Calligraphy is the art of writing beautifully. Calligraphy pens can write both very finely and very thickly depending on how you use the pen - you will have to practise a bit. An excellent calligraphy pen can be made from bamboo. Use it to create beautiful lettering for posters, projects and signs.
You will need: A piece of pencil-width bamboo; sharp secateurs; ink (or food colouring).
1. Choose a bamboo cane that is thick enough so that you can hold it comfortably like a pencil.
2. Ask an adult to cut through the bamboo with a pair of very sharp secateurs.
3. Cut the cane again at an angle to make it pen-length . This will make a fine point pen. If you want a broad pen, cut the pen point again at right angles to the stem. You can make a whole set of different sized pens if you like.
4. You will need ink for calligraphy work. Quink can be bought at newsagents in different colours. (You can use undiluted food colourings instead of ink if you like. It washes out of things more easily.)
5. Dip your bamboo pen in the ink and see how nicely it writes.
