tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356866232011-10-07T01:11:54.090+10:00Fountain Pens / Ink / Paper / Pen Photography / ArtLaurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.comBlogger1741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-5647605551302407712010-09-13T22:08:00.001+10:002010-09-13T22:08:36.437+10:00

Well, it's been a few months, so here's a look at what I've been busy with: Alexander will be two months old at the end of this week. :)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-21661186545492427242010-05-02T12:05:00.003+10:002010-05-20T16:20:50.978+10:00

A couple of weeks ago I attended a 2-hour bookbinding class. It was rushed, slightly stressful, and showed a very quick-n-dirty approach. No written instructions, no precise cutting or time to take care, just 18 people frantically trying to keep up with a harried instructor who had a plane to catch. At the end of it, though, I had an intriguing little book, and had learnt (more or less) how to

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-18255893621964160232010-03-26T22:45:00.004+10:002010-03-26T22:51:12.918+10:00

Last week I picked up a nice set of 8 Rotring Isograph technical drawing pens on eBay. The last time I saw a set in an art store it was near $300, but happily I paid only a third of that.Because I used to be a Cartographer, technical pens aren't new to me. I have dozens... my own from when I was in college, and also most of my mother's (she used to be a Geographical Draughtsperson). I also have a

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-12213137984510113972010-03-22T20:55:00.002+10:002010-03-23T10:00:07.185+10:00

Two of the four new Sailor LE inks arrived in my mailbox today - Waka-Uguisu and Sakura Mori. You can see below how Waka-Uguisu compares to a couple of other yellow-green inks in my collection (click to enlarge):As you can see, Sakura Mori showed some interesting orange-pink colour separation when I brushed the samples out onto 160gsm CP watercolour paper. The ink does not show this much of a duo

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-48963285763565497812010-03-20T15:55:00.002+10:002010-03-20T15:58:30.642+10:00

I tried my hand at a "Artist Trading Card" last night. I was given a pack a little while ago, and decided to see what they were all about. These two sites will give you a pretty good idea:ATCs for AllIllustrated ATCsI have always had miniaturist tendencies, so I find working on a 2.5" x 3.5" canvas quite enjoyable. I was going to do a simple watercolour, but then I got all nervy and reverted to

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-68649360907952999682010-03-18T22:20:00.003+10:002010-03-18T22:23:00.604+10:00

I have some nice pens in the rotation this month. There are the regulars, and then some which I feel I haven't used in ages.Regular selections:Lamy Lady, 0.4 Cursive ItalicNakaya Piccolo, Elastic SEFNakaya Piccolo, EFPelikan M640, XXXFChanging selections:Aurora Optima Mini, XF StubEsterbrook J, 2550 EFMontegrappa Micra, XXXFPilot Capless Décimo, FSailor Smoke Green, EF

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-6281731519396683412010-03-18T22:05:00.004+10:002010-03-18T22:24:17.868+10:00

Just a quick note to announce a new paper review which I have posted at the Fountain Pen Network!You can read it here: Il Papiro of Italy - Luxury Writing Paper and Envelopes.

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-15278438551098521712010-03-14T15:25:00.004+10:002010-03-14T15:32:15.926+10:00

This afternoon I spent some time tidying up pens which had been inked for far too long. After much soaking and gentle cleaning, the first batch of pens are drying nicely:Now it's time to clean the second batch... then the fun of re-inking can begin! :)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-91742369984246764572010-03-10T13:50:00.000+10:002010-03-10T13:54:00.407+10:00

Well, after a dry spell ink-wise, I have two nice Sailor Spring Limited Edition inks on their way to me:Waka-Uguisu (Mid Yellow-Green)Sakura Mori (Cherry Blossom Pink)Pink ink is something really unusual for me to buy, the only other pink ink I have is Levenger's Pinkly. Sakura Mori is far more subtle and sweet. I still have no idea about what pen I would put it in...The Waku-Uguisu is much more

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-81415242270505258932010-03-07T17:05:00.002+10:002010-03-18T22:23:35.115+10:00

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Melbourne last month - what a wonderful city! My husband and I are hoping to go again later in the year.I only got to check out one pen shop while I was in Melbourne, and that was Taft's in Westfield, Doncaster. I was very unimpressed... since I have not been to any other Taft's stores, I can only assume that the Doncaster store is carrying just the "popular"

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-15256616476640390112010-02-02T10:20:00.000+10:002010-02-02T10:21:36.708+10:00

