DRAWING & LETTERING NIB OVERVIEW JUNE 2018

RELEARN EDUCATE & REROOT & LETTERING NIBS Broad-Edge Nibs: Manufactured to have a rigid, flat edge that produces thick and thin, ribbon-like strokes, broad edge nibs are most commonly associated with Italic, Monoline or Gothic alphabets. Speedball manufactures a range of broad edge tools: • A-Series: Square • B-Series: Round • C-Series: Flat • LC-Series: Left-handed version of C-Series

Pointed Nibs: Manufactured to vary in levels of flexibility, pointed pen nibs are designed with a small slit between two tines that spread, flex and spring to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the amount of pressure applied by the artist. Often utilized for scripts possessing large flourishing or illustrations that require intense levels of detail. Hunt nibs can be grouped in the following ways, based on like-construction

Pointed Grouping Crowquill Grouping Bowl-Pointed Grouping #22B #102 #512 #56 #107 #513EF #99 #108 #100 #101 #103 A-SERIES Series Overview: Patented in 1913 and introduced two years later, the A-Series nib is where is all started for Speedball. Featuring a nib that possesses a square tip, bent to form a “shoe,” the A-Series nibs allow artists to create a uniform line with a single stroke. The A-Series nibs can be used in three ways: • Perpendicular to base line: Keeping shoe flat on surface; produces uniform stroke in any direction with squared beginnings/endings • Held at angle: Achieves either diamond-shaped beginning/ending or a squared finished on a diagonal stroke • Turned on back: Using broad, flat end; produces either lettering with thicks and thins or serifs of uniform width The A-Series is available in six nib widths (the smaller the number, the larger the nib width) • A-0, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5 Features & Benefits Artists prefer the A-Series nibs versus competitive alternatives for the following reasons: • Unique construction allows for one-of-a-kind experience and creative potential • Quality in consistency & craftsmanship • Same manufacturing process that was perfected in the 1950s • Meticulous dedication in sourcing of premium materials • Skilled craftsman trained specific to pen-making process of each nib • Each nib hand-inspected prior to leaving facility Common Frustrations • There are rare occasions where artists are frustrated with nibs that are “scratchy” upon initial use. This is easily eliminated when properly preparing a nib prior to use. • Nibs can rust, so artists should let them dry thoroughly prior to storing between uses.

Associated Alphabets & Techniques The A-Series can be used for any project featuring lines of uniform width and squared finish. The A-Series is most commonly used to create the following: • Gothic • Monoline • Block sans serif Like Competitive Styles The A-Series is truly unique in its construction, with no identical competitive offering available currently. B-SERIES Series Overview: Created shortly after A-Series and launched in 2nd Edition of the Speedball Textbook in 1916. Like the A-Series, the B-Series has a bent end to form a “shoe” to produce a uniform width line. Unlike its counterpart, the B-Series has a rounded finish, ideal for creating sans serif letters without thick and thin lines The B-Series is available in nine nib widths (the smaller the number, the larger the nib width) • B-0, B ½, B-1, B-2, B3, B-4, B-5, B 5 ½ Features & Benefits Artists prefer the A-Series nibs versus competitive alternatives for the following reasons: • Unique construction allows for one-of-a-kind experience and creative potential • Quality in consistency & craftsmanship • Same manufacturing process that was perfected in the 1950s • Meticulous dedication in sourcing of premium materials • Skilled craftsman trained specific to pen-making process of each nib • Each nib hand-inspected prior to leaving facility Common Frustrations • Nibs can rust, so artists should let them dry thoroughly prior to storing between uses.

Associated Alphabets & Techniques The B-Series can be used for an array of monoline projects. The B-Series is most commonly used to create the following: • Monoline • Versals • “Built Up” letters • Cartoons, uniform line , borders Like Competitive Styles Brause Ornamental Nib (Brause B Nib) C-SERIES Series Overview: The C- marked the third addition of Speedball series of nibs, with the line now representing the most popular of broad-edge offerings. This C-Series is a traditional broad-edge nib with great deal of flexibility. This flexibility was intended to have the same characteristics to ancient scribes’ reed while offering the lettering artist a “close imitation of the finest small brush work.” The C-Series was developed to be held at consistent pen angle that varies dependent upon alphabet. The C-Series is available in seven nib widths (the smaller the number, the larger the nib width) and is also available in left-handed construction • C-0, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-6; LC-0, LC-1, LC-2, LC-3, LC-4

