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Ink Battle: Kyo Iro and Colorverse

Ink Battle

November 17, 2023

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Ink Battle: Kyo Iro and Colorverse

Posted in Ink

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may decide, when using the inks side-by-side, that one performs better, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Pen Porn: Benu Euphoria Playful Paws

Pen Porn: Benu Euphoria Playful Paws

November 10, 2023

Pen Porn: Benu Euphoria Playful Paws

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. 😉

The Playful Paws is an exclusive to Benu’s online store, and is available at the time of writing.

There is so much to love on the Playful Paws! I’m going to get my one — minor! — criticism out of the way first. I wish there were cats on the cap, too. OK, now on to the pen porn!

Benu Euphoria Playful Paws

Ink Faves by Color

Ink faves by color

November 8, 2023

Ink Faves by Color

Posted in Ink

After taking the ink rainbow challenge, I started thinking about what my favorite ink(s) in each color are. I had to expand the color categories, and, even then, I have a couple of honorable mentions. Quick note: I worked through this post without reviewing my ink rainbow post, only comparing the two when I was done. There’s a bit of overlap.

In case you didn’t read the ink rainbow post and are wondering why I’m doing two such similar posts, the main difference is the selection criteria. For the ink rainbow post, I listed the first ink that came to mind. For this post, I’m sharing my favorite inks.

I’ve done my best to photoshop the individual ink swatches to look true-to-life, but that’s easier said than done, especially with any color that has red in it.

Now, enough chatting, on to the inks.

Time for a Change

Time for a Change

November 3, 2023

Time for a Change

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome to a post no one asked for. I always feel odd writing and posting these “how I do things” posts. But, they have good metrics, and generate some good conversation, so you must enjoy them.

For the first time in years, my pen rotation and notebook ended together. This seemed like an excellent time to shake things up a bit.

I’ve previously written about my pen rotation and notebook system, including actual notebook, layout, and cover. Well, I’ve changed all of it.

I suggest you go back and at least skim the posts about my pen rotation and notebook layout, but you don’t have to.

With that intro out of the way, allow me to share what’s changing.

Ink Battle: J. Herbin and Diamine

Ink Battle

October 27, 2023

Ink Battle: J. Herbin and Diamine

Posted in Ink

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may decide, when using the inks side-by-side, that one performs better, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Stationery Marvels Tag

Stationery Marvels Tag

October 24, 2023

Stationery Marvels Tag

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Ink

This post is inspired by Theresa is Dead‘s video The Makeup Marvels Tag. In that video, they credit Seeking Alexandria with coming up with the idea.

1. A product that is actually useful/offers a significant improvement.

If you have vacuum fillers or piston fillers that you can’t — or don’t want to — remove the nib, then the Ink Miser Ink-Shot Inkwell is really useful for using up the last bit of ink from a bottle or filling from a sample.

Pen Porn: Shibui North Kitsune Converter

Pen Porn Shibui North Kitsune Converter

October 16, 2023

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Pen Porn: Shibui North Kitsune Converter

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. 😉

This fun little pen has a mouthful of a name: Kitsune Converter Teal Enamel Ceracote Creepy Little Skulls. It’s a heavy pen — after all, it’s made from copper — but sits well in the hand.

Shibui North Kitsune Converter

2023 Autumn London Pen Show

London Pen Show, autumn 2023

October 13, 2023

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2023 Autumn London Pen Show

Posted in Pen Shows

Jim and I scheduled our vacation around the London Pen Show this year. For those unfamiliar with it, the London Pen Show is a one-day pen show, held this year at the Novotel London West. I understand that in previous years, it’s been at a different location.

We were eager to meet different makers and experience different shops; and we certainly did. This show had a drastically different exhibitor list than the U.S. shows we’ve been to.

StyloSuite XXXF X Wing Harpoon Nib

StyloSuite XXXF X Wing Harpoon Nib

September 22, 2023

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StyloSuite XXXF X Wing Harpoon Nib

Posted in Fountain Pens

Those of you who have been following my blog for a while know that I adore my StyloSuite nibs. In fact, I named the Spencerian nib my 2022 favorite nib and my all-time favorite.

A little bit ago, I got a new nib from Les at StyloSuite, a XXXF X-Wing Harpoon. I don’t know all of the differences between this nib and the previous X-Wing Harpoons, and I don’t want to ask Les to reveal his secret. I’m assuming it’s at least been narrowed further.

XXXF X Wing Harpon

I don’t consider this post a review; it’s a comparison.

Ink Battle: Laban and DeAtramentis

Ink Battle

September 12, 2023

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Ink Battle: Laban and DeAtramentis

Posted in Ink

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

The point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Side Note: This Ink Battle is slightly different than usual. Jim and I picked these up at the DC Show separately, and I need to know if it’s worth keeping both. I love Laban inks, but the DeAtramentis Document series is new to me.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Fountain Pen Tag 5000

Fountain Pen Tag 5000

September 8, 2023

Fountain Pen Tag 5000

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Ink

This post is inspired by Angelica Nyqvist‘s video Too Big, Too Repetitive, Ugly Packaging? | Eyeshadow Palette TAG 5000. In that video, they credit Chic Geek with coming up with the idea.