Late as it is, here is my first blog post for 2010. A year of change, oh yes!I'm off to Melbourne in a couple of days, where my husband and I will spend a week wandering about the city and playing tourist. My husband asked me to make a list of places I wanted to visit, but so far all it contains are pen shops and art shops.Now, if you have emailed me, or written to me, I will reply soon! I have

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-8440100476436469302009-11-10T07:45:00.009+10:002009-11-10T12:05:34.027+10:00

So, I really hate admitting things like this, but confession is good for the soul or something, right? :PWell, on the weekend I opened up one of the cases I use to store Japanese pens in, and selected two Platinums which I was planning to ink up for the week ahead. The pens in question can be seen in the above image, (4th and 5th from left). These are pens from the early 1970s, when Platinum was

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-47545880543807967872009-10-09T21:35:00.005+10:002009-11-05T19:54:27.362+10:00

I've been having a serious problem with time lately, as in, where the hell is it all going? (Do you know it's eleven weeks until Christmas?!)Anyway, a couple of things for today's post:Watercolor Travel Kits (A Winsor & Netwon Rant)Daler Rowney PastelsWatercolor Travel KitsToday, a fellow artist showed me her latest little 'splurge' - a W&N Artists' Watercolour Field Box Set. Now, I love a cute

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-37945795044156684282009-09-25T10:05:00.004+10:002009-09-25T10:31:15.440+10:00

There isn't a lot to report this month: no new pens, no new inks. I have managed to spend a few hundred dollars on art supplies, though. (I know, I know...where have my priorities gone?)Anyway, so I have been keeping myself busy with some arty stuff - like small works with soft pastels. Now, I always considered myself an aspiring painter, specifically a watercolorist, yet it seems as though at

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-53869924824040520522009-08-06T22:25:00.002+10:002009-08-06T23:04:41.634+10:00

Behold! OMAS Scarlatto / Scarlet Red Celluloid!Just look at how LUSCIOUS it is:Red red red!Interestingly, the left Princess pen from 1993 has 'OMAS Extra' on the body (as do all my others), while the new Princess on the right from 2002 has 'OMAS Italy' on the cap.

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-10898065769585596232009-07-20T12:22:00.001+10:002009-07-20T12:31:03.418+10:00

The latest three Iroshizuku inks, Fuyu-Gaki, Tsukushi, and Yama-Guri, plus a couple of comparisons to show which way the ink colour shifts.Click to enlarge!Enjoy!

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-35485488718253960742009-07-17T17:19:00.000+10:002009-07-17T17:35:35.731+10:00

Thanks to some informative tweets from Graham McArthur about content on Drawger.com, I recently found the "The Museum of Forgotten Art Supplies".It made me smile to see rapidographs, elipsographs, Letraset, film erasers, stencils and scribes... I trained as a Cartographer, and was amongst the last to be taught traditional drafting in addition to CAD. Also, my mother used to work as a Geological

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-13971677733913835112009-07-17T14:25:00.000+10:002009-07-17T15:18:51.304+10:00

It's been a quiet few months in pendom for me of late. Work, art and friends have been taking up more and more of my time. But, there are some small tidbits of (old) news to share...Pilot Iroshizuku Autumn InksThree gorgeous new inks came out several weeks ago, and I must say that the Autumn edition is my favourite Iroshizuku release so far. With the gorgeous red-orange fuyu-gaki,

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-54114366715451350112009-05-08T19:47:00.003+10:002009-05-09T00:52:35.062+10:00

Behold my new pen! Somewhat of a Pilot Super clone with that big (brassed) cap band, this pen is actually made by "Ever", a low-tier maker active in 1950's Japan. I rediscovered this humble pen in my junk box this afternoon, and became especially interested in it when I noticed that the inlaid steel nib appeared to be exceptionally fine. The potential for exceptionally fine nibs always excites me

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-51661957814000811432009-05-02T10:49:00.010+10:002009-05-02T15:30:07.431+10:00

The other day I received two bottles of Pilot's 'Tokyo Limited Edition' ink. These were made especially for the stationery store to end all other stationery stores, Ito-Ya, Ginza district, Tokyo.Click to enlarge!Three inks were produced: Shimbashi-Iro, Edo-Murasaki and Fukagawa-Nezu. Not being a fan of blue, I passed on the Shimbashi-Iro, but the rich red-violet and green-grey tones of the other

