Sunday Reading for November 17, 2024

1. Drifting Apart: The Last Drop (via A Fleeting Ripple). As someone who’s reinvented a blog/website/hobby multiple times over the years (including by stepping away for relatively long periods), this post really resonated with me. Also, be sure to watch the YouTube video referenced in the post, which I enjoyed.

2. Recap of TIPS 2024 (via Inkredible Colours). The Tokyo International Pen Show (TIPS) is on my pen/stationery show bucket list. It’s run quite differently from U.S.-based shows, which you can read about here.

3. What the Heck Is a Planner Convention? (via Well-Appointed Desk). I published my own recap of our adventures at the Chicago Planner Conference, and Ana had many similar thoughts! (Though I did not know about the app with the swag drops. Note for future pen shows.)

4. Pen 18111 3D Pen Review and Giveaway (via Figboot on Pens). Apparently Yoshi Nakama is returning to Japan and potentially will not be making pens for the foreseeable future, but has remaining stock of some of his 3D-printed pens.

5. Change of Planner Plans/Change of Planners? (via Stationery Pizza). I too have decided to opt out of the dedicated “Planner” this year and return to notebook systems, namely a combination of the Traveler’s Notebook and Plotter.

6. Archiving and Storing A5 Inserts (via Philofaxy). If you use ring or modular notebook systems, you will understand the importance of having an archiving strategy for those back refills you want or need to save.

7. Pineider A5 Hardcover Notebook Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). Though they’ve expanded into pens in recent years, Pineider’s roots are as a paper manufacturer. I do love colored paper!

8. A New Beginning for Macchiato Man (via Macchiato Man). I’m glad to see the site isn’t going away! Many thanks to Blake for making this possible.

9. Traveling with Ink: November 2024, my North Sea Haul (via Fountain Pen Blog). Now that’s a great trip! Complete with pen acquisitions.

10. Road Trip with Traveler’s Company (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I love the idea of the Traveler’s Caravan and the customized notebooks. I’ve never made it to one of these events, but maybe (one day) I can host?

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Just a small part of the swag I brought home from the Chicago Planner Conference.

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog, I recapped my trip to the Chicago Planner Conference (i.e., Swagfest 2024). It was a unique experience, quite different from any traditional pen show I’ve attended. Based on discussions that I had with attendees during the class that I co-taught, I also drafted up a new “Ask T.G.S.” post addressing how to handle higher-maintenance inks.

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Perfect pairing? I’m loving the new Diamine inks.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

This week saw the arrival of multiple new releases from TWSBI, including the Caribbean + Onyx Diamond 580 ALR and the Sky Blue ECO, as well as a full restock on most of the recent releases such as the ECO Irish Green + Onyx and all of the bronze-trimmed offerings. We have most TWSBI nib sizes back in stock, so if there is a pen you’ve been waiting for, please check in!

We’ve added a ton of new inks to our offerings, including Teranishi Guitar inks from Japan, the newly arrived Diamine 160th Anniversary inks, and Platinum Chou Kuro, Platinum Carbon Black, and all of the Platinum Classic Iron Gall inks. Read about all of this weeks arrivals in the Thursday Drops post.

TWSBI

Teranishi Guitar

Platinum

iLootPaperie Art

Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives (Including the Sunderland Mk1)

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and gently used stationery opportunities, consider supporting us via Patreon. 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 either online (or in person, if you’re in the Nashville area)! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as access to early shop releases, the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly Zoom meetups. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. For example, Patrons receive an extra bit off the TGS x Sunderland Collaboration Pen, and Patreon supporters have their own special Fountain Pen Day promo “mystery box” opportunity, while supplies last and which is still available!

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!

Sunday Reading for November 10, 2024

1. Makar Short (via Figboot on Pens). Yes, these are luxury pens, but as David points out, these are unique offerings with really nothing else like them on the market. From the maker of Makar knives.

2. Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen - A Fresh Look (via Pen Addict). After all these years, the Custom 823 remains a personal favorite. I’m all for new barrel colors, though I love my classic Amber dearly.

3. Stabilo Grow Fountain Pen Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen a Stabilo fountain pen, except maybe way back when I went to college in Europe and was first exploring inexpensive fountain pen options.

4. SPS Egyptian Cats (via Rachel’s Reflections). I’ve been reading through Rachel’s posts about the Stanford Pen Studio pens and have really enjoyed the artistry in the various offerings, all designed in collaboration with different artists.

