I leave on tomorrow morning for the Chicago Pen Show in Oakbrook, IL. I grew up one suburb over in Elmhurst as a kid so I’m tickled to be back in the neighborhood. I will be going to the nearest Buona Beef for their awesome vegan Italian Beef while I’m there.
If you want to find me at the show, check out the the interactive map. Or just know I’m downstairs, across from Kaleidocraft. Looking at the map and the huge number of vendors that will be in the main ballroom as well as downstairs, be prepared with water, snacks and some comfy shoes! WOW! This show has really grown since the last time I was there.
I will be bringing all my new rainbow sticker collection designs, a new batch of Soolla pouches, stamps, and lots of lovely letterpress products.
I can’t wait to see everyone and show you all the new products we have.
Pens:
- T.G.S. 12th Anniversary: 5 Fountain Pens Everyone Should Experience (via The Gentleman Stationer)
- Comparing All 5 Sailor Nib Types: Which Sailor Nib Is Right For You? (via Yoseka Stationery Blog)
- Zebra Mildliners Explained (via Yoseka Stationery Blog)
- TGS 12th Anniversary: Updated 2026 “Best Pens” Page (via The Gentleman Stationer)
- A good place to start with vintage fountain pens (via Extra Fine Writing)
- Four Writech Pens I Love Right Now (via Stationery Nerd)
- The Best Pens and Pencils for Exams (via JetPens Blog)
- Ballpoint vs. Rollerball vs. Gel Pens: What’s The Difference? (via JetPens Blog)
Ink:
- Ink Review #2905: Colorverse Rainy Day (via Mountain of Ink)
- Weenk No. 8 Dry Persimmon (via Inkcredible Colours)
- overview – iroshizuku 100th Anniversary inks (via inkxplorations)
Notebooks & Paper:
- Functional vs. Pretty Planning – Which is Better (IMO) (via Planner Fun)
- Guest Post: Slim Bible Models – by Hans (via Philofaxy)
- About Clicks, Shortcuts, Speed and Other Productivity Bullshit (via Bullet Journal)
- Fabriano Ecoqua Original Notebooks Review (via The Pen Addict)
- Letter Writing Essentials | What’s in My Complete Setup (via
dwrdnet on YouTube)
Art & Creativity:
- Framing my compositions (via Liz Steel)
- “Junior talent will always be necessary in business” (via It’s Nice That)
- Vibrant Sea Creatures Spring to Life in Lisa Stevens’ Textured Sculptures (via Colossal)
- Ink vs. Watercolor: What’s the Difference, and What’s Right for You? (via My Modern Met)
- Addendum: International Fake Journal Month Supplies 2026 (via RozWoundUp)
- A Short Review of Tonic Watercolors from Federal Color (via RozWoundUp)
- Why even consider simulating real paints digitally? (via Drewscape)
- Review: Apple Pencil matte tip with most tactility (via Parka Blogs)
Other Interesting Things:
- How a Former Dyson Engineer Reinvented the Buckle (via Carryology)
- Bloggiversary IX!!!! (via Weirdoforest Pens)
- Scripted (via Line Variation)
- Rickshaw Leigh Reyes Limited Sinclair R with Shoulder Strap Review (via The Pen Addict)
- Learning how to be okay with “not-good” (via Casual Crossings)
- 5 Non-Negotiable Systems for Entering Your Soft Productivity Era (via Strange & Charmed)
- Why Swedish Schools Are Cutting Back on Digital Learning and Bringing Back Textbooks (via My Modern Met)
- The Gulp, cosmicomic perspective, and crazy sock day (via Austin Kleon)
- Typewriter interview with Tim Kreider (via Austin Kleon)
- Teaser trailer for season four of Star Trek: Strange New Wor… (via Kottke.org)
- Manila Pen Show writes records anew with 2026 edition (via Pen Noob)
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