Collecting Pens as a Practice in Happiness (via mnmlscholar). A key aspect of this hobby for me that keeps me coming back is, indeed, that it simply makes me happy to write by hand.
State of the Art: Getting to It (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Where do you get your art done, whether that’s writing or visual arts? I also have a nook in my house that I’m about to lose for a few weeks as we have some work done.
LA Pen Show: Recap and Report Card (via Pen Addict). Kimberly offers her take on this year’s LA Pen Show, and she echoes the “mixed” reviews I’ve heard about this show. I was there for the 2019 chaos when the show was in a different location and relegated to a single downstairs ballroom. To say it’s been plagued by logistical issues for years is an understatement.
Journaling Reflections (via Well-Appointed Desk). Use your good stuff! That’s what it’s for.
Lamy Safari (Do I Need to Say More?) (via A Fleeting Ripple). It’s always fun to discover new blogs, and especially to read blogs written by those relatively new to the hobby. The Safari - the gateway pen to so many of us!
Stipula Calamo Saffron Yellow (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). I’m almost, but not quite, at the point where I’m ready to explore a yellow ink. Stipula Saffron has been on my list of inks to try for years, and I’ve generally found Stipula inks to be excellent!
Scribe x Troublemaker Inks Tarsier (via Rants of the Archer). Uh oh, another store-exclusive series of limited edition inks from the Philippines.
Built to Mark: The Soul Built Marksmith (via Penquisition). Looking for a high-quality pen body to house your retractable Sharpie refill? Or do you simply write with Sharpies a lot? You won’t want to miss this one.
Karas Kustoms Machined Pens Grip Section Review (via Writing at Large). One of the hardest things about selecting a machined pen is the grip section. Do you go with knurling? No texture? Slight texture? Karas Kustoms has been at this game for quite some time and as you will see from this post, has experimented over the years.
Leuchtturm 1917 120gsm Notebook Review (via Fountain Pen Love). After years of inconsistent performance with their standard paper, Leuchtturm has released a 120gsm version of its classic black notebook, with all rulings available and a few different color options.
Ink Review #1754: Vinta La Union (via Mountain of Ink). I love this color. Vinta does an excellent job of getting special properties (i.e., shimmer and sheen) into their inks without sacrificing performance.
In Case You Missed It….
This week on the blog I previewed the entire lineup of Monarca Inks inspired by the colors of the Mexican landscape. These are beautiful inks and from what I’ve seen so far, quite well-behaved. I’ve also offered my thoughts on the Theme System Journal from Cortex Brand, which is what I’ve been using for most of my personal and professional development journaling this year.
Been waiting for a Book Darts restock? Come and get them!
This Week in The Curated Shop
We’ve continued to see more goods arriving, including a huge shipment of Book Darts in all colors and quantities that just arrived yesterday! Also a heads up that certain Lochby cases are now in short quantities (namely the Quattro four-pen case and the Tool Roll), so if you’re looking for one of these in the short term get your orders in over the next couple of days. Also, the Soumkine Universal Planners have been selling well, but Soumkine recently released a statement about suspending production as they rethink their business model, so if you enjoy these notebooks, get them while they’re still readily available.
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.