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Category: Fountain Pens

My Current Pen Wish List – Jan. 2025

Posted in Fountain Pens

NOTE: This post closes out my 2024 end-of-year and 2025 start-of-year series, and I’m looking forward to a break. I will likely post once a week at most through the end of February.

I think my wish list this year is the smallest it has ever been. But, before I jump in, I will acknowledge that I didn’t, technically, cross anything off of last year’s list. I received the three pens I’d commissioned at the beginning of the year: the 3D scrollwork sleeve, the Eowyn, and the Pride and Prejudice pen. And I commissioned, but haven’t yet received, the Tailored Pen Co. Trekker.

Pen Resolutions Tag 2025

Posted in Fountain Pens, Ink, Paper, and Stationery

This is the fourth time I’m posting under this tag. You can see the previous years’ answers on the “start of year” tag page. This idea was originally adapted from Theresa is Dead’s video: OH 2021… | BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS TAG video. The Beauty Resolutions Tag originated with Mel Thompson.

With each year I’ve answered these questions, I’ve found some of them harder to answer. While I originally tried to stick as close to the original makeup version as possible, I need to make some drastic changes to some of these questions. I tried to choose questions that will work for many years moving forward so I don’t have to keep changing them.

1. What is something you do regularly in your pen routine that you will try to stop?

Answer from 2024: I’m pretty happy with my pen routine for now, especially after the changes I made in November. I think I need to come up with a new question for next year. Clearly, there’s nothing to comment on from last year’s answer. Funnily enough, though, I made some major changes this November, too. I’ll try to post about it soon.

Reviewing My 2024 Purchasing Habits

Posted in Fountain Pens

I’m not sure I’m going to continue this post in future years. I cover my purchases in my pen collection stats post, and I go over my purchasing goals in my pen resolutions post (coming Wednesday). That means the only truly unique information in this post is the purchases by month table. Is that enough to keep this post going?

Moving on… how did I do last year? If you saw my stats or collection posts, you know I actually came in under my 36-pen goal!! Go me!!!

My Pen Collection Stats – End of 2024

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Non-Fountain Pens

Another year, another overview of my collection. This is still one of my favorite posts of the year. Based on metrics, you all seem to prefer the “highlights” infographics version of this that I did last year over the in-depth dashboards I’ve put together previously. So, I stuck with that style.

For anyone who needs, or wants, an accessible version of the graphics below, I put together a text-only PDF version of this post. I’ve also made sure that the most important data in the graphics is also in the text of this post. So, you can choose the method of reading this post that most appeals to you: text, graphics, or PDF.

Year in Review – 2024 Pens

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Non-Fountain Pens

I’m proud of myself for coming in under my fountain pen purchase limit this year! Even if I count my two reserved pens — a Nahvalur and my in-progress Stanford Pen Studio commission — I only acquired 27 pens this year, 9 less than my limit. Go me!

Like last year, I’ve included photos so you can see the pretties. Where possible, I’ve also linked to my dedicated blog posts. Now, enough chit-chat, onto the ranking!

2024 New Pen Releases, The Tag

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Ink

Time for another addition to this yearly tradition. If you’re curious, you can check out the 2021, 2022, and 2023 entries. This idea was originally based on the “New Makeup Releases | THE TAG” video from Angelica Nyqvist.

This tag is about evaluating the releases — in this case pens & inks — from the past year. But, this year, I have to add a caveat. My focus has been on indie makers, and I’ve mostly ignored mainstream manufacturers. I had to do some research to find the answers to many of these questions. Let me know if you agree or disagree with me.

My 2024 Brand “Discoveries”

Posted in Fountain Pens

Can you believe it’s already the middle of December? I don’t know where this year went, but it’s time to start my end of year retrospective posts.

Before I dive into this post, I want to remind you all that I “discovered” these brands like Columbus “discovered” America. That a brand is on this list doesn’t mean that I didn’t know it existed before this year, it means that the brand did not have any representation in my pen collection before 2024.

Continuing the trend I started last year, I once again purchased from less new brands. Technically, I only bought from two new-to-me brands: one pen, and one ink. However, among other “unique” situations, I gave a brand I’d written off a second chance, and I bought my first modern pen from a brand.

SPS Series: Wrap-Up For Now

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This is my final entry in this initial run on SPS. However, I will continue this series as they partner with more artists, and already have an entry planned for their newest partner, Renée Gerstner.

I also want to remind everyone that I’m not affiliated with SPS, I’m just an avid fan of the people and the work they do.

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


This series has tested me more than any other blog series so far. Do you have any idea how hard it’s been to scroll through so many Instagram accounts, look at so much art, and keep myself from purchasing? I want ALL the pens, and ALL the art.

OK, full disclosure, I didn’t get through this series without any purchases. I bought some art from Yulia Glas. I tried to resist, I really did, but I couldn’t help myself.

I’ve enjoyed this series more than most of my other blog posts, too. It’s been great learning more about each artist, and helping to support them. I’m also happy to know that Di and Dave are as great as they seem.

