In feature

Using what you have…

Author AnaPosted on 2 Comments
Using what you have…

I’ve been laid up in bed this week with a cold, so I’ve had a chance to consider the launch of 2027 planner season from a bit of a distance.

While I am not a diehard Hobonichi fan, I do find myself caught up in the fervor of new covers, different formats and new ways to document, organize and catalog my thoughts and goals.

But what I realized this week, is that I have more than enough notebooks to sustain me not just through 2027 but probably several years beyond that.

So, I piled up a few contenders for some of the plans and projects I have in the works for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.

First, I found a lovely little B6 Slim Midori Diary that I forgot I had gotten at the end of 2025. I needed a more dedicated work planner for various projects so I decided to start using it– in September. And I discovered that I like the size and format. Sadly, I don’t see this slim size being offered by Midori this year but I have A6 and B6 blank notebooks that I can call into service should I want to continue this work notebook into 2027.

The notebooks above were samples sent by Lauren Phelps and Owl Paper Co last year for review but since they were older planners I didn’t get a chance to use them so these might be the notebooks called into service as my work planners for next year. One is A6 and one is B6 so I have my size options and both use Tomoe River paper so they’ll be good with my fountain pens. I can put new dates in them with stickers or stamps and make them work for my purpose without having to reinvest in a dated planner– especially if I fall of the bandwagon in a matter of months (it’s been know to happen!).

I have wanted to do more Solo RPG journaling games, so I dug through my massive stash of underused A5 notebooks and found a few that may work well for the purpose.

I have a Teranishi Haikara dot grid notebook, a NYBG Moomin x Esterbrook lined journal, a Tsubame Fools Cream graph and a Nebula Note blank that can all be called into service for project journaling. I’m a little amused that I managed to find all notebook configurations without even trying.

I’m debating switching to a dedicated book journal in 2027 rather than keeping my books in my journal with other thoughts and notes. If so, one of these A5 books might serve that purpose. Do you prefer single-purpose journals and notebooks or one big catch-all? I waffle.

I might save the Nebula Note for an ink testing book but I might need to do some test swatches before proceeding with that course of action.

I will search around the house as I am sure I have a traveler’s style cover that I could use to contain these A5 project notebooks into a more cohesive unit.

I also found a Midori Spiral Ring Notebook that I purchased on a whim years ago, glued a few bits of ephemera into and then shelved. Since it’s spiral, I can remove the pages I started with no clear thee or direction and star fresh. I’m not sure exactly what I might do with this book but I like that it doesn’t feel precious. I can tear pages out for random lists and notes, glue or tape things in or just have “in case”. Besides, it’s lovely Midori paper and isn’t that a good enough reason to use it?

Are you buying a new planner or journal this year or are you going to try to make do with things you already have? I love rediscovering things in my stash and finally committing to putting them to use.

(This post was built tucked in bed on my phone so apologies for lack of good photography and links but I wanted to get a post up even if it’s a little half-baked.)

In feature

I went to SF and all I got was a cold…

Author AnaPosted on Leave a comment
I went to SF and all I got was a cold…

Okay, its not entirely true that all I got at the SF Pen Show was a cold but it was the most memorable. I am currently suffering from laryngitis with no voice at all as well as a healthy does of bronchitis.

Despite the rapid onset of the con crud, the show was really good. Everyday was busy, full of happy people buying new pens, inks, paper and accessories.

But, in the few tiny moments that I could, I was able to pick up a few little bits. I had friends bring me lovely gifts as well.

My darling pal came to her first fountain pen show, bought a vintage pen and gave me a handmade crocheted Totoro plush. She made that! Isn’t he amazing?!?!

I was asked by someone “Do you know who Bill & Ted are?” When I replied in the positive, I got a handful of Bill & Ted stickers, a few other random stickers and three more charms from Audrey Matteson to add to my notebooks or even use as a stitch marker. I got a copy of the Kobe ink guide sheet which is just a cool little bit of information.

I was able to grab the LAST SchonDSGN Lil’ Dipper, a machined dip nib that will fit into SchonDSGN #6 Jowo pens (and potentionally any other fountain pen on the same threads). Since I grabbed the sample, I still need to clean it up since it was dip tested all weekend but I wanted to try this so I was willing to do a little wash-up. I’ll have a review up soon. These nibs will be listed on the SchonDSGN site soon so stay tuned.