5. Ensso Bolt Retractable Fountain Pen (via The Poor Penman). I’m not sure I realized just how compact this pen was. I’m glad to hear results from the Ensso Kickstarter are positive, as this is a really hard design to pull off.

6. Diplomat Viper Fountain Pen Review (via SBRE Brown). Hmm. This textured, hooded-nib offering from Diplomat has me intrigued. I need to pick up a sample.

7. Gear or Supply Guys (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). One of the most fun aspects of the Chicago Planner Conference, as opposed to a traditional “pen show”, is that there were far fewer “gear guys/gals” walking around. People enthusiastically discussed whatever worked for them.

8. OHTO Minimo Ballpoint Review (via Pen Addict). Say yes to the slim ballpoint that can go anywhere.

9. Planner Review: Agendio Customizable Planners (via Well-Appointed Desk). I love customizable systems, and this one even allows you to vary the paper to make it fountain pen friendly.

10. GIVEAWAY: Galen Leather 1870 Marbled Notebooks (via Well-Appointed Desk). Ana is giving away one of these gorgeous new vintage-styled notebooks from Galen. I really. need. one. of. these. No I don’t. Yes I do.

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Let’s talk about Fountain Pen Friendly Paper! (Tested with fountain pens, markers, and fineliners!)

In Case You Missed It…

As part of our Fountain Pen Day celebration earlier this month, we released a Fountain Pen Friendly Sampler pack, and in a separate post I discussed the rationale behind it, why I enjoy certain papers in this pack, and how I plan to handle requests for samplers going forward. Yesterday I discussed five of my favorite inks from the Teranishi Guitar Inks lineup. More on that below!

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The Teranishi Guitar inks went straight into the Lamy 2000 Pine! Gentle Green, that is.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

We’ve had a bunch of new arrivals pour in before the holidays, including new fineliner and pencil accessories from Tom’s Studio, new 5-year and 3-year journals from Midori, and what I’m most excited about, the arrival of the entire lineup of Teranishi Guitar inks! Check out yesterday’s post linked above for details on my five favorites, but I also have full swatches and comparisons available on the site and in this week’s Thursday Drops post.

Teranishi Guitar Inks

Tom's Studio

Field Notes

Midori

Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives (Including the Sunderland Mk1)

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and gently used stationery opportunities, consider supporting us via Patreon. 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 either online (or in person, if you’re in the Nashville area)! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as access to early shop releases, the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly Zoom meetups. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. For example, Patrons receive an extra bit off the TGS x Sunderland Collaboration Pen, and Patreon supporters have their own special Fountain Pen Day promo “mystery box” opportunity, while supplies last and which is still available!

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!

Sunday Reading for November 3, 2024 (Fountain Pen Day Weekend Edition!)

1. Pen and Stationery Super Haul! (via Inky.Rocks). Welcome back to the U.S.!

2. In Memoriam, Greg Hardy, Hardy Penwrights (via Pen Addict - Caroline). I was so sad to hear of Greg’s passing, and he will be sorely missed. He was one of the reliably good people to visit with every year at pen shows.

3. Papier Plume Honey Island Swamp Monster (via Figboot on Pens). I love a good murky green color!

4. You Can Keep Only One?! (via Olive Octopus Ink). As hard as it might be, these are some good choices. I have yet to embark on the “You Can Only Keep One” challenge.

5. Wacca Washi Calligraphy Paper Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). I’m not sure I’ve ever used washi paper for writing….

6. A New Chapter (via UK Fountain Pens). It looks like UK Fountain Pens is relaunching with a new voice!

7. 3 Oysters Caramel Macchiato (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). 3 Oysters is a continually underrated brand that doesn’t get as much attention as it should.

8. The Paper Mind Cosmo Air Light Notebook (via Pen Addict - Sarah). Cosmo Air Light paper continues to be available, despite supposedly being discontinued. I’m all for it, since people do love this paper.

9. Restoring Order (Slowly) (via From the Pen Cup). I feel this, as I’m in the process of moving out of one of my offices after 14 years with multiple bankers boxes worth of accumulated junk. It’s been a long dig out.

10. November Planner Set-up and Ramble (via Well-Appointed Desk). It’s almost time to start prepping the planner for 2025!