Features & Benefits Artists prefer the C-Series nibs versus competitive alternatives for the following reasons: • Quality in consistency & craftsmanship • Same manufacturing process that was perfected in the 1950s • Meticulous dedication in sourcing of premium materials • Skilled craftsman trained specific to pen-making process of each nib • Each nib hand-inspected prior to leaving facility Common Frustrations • There are rare occasions where artists are frustrated with nibs that are “scratchy” upon initial use. This is easily eliminated when properly preparing a nib prior to use. • Nibs can rust, so artists should let them dry thoroughly prior to storing between uses.

Associated Alphabets & Techniques The C-Series can be used for most traditional calligraphic alphabets including: • Roman • Carolingian • Italic • Blackletter (Gothic, Old English) • Uncial / Half Uncial • Foundational Like Competitive Styles Mitchell Roundhand, Tachikawa, Brause Bandzug, Brause C , Tape POINTED GROUPING Series Overview: Sturdy and durable, Hunt nibs are suitable for use on a broad range of papers and projects sizes/scales. Similar in design, each of the nibs within this grouping vary in flexibility and spring, allowing for different writing experiences and results. All nibs listed can be used with either the Standard or Oblique holder designs. #22B: Medium stiffness / flexibility (Extra fine point; Best for ornamental writing; e.g. Copperplate/Spencerian scripts) #56: High stiffness (Fine point; Best for writing on textured papers and/or creating large letterforms; great beginner nib) #99: Medium-High flexibility (Extra fine point; Great for use on smooth papers and for large, bold text) #100: High flexibility (Extra fine point/delicate; best for expert artists / light hands) #101: Medium-High flexibility (Fine point; resilient and requires deliberate pressure; great nib for beginners and pros) #103: High flexibility (Extra fine point; best for use on smooth papers and more forgiving/less delicate than #100, but still best for artists with light touch) #104: Low-Medium flexibility (Super fine –finest– pen point; ideal for use with #104 holder or Oblique holder)

Features & Benefits Artists prefer Hunt pointed nibs versus competitive alternatives for the following reasons: • Quality in consistency & craftsmanship • Same manufacturing process that was perfected in the 1950s • Meticulous dedication in sourcing of premium materials • Skilled craftsman trained specific to pen-making process of each nib • Each nib hand-inspected prior to leaving facility

Common Frustrations As with any pointed pen nib, we recommend testing compatibility with and paper prior to having an artists begin on any project. There are instances where a pairing of ink with the nibs listed above can be a challenge with flow and/or “globbing,” and some textured papers can result in catching with certain nibs on upstrokes.

Associated Alphabets & Techniques This group of nibs is ideally-suited for use with ornamental or decorative projects and lettering. The most commonly associated alphabets are Copperplate and Spencerian scripts

Like Competitive Styles Gillott 303, Nikko G, G, Principal EF, Gillott 404, Hiro nibs CROWQUILL GROUPING Series Overview: Hunt crowquill nibs all possess a tubular design and offer different levels of flexibility and fineness of point. All nibs listed below can be used with the #102 holder. While most often used as drawing tools, these nibs can be used for lettering, especially the #108 for alphabets featuring bold flourishes. #102: High flexibility (Extra fine pen point; Most versatile of crowquills; Most forgiving and appropriate for broad range of skill levels) #107: Medium flexibility (Super fine pen point (finest of Hunt crowquills); Best for long, even lines and cross-hatching. #108: Medium/High flexibility (Extra fine pen point); Ideal for flourishing and cross-hatching

Features & Benefits Artists prefer Hunt crowquill nibs versus competitive alternatives for the following reasons: • Quality in consistency & craftsmanship • Same manufacturing process that was perfected in the 1950s • Meticulous dedication in sourcing of premium materials • Skilled craftsman trained specific to pen-making process of each nib • Each nib hand-inspected prior to leaving facility • Noted for superiority in ability to hold larger amounts of ink; less reloading

Common Frustrations Since these nibs are best-suited for use on smooth papers, there are times when artists can become frustrated with the performance on more textured surfaces.

