Spring 2022 London Pen Show (via Dapprman). Pen Show season is in full swing, and I really, really want to attend the second London Pen Show in the Fall if I can.
Four and a Half Hours at a Pen Show Goes Alarmingly Quickly (via UK Fountain Pens). I can certainly vouch for that! It’s like no time at all!
It’s a New Day: Esterbrook Nouveau Blue (via A Fleeting Ripple). Coincidentally, I picked up an Estie Nouveau Blue at the Baltimore Pen Show and I think it might be my favorite material they’ve released.
The Color-Matched and the Complimentary (via mnmlscholar). I actually tend to go for a more “complimentary” approach when I match pens and inks, though many people I know color match as well.
Wearingeul Lost (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). South Korean ink company Wearingeul has taken off, especially since you can get many of their inks delivered same-day via Amazon Prime in the U.S. The inks are literature-themed, and in addition to double-shaders they have color-changing ink sets.
Vinta Inks Fairytale Collection (via Rants of the Archer). I’ve enjoyed discovering Vinta inks over the past couple of years, and some of their colors were among my favorite discoveries of 2021. This new set is based on fairytales and children's stories of the Philippines.
My Take on the Gravitas Pocket Pen (via UK Fountain Pens). I was able to handle some Gravitas pens for the first time this weekend, and they are now firmly on my list, especially the “Sentry.” I’m intrigued by the Pocket Pen as well.
Plotter Notebook Mini Size Now Available in the USA (via Notebook Stories). Plotter continues to expand their lineup, bringing a classic “mini” planner size to the U.S.
Wancher Sand Matte Fountain Pen (via Pencilcase Blog). Wancher’s latest matte black collaboration with Sailor (though it’s not co-branded) is an excellent option for those wishing Sailor released more matte black finishes.
Visconti Van Gogh Fountain Pen Review (via Pen Addict). The (relatively) lower priced option in Visconti’s lineup is one of my favorite releases from them, but again, you will likely need to get the nib tuned.
New Sailor Inks (via Well-Appointed Desk). These inks from the new “Yurameku” line are fascinating, and I had the chance to try a couple of them (“Seki” and “Yoi”) after-hours in Baltimore. They’re all “chromatic shaders” that have variations in tone and shading so that the color you see on the box may be quite different from what you see on the page - in a good way.
In Case You Missed It…
It’s Pen Show Week, specifically Baltimore, so this week’s posts have focused mainly on things to see at this year’s Baltimore Pen Show, as well as a post on flying with fountain pens and how to avoid leaks and a big mess when traveling. I’ll have a full show recap on the blog this week, but you can follow along in real-time via my Instagram account.
This Week in the Shop - Travel Week, a Special Promotion, and a “Gently Used” Update
Since I’m traveling, I’m running a small promotion with no coupon codes needed - all orders placed this week receive a complimentary gift that will ship with your orders starting Friday, upon my return. We’ve recently added all sorts of interesting things, ranging from desk pads to Japanese pencils to restocks on Write Notepads and Clairefontaine Paper. I also did a short shop feature on travel stationery and pocket pens as I was packing for Baltimore - be sure to check it out. Finally, don’t miss the recent update to the “Gently Used” stationery page, which I periodically unload old review samples, items from my personal collection, and otherwise things I can’t justify keeping around, all at significantly reduced prices.
Consider Joining TGS Patreon for Access to Monthly Meetups and First Dibs on Gently Used Stationery, Exclusive Products and More!
For some additional fun, and to help support the blog consider joining the Patreon program. Patreon supporters receive special pricing and early access to product releases and collaborations such as the T.G.S. x Sunderland pen, in addition to other benefits. You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. This year I’ve introduced monthly online meetups, which take place on Friday or Saturday and have been super enjoyable. The Patreon membership also has “first dibs” on my regular gently used stationery sales, before whatever is left becomes available to the general readership.