My darling pal Jaclyn loaded me up with samples of Amarillo Stationery inks so that I can do a full review in the near future.

I put all my goodies into a new bag from Enigma Stationery because how could I resist a bag with cats and stationery products? I decked it out with an ink pin from Inky Converters.

So, while I spent most of my time working with Dromgoole’s, I did get a few chances to grab a few little goodies. I, however, missed chances to visit with lots of friends which I’m bummed about. If you didn’t see me at the show, know that I wish I did! Maybe I’ll see you in Dallas?!?!

In feature

Link Love: Stationery Community Controversies

Author AnaPosted on 4 Comments
Link Love: Stationery Community Controversies

I am still a little vague on the specifics around what has actually happened with the Pelikan Hub events but many local events were cancelled by Pelikan and many attendees were “uninvited” to the events. Hubmasters do not have the contact info for people who were uninvited so they cannot reach out and let them know about the event, invite them without swag from Pelikan or just organize a non-Pelikan-sponsored meetup. Needless to say, all the Hubmasters I know are working hard, on their own time and dime to try to salvage the event and make a chance for people to meet-up and celebrate their love for fountain pens. If you received an uninvite, please know you were not alone and the whole situation is muddled and unacceptable.

If you have additional information, were selected as a Hubmaster or had your event cancelled, please let us know in the comments if you have additional information around the event. I’m surprised that Pelikan has not gotten in front of this controversy and explain what is going on.

In other news, once again, the Hobonichi 2027 launch had some fall out this week too. A lot of items were selling out very fast and other shoppers felt that the product line-up was skewed too much to a specific aesthetic (lace hankies, tiny cat illustrations and children’s book art) with little diversity for professionals, masculine aesthetics or other styles. This is a little less dramatic controversy but does raise the question if the hype around Hobonichi has finally reached its apex. Did you make a Hobonichi purchase for 2027 or were you disappointed by sold out items or nothing of appeal to you?

Controversy:

Pens:

Ink:

Pencils:

Planners, Notebooks & Paper:

Art & Creativity:

August Round-Ups:

Other Interesting Things:

If you are looking for a Hobonichi alternative, last week’s podcast, available exclusively to Patrons, dove into alternatives to Hobonichi. Check out our Patreon where you can get inspiration, gossip and free printables, ad-free vdieso and the biweekly podcast. Your patronage supports this site. Without them, and without you, we could not continue to do what we do. Thank you!

In photo

Trending Now: Adding Stickers to Pens

Author Laura CameronPosted on 4 Comments
Trending Now: Adding Stickers to Pens

A few weeks ago I became aware of a new trend: adding stickers to your pens! I was immediately intrigued, and went looking through YouTube, Reddit and all my other sources. Here’s some things I found:

  1. Identify what pen you’d like to add stickers too. I went ahead and chose a Pilot Kakuno Demonstrator that I bought a while ago. Like writing with it, design is very neutral, don’t mind adding stickers to it (which could potentially devalue a potential pen for resale, but you do you!).
  2. Procure the stickers. I had to do a little research here. First off, you want stickers that are relatively small in size so they look like they fit on the pen! The secret? Nail decals! Small enough to go on a manicure, and thinner than regular stickers. I found mine from a shop on Etsy. Total cost? About $4.00.
  3. Make sure your hands are clean, and the surface of the pen is clean. Be careful of the pen finish, but I wiped mine down with a damp cloth and just a little bit of rubbing alcohol to make the surface clean and ready for stick!
  4. Go to town with your stickers. Do give thought to areas of the pen where there will be extra handling. Maybe don’t put stickers on the section where your hands will be? Caps are the best, but the barrel of the body is ok too. I decided to start with the cap, use it for a bit and then decide.
  5. This step is optional. Since these stickers are meant to be sealed with a top of nail polish (in a manicure), you could use some sort of a sealant on top. I didn’t want to mess with that, so I didn’t. If my stickers peel off eventually, I can always add more!
  6. Tada! Check out your fun new pen!

In Planners & Organizers

September Planner Set-Up: World In My Hands

Author AnaPosted on 3 Comments
September Planner Set-Up: World In My Hands

 

I love making a fresh start for each month and doing a themed set-up at the start of each month gives me a chance to start over. Each month is a new beginning and a chance to recommit to goals, trackers, etc.