Associated Alphabets & Techniques This group of nibs is ideally-suited for use on project requiring high levels of detail. The most commonly associated with drawing/cross-hatching.

Like Competitive Styles Gillott 659, Tachikawa T-99, Brause 511/513, Nikko Maru BOWL-POINTED GROUPING Series Overview: Hunt bowl-pointed posses less flexibility than the standard pointed grouping and offer a high potential for detail. The #512 nib features a fine point, while the #513EF boasts an extra fine pen point. Both nibs can be used in Speedball’s Standard holders.

Features & Benefits Artists prefer Hunt crowquill nibs versus competitive alternatives for the following reasons: • Quality in consistency & craftsmanship • Same manufacturing process that was perfected in the 1950s • Meticulous dedication in sourcing of premium materials • Skilled craftsman trained specific to pen-making process of each nib • Each nib hand-inspected prior to leaving facility • Noted for superiority in ability to hold larger amounts of ink; less reloading

Common Frustrations As with any pointed pen nib, we recommend testing compatibility with ink and paper prior to having an artists begin on any project. There are instances where a pairing of ink with the nibs listed above can be a challenge with flow and/or “globbing,” and some textured papers can result in catching with certain nibs on upstrokes.

Associated Alphabets & Techniques Due to the fineness of point and more limited flexibility, these nibs are typically used for lettering, ruling and industrial arts.

Like Competitive Styles Brause Steno, Brause B50 Pfennen, Brause 66EF, Gillott 290, Gillott 1068A POINTED PEN REVIEW

Nib Nib Type Image Flexibility / Stiffness Point Additional Notes Best for ornamental writing; e.g. #22B Traditional Pointed Medium Flexibility / Stiffness Extra Fine Copperplate/Spencerian scripts Best for writing on textured papers and/or #56 Traditional Pointed Fairly Stiff Fine creating large letterforms; great beginner nib Great for use on smooth papers and for large, #99 Traditional Pointed Medium-High Flexibility Extra Fine bold text Best for expert artists / #100 Traditional Pointed High Flexibility Extra Fine light hands Resilient and requires deliberate pressure; great #101 Traditional Pointed Medium-High Flexibility Fine nib for beginners and pros Best for use on smooth papers; less delicate than #103 Traditional Pointed High Flexibility Extra Fine #100, but still best for artists with light touch

#104 Traditional Pointed Low-Medium Flexibility Super Fine Ideal for use with #104 holder or Oblique holder

#102 Crowquill High Flexibility Extra Fine Great for drawing/sketching

#107 Crowquill Medium Flexibility Super Fine Best for long, even lines and cross-hatching

#108 Crowquill Medium-High Flexibility Extra Fine Ideal for flourishing and cross-hatching

#512 Bowl-Pointed Minimum Flexibility Fine Best for ruling and lettering

#513EF Bowl-Pointed Minimum Flexibility Extra Fine Ideal for industrial arts or fine lettering FINAL NOTE

 The largest factor in the selection of a nib, whether broad-edge or pointed is the artist’s personal preference. While Speedball is nearly universally recognized by retailers and artists for its consistency in quality and customer service, the experiences and results achieved with these tools are unique to the artist using them and the alphabets/scripts for which they are being used.

QUESTIONS? MONA LISA METAL LEAF™ OVERVIEW JUNE 2018

RELEARN EDUCATE & REROOT METAL LEAF

Metal Leaf Technique: • Apply Red Basecoat application and allow to dry completely • Brush on water-based adhesive application and allow to dry • Apply metal leaf to all areas with adhesive • To u c h -up leaf application as necessary to obtain full coverage • Brush on water-based sealer • If desired, brush-on antiquing glaze and final sealer application METAL LEAF

Genuine Metal Leaf: Genuine Metal Leaf allows artists to incorporate precious metals into any fine art, craft or home décor project and create stunning unique effects.

• Gold: 23 Karat Gold (anything above 22 KT is considered “pure” – the remaining 2 karats of impurity are due to the alloying which gives the leaf working strength. • Gold does not tarnish, decay or age. Gold, more than any other element is pure. • Silver: Made from pure silver and is blended with a touch of strengthening alloy. Fine silver will tarnish if not properly sealed. • Copper: Considered a semi-precious metal, it is a very workable material and lends itself well to a 100% pure leaf. Copper will patina if not properly sealed.

