Quill
A quill is a writing utensil made from a feather of a large bird.
Materials needed
- a feather, preferably of a primary wing feather of the wing matching the writers dominant hand. (Right wing for right hand, left wing for left hand)
- a knife with which to cut the nib
- an oven to cure the tip
Crafting instructions
- Cure the quill by inserting the tip into hot sand for a few minutes, or by placing the quill in the oven at about 300°F for 30 minutes. this hardens the tip.
- Cut the tip of the quill at 45 degrees.
- cut a small slit in the end of the quill.
- adjust as needed.
Uses
quills were a ubiquitous writing tool that allowed for communication and the spread of knowledge. Quills were used to write letters, manuscripts, legal documents, and records from the 6th to 19th centuries.