I’ve always been mesmerized by the aesthetics of Papaya Art, a stationery and gifts product line that revolves around founder and artist Anahata Katkin. I saw photos of their office space awhile back and was equally inspired. The space has a funky, bohemian vibe that is echoed in the products they create. Maybe their space will inspire you to inject more color, texture and funk into your space? I just want to work there!
I don’t know where on the spectrum your significant other, spouse or children are on the “pen love” chart but I officially converted my husband to the joys of good pens about a year ago. As a result, certain items come into my house that I never, ever, ever see again. While I’m flattered that my pen-and-paper snobbery has rubbed off on him, I get jealous of the items he absconds with.
For example, the above video was the one and only time I saw the new Retro 51 Lift-Off pen. He showed me the rocket flare red cap and then it went in his pocket. To be fair, I totally bought the Lift-Off for Bob. I was able to garner from my quick peeks that the pen graphics are designed to read corerctly with the pen on its flat end, just like a rocket. Its apparent from the photos but until it was in Bob’s hand, I didn’t make the connection. And the bright red end cap does look like ignition burn red.
Bob also ran away with the Retro 51 Pinball edition. Which I was flattered he liked so much that he wanted it for himself.
He even checks out auction sites for NASA-specific Fisher Space Pens. I’ve yet to capture a good photo of it but he scored a mission-specific Shuttle launch commemorative pen with a space shuttle charm soldered to the pen cap. He loves this pen! See? He does not share his treasures! I’ve taught him too well.
(All I got for you is the Field Notes “stock photo”. You know as much as I do.)
Also, the new Field Notes Colors Edition Workshop Edition got as far as my kitchen table before Bob slid them to his side covetously. I wasn’t even allowed to open the cellophane. So, I need to order another set for myself. I cannot describe any aspect of the Workshop Edition other than it came in a cardboard box with a lovely postal label on it. I think I spied a magnet in a plastic bag as well. Otherwise, I’ve got no details. I can’t tell you how luscious the upscale paper is or which of the six editions I’m most likely to use first.
So, my advice, train your family and friends cautiously. They might run off with the new stuff before you even get a peek!
I’m delighted to introduce you to our newest sponsor, Fresh Stock Japan. Fresh Stock was started by Benjamin and his wife Becky when they were living in Japan. They’ve recently returned to the US but will continue to import unique and unusual items from Japan.
Fresh Stock has a small but highly-curated assortment of pens, pencils and office supplies. I recently ordered the Mitsubishi Colored Pencils N0. 850 (24) for $22 and was pleased with the quality of the pencils for the price. I also stocked up on some other unique office essentials like clips and pencils.
Prices are very reasonable and shipping is USPS Priority Mail for domestic orders, USPS International First Class for international. If you have any questions about the products they stock or shipping, please visit Fresh Stock Japan’s Contact Page and drop them an email.
My fine friend Father Kyle, sent me an assortment of inks to try out including three Papier Plume colors. Papier Plume is a New Orleans-based pen shop with a small collection of their own inks. I had the pleasure of trying out the Midnight Blue, Violet and Forget-Me-Not Blue. Papier Plume offers their inks in three bottle sizes: 15ml ($5), 30ml ($8) and 50ml bottles ($12).
I tested the inks with an Esterbrook 2442 nib in a Shawn Newton nib holder on Rhodia paper as well as did swabs with a watercolor paintbrush on the left hand side. On the right hand side, I waited for the inks to dry and then went over the swabs with water to see how much the inks bled.
The Violet was dried to a lovely chalky hue. It was a very mellow violet and pretty. The Violet was the least The Midnight Blue looked almost black when its wet and but dried lighter like a denim-y blue. What was so surprising to me is how much I liked the Forget-Me-Not Blue. I normally think of a true blue as blah but this blue is lip-smackingly beautiful. The only comparison I could make was to describe it as Cornflower blue. Its lovely.
All the colors dried fairly quickly, even in the stub nib and wielded by a messy left-handed writer. I’m inclined to recommend placing an order for either the Violet or the Forget-Me-Not Blue right now. I would also love to try their Moss Green if its ever restocked. It looks fabulous!
I know people are already starting to complain about too many rainbows in their Facebook and Instagram feeds but I was so tickled at the outpouring of love and support from all the folks in my Instagram feed yesterday that I couldn’t help but share some of the wonderful, creative and paper-inspired images. I love that people are using their tools to celebrate and embrace everyone. I’m proud to be a part of such a great community.
If you’re interested in the #LoveWins split-fountain letterpress print that Skylab Letterpress made yesterday, email them from their web site and let them know you want to order one. They are hoping to donate the proceeds for the sale of the print to a local LGBT charity here in KC.
Pens:
Top to bottom, left to right: 