Composition Metal Leaf: A more affordable material than pure leaf as it is made from a variety of metals and depending on the combination can vary in color.

• Gold Composition: 85% Copper + 15% Zinc (comparable in brilliance to 14KT Gold) Must be sealed to prevent the copper from oxidizing upon long exposure to air • Silver Aluminum: a combination of aluminum alloys. Imitation silver leaf will not tarnish or discolor.

Simple Metal Leaf: Composition leaf that is bonded with a wax paper and adheres to only the areas to which it is applied directly, keeping excess leaf on the transfer paper and minimizing waste and cleanup. This transfer-style leaf is easier to handle and apply; it is designed to work with flat surfaces.

Metal Flakes: Metal Flakes are composition leaves that are chopped into random sizes to make metal leaf flakes. Best suited to items that have a textured surface.

• Gold: composition metal leaf – will gradually patina or antique over a period of time if not sealed properly • Silver: aluminum alloy combination – will not tarnish • Copper: 100% copper – will gradually patina or react to handling and certain chemicals in the air • Mixed: combination of all three metals METAL LEAF - ADHESIVES

Spray Adhesive: High-tack adhesive designed specifically for metal leaf work. Spray the surface twice (in opposite directions) for even coverage. Wait 2-3 minutes until adhesive is tacky before applying leaf.

Brush-On Adhesive: Water-based adhesive with a light consistency and long open time; it is excellent for a wide range of metal leaf, home décor, arts and crafts projects. Apply a thin coat via a brush. The adhesive takes approximately 30 minute to become tack and dry; it will change from a milky color to clear.

Extra Thick Adhesive: Water-based adhesive designed for use on non-porous surfaces where sealing is difficult. Also great for stenciling projects.

Adhesive Pen: Used for embellishments, fine detail, signatures, , etc. applications.

METAL LEAF - SEALERS

Overview: Sealer is applied to help keep the metal leaf from oxidizing, tarnishing, and deteriorating. Common sealers include urethanes and shellacs. Always seal any leafed project with a minimum of two coats of sealer.

Spray Sealer: Fine-misting, fast-drying, high-gloss acrylic sealer that gives a porcelain finish that never ambers or yellows. • Ideal for decorative objects/projects that will not be handled frequently. • A spray sealer will maintain more of the leaf’s original brilliance and color.

Water-Based Sealer: Specifically formulated water-based sealer created to prevent metal leaf from discoloration and tarnishing. • Provides objects/projects with a layer of protection. • A brush-on sealer will deepen the color of the leaf. METAL LEAF - ACCESSORIES

Red Basecoat: Primarily used as an undercoating. Leafing requires a non-porous surface and an undercoating acts an excellent base sealer while providing an additional color enhancement or tint to the applied leaf. Referred to as “Old World” gilding, red Oxide was used as the traditional undercoating by master gilders because it brought out the brilliance of the gold leaf. • Adds a deep red luster to metal leaf projects while sealing the project prior to leafing. • Can be applied over oil and acrylic paints already applied to the work surface.

Antiquing Glaze: Water-based glaze specifically formulated for metal leaf. The glaze has an umber hue and is used to give projects an aged or antiqued look. Used over sealed leaf and applied by soft brush. Apply another coat of sealer after use. • Can be used as an undercoating – excellent sealer for the preparation of porous surfaces. • Can be applied over oil and acrylic paints already applied to the work surface.

GENERAL METAL LEAF

Good to know: • For best results, wear cotton gloves or dust your hands with a small amount of talcum powder when working with metal leaf. • Touch the leaf as little as possible; oils on skin, can mar, smear or discolor all types of leaf. • For use with lettering on paper, use Mona Lisa Extra-Thick Adhesive and thin it approximately 40% with distilled water. • Since Mona Lisa adhesives dry clear, you can add a small amount of Speedball acrylic drawing ink to your adhesive. When the adhesive dries, it will show a shadow of the lettering to help with the leaf application. GEL PRINTING PLATES OVERVIEW JUNE 2018

