Using Felt tip pens

[DNicolson]

I tried an experiment with some Felt tips.
I used - Buff, Fiery Brown and Hot Orange.
I tried them on two different hackles.
1 A Unique variant from Whitings, which is really a Badger hen.
2 A Grizzly hen.
These are the results -
http://donaldnicolson.webplus.net/page469.html

The results are not too impresive to say the least.
Whether this is due to the photographic technique or more inking required,I am not sure. Probably a bit of both, but heavier inking would make an improvement I think.
I will try again.
Has anyone tried this as a way to get a few differently coloured hackles?

[willowhead]

Hi Donald.....i haven't been to the link yet.....but i've used marking pens to color hackle many times..........although i would imagin, not for the same purposes that you might. And undoubtedly our color choices would be quite different generally speaking. However, i can tell you, that i've had very good results with it, and been very pleased with the outcome. It's a lotta fun to alter nature. Hey, if she can do it to herself.........why not?

[DNicolson]

I have been using them to re-colour hackles Mark, usually rather small white or mainly
white hackles. I think that there is still a residue of oil or fats on them which is affecting
the ink. I just tried some on Whiting Brahma hen hackles, which already have quite strong natural markings and may be cleaner of oily deposits. I previously tried them on hackles which may not have had the same amount of cleaning. Maybe I should invest in some strong detergent like Veniards's Venpol. Never mind it is all good fun, I did like the results on the Brahma hen. I shall try some flies with the Brahma etc and hope the results are more interesting. I shall try with bigger hackles and tie some Seatrout/Steelhead flies. TTFN