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I’m really loving this Tom’s Studio “Midnight” Fibre Tip Ink: Yes, it’s water-resistant (I would almost say “waterproof”, as it survived a soak with minimal smearing), but it feathers in fountain pens as it’s quite wet and tailored to the fineliner experience.

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, we celebrated Fountain Pen Day, and yesterday’s post discussed five reasons why I love the holiday! I also published a new “Ask TGS” installment that offered some advice on successfully using refillable and/or customizable fineliner and fibre tip pens.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop: Last Day for FPDay Discounts!

Don’t miss our special Fountain Pen Day offers, including a 10% discount and the possibility of a free pencil sampler and free fountain pen friendly paper sampler! We also have new arrivals from Field Notes, including the Birds and Trees of North America, the 5E Gaming Journals, and a huge restock of back editions. Midori MD Cotton paper is also back in stock, along with the 5-year and 3-Year limited edition 10th Anniversary journals!

Field Notes

Midori

Lamy

Dip Nibs

Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives (Including the Sunderland Mk1)

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and gently used stationery opportunities, consider supporting us via Patreon. 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 either online (or in person, if you’re in the Nashville area)! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as access to early shop releases, the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly Zoom meetups. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. For example, Patrons receive an extra bit off the TGS x Sunderland Collaboration Pen, and Patreon supporters have their own special Fountain Pen Day promo “mystery box” opportunity, while supplies last.

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!

Sunday Reading: October 27, 2024

1. Maverick Marauder Stratified (via Figboot on Pens). I didn’t get an opportunity to really explore this year’s D.C. Pen Show until Sunday afternoon, so I missed Maverick! I do love unique striated resins.

2. Identifying as a Pencil Pusher (via Line Variation). While I’m not sure that I prefer them over woodcase pencils - the two are such different writing instruments! - I love mechanical pencils and there are a few in here I’ve never tried.

3. What Is In Your Perfect Pencil Kit? (via Pen Addict). For me, not much. In addition to the pencils, a long-point sharpener with a canister to catch shavings, and a canvas pouch.

4. Kaedey / Pilot Custom Maple Fountain Pen Review (via Weirdoforest Pens). Yet another reason to get myself to Japan.

5. Pilot Silvern Tsumugi Sterling Silver Fountain Pen (via Blake’s Broadcast). I’ve always wanted one of these pens, and I find myself moving more and more into the category of “Pilot Enthusiast”. Sterling silver is a beautiful material to use in penmaking, and yes, I allow the silver to tarnish!

6. Montblanc Haus (via Bleistift). A special black ink and pen that can only be purchased there? Pilgrimage time!

7. Spotlight on Stanford Pen Studio (via Rachel’s Reflections). A smaller maker that I’ve not heard much about, Stanford Pen Studio has some gorgeous creations. I love the idea of this series.

8. Taccia Ukiyo-E Hiroshige Asahanada (via Fountain Pen Pharmacists). Even though the very long names can sometimes make them a handful to review and discuss, Taccia inks have long been underrated. There are some excellent colors available!

9. Finishing a Work Notebook (via Notebook Stories). What do you do with your finished work notebooks? Unfortunately I have to either store them on-site or destroy them, most of the time, so I rarely (and sadly) dedicate nice notebooks to work, or use systems with individual pages that can easily be removed.

10. Laban Rosa Fountain Pen in Lilac (via Well-Appointed Desk). I have much experience with Laban’s Inks, but sadly not much with their pens. Ana is giving one away.

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A major goal of mine for 2025 is to consolidate what I’m using on a daily basis paper-wise, and get back to my notebook systems for day-to-day time management after trying Hobonichi for a year as an experiment.

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog we started our preparation for Fountain Pen Day - and 2025! The main post from this week was My 2025 Techo Kaigi (i.e., my annual planner review) in which I’ve decided that I will take a pass on Hobonichi for the next year despite having a mostly positive experience with the planners. At the end of the day, I need additional flexibility and I’m going to move back into my ring-based and modular notebook systems full-time. I also reviewed three inks from Tom’s Studio, as I was trying to find a nice purple ink to match to my Bokumondoh 149!

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The Tom’s Studio Wren is in stock, along with some new inks and other things!

