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Tag: Stanford Pen Studio (Stanford Wood Studio)

Pen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Intwana Kitten

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. 😉

When we backed the Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) crowdfunder last year, I ordered two pens, and Jim ordered one. Imagine my surprise when Jim’s pen arrived with a stowaway! I’m honored to have been gifted one of the Intwana Kitten models with Brandon Lodewyk‘s art on it. Thank you so much to Di, Dave, and Brandon.

Not only is it a great fit for me — as a cat-themed pen — but it also means I have a pen with Brandon’s art now, putting me one step closer to having a pen with each partner artist’s work.

Stanford Pen Studio Intwana Kitten

Before I get started, I want to make sure you know that, while the Koi and Seahorse designs are not currently listed on the SPS website, the Chameleon, Dragon, Giraffe, Kitten, Llama, Penguins, and Phoenix designs are all still available.

Fountain Pen Rainbow 2025, Bi Edition

Posted in Fountain Pens

I hope you’re enjoying Pride Month! Since I didn’t get to a bisexual (bi) pride flag rainbow last year, I’m making sure to do one this year. Depending on which definitions you go with, bi and pansexual could both apply to me, but the bi flag has prettier colors.

I’ve done my best to not include any pens that were in either of my previous pen rainbows.

Stanford Pen Studio Model Comparison

Posted in Fountain Pens

Today’s post is a bit different for me, but I’ve been planning it since my first Intwana pens arrived in mid-March. Since the size of the Intwana surprised me, I wanted to share a comparison between Stanford Pen Studio‘s (SPS) original painted pen model, the Jabulani, and their new painted pen offering, the Intwana. But, life got in the way, like it does. Better late than never, though, right?


The models

For those completely unfamiliar with SPS’s pen models the two I’m comparing today are the Jabulani and the Intwana. They are the two models SPS offers with hand-painted and/or hand-drawn art on them. Allow me to share SPS’ own words on each model.

Fountain Pen Rainbow 2025

Posted in Fountain Pens

Happy Pride Month! It’s time for another pen rainbow. I made sure to only choose pens that weren’t in last year’s pen rainbow, which was difficult for the black pen. Would you be interested in seeing another post later in the month with the Bi flag colors? I didn’t get to that last year, but I could do it this year.

Proud pen addict button/pin

Like last year, I’ve included plenty of pen pictures, so this is a bit of a pen porn post, too. I kept the brown, black, and white pens, because who doesn’t want more pen pictures?

Pen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Intwana Seahorse

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. 😉

And now it’s time to share the second Intwana pen I ordered, Lisa Strachan‘s Seahorse.

Before I get started, I want to make sure you know that, while the Koi and Seahorse designs are not currently listed on the SPS website, the Chameleon, Dragon, Giraffe, Kitten, Llama, Penguins, and Phoenix designs are all still available.

SPS Intwana Seahorse

Pen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Intwana Chameleon

Posted in Fountain Pens

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

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

You may recall that my wrap-up post of the Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series featured the crowdfunder they had going at the time. Well, here we are at their promised delivery time and the pens Jim and I ordered have arrived!

I must mention that, while the Koi and Seahorse designs are not currently listed on the SPS website, the Chameleon, Dragon, Giraffe, Kitten, Llama, Penguins, and Phoenix designs are all still available.

Because I knew instantly that I wanted to get Carla Nel‘s Chameleon, I’m starting with it.

Stanford Pen Studio Intwanna Chameleon

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.

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!

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.

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