A Commitment Phobic Journaler Tries a Midori 3-Year Diary

A Commitment Phobic Journaler Tries a Midori 3-Year Diary

I’ve always loved the idea of keeping a multi-year diary. I’ve envied people who keep 3 and 5-year diaries. I have this romanticized fantasy of flipping through them once they’re complete and revisiting all the great memories. Except for two things: I suck at daily challenges, and I hardly ever look back at my journals.…

Inkmas Day 4: My 2025 Top Inks

Inkmas Day 4: My 2025 Top Inks

I know it’s only mid-December, but I’ve probably re-inked my pens for the last time this year so it’s recap time! This is the first year I’ve put all my data into a spreadsheet to figure out what inks I used the most. But we’ll get to that later. My 2025 Ink Intentions In 2024,…

Inkmas Day 1: Oblation Papers Oblation Olive

Inkmas Day 1: Oblation Papers Oblation Olive

When my sister planned our family vacation in Portland, Oregon this summer, I knew I had to visit Oblation Papers & Press. It’s a beautiful, well-curated shop full of stationery, pens, inks, and vintage typewriters. It’s a writer’s dream shop! Of course I had to purchase some of their exclusive inks. After much deliberation, I…

Thien-Kim Answers the #12PenPersonQuestions List

Thien-Kim Answers the #12PenPersonQuestions List

12 Pen Person Questions List I’ve wanted to answer OliveOctopus’ #12PenPersonQuestions but haven’t had the time until now! As a newish contributor to The Well-Appointed Desk, I thought this could be the get-to-know Thien-Kim post. 1. If you consider the different ways you can engage with pens and stationery—as a user, a collector, a hobbyist,…

What’s in My Bag: Illustrated Journal Travel Kit Edition

What’s in My Bag: Illustrated Journal Travel Kit Edition

I can’t help but watch videos where people share what’s in their purses or backpacks. They’re a fun way to learn more about someone and their interests. If it means I’m nosy, so be it.  It’s only fair that I share what’s in my bag after my voyeuristic swiping on Instagram reels. To keep within…

The Mad Scientist Method of Mixing Your Own Fountain Pen Ink Colors

As a long time reader of this site, I’m honored to share my experience mixing waterproof inks! I’m Thien-Kim, a romance novelist, amateur artist, and coffee addict who refuses to count how many bottles of ink she owns. Thank you, Ana for having me! I blame my cats for my obsession with waterproof fountain pen…