2023 Baltimore Pen Show Recap (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Kimberly was able to post the photo-heavy Baltimore Pen Show tour that I couldn’t do from behind the table!
BWIPS 2023 (via Rachel’s Reflections). While Baltimore remains a great mid-sized pen show, I agree with Rachel’s observation that this particular show did lack a bit of the energy from prior years.
The Manila Pen Show Is Here! (via Rants of the Archer). I’ve been following all of the photos and updates from the Manila Pen Show on social media. It looks like a great one.
Cortex Brand Sidekick Review (via Writing at Large). I’m glad to see someone do a review of this product, because it’s been the subject of strong opinions lately, mainly due to the price and shipping costs.
Pennonia Danuvius Danube (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). Pennonia makes some excellent shading inks, and Danuvius Danube was one of the first ones I reviewed. I keep meaning to buy a bottle.
Introducing the SBRE Brown Fountain Pen (via SBRE Brown). Congratulations on the new release!
Notebook Storage Boxes (via Notebook Stories). We don’t want to go there.
Galen Leather Magnum Opus Pen Case (via Pencilcase Blog). The Magnum Opus with the magnetic closure is one of my favorite pen cases made by Galen Leather. I particularly enjoy the removable tray insert.
An Earthy Pen and Ink Pairing (via From the Pen Cup). Mary nailed it in describing how a great pen and ink pairing enhances the writing experience.
Ink Review: Taisho Inks, Part I (via Well-Appointed Desk). Some interesting colors here, on the muted side which I enjoy.
In Case You Missed It…
This week was heavy on pen show content because, well, for the past two weeks I’ve basically been either prepping for or traveling to pen shows! I recapped my trip to the 2023 Baltimore Washington International Pen Show, where we had a table again this year, and also posted some photos from day one of the 2023 Arkansas Pen Show, where I’m doing a combination of packing and getting ready to go man the table for at least a couple of hours, depending on how busy Sunday at the show ends up being. During my single day at home, I did manage to review one of our top sellers from the Baltimore Show, the Penco “Drafting Writer” Pen and Mechanical Pencil. I then promptly forgot to bring them to Arkansas. So it goes!
This Week in the Curated Shop
Prior to leaving for the shows, we received a large restock of Midori Paper, both standard and cotton, as well as all sizes of the Midori MD leather notebook covers. If you’ve been following our pen show adventures, but haven’t been able to come see us in person at a show, check out this post discussing what we brought to both Baltimore and Arkansas, as well as our top sellers from the Baltimore Show.
Consider Supporting Us Via T.G.S. Patreon!
I shared some exciting news about projects I’m working on for an expanded T.G.S. on last night’s Patreon meetup. T.G.S. Patreon is the only non-shop means of support for the site, and features not only access to meetups and early gently used sales, but more exclusive content, including the potential return of Digital Divide, which I’ve been working on and hope to relaunch in the coming months. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. In addition to purchases from The Curated Shop, Patreon allows us to continue to grow the site without relying on advertisements and affiliate marketing. If you’re interested in meetups and exclusive content, or simply supporting the site, we greatly appreciate your support!