This week, Papier Plume released a new ink in their “New Orleans Collection” fountain pen ink line: Desire ($10 for 30ml bottle). Inspired by the legendary Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire” and the passion and desire of the characters, this ink captures their interpretation of a New Orleans Desire. The ink is a…
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Link Love: Hello, Atelier!
Last year, I was interviewed for the podcast Hello, Atelier and the episode has finally been released. Enjoy listening to me wax poetic about fountain pens and ink. This podcast is super well-edited and makes me sound like I know what I’m talking about! They have even included a few photos of my studio. Pens:…

Fountain Pen Review: Armando Simoni Club ASC Studio (Set of 5)
When I received the Armando Simoni Club (ASC) Studio fountain pens, they were wrapped in bright blue tissue paper with a sticker from the parent company, The Pen Family, that distributes ASC as well as Conway Stewart, Bexley, Wahl-Eversharp and Oldwin Paris pens. Many of these brands produce high end (read: pretty expensive) fountain pens…

Pencil Review: Caran d’Ache Klein Blue Maxi
Review by Tina Koyama When Caran d’Ache recently brought out a limited-edition line of products honoring the French artist Yves Klein, the Fixpencil and standard-size graphite pencils were expected, but this item was a delightful surprise: the Klein Blue Maxi graphite pencil. (Unfortunately, it’s now out of stock at the Gentleman Stationer, but Joe’s blog…

Link Love: Filled with Joy!
This is a good week. News that Retro51 will continue was announced this week. Scientists discovered Cookie Monster faces inside an agate stone. There’s a video showing the 10-billion pixel scan of the Girl with the Pearl Earring painting, there’s a new shade of blue, animals help photographers, learn genetics with gummi bears, new Star…

Fountain Pen Review: Tibaldi Bononia Martini Olive (M Nib)
Tibaldi is a name spoken in reverence among the fountain pen community. The original Tibaldi brand existed from 1916 to 1965 and were known for beautiful resin material that glowed with its depth of color. Now, having relocated to Bassano del Grappa and come under the direction of the Aquina Family that also owns the…

Link Love: In which we discuss pen community goings-on
As I settle in to my new teaching schedule (5 hours a day, two days a week– all on ZOOM!) blended with freelance design work, blogging, and shop upkeep (shipping, inventory, new designs, etc), I find that it’s easy to get distracted by the new shiny releases that have been trickling into view from the…