Isn’t this a delight to see Edgar Allen Poe’s handwriting? I’m amused to see that the original correspondence was sent in November but Poe did not reply until February. Procrastination is not a new concept.
(via Why Evolution Is True)
Refilling a Kaweco with a syringe
With the Kaweco giveaway deadline fast approaching, I thought I would share my technique for refilling my Kaweco with ink. I don’t like being limited to just the cartridge ink colors available. Kaweco has a nice variety for cartridges but there are SO many other ink colors available that its nice to have an option for playing into your own whims.
First step is to collect the necessary supplies:
- a pen in need of a little inky love (in my case, Kawecos as they are cartridge-only)
- a long syringe (with about a 1.5″ long needle, approx 1mm in diameter. I got mine from Goulet Pens but if you know someone in the medical profession, they might be able to find something comparable for you)
- an empty cartridge, cleaned and dry
- ink (sample vials or a great big bottle will work equally well)
The last of the Hong Kong Pen P**n
These are some of the last photos from my trip to Hong Kong. These are some insider shots at the various office supply/pen shops I visited. A lot of stores are very touchy about photography so I had to be fast. Oh, the delicious colors and selections! I just had to bring a few photos back to share. If you ever needed a reason to visit Hong Kong, this might just be it.
This is a retractable pen lovers dream. How do you pick just one?
Pilot Frixion Point and Colors in a wide array of configurations. A reader commented that these are great for planners as meetings often get cancelled or rescheduled and being able to erase a meeting is more aesthetically appealing than repeatedly crossing them out, especially in those small spaces.
Lots of gel-based pens in an array of brands and colors.
Being able to select refills for my Hi-Tec-C from a whole display was a joyous experience. The thrill of instant gratification, for sure.
(All photos were taken with my phone inside either City’Super or Log-On except the first photo which was taken at CN Square.)
Pencils with Possibilities
These multifunctional pencils were created Trevor Duncan as Pencil Works. They were on display this week at NYC’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair. Each pencil included an alternate tool including a handsaw, magnifying glass, protractor, paintbrush and others. Quite clever and beautifully constructed.
(via Gizmodo)
Susan Cain: The power of introverts | Video on TED.com
A couple weeks ago I mention the book Quiet: The power of introverts by Susan Cain. This is about a 15-minute presentation of the key points of the book in a brilliant TedTalks video.
“Speak softly” — Susan Cain
Celebrate Summer with a Kaweco
Have I got a giveaway for you this month! I want to giveaway one of my favorite pens: a brand-new Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain pen! This giveaway is generously sponsored by JetPens.
Just leave a comment here on The Well-Appointed Desk (comments in Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook will not be valid) between now and Tuesday, May 29th, 2012 at 10pm central time. Let me know what you would do with your very own Kaweco Sport? Would you embellish it with a clip? Provide it with the finest of inks? Write the next great novel? Or jot down the best looking grocery list ever?
THE FINE PRINT
Winner will get to select a body color and nib width from the available stock at JetPens. Winner will be select by random number generator. Please include your email address in the comment form so that I can contact you if you win. I will not save email addresses or sell them to anyone — pinky swear. Shipping via USPS first class is covered. Additional shipping options, international shipping or insurance will have to be paid by the winner. We are generous but we’re not made of money.
Autopoint Overload
You may recall the megaton of vintage office supplies I got last week? Well… that wasn’t everything. In my opinion, I saved the best for last. In the bounty was not one but eight different advertising mechanical pencils all from Autopoint. Yep, the same company that is still in business making the beloved Twinpoint.
These little gems were all in mint condition and came from the same collection so they all feature Midwestern businesses. Each pencil advertises a bank, farm co-op or machinery company, much to my delight.
There are two sizes of pencil as well, the regular sized which is comparable in diameter to a hexagonal pencil and the jumbo which is a bit thicker and more similar to the size of a “manly” fountain pen.
Both sizes of pencil are still available through the Autopoint web site and cost $4.50 each. Replacement leads and erasers are also available if you happen upon any of these vintage gems that need a refill.