About
History of Quills
Shirley Toms, Artist
History of Quills
Quills were once highly valued writing instruments, with the best quills being made from moulted feathers of geese and swans.
Many historical documents were created and signed with quills. A few examples include the Dead Sea Scrolls in 100-200 BC, the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence.
In 1945, Gimbels department store unveil
Quills were once highly valued writing instruments, with the best quills being made from moulted feathers of geese and swans.
Many historical documents were created and signed with quills. A few examples include the Dead Sea Scrolls in 100-200 BC, the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence.
In 1945, Gimbels department store unveiled the Reynolds International Pen Company's new ballpoint pens. Ballpoints revolutionized writing, making it convenient and blotch-free. Writing and literacy changed dramatically as ballpoint pens became affordable with time.
Quills still exist today, used mostly by professional scribes.
Modern Quills
Shirley Toms, Artist
History of Quills
Modern Quills are handmade. One at a time.
Options include ballpoints, rollerballs, fountain pens, pencils and computer styluses.
The process starts by selecting an exotic or unusual wood with striking color, figure and density - I want your writing instrument to be a mini piece of art!
My skills, combined with the turning, sanding and pol
Modern Quills are handmade. One at a time.
Options include ballpoints, rollerballs, fountain pens, pencils and computer styluses.
The process starts by selecting an exotic or unusual wood with striking color, figure and density - I want your writing instrument to be a mini piece of art!
My skills, combined with the turning, sanding and polishing gods, come together to reveal the wood's beauty - color, texture, wood figure and even weight. All of it.
I also create pen sleeves from soft leathers and fabrics, customizing them to suit the woods used, the writer and the occasion.
Shirley Toms, Artist
Shirley Toms, Artist
Woods from Around the World
Three decades of woodturning have refined my interests and skills with exotic woods. I love beautiful woods and I love woodturning!
I've worked with many interesting and unusual woods, and I know not all woods are the same. Finishing and polishing techniques are always wood-specific.
My ultimate pleasure is creating unique writing instrum
Three decades of woodturning have refined my interests and skills with exotic woods. I love beautiful woods and I love woodturning!
I've worked with many interesting and unusual woods, and I know not all woods are the same. Finishing and polishing techniques are always wood-specific.
My ultimate pleasure is creating unique writing instruments that are enjoyed for their visual beauty, weight and writing pleasure.
I'm lucky to know that my pens grace desks in Italy, England, China, the U.S.A. and Canada, but I want more.....
Knowing how to write is vital.
Enjoying it is a gift...
"I'm a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world."
- Mother Teresa
Woods from Around the World
Engraving. Gift certificates
Woods from Around the World
Choose from a broad range of woods:
thuya, amboyna, ebony, maple, cocobolo, coconut palm, olivewood, kentucky coffee tree as spalted pecan, sycamore and buckeye burl woods.
Finish choices include 24kt gold plating, brushed silver, gun metal and chrome.
Pen Sleeves
Engraving. Gift certificates
Engraving. Gift certificates
I create pen sleeves from a variety of soft leathers and fabrics.
Pen sleeves are customizable. Complement your wedding or special event needs. Or add sizzle to your professional look and power suit..... It's your call.
Engraving. Gift certificates
Engraving. Gift certificates
Engraving. Gift certificates
Personalize your pen or pencil with engraving - name, initials or company logo.
Modern Quills gift certificates can be redeemed when choosing from the 2024 collections of pens and pencils, or when custom ordering a pen or pencil in the wood of your choice. Contact for more info.
Gift cards and wrapping
Make special events special
Make special events special
Each Modern Quills piece comes with a card that describes the wood and materials used.
Gift wrapping options are varied to reflect the colors of the wood, and style of pen or pencil.
Wrapping for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, weddings, birthdays, graduations, etc. is available.
Make special events special
Make special events special
Make special events special
This is the fun part! Modern Quills gifts are a beautiful lasting way to say thanks to your bridesmaids and groomsmen!
`Beautiful woods, Swarovski crystals and gift wrapping to match our wedding colors ….
Just EXQUISITE. Our bridal party LOVED them!!
Show Appreciation
Make special events special
Show Appreciation
Modern Quills are excellent gifts for celebrating your most valuable team members and customers.
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Choose from existing pen collections, or allow your recipients to choose woods and style.
Engraving and special wrapping for corporate events are available.
Like jewelry, writing tools are wardrobe accessories.
Add sizzle to your life!
It's not how big your pen is.
It's how you sign your name.
Reclaimed Wood
At Modern Quills, I'm seeking to create beautiful writing tools from a variety of materials. This includes old piano keys, wood from historical buildings and more.......
Matching Sets
Modern Quills offers custom pen and pencil sets.
PS: Popular picks include olivewood (featured in photo), amboyna burl, and ebony/polymer combinations.