Papier Plume Cloud Gate (Chicago Pen Show Exclusive 2021) (via Well-Appointed Desk). I think I need to hit the show this morning before I head out to see if I can grab a bottle of this one. I hope I didn’t miss it!
Fountain Pens for a Fiver Revisited (via Dapprman). I love it when people go looking for the best fountain pen writing experience on a budget. If you’re a student or simply not looking to spend a lot of money, check out this article (especially if you’re in the UK).
Draw Your Tools … Tober (via The Looped Square). Cool idea for Inktober, which I didn’t realize already has started.
Why I Bought an Otto Hutt designC (via UK Fountain Pens). Anthony has a spectacular curated pen collection, and this latest addition rounds things out nicely!
Kaweco AL Sport Vibrant Violet (via Pen Addict). Kimberly has quite the collection of purple Kaweco’s, and the latest release is a stunner.
What’s the Fountain Pen Equivalent of a Quartz Watch? (via UK Fountain Pens). Another excellent article from Anthony, touching on snobbery and why certain things can (and should) be appreciated for exactly what they are.
Ink Review #1637: Waterman Audacious Red (via Mountain of Ink). Waterman’s red is a washable red ink that still appears relatively bright, though personally I always find my self looking for just a touch more saturation.
A Social Media Upgrade (via From the Pen Cup). Mary’s note about being more intentional with social media really struck home, especially when I started thinking about all the things I could accomplish with just a little less mindless scrolling.
In Case You Missed It….
I spent this past weekend at the 2021 Chicago Pen Show, and you can see my pictures from Friday as well as initial impressions here. Stay tuned for my full impressions of this show later this week. I also did two write ups: One of the Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball (or XL Ballpoint), as well as Kokuyo’s new “PERPANEP” textured paper.
I MIGHT be going back to pick up a Randomthinks pen stand this morning….
New T.G.S. Curated Shop Arrivals (and a Pen Show Weekend Sale!)
There were a ton of new arrivals this past week, and I didn’t have a chance to spotlight them all as much as I wished. Kicking things off is a full restock of Clairefontaine French/Seyes-Ruled Paper, which is the product that got me into high-end stationery in the first place, and therefore has a special place in my rotation. I also received a shipment of Kokuyo’s PERPANEP “Zara Zara” paper, which I’ve spent some time testing and reviewed on Thursday, as well as more Kokuyo Harcover Pocket Notebooks. Finally, I continue to restock as much of the full range of TWSBI fountain pens as I can keep in stock, including the best selling Diamond 580 Rose Gold, the Diamond 580 Navy Blue and Prussian Blue, and the TWSBI Swipe, which might be the best entry-level/low cost pen to have been introduced in the past couple of years.
Remember that you can take 10% off all orders over $50 (excluding TWSBI and Sunderland) using the coupon code “CHICAGO21”!
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, and I’m currently working on a fresh batch of pens, inks, and notebooks that should hit the Patreon shop in the next couple of weeks.