first before adding the ink. This little trick helps create an even smoother writing experience and makes everything flow much more effortlessly!

How to Fix Mistakes

Handmade paper is full of those charming little natural fibres, which can still cause the nib to catch even after all the prep you may have done prior to starting. If that happens, don’t panic—just keep going, use a light hand and work slowly. If you do make a mistake, don’t toss the paper just yet! Allow the ink to dry completely, then take a scalpel and gently scrape away any small imperfections. With a little patience, you can easily fix those little hiccups and keep your work looking flawless! Take a look at the video below to watch how I correct those little mistakes!

Understanding Pressure and Technique

Writing on handmade paper, like any other medium, takes time to master. It’s kind of like using an Apple Pen on an iPad or practising calligraphy with a brush pen or paintbrush—each tool has its own learning curve, requiring different levels of pressure and technique.

The same goes for different types of paper!

Every paper has its own texture, which means you’ll need to adjust your pressure accordingly. With handmade paper, the key is to use a light hand, even on heavier downstrokes. Too much pressure can cause the nib to catch on the fibres, making it harder to achieve smooth lines. While, very little pressure will result in no upstroke lines. It will take some practising and time to achieve the balance between the two.

As many people say, practice makes progress! Like anything else, the more you practice, the easier it gets. Take your time, experiment, and soon you’ll find your own rhythm with handmade paper.

By following these tips and tricks, you can confidently create stunning calligraphy on handmade paper while minimising mishaps. With a little patience and practice, you’ll master the art of working with this beautiful, delicate medium.

If you're just at the beginning of your calligraphy journey, our Calligraphy Starter Kit is a great place to begin. It covers all the fundamentals, helping you build a strong foundation from the very first stroke. If you've ever found yourself frustrated with wobbly lines or letters that just don’t look quite right, this kit will guide you through the process and set you up for success! Happy lettering!