1. Pen that has special memories associated with it

For so long, my main choice for this type of question was my Prisma 88. But now, I have my Analog Notes Precious Petals that remind me of the first bouquet Jim gave me when we were dating.

Analog Notes Precious Petals

Pen Porn: Dotted Sea Urchin

Pen Porn: Dotted Sea Urchin

August 29, 2023

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Pen Porn: Dotted Sea Urchin

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. 😉

Before I get started, I need to say that this isn’t my pen. I’m borrowing it from Jim because it deserves a pen porn post.

He’d wanted one of these “sea urchin” pens since Stanford Pen Studio first posted one. These dotted pens are painted by Di herself. Jim just happened to be lucky enough to scoop this one up when it posted.

Now, onto the photos!

Stanford Pen Studio Sea Urchin

My “Lucky Catches”

My "Lucky Catches"

August 25, 2023

My “Lucky Catches”

Posted in Fountain Pens

How many times have you missed out on a limited edition? Or discovered a product you want only to learn that it was introduced — and discontinued — years ago? I’m guessing you can think of at least a few instances of each.

Now, how often has a product you considered a lost cause made it into your collection? I’d bet this time you have less instances. You likely consider those occasions when you managed to snag something you didn’t think you would to be rather lucky. I certainly do, and I want to share a few lucky catches that are part of my collection.

Fountain Pen Tag, Ink Edition

Fountain Pen Tag, Ink Edition

August 23, 2023

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Fountain Pen Tag, Ink Edition

Posted in Ink

I came across a fun old post from nikkipans on the makeup side of Instagram, with a tag credited to user jesspanner who either quit Instagram or changed their name. It wasn’t hard to adjust it to work for the fountain pen world.

Because I’ve done “fountain pen tags” for both pens and nibs, it only made sense to make this one about ink! Even more fun, Jim agreed to join the fun and provide his answers as well!

I’ve included swatches for inks we still have; unfortunately, that’s only about 60% of them. I’ve done my best to photoshop the individual ink swatches to look true-to-life, but that’s easier said than done, especially with any color that has red in it.

Pen Porn: Harmony of the Hummingbird

Pen Porn: Harmony of the Hummingbird

August 21, 2023

Pen Porn: Harmony of the Hummingbird

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. 😉

If you saw my first DC Pen Show post, then you know I purchased the Luxury Brands of America x Benu collaboration Harmony of the Hummingbird. I had to wait for it to get shipped from the LBA warehouse so I could get the number I wanted. Now it’s hear, and I had to put my other posts on hold to share this gorgeous pen with you.

Benu Euphoria Harmony of the Hummingbird

Ink Battle: Birmingham and J. Herbin

Ink Battle

August 18, 2023

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Ink Battle: Birmingham and J. Herbin

Posted in Ink

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may decide, when using the inks side-by-side, that one performs better, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Pen Porn: Retro 51 Rainforest

Pen Porn: retro 51 rainforest

August 16, 2023

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Pen Porn: Retro 51 Rainforest

Posted in Non-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. 😉

Retro 51 Rainforest

2023 DC Pen Show, Part 3

2023 DC Pen Show. The Joy of Community

August 14, 2023

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2023 DC Pen Show, Part 3

Posted in Pen Shows

The Joy of Community

I’ve said in previous posts that the fountain pen community is amazing. The DC Pen Show was an excellent reminder of this. For both Jim and I, the focus — and highlight — of the show was socializing with pen friends.

It’s been easy, for the past few years, to forget what a great community the pen world is. In general, members are welcoming and helpful. The experienced members tend to be generous in sharing their knowledge, and sometimes inks or even pens for testing.

2023 DC Pen Show, Part 2

2023 DC Pen Show. How to make it even better.

August 11, 2023

2023 DC Pen Show, Part 2

Posted in Pen Shows

How to Make it Even Better

I want to start this post by ensuring any reader knows that I’m not writing this to denigrate the DC Pen Show, the show organizers, or the venue. This post is going to seem negative since I’m writing about issues I had with the show and venue. But, nothing is perfect, and you can’t improve without input. So, that’s what I’m trying to do: provide input and suggestions for improvement.

I also want to acknowledge that Barbara and her team have improved the DC Pen Show by leaps and bounds. Their work to better the show for vendors and attendees deserves recognition. I want to help the show organizers continue to make the DC Pen Show even better.

Now, with my purpose explained, let’s dive into the few issues I had with and at the DC Pen Show and some possible ideas for mitigation.

2023 DC Pen Show, Part 1

2023 DC Pen Show, general show experience

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2023 DC Pen Show, Part 1

Posted in Pen Shows

General Show Experience

While absolutely exhausting, I have to say that this year’s DC Pen Show has been my favorite by far of all the ones I have attended. I got to chat with so many pen friends, meet new people, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with older friends.

For those who didn’t attend the DC Pen Show last year, and/or who didn’t read my blog posts, the show hotel underwent a major renovation — it was in progress during last year’s show — so multiple areas were seriously altered in comparison to previous years.

I have a lot to say for my show review this year, so check out my post about it later this week.