Adventures in Time-Blocked Planning (via Writing at Large). I’m two months or so in to my own experiment with time-blocking, and it’s definitely a new way of looking at productivity. I’m hoping it sticks because when executed well this technique is incredibly effective.
Writing as Part of Slow Living Movement (via Well-Appointed Desk). Relatedly, one of the things about time-blocking is that it forces you to look realistically at your day and ruthlessly prioritize, helping you to discard those things you really don’t need to do and slow down and focus on the things that are actually important.
#17InkQuestions: A Gathering of Curiosities Edition (via A Gathering of Curiosities). On the heels of last year’s #21PenQuestions trend, we now have an ink-themed version! Yes, I’ll be working on my own answers.
Floating World: Taccia Sabimidori (via A Fleeting Ripple). Taccia inks are (deservedly) getting more attention in recent years, mainly due to sheeners like Sabimidori.
The Retractable Ensso Bolt (via Figboot on Pens). This is the second new retractable fountain pen that we’ve seen released over the past year or so, both of which targeted a sub-$100 price point. The nib appears to be the same as the Endless retractable fountain pen.
Franklin-Christoph Philly Pen Show 2024 Ink (via Cheryl Lindo-Jones). I love blue-greys, and may pick up a bottle of this since I didn’t get a chance to swing back by when I was at the show.
Tactile Turn Side Click Review (via The Poor Penman). Tactile Turn makes what is easily my favorite “click pen” currently on the market. I have one of their seasonal editions, and have had to carefully pick and choose to ensure that I don’t end up with all of them.
Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year: Ancient Egypt (via Figboot on Pens). For me, these designs are either hit or miss. This particular pen is my favorite since the “Samurai” pen from a few years ago.
Ryan Krusac Ashbain the Dragon (via Rachel’s Reflections). Ryan Krusac’s scrimshaw pens are works of art.
Meet Your Maker: Rich Paul, River City Pen Company (via Pen Addict - Caroline). I enjoyed meeting Rich in Philadelphia and look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.
Many different ways to use the unique paper layout in the Itoya ProFolio Notebooks!
In Case You Missed It…
This week on the blog the theme was paper! I updated the “Hierarchies of Fountain Pen Friendly Paper” resource, and reviewed one of the new additions: the Itoya ProFolio Oasis Notebook, which has gained popularity in recent years as a lie-flat alternative with a multi-lined ruling.
New Curated Shop Arrivals - New Roterfaden Shipments, Including New Designs!
The big news from the shop was the arrival of additional Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter organizers, including multiple new larger format A4 Portfolios, at least one 4-clip A5 organizer, and a restock of A5 favorites and Roterfaden’s own notebooks. We also received our shipment of TWSBI Diamond 580 ALR Black fountain pens, and these have sold so well that we only have two pens left in stock. We’ll plan to reorder soon…though this last shipment did contain a restock of nearly all TWSBI inks and pen models!
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