Hi Trina,

Thank you for asking. Bortoletti recommends using 90% pure alcohol or denatured alcohol (Methylated spirits) for a stable, odourless flame that does not burn or discolour the wax.

The two best, least expensive fuels for the alcohol lamps are denatured ethanol (ethyl alcohol; grain alcohol), and methanol (methyl alcohol; wood alcohol; methylated spirit); both can be cheaply obtained at hardware stores or home-improvement centers.

What is the alternative to denatured alcohol for alcohol lamp?

Try using >99% isopropyl alcohol. It's the closest in structure and physical properties. Denatured alcohol is mostly ethanol with methanol mixed in so it can be sold for non-food use.

Please note that Calligraphy Arts does not sell this as it requires specialist posting, but it is freely available at many hardware and cosmetic accessory stores.

I hope that helps,
Jane

Hi Trina.

The Bortoletti ball pens accept refills from a number of suppliers and manufacturers. For example: 

CROSS Ball Pen Refill Standard Fine Black 8514

Schneider 785 Medium Black Ballpoint Pen Refill

Here's one supplier in the UK https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/schneider-785-medium-black-ballpoint-pen-refill/4004675026750.html

or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CROSS-Refill-Standard-Black-8514/dp/B01BVZEZPI?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

I hope that helps you.

Kind regards,

Jane

A left-handed nib in calligraphy is a nib that is designed to be used by left-handed calligraphers. It is typically angled slightly to the right, so that the ink flows smoothly and does not smudge when the calligrapher writes from left to right. Left-handed nibs are available in a variety of materials, including steel, gold, and platinum. They can be purchased from a variety of online and brick-and-mortar retailers.

Here are some of the benefits of using a left-handed nib in calligraphy:

• Reduced smudging: When a left-handed calligrapher uses a regular nib, the ink can easily smudge on the paper as they write from left to right. This can be frustrating and can make it difficult to create clean, crisp lines. A left-handed nib is designed to reduce smudging, so that calligraphers can create beautiful, legible work.
• Improved comfort: A left-handed nib is designed to be held in a comfortable position for left-handed calligraphers. This can help to reduce fatigue and pain in the hand and wrist.
• Increased accuracy: A left-handed nib can help calligraphers to write more accurately. This is because the nib is angled to the right, so that it is easier to control the flow of ink.

If you are a left-handed calligrapher, I encourage you to try using a left-handed nib. You may be surprised at how much easier it makes it to create beautiful, legible work.

Hello. Sorry, this feather set does not have a stand or pen rest.

You can find suitable pen rests here: https://calligraphyartsuk.com/en-gb/49-calligraphy-pen-holders-rests