SPS Series: Spotlight on Di Möhr

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Di Möhr, SPS’ co-founder who you can find on Facebook and Instagram

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


While I don’t own any of Di’s painted pens, Jim does, and I have one of her bead-wrapped pens. As I worked through the previous 10 posts of this series, I scrolled through the SPS Instagram feed countless times, and realized just how many pens Di painted before SPS “blew up,” keeping her too busy to work on art pens herself.

I’m keeping this post a surprise to Di, so it’s not the same type of Q&A style that the other artists’ posts were, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy the pens anyway. So that there’s no confusion, Di is no currently accepting commissions, nor is she working on art pens with any regularity. However, since this series has been about the wonderful work of SPS and their artists, it didn’t feel right to me to leave her out.

SPS Series: Spotlight on Lana le Roux

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Lana le Roux who you can find on Instagram

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


Lana is the fifth SPS artist I’ve commissioned a pen from. This particular commission is still in the works, but I know it’s going to be amazing.

Lana is a quintessential Renaissance woman. She is a chef, puts together beautiful catering spreads, paints stunning traditional art pieces, mixes custom resin blanks, paints pens, shares SPS administrative work, and is learning lathe work! And those are just the things I know about.

SPS Series: Spotlight on Lisa Strachan

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Lisa Strachan who you can find on Instagram

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


I’m still trying to determine what pen(s) I’d like from Lisa. Several of her pens have been highly tempting, and I was too slow to get a couple that I would have liked to own, like her Bird of Paradise pen. Lisa specializes in botanical illustrations, but not just on paper and pens! She has an amazing portfolio of textile arts.

SPS Series: Spotlight on Zelna le Roux

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Zelna le Roux who you can find on Instagram

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


I’m still trying to determine what pen(s) I want to get with Zelna’s art. I was fortunate enough to see her Zebra pen at the DC Pen Show, and it was INCREDIBLY tempting. While Zelna specializes in oil paint, she works in various media, producing beautiful works with amazing richness and warmth.

SPS Series: Spotlight on Brandon Lodewyk

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Brandon Lodewyk who you can find on Instagram

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


I’m still trying to determine what pen(s) I want to get with Brandon’s art, although I’ve been seriously tempted by several of his fabulous works, especially his recent cat-themed pens. Brandon specializes in pencil and charcoal, creating gorgeous photo-realistic art. Don’t let his mastery of those media trick you, though, he’s also adept at painting in acrylic.

SPS Series: Spotlight on Kseniia Nel

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Kseniia Nel who you can find on Instagram.

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


Kseniia is the 4th SPS artist I commissioned a pen from. Kseniia is a versatile artist who studied art from 14 years of age. She works in a variety of styles — both digital and analog — featuring a multiplicity of subjects. Her diverse portfolio defies the expectations of such a young artist.

Pen Porn: SPS Egyptian Cats

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with high-quality pen porn. 😉


I’m back today with a commissioned pen, my first from Kseniia Nel. When Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) posted her snake pen, I almost bought it, but it wasn’t exactly what I wanted. After a bit of thought, it occurred to me that the style would be perfect for Egyptian-style cat statues.

What I was expecting was basically the same idea, but with cats, and probably something cat related instead of the flowers. But, what I got was so much MORE! Kseniia really knocked out of the park.

Stanford Pen Studio Imperious Egyptian Cats

SPS Series: Spotlight on Carla Nel

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Carla Nel who you can find on Instagram and Behance.

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


I’m still trying to determine what pen(s) I want to get with Carla’s art, although I’ve been seriously tempted by a few of her beautiful works.

Carla is a professional illustrator, graphic designer, and multimedia artist. She works in widely versatile styles ranging from quirky and bold to somber and surreal to photorealistic pointillism. She works digitally and analog, with stunning results regardless of medium.

SPS Series: Spotlight on Yulia Glas

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Yulia Glas who you can find on Instagram.

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


Yulia is the fourth SPS artist whose work I purchased, although, unusually for my SPS purchases, none of the pens I have with her artwork were commissions. She currently specializes in anything nature-related, with a special emphasis on animals. Yulia also has a delightful array of paintings on/with gold leaf.

Pen Porn: SPS Delft Cats

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with high-quality pen porn. 😉

As with my other two pens by Yulia Glas, this was not a commission. But, somehow, she was able to create a pen that seems like it’s made specifically for me. And I snagged it within seconds of it posting.

To start, I’ve wanted a pen to represent my Dutch heritage for a while. While my family wasn’t from Delft, Delft Blue is certainly a famous Dutch export.

Then, she included four cats — Jim and I have four cats. And she even managed to paint personalities that match my kitties’ personalities. It’s amazing!

Stanford Pen Studio Delft Cats

SPS Series: Spotlight on Val Myburgh

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Val Myburgh who you can find on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.

SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up


Val is the second SPS artist I commissioned a pen from, but she bears the distinction of being the first SPS partner artist. She specializes in educational, medical and scientific illustrations, with an amazingly diverse portfolio of work. Val works both traditionally and digitally, and it looks like there aren’t many techniques she hasn’t tackled.