Feather Quill Pen

In the old days, writing students had to learn a lot more than penmanship, grammar and spelling--they also perfected the art of cutting their own quill pens. You can teach your kids this craft from the days of one-room schoolhouses (be sure to supervise the cutting). Feather quills can be found at craft supply stores.

1. Using an X-Acto knife, carefully cut the end of the quill at an angle. Be sure the feather is hollow so the ink will flow into it.

2. Carefully cut a small slit at the tip of the feather.

3. To write with the pen, dip the tip into a jar of ink, then dab it onto a piece of paper towel before writing. Dip and dab the pen as you are writing.