RELEARN EDUCATE & REROOT GEL PRINTING PLATES

Overview: : Gel Printing is a form of monotype printing where the plate utilized is made of a gel substance that allows for ease in creation by way of ink workability and release from the plate to paper. The form of printmaking does not require a press, artists typically use barens, wooden spoons or their hands to transfer ink to paper. Due to accessibility and limited number of tools required, this technique has become incredibly popular among printmakers, paper artists, crafters and hobbyists alike. STEP ONE: Add Speedball or Akua ink directly onto your Gel Printing Plate. A little bit goes a long ways! STEP TWO: Using a soft-rubber brayer, roll out the ink leaving a nice, even coat of ink onto your Gel Printing Plate. STEP THREE: Add artifacts, such as stencils, leaves, etc. to create your desired design. STEP FOUR: Lay down your piece of paper and using a baren or your hand, apply even pressure to your Gel Printing Plate. STEP FIVE: Slowly peel away your paper revealing your Gel Printed artwork! GEL PRINTING PLATES

Features & Benefits: • 4 Sizes: 5x5, 5x7, 8x10, and 12x12 • Individual Plates: • Contained in durable clamshell packaging that is peggable and allows for great storage option for artists between printing • Individual Packaging: • Features modernized aesthetic with inspirational artwork • Copy on front and reverse sides reinforces the ease of use and the creative potential • Reverse side also features step-by-step process guide to educate consumer prior to purchase, and inside panels provide detailed insight into use, care and storage post-purchase • Bulk Packs: • Contain 10 plates per bulk pack • Built-in value—save 10%-15% by buying in bulk • 3 Kits | 2 Assortments | 2 Bundles

Good to know: Speedball Gel Printing Plates are designed for use with a range of Speedball – Water-soluble Block Printing Inks, Fabric Screen Printing Inks, Akua Intaglio & Liquid Pigment Inks. Note the word INKS – Speedball Gel Printing Plates do not work well with PAINTS (E.G. standard acrylic or oil-based paints) GEL PRINTING KITS

Speedball Gel Printing Kit This kit is ideal for use in mixed media art, card-making, journaling, scrapbooking, home décor projects and much more! (1) 5”x5” Gel Printing Plate, (4) 1.25oz Water-Soluble Block Printing Inks, (1) Water-Soluble Block Printing Retarder, (1) 4” Soft Rubber Brayer (Pop-In), and instructional insert

Akua Gel Printing Kit Bringing Speedball's Gel Printing Plate with the Akua line of professional printmaking inks, this set features everything that's needed to add a new dimension to projects ranging from scrapbooking to fine art--and everywhere in between! (1) 5”x5” Gel Printing Plate, (3) 2oz Akua Intaglio Inks, (1) Liquid Pigment Ink, (1) Blending Medium Modifier, (1) 4” Soft Rubber Brayer (Pop-In), and instructional insert

Gel Printing Tool Kit Great introductory item for artists who wish to experiment with a range of different inks (1) 5”x5” Gel Printing Plate, (1) 4” Soft Rubber Brayer (Pop-In), (1) Speedball Red Baron™ Baren, and instructional insert GEL PRINTING BUNDLES

Overview: Perfect for any classroom or printmaking studio, Speedball’s Gel Printing Bundle Packs include all that’s needed to instruct and inspire artists of all skill levels on this fun and easy process.

Intro Bundle (3) each of the following: 5"x5" Gel Printing Plate, 5"x7" Gel Printing Plate, 8"x10" Gel Printing Plate, 12"x12" Gel Printing Plate. Also includes (1) each of the following: Speedball® Gel Printing Kit, Akua® Gel Printing Kit, Gel Printing Tool Kit and 5"x5" Gel Printing Plate Bulk Pack.

Complete Bundle (3) each of the following: 5"x5" Gel Printing Plate, 5"x7" Gel Printing Plate, 8"x10" Gel Printing Plate, 12"x12" Gel Printing Plate. Also includes (1) each of the following: Speedball® Gel Printing Kit, Akua® Gel Printing Kit, Gel Printing Tool Kit, 5"x5" Gel Printing Plate Bulk Pack, 5"x7" Gel Printing Plate Bulk Pack, 8"x10" Gel Printing Plate Bulk Pack.

