I don’t post much about iPhone apps as there are 100s of places to get recommendations and lists out there on the web. Occasionally, though, something crosses my path that seems good but not-so-well-known so I thought I’d share one such find. The app is called VSCOCam by Visual Supply Co. and it costs a whopping 99¢. It is a much more subtle camera adjustment app than Instagram or Hipstamatic with simple tools to adjust the intensity of the effect as well.
(via Country Living)
While I was unable to actually stop here, we did pass it both going and returning from Chicago. On the eastbound trip, we missed the turn-off and on the westbound trip, the exit for the stop was only for eastbound traffic. Needless to say, I had to search online for some pictures to share and let anyone know who may have a pen fetish, that this is the must-stop rest stop along I-80 in Iowa.
The stop is at Tiffin and, according to the PDF brochure from the Iowa Dept. of Transportation, is designed to reflect the importance of literature and education in Iowa. But really folks, I just wanted my picture by the giant PEN NIB!
(photos from the Iowa Dept. of Transportation brochure)
One of the best things about traveling is finding new treasures, especially of the office supply genre. Despite the fact that I was born and raised in Chicago, I did not discover the gem that is Pieritz Office Supplies until this week. Pieritz (pronounced “peer-its” but you can call is “pirates” if you want) is a small office goods shop in Oak Park, IL just off the Ridgeland Green Line stop. Pieritz has been open for over 100 years and is a family-run shop.
The selection is small but hits all the office supply “sweet spots” with a well-curated collection of pens, pencils, notebooks and various other supplies. I found a full range of Marvy LePens including the long-sought red to finally round out my full set. Pieritz stocked pencils from General Pencil Co., an assortment of notebooks from Rhodia and Clairefontaine as well as a few other lines (like the Decomposition notebooks). They also stocked some fountain pens, ink, erasers, sharpeners, and a variety of favorite rollerball, ballpoint and gel pens.
I found a bottle of J. Herbin 1670 ink but there will be more about that later.
Outside Pieritz is their pencil planter, what a great landmark!
Inside, Pieritz is one part modern office supply shop and one part vintage office supply museum. The countertop was covered in plexiglass and revealed a collection of vintage supplies and packaging. Along the walls were old signage and a huge collection of typewriters and adding machines. I was informed that Pieritz keeps a stock of typewriter ribbons, if you need some.
Pieritz is easy to visit being directly across the street from the Green Line Ridgeland L stop. If you’re in the Chicago area, it is definitely worth the trip!
This, the Arrow Plier-Style Hand Stapler Model P-66, is not actually a vintage score. I know, its hard to believe but I picked this up at The New Dime Store in Kansas City. Genuine new old stock for a whopping $7.99. The staples (Arrow Precision Made S-66 staples) were and additional $3.99.
The packaging totally makes this! It is actually a lovely compact size, perfect for your office.
The staples are about the same width as vintage Swingline TOT staples but they are just a tiny bit longer.
Works like a champ. Keep your eyes peeled for such great vintage NOS treasures at your local shops. You never know what you might find.
Arrow no longer lists this small plier-style stapler on their web site but I have owned an Arrow light duty staple gun since college (perfect for stretching canvasses) and it still works well.
Beneath this beautiful wrapping paper and twine is a new-to-me Hermes Rocket typewriter.
The Hermes Rocket is a slimline manual typewriter is battleship grey with minty green keys. It was designed to be durable and portable, weighing about 8lbs with the case/lid.
It was acquired through the Letter Writers Alliance and is a fine piece of machinery kept and maintained in great working condition. Its about 60 years old and will continue to be useful for another 60 years if I can keep it in ribbons.
On that note, I’ve found that Scantracker (out of Kansas City, KS) is an excellent source for typewriter ribbon including the two-color red/black ribbons. Their website is a little antiquated but I got my pack of ribbons in just three days at a great price.
Hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving week and I hope you get time to write, draw, plan out your holiday projects, address your holiday cards and make your list for Santa. I’m going to be busy for the holiday week but I’ll be back on Monday, November 26 with lots of ideas to fill your wish list and maybe even your gift lists.
Happy Thanksgiving!