This month’s theme was sort of “the whole world in your hands” inspired by globes, back-to-school and a sense of optimism and hope, at least for me. I am trying to do better, be better and be happier. I hope this inspires you to recommit to your goals and passions.

Products shown:

Pens & Ink:

Here are a few page set-ups from my planner.

I stuck to my standard rules:

  • pare down my stickers and washi tape by choosing a few sheets, a few rolls, use what I have before I start collaging
  • an odd-number of elements on each page
  • placing items in different pages on each page (so I don’t have one place in my journal with bulk)
  • balance elements on facing pages (top left and bottom right, center top to center bottom, items along the spine, etc)
  • save leftover elements to add later if I have a slow day and need some “filler”

Do you decorate your pages? Do you pre-decorate or do it as your journaling/planning? Am I missing something? Leave me your advice in the comments.

Patrons get to watch these videos free of commercials on Patreon. Join today!

In video

Custom Journal for Orilium Magical Readathon Autumn Equinox 2026

Author AnaPosted on 1 Comment
Custom Journal for Orilium Magical Readathon Autumn Equinox 2026

I love to read and I love to gamify my life. I like to play for “imaginary internet points” and just generally find new ways to trim down my ever-growing TBR (to be read) list. So, when a friend of mine introduced me to the World of Aeldia and the Orilium Fall Equinox Magical Readathon, I knew this was going to be something I would enjoy.

The Orilium Readathon occurs twice a year for one-month at a time (there are some bonus activities like the Year of Aeldia challenge, House monthly challenges and other side quests), the Autumn Equinox in September and Spring Equinox in April. So, while the “requirements” can look a little duanting, its just for a month at a time, so I find it doable.

The concept for the readathon is a fantasy world called Aeldia where there is a university/academy of study called Orilium where you create your character, pick your calling (there’s about 25 or so) and then your calling will determining which prompts you will have to complete in order to earn your “imaginary internet points”. You also choose a house which will allow you to participate in a House book club selection as well.

There are other activities like “reading sprints” hosted by the creator on YouTube where you can “read along” live. It sounds a little odd but its a lot of fun. In between sprints (usually 30-45 minutes at a time with an on-screen timer), G plays games and gives out points. These imaginary internet points can then be used in the Emporium to purchase Scrolls — these can be bought for swapping out a book for another book if you can’t find anything that fits the challenge, for a book you DNF (did not finish), if you started a book before the readathon started, etc.

I started this challenge last September and participated in the Spring as well so I am on my second year. My character is now an apprentice!

You may be asking what does this reading challenge have to do with stationery!?!?

Since the challenge requires keeping track of points, the books you’re reading, page counts, imaginary points, etc. I, of course, need a dedicated notebook to keep track of everything this month. And I decided to use one of my handmade field notes (not a branded notebook so its lowercase!) to track my adventure this year.

I had made a notebook from mostly black and white papers which I thought would be a good basis for this fantasy-themed, book project. I plan on having a tutorial video posted in a week or so on how to make your own junk-journal-style field notes.

Over the weekend, I added my prompts, book selections and decorated the book with stamps, washi and stickers. I left blank pages to fill in my reviews and any other writings I want to mix into the project.

If you decide to try this readathon challenge too, you can find in the House of the Arcane in the Discord group and my online name is Wellapptdesk!

In Link Love

Link Love: See you in SF?

Author AnaPosted on 2 Comments
Link Love: See you in SF?

I’m in the last-dash packing stage getting ready to fly out for the SF Pen Show. I’m excited to spend time with my West Coast Pen Friends and see how crazy the SF show will be this year. If you’re coming to the show, be prepared for the crowds. Deep breaths, pack snacks and water and try out your own slim, low-profile Pen Show Bag (see link below!).

I’ll be working at the Dromgoole’s tables this year so I hope to see you there! Please come by and say hello.

Patrons, check our Patreon page (or your email) for info about meeting up.

Pens:

Ink:

Notebooks & Paper:

Art & Creativity:

Typewriters:

Other Interesting Things:

Love Link Love? Check out our Patreon where you can get inspiration, gossip and free printables that include a biweekly podcast and more. Your patronage supports this site. Without them, and without you, we could not continue to do what we do. Thank you!