Don’t Miss the Giveaway and Promotion: This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

For starters, through the start of Fountain Pen Day (up until 11:59pm on Thursday October 31), we’re giving away two stationery gift sets, and running a fountain pen ink promotion in the shop! See the linked post for details. Also, there’s a bunch of new stuff that only recently arrived including a full restock of Tom’s Studio Lumos Pens, including a new color, “Raspberry”, the pocketable Tom’s Studio “Wren” fineliners, new Tom’s Studio inks (including a Midnight Blue specifically designed for the fibre-tipped/fineliner pens), an even some pencil accessories and mechanical pencils! We also have remaining stock of Inkvent Calendars, if you’re looking to ensure that you’re ready to get started as soon as the season begins!

Tom's Studio Pens

Traveler's Company

Lamy

Kakimori

Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives (Including the Sunderland Mk1)

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and gently used stationery opportunities, consider supporting us via Patreon. 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 either online (or in person, if you’re in the Nashville area)! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as access to early shop releases, the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly Zoom meetups. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. For example, Patrons receive an extra bit off the TGS x Sunderland Collaboration Pen, and Patreon supporters have their own version of the “Free Ink” promo currently running in the shop through this week.

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!

Sunday Reading for October 20, 2024

1. October 2024 London Pen Show - The Partial Visit (via Dapprman). I missed the London Pen Show by exactly a day. But I do want to go back in the Spring. A bunch of interesting brands here that are new to me!

2. Oblation Papers & Press Shop Visit (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). What a great shop layout!

3. Is the 2025 Hobonichi Paper Inadequate? (via Well-Appointed Desk). I’m not sure I’m going to use Hobonichi for 2025 anyway, so this really doesn’t apply to me, but apparently there is much controversy with the latest Hobonichi release. Perhaps batch inconsistency?

4. Finding the Plotter Size I Want (via Stationery Pizza). I can’t emphasize enough how nice a narrower notebook can be, especially to fit things like smaller sling bags.

5. Endless Storyboard Pocket Notebooks (via Blake’s Broadcast). Endless’s series of “theme” pocket notebooks has been around for a while, now featuring their proprietary Regalia paper.

6. Some Weeks It Takes Two Daily Drivers (via mnmlscholar). Only two? What about six? :)

7. Color Traveler Sardine Blue Gray (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). Color Traveler has some excellent inks in the Blue-Gray range. It’s a fun brand that doesn't get nearly as much attention as it should.

8. NaNoWri…No (via Pen Addict - Sarah). So I missed all this!

9. The Montblanc 100 Day Writing Challenge - Epilogue (via Pete Denison). Writing challenges and journaling prompts are a great way to spark your creativity, and improve your handwriting!

10. Pelikan Hubs 2024 - A Recap (via Pelikan’s Perch). Another great Hub recap (with more ideas on future venues as the Hubs continue to grow).

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog I returned from a trip abroad and finally got around to some new content, both written and video! I wrote a piece on my recent experiments with rollerball refills, and whether I may have actually found a couple that will work for me long-term. I also reviewed the “Journeyman” mechanical ballpoint from Wingback, which is the subject of an ongoing Kickstarter campaign. Finally, I did a video review of two inks I picked up at L. Cornelissen & Son in London, which are from their “Historic” series and are based on vintage ink recipes used by famous historic figures such as Sir Isaac Newton and Virginia Woolf (which are the two inks I brought home with me).

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Diamine Inkvent calendars are available both online and in the shop. We’ve added some hours to our brick and mortar store and will be open Thursday through Saturday, with other days by appointment. Check out this page here for updated store hours and more.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

As we get geared up for the holiday season, new arrivals and restocks are coming in. The biggest new arrival this week was probably the Lamy 2000 58th Anniversary “Pine” fountain pen set, which features a dark green Makrolon that ships with a Lamy notebook. We also received our allocation of the Traveler’s Company 2025 Dated Diaries, as well as all of the 2025 accessories including folders, stickers, pencil boards and more. Finally, Blackwing Volume 71 arrived, along with new Blackwing paper formats such as the spiral notebooks and reporter-style pads. Check out this week’s Thursday drops for all the details! (Oh, and Inkvent Calendars are here! I told you it was a busy week. :))

Traveler's Company

Lamy 2000

Sunderland

Blackwing

Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives (Including the Sunderland Mk1)

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and gently used stationery opportunities, consider supporting us via Patreon. 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 either online (or in person, if you’re in the Nashville area)! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as access to early shop releases, the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly Zoom meetups. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. This month’s Patreon “special” is an extra bit off the TGS x Sunderland Collaboration Pen.

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!