The True Value of Indie Pens (via Rachel’s Reflections). I did not have the chance to take Rachel and Jim’s Indie Pen class at either D.C. or Baltimore, but it looks like it’s on the list for next year. I also get frustrated with people complaining about the “value proposition” of handmade fountain pens that I consider - at their essence - pieces of art.
Meet Your Maker - Shawn Newton of Newton Pens (via Pen Addict - Caroline). I had the pleasure/honor of having a table next to Shawn at this year’s D.C. Pen Show, and in terms of Indie penmakers, I consider his work to be among the best out there.
Pen Collection Thoughts: Niche or Narrow? (via Pete Denison). Pete’s posts on this hobby are always great, and I’m fully in agreement with his observations that just when you think you’ve fully explored every aspect of this hobby, there are always new niches and rabbit holes to run down.
The Commonwealth Pen Show 2022 Recap (via Gourmet Pens). Azizah recaps the 2022 Commonwealth Pen Show, which is now a 2-day show in the Boston area. I’m glad to see this show growing and may consider visiting in the future.
Lamy Ideos Fountain Pen Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). The Lamy Ideos has a unique shape that makes it stand out, and those who purchased one have been happy with it, finding it comfortable to write with.
Golden Leaves: Inkebara Deer Brown & Earth (via a fleeting ripple). This autumnal ink from Inkebara (a brand I have not tried) appears to have some nice dark brown shades to it.
Early Thoughts on the Jinhao 80 Fountain Pen (via Fountain Pen Blog). Look’s like Jinhao is at it again, going after Lamy. Why bother to create your own section while knocking off the cap? Why not just create your own Makrolon pen?
More Bits, Bobs & Bullet Journals: Lesson Plan Outlines (via mnmlscholar). I always love collecting posts about how people actually use their pens and stationery.
Pennonia Méregzöld: Seafoam or Poison? (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I love a dark teal fountain pen ink that leans blue moreso than green, so this one is right up my alley. Plus it has a fun family story behind it.
Limited Pens Korea x Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Magico Pink Salt (via Gourmet Pens). Leonardo always manages to find the best materials, and this latest special release is gorgeous.
In Case You Missed It…
This week on the blog I published Installment No. 2 of my series on Notebook Systems, taking a relatively in-depth look at Plotter, the Japanese ring-based system techo that’s received much attention lately. If you missed Part I, you can check that out here, in which I offer some background on the ideas behind the series and preliminary discussions on the various types of Notebook Systems out there. I also revisited a favorite workhorse fountain pen, the Waterman Carène, and published a short post on how people (myself included) use the desktop hourglasses we sell in the shop.
One reason I brought Anderillium into the store is my appreciation for inks that not only have a consistent theme but interesting muted color palettes. “Colossal Squid Dark” is a great blue-green-teal-black.
New In the Shop: Anderillium Inks, Traveler’s Refills and an Expiring Promotion!
Friday and Saturday saw LOTS of new arrivals in the Curated Shop, including one I’m most excited about: The arrival of Anderillium Inks. Based in Tampa, Florida, Anderillium’s line of sixteen different inks is inspired by nature. The “Cephalopod” series draws its inspiration from squids and octopuses, while the “Avian” series is bird-themed. I’ve previously reviewed “Cuttlefish Brown,” which mimics vintage cuttlefish sepia ink in that it goes on brown but when it dries takes on a grey tone. I’ve also reviewed Anderillium’s Chicago Pen Show “Michigan Avenue” special release ink, which I love. Be sure to check out the Anderillium dark greens and blue-greens, including Colossal Squid Dark, Green Kingfisher Green, and Flying Squid Blue, among others. Also, note that our current Nahvalur promotion will expire at the end of the week - all Nahvalur pen purchases ship with a generous 4ml ink sample, and it will be a sample of Anderillium this week!
I have to confess that I’ve also been a bad shop owner - I found a rather large stash of Traveler’s Notebook refills and inserts that had not been listed in the shop. (No wonder they weren’t selling!) Many of the undated diary refills and specialty papers are now restocked in both Passport and Standard size.
Many Thanks for Your Shop Support, and Please Consider T.G.S. Patreon!
We’ve been surprised at the level of enthusiasm and support for our curated retail strategy over the past couple of months, and after careful consideration are beginning to build out our inventory with more brands and product categories. I love managing this aspect of T.G.S., as it offers me the opportunity to directly put great stationery - including brands I feel are underappreciated and underemphasized - into your hands. For those who want to support T.G.S. without necessarily adding to their accumulation, the Patreon Program offers two options for tiers of support: $3 and $5, and plan on making monthly meetups, pen show events, and periodic exclusive content the primary benefits. Of course, Patreon members will continue to get first access to periodic sample sales, with right of first refusal on gently used pens. (Reminder that those pens which made it through Patreon are now available to the general readership!)