5x5 Bundle Pack (30) 5"x5" Gel Printing Plates; (5) 9"x12" 20-sheet Bienfang® Bristol Paper Pads; (4) 5oz. tubes of Speedball® Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink (One ea. Black, Red, Yellow and Blue); (3) 1.25oz. tubes of Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Retarder; (6) 2" Speedball Soft Rubber Brayers; (1) Red Baron™ Baren; (2) Gel Printing Lesson Plans.

8x10 Bundle Pack (30) 8"x10" Gel Printing Plates; (1) 8.5"x11" 100-sheet Arnhem 1618® Pack; (4) 8oz. jars of Akua Intaglio® Inks; (One ea. Ultramarine Blue, Quin Magenta, Hansa Yellow, Carbon Black); (6) 2" Speedball Soft Rubber Brayers; (1) Red Baron™ Baren; (2) Gel Printing Lesson Plans. EDUCATION & INSPIRATION

Speedball Gallery: Filled with highly-detailed, stunning prints, all created with Speedball Gel Printing Plates, Speedball & Akua Inks, and Speedball Brayers

Videos: (4) how-to videos featuring Amy Nack, illustrate how to bring you creative vision to life and how easy it is to get gorgeous results gel printing with Speedball Gel Printing Plates, Inks and Tools • Monoprinting with Akua Inks • Gel Printing on Fabric with Speedball Screen Printing Inks • Large Scale Gel Printing with Akua Inks • Gel Printing with Speedball Block Printing Inks

Lesson Plans: Bring this fun, easy and spontaneous process into the classroom with one of our creative and engaging lesson plans. All three are available in a new format with our Video Lesson Plans • Nature Printing (Grades 3-4) • Creating a Personal Scroll (Grade 8) • High Touch Meets High Tech (High-School) BEST-TEST® OVERVIEW JUNE 2018

RELEARN EDUCATE & REROOT PAPER CEMENT Overview: Since 1923, Best-Test Paper Cement has been made in only one way – with a specially-blended and treated formula that uses premium white rubber imported from the Far East. Best-Test Paper Cement is the overwhelming choice of commercial and fine artists, crafters and teachers. Unlike multipurpose glues, Best-Test Paper Cement will not shrink or wrinkle the paper when adhering. It’s a true adhesive and dries quickly and clear. Easy to apply and easy to clean up! Ideal for mounting, paper crafts, leatherwork, scrapbooking and more. • Made from premium white rubber • Acid-free

RUBBER CEMENT Overview: Best-Test Rubber Cement is an economical alternative to Best-Test Paper Cement and is specially formulated for office and school use. Use for bonding of paper and paper products. Perfect for mounting, collage, scrapbooking and more. Best-Test Rubber Cement will not shrink, wrinkle or curl paper. • Made from yellow rubber • Acid-free

HOW-TO: Apply rubber cement to BOTH surfaces and allow surfaces to DRY completely. A permanent bond is made when the two surfaces (applied with rubber cement) make contact together. ONE COAT CEMENT Overview: Best-Test One Coat Rubber Cement is an excellent pressure-sensitive rubber cement that is developed for commercial and fine art applications. Best-Test One Coat holds artwork firmly in place while still allowing repositioning of elements quickly and cleanly. One Coat remains tacky when applied to one surface, allowing work to be repositioned many times while still remaining firmly in place. Acid-free

HOW-TO: Apply rubber cement to ONE surface only. It only requires ONE COAT  A temporary bond is made when the surface applied with One Coat makes contact with another surface.

*Think of One Coat as creating your own Post-It. BESTINE

Overview: Originally formulated for the thinning and reducing of rubber cement, Bestine Solvent & Thinner is also ideal for cleaning most surfaces. Bestine cleans up inks, spray adhesive and is an excellent parts cleaner. Over the years, Bestine has been trusted as a reliable choice for removing decals and labels from all types of surfaces, including most plastics. Acid-free.

Features & Benefits: • Contains a heptane formula. Compared with other types of solvents (naphtha, hexane, octane, etc.) heptane is very safe chemical. • Minor to nonexistent odor • Does not damage surfaces or leave a residue

Frustrations: • Evaporates quickly • If using more than a small amount indoors, it requires proper ventilation due to its low flash point.

*Bestine (#203 Gallon Size) cannot be sold in California.