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-61774596816975002009-04-24T18:04:00.025+10:002009-05-06T15:28:26.610+10:00

Recently another long-awaited OMAS Princess fountain pen joined my collection - a 1997 Arco Green Princess with gold-filled trim!This is the fifth Princess in my collection, and the sixth OMAS celluloid I have had the pleasure of owning. The diminutive Princess and Dama models were released along with the Paragon as the Classic Celluloid Collection in 1991. The Princess is as beautifully made as

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-67070044655183786022009-04-13T23:23:00.007+10:002009-04-14T12:38:04.832+10:00

I have just posted the review for my third Nakaya :Piccolo Chinkin Palmet - Shu with Colored Powders

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-81342536117010804812009-04-13T10:35:00.001+10:002009-04-14T10:45:32.493+10:00

So this morning I woke up to a fantastic post by SJM1123 in a recent thread on the FPN about Japanese lacquerware decoration. The post links to a wonderful database of techniques, including Chinkin, which is what I chose for my third Piccolo.I was so inspired by the videos that I got the camera out and started snapping away. Here is a teaser from the shoot:I couldn't find my remote cable

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-70981145645590976082009-04-03T20:55:00.002+10:002009-04-05T19:01:30.752+10:00

Today one of my stunning OMAS Princess fountain pens returned to me after spending some time with Deb Kinney. The nib is now a very nice Kinney 0.3mm Cursive Italic, and much more usable than the original (shudders in horror) B nib.This 1997 Princess is all inked up with Iroshizuku Yu-Yake. The soft shade of orange goes beautifully with the Senape / Saffron Blue / Autumn Blue celluloid. (I

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-81825820981609006022009-03-30T18:55:00.005+10:002009-03-30T21:28:50.590+10:00

Today a wonderful Sailor Professional Gear arrived!Behold the full-size Sailor & Bunzo Stationery 2009 "Smoke Green" LE - only twenty-five pens were produced.This limited edition pen was accompanied by a bottle of Sailor green ink, specifically blended to match the colour of the pen. It's a beautiful deep green ink that looks perfect coming out of the EF nib.Gorgeous, gorgeous GREEN!

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-47209849499127912182009-02-01T19:37:00.004+10:002009-04-14T10:41:35.779+10:00

I forgot to post this Nakaya update earlier (which in itself is an amazing occurrence), but my third Nakaya has been completed, and photos are available on the Nakaya website.The pen will remain in Japan for some time yet, until the design of a new rose gold nib is complete.The normal Chinkin technique of engraved line work into highly polished lacquer has always seemed too much of a visual

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-73541854661443286392009-01-25T22:22:00.005+10:002009-04-05T17:02:41.005+10:00

I'm not a big fan of gel pens in general. The points are usually far too large for my handwriting, but I must say that I have been enjoying Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.25mm gel pens for some time now. I have found them to be wonderful for drawing and sketching in particular.I really wish they were available in the full colour range, though... the 0.3mm/0.4mm colour range is beautiful.(This concludes one

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-56204627031694380142009-01-22T17:05:00.001+10:002009-01-22T17:20:04.424+10:00

I am back from my painting workshop - it rocked!But now for the shock: There was a lovely man in my workshop who also liked fountain pens! *Gasp!* A real, live person! Someone from outside of the internet! That liked fountain pens!I know, I could hardly believe it myself. So, it was lunch time, and we were standing around in a small group, chatting. Someone had asked me something about myself,

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-41982787768518386242009-01-04T22:51:00.002+10:002009-01-04T23:02:41.748+10:00

From tomorrow, I'm heading out of town for a couple of weeks. I'm going to a two-week watercolour painting workshop, something I've been looking forward to for the last few months!I've packed a couple of my trusty Sailor Pro Gear pens, a bottle of Noodler's Golden Brown, and a couple of Rhodia notebooks. I'm good to go!I won't have any internet access while I am away, so bye bye for a while. :)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-77049001906377625402009-01-01T14:40:00.000+10:002009-01-01T14:46:57.892+10:00

There I was at 2AM this morning, merrily choosing which colour PANTONE® Universe Collection Mug (see image) to use, when my husband came into the kitchen and reminded me that "2009 is the year". My hand was on my favourite mug, the Olive Green 5757C, when I realised what he was talking about.I am in no way ready for it to be 2009.This year, my hedonistic little life will effectively be over.

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-30185878804483519622008-12-27T22:05:00.001+10:002008-12-27T22:08:14.033+10:00

My third Nakaya Piccolo will be residing in Japan for several weeks longer. I decided to wait until the new Super Extra Fine nib design is ready. It is a prettier nib, IMO.Good things come to those who wait. :D

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-11830462030353469552008-12-08T22:10:00.001+10:002008-12-08T22:35:55.579+10:00

Today I heard from Nakaya - a wonderful email arrived with a photo of my latest custom pen, which is almost complete! The colours are perfect, and all that is left to do now is to decide on the most suitable nib finish.I am leaning toward Pink Gold, but if we don't agree that is the best match, I will probably choose the two-tone nib.Very exciting stuff! :)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-37595270744510187512008-11-06T12:10:00.006+10:002009-01-01T20:47:18.093+10:00

My Iroshizuku inks arrived today! Four beautiful bottles! The colours are gorgeous and bright!Yay Pilot!(Also posted on FPN.)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-28370331135143843822008-11-02T10:05:00.003+10:002008-11-17T10:55:08.277+10:00

I was planning to have my pen sale ready by now, but life has gotten in the way. I suddenly have two weddings to photograph out of town (one this weekend and the other next weekend), so I will have to plan my formal FPN or eBay sale for later in November.In the meantime, here is a tentative list of the pens I am considering for sale - I still may add more.Pre-1950s PensAikin Lambert, Capitol,

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-55049783088136914102008-10-27T12:45:00.000+10:002008-10-27T13:11:27.802+10:00

Well, it's taken a few years, but it is time to have a clean-out of pens and inks from my collection!I haven't completed the list of pens for sale yet, but if there is anything which has ever caught your eye, it wouldn't be a bad idea to drop me a line and let me know.My Pen Collection (Current)Some pens I will *never* part with, but with other pens I might just need a nudge to let me know

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-36986298236198050832008-10-24T12:45:00.006+10:002009-01-01T20:46:44.512+10:00

New Autumn colors from Pilot in the beautiful Iroshizuku range!Such juicy and sweet colors!Find them here.

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-39692762414476153022008-10-20T13:35:00.003+10:002008-10-20T13:42:39.374+10:00

A photo from this morning's session for my Danitrio Fuji-san:For once, you can actually click this photo to see a bigger version!

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-5409027086153211852008-10-20T08:00:00.002+10:002008-10-20T08:05:44.067+10:00

I have been slack with my pen reviews these last months, so over the next few weeks I am focusing upon the following:Danitrio Takumi 'Mt Fuji'Various models from Guider Pen WorksPelikan M640 Polar LightsPilot MYU M90 & MYU 701The MYU review might be awhile away, actually... Pilot are having stock issues, so it may be some time yet before I see the pen. The Danitrio review is mostly complete, and

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-52351279664371737052008-10-03T16:10:00.000+10:002008-10-03T16:29:32.499+10:00

No new acquisitions on the pen front at present... although Stan K. has just announced the date for his next Japanese pen sale, so things may change soon enough!Otherwise, I'm patiently awaiting my third Nakaya Piccolo. Still not due in Australia for a few weeks yet, but I'm loving the anticipation... choosing an ink for it will be difficult, but I suspect I will turn to Sailor Red Brown. That

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-3366720271745349292008-09-08T20:40:00.003+10:002008-09-08T20:52:37.973+10:00

While watching an episode of Star Trek: Voyager, I was reminded of "The Five Stages of Acquisition", which according to the Ferengi, are:InfatuationJustificationAppropriationObsessionResale.I know many folk in the fountain pen community who will identify with this. ;)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-66350858933983395562008-08-16T16:25:00.001+10:002008-08-16T16:41:58.325+10:00

Been swamped with work lately, so this will be brief - just a quick look at some of the pens I have received lately...Sailor Professional Gear LE - White with Pink/Rose Gold. (Shown with my Snow White Mini and Ivory Sapporo.)Sailor-Ujuku Professional Gear LE - Mandarin Yellow. (Shown with my Yellow Sapporo Mini and my Dandelion LE.)This week I also received some rather lovely Indian pens, made by

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-61226195174751175382008-08-11T18:35:00.003+10:002008-08-11T23:40:01.680+10:00

After seven and a half months, my Mt Fuji finally arrived - and it is exquisite:Well worth the wait! :D

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-60279311404646210492008-08-02T11:55:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:30:31.684+10:00

My Polar Lights arrived! Fresh from Richard Binder and with a sensational XXXF nib. Here it is beside my Tortoise-Brown M400:

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-64554140484625525592008-07-20T11:35:00.002+10:002008-07-21T21:17:34.758+10:00

While updating my pen database this morning, it occurred to me how pleased I am with my pen collection at present. I am also pleased to say that I am no longer actively seeking pens for my collection. It's more along the lines of: If I see something I like, I might buy it - or I might not. I'm getting extremely specific now... it's easy to dismiss pens which once caught my eye.I have been using

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-82190702196289436632008-07-14T21:09:00.004+10:002009-01-01T20:30:05.386+10:00

Tonight I ordered the rather delicious 'Polar Lights' SE, the latest pen in the Pelikan Natural Wonders series. Green and black, a very sexy combination. One thing though, why do the Sahara and Niagara look so... completely blah - while the Polar Lights looks so sexy...? One of life's mysteries...Anyway, the pen is coming from Richard Binder, complete with one of those XXXF nibs which I love

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-33474106864177289162008-06-30T17:30:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:44:51.907+10:00

Here is a 1911 you won't see too often...More details have been posted on FPN. :)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-12999251695443606392008-06-29T10:20:00.001+10:002008-06-29T10:40:51.954+10:00

Two very beautiful Sailor Professional Gear Slim pens joined my collection this week: a Hougado Brown and a Hougado Green.Inked with Sailor-Hougado Deep Rust Black and Deep Moss Black respectively.

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-66959549268344382792008-06-24T20:30:00.004+10:002008-06-24T21:44:32.544+10:00

Last week I received a very generous gift - a 1979 Pilot Red Stripe (model name unknown, so that's what I'm calling it).I received this lovely gift because I mentioned in passing that the pen and I shared the same date code - "1179" (November 1979).The prized Red Stripe:Thank you. :)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-55530109927449805422008-06-19T22:25:00.003+10:002009-04-14T10:43:25.150+10:00

I am about to sign-off on the design for my third Nakaya Piccolo!I'm very excited about this special order... but I won't be revealing any details - all I will say is that it will feature the Chinkin / Chinkoku technique.Happy, happy, happy!

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-19250842776926874112008-06-13T17:05:00.000+10:002008-06-13T17:14:06.910+10:00

The following pens will hopefully join my collection soon...Danitrio Takumi "Mt Fuji"Nakaya Piccolo Special OrderSailor Pro Gear LE, "KAN"Sailor Pro Gear Slim LE, "Hougado Brown"Sailor Pro Gear Slim LE, "Hougado Green"Sailor 1911 LE, "Hanshin Tigers"Yay!!!

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-74255013201241706592008-06-03T21:25:00.001+10:002008-06-03T21:28:56.753+10:00

Today my tenth Sailor Professional Gear arrived! This is a full-size LE called the Sailor-Mitsukoshi "Dandelion" - only fifty pens were produced.This LE was accompanied by a bottle of Sailor yellow-green ink, specifically blended to match the colour of the pen.The whole combination is rather sexy, IMO! :)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-78262222734436939602008-06-02T19:20:00.002+10:002009-10-09T20:33:57.094+10:00

I love paint boxes... ever since I was old enough to have my first Crayola paint set (and then a Crayola "Caddy" once a year for several years, thereafter), I have never ceased to take delight in opening a paint box and seeing those little jewels of colour laid out within.Earlier this year, when I took up watercolour painting again, I dug out my various paint boxes and set about preparing a

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-80147526201793289742008-06-02T04:44:00.001+10:002008-06-03T21:29:26.758+10:00

Soon I'll add the beautiful Sailor "KAN" LE to my collection - I have lusted after this full-size Pro Gear for awhile, and when a friend in Japan offered to help ship one over to me, I just couldn't refuse.The KAN:

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-68626903746615785292008-05-28T17:50:00.005+10:002009-01-01T20:43:20.742+10:00

Yesterday I received a rather nice gift from a very kind FPN'er - a Rhodia Webnotebook! (I don't know why they are called "Webnotebooks" - but they are.)I received one in Orange, A6 size. The design and styling is pretty darn cool, and the little logo on each corner of the page doesn't bother me in the slightest. Tragically, the paper isn't the usual Rhodia standard! (Why Rhodia, why???)Here's

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-50303540814217924392008-05-24T21:33:00.004+10:002008-05-24T22:30:17.433+10:00

It's late (10PM), which is never a good time to be shooting photos of anything, let alone nicely detailed photos of my beloved Sapporo pens. However, this blog has been a bit neglected of late, and I guess a couple of bad photos are better than no photos at all. So without further ado, I present my three latest Sailor Sapporo (Pro Gear Slim) acquisitions:From the bottom: Dark Metallic Green, 14K

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-2308812999275674212008-05-12T21:50:00.000+10:002008-05-12T21:53:09.925+10:00

A brief update for today, but hopefully some photos will follow tomorrow. A few interesting pens have joined the collection these last few weeks... some fine sterling silver Sailor pens, a silver Pilot Elite and two less commonly seen inexpensive Japanese pens from the 70s featuring pretty gold sparkles... ooh.A nice metallic Dark Green Sapporo arrived last week, followed by my Spring White

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-72051007813428308072008-04-18T20:35:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:30:45.817+10:00

What a nice week it was for my mailbox - lots of exciting pens, plus my first nib from Dillon Ang ('Dillo' on FPN). The other week Dillon offered a 14K Pelikan M400 nib unit for sale, which I promptly pounced on. I took the opportunity to have the nib ground to a special point - a 0.3mm / XXXF Cursive Italic.I can honestly say I am delighted with this nib. It is every bit as good as my nibs

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-61234183250262450932008-04-12T09:36:00.001+10:002008-04-13T12:03:28.894+10:00

This is only my eleventh post for 2008 (slack of me, I know), but it is my fifth post for the year about Sailor fountain pens... I can assure you that this bias is unintentional. :PAnyway, I am expecting the following Sailor pens to join my collection soon...Mitsukoshi Dandelion (Tanpopo) LEThis is a Limited Edition of 50 pens, Professional Gear size. Each Dandelion comes with a matching bottle

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-56186093256517040162008-03-03T22:26:00.008+10:002009-01-01T20:42:09.602+10:00

My Snow White arrived today! It is soooooooo pretty. :)You can read more about it here.This is the second pen my lovely friend Jim has acquired for me - I'm so lucky. :)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-61449501785200189132008-02-16T15:45:00.004+10:002008-02-16T16:01:39.796+10:00

Isn't it gorgeous?

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-21566623573939920922008-02-10T21:15:00.001+10:002008-02-16T15:50:20.207+10:00

I was browsing the Ujuku Shop yesterday, noting the updated inventory, when I saw that the Morita Original was available for purchase! This is a 2007 Sailor Special Edition which was commissioned for the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth.The pen is a pale turquoise colour, just like that of the domed roof of the Salzburg Cathedral (Dom St. Rupert), where Mozart was baptised and would later

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-4799903952617298402008-02-05T16:20:00.000+10:002008-02-06T23:07:42.407+10:00

My gorgeous YELLOW Sailor Pro Gear / Sapporo Mini arrived on Saturday - and I love it!The Yellow just pops!It has a sensational 14K EF nib - maybe my best Sailor EF so far. A huge thank you goes to Jim for arranging the purchase for me. :D

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-4982487096048141532008-02-02T10:55:00.001+10:002008-03-03T22:41:05.806+10:00

A couple of days ago I received my Sailor Kiwagura ink, and so I eagerly loaded it into my Sailor "Manga/Comics" desk pen (which has a fantastic EF steel nib) and tested it. I put samples from all three of my black waterproof inks (Sailor Kiwagura, Pilot Security and Platinum Carbon) down on some Arches 185gsm Watercolour paper and also some cheap office paper, and let the ink dry for 10 minutes

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-26374752537566546682008-01-13T19:00:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:41:35.238+10:00

I am very pleased to report that the waterproof black inks I recently purchased have given me no trouble at all in my fountain pens! When I use watercolour paints or water-soluble pencils on sketches drawn with these inks, no black ink is released by the water and brush. Pilot Security Black is marginally darker than Platinum Carbon Black - although this is only apparent when the inks are

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-73066110632634126972008-01-10T10:25:00.000+10:002008-01-10T12:20:36.869+10:00

...an electric pencil sharpener. But here I am, spending AUD$115 on one.I own a lot of Derwent pencils, and for years I have happily sharpened them with a normal hand sharpener. Yesterday, all that changed when my Prismacolor order arrived - almost 200 pencils, and not one of them pre-sharpened! I knew this to be the case when I ordered the pencils, but I didn't realise the implