Montblanc Brothers Grimm (via Figboot on Pens). Ok, so this one might be an acquired taste, but I love it. At some point (provided circumstances allow) I will add one to the collection.
Eating My Hats: Diamine Early Dusk and Leonardo Andromeda (via A Gathering of Curiosities). I’ve also never really understood the idea of forcing yourself to use an ink solely to use it up. I change my ink with my mood, though there are some I use more than others, and I have finished bottles “naturally”!
Waterman Carène Stub Nib: Initial Thoughts (via Cheryl Lindo Jones). Wait, there’s a Carène stub? Is the sole purpose of this week’s links to tempt me after I just got back from a pen show?
Appelboom Boston Is Closing (via Line Variation). I saw this announcement last week and was likewise sad to see it. Given high rents and costs of operation in downtown areas in major U.S. cities, however, it’s getting more difficult to operate businesses like pen stores, at least in these locations.
Handwriting Equals Thinking: Or, Why I Use a Paper Planner (via Analog Office). Couldn’t have said it better!
Dip Pens Part I: Some Basics (via Writing at Large). I’m looking forward to this multi-part series on using dip pens, something I dabble in but have never fully explored.
What To Do With Last Year’s Inserts? (via Philofaxy). Do you archive or destroy past planner inserts? For work, I destroy. Anything that approximates a journal, I keep.
A Comparison of Muji Paper Types (via Inkredible Colours). If you live near a Muji store and enjoy their extremely inexpensive notebooks, here’s a great comparison of how each version performs with fountain pen ink.
I’m Sorry Shimmer Inks (via Rachel’s Reflections). I had a similar experience this year during Inkvent. If you’ve written off shimmer inks in the past due to bad experiences with clogging, smearing, etc., consider giving them another chance. Many of the newer formulations are excellent.
Reflections on a Year of Journaling (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Thinking of taking up journaling in 2024? There are plenty of great ideas in this comprehensive post.
Mark’s EDiT Reading Notebook (via Well-Appointed Desk). Ana has a giveaway for this cool notebook from Mark’s Tokyo! They are one of the more creative Japanese stationery companies, with a variety of products that I didn’t know included journals.
In Case You Missed It….
This week on the blog, I reviewed the TWSBI Precision fountain pen, which is one of the few drafting/technical style fountain pens that remains on the market. I also traveled to the 2024 Philadelphia Pen Show to kick off the Pen Show Circuit for yet another year. The show goes on for another day, so if you’re in the Philadelphia area (or even a short drive further afield) check it out!
This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop (PEN SHOW WEEKEND SALE!)
In addition to welcoming more models of Pilot pens, including the Vanishing Point, we’ve recently received a restock of Lamy, more Clairefontaine looseleaf sheets and double-sheet booklets, and a shipment of Roterfaden is on the way! I’ve made a handful of the Roterfadens available for pre-order so those of you who really want one can reserve a binder, and they should arrive this week, though please be aware that there’s a federal holiday and a winter storm brewing here on the east coast of the U.S., which could delay things.
Finally, don’t miss our Pen Show Weekend Promotion, with 10% off many T.G.S. Curated Shop Items using the code “PENSHOW10” at Checkout. I will extend the sale through Monday at 11:59pm due to the MLK Day holiday tomorrow!
Help Support T.G.S. in 2024!
If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), there are several ways that you can support us. We do our best to remain 100% self-supported without having to rely on third-party advertisers or affiliates. Of course, the number one way to help is to visit our curated retail shop, especially during the upcoming holiday season! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, consider joining the T.G.S. Patreon, which also includes early access to quarterly gently used sales. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. This month, Patreon supporters have had access to additional Inkvent content, including commentary on my favorite Diamine Inkvent inks and more. The first of these Inkvent posts is public, so please check out Patreon to learn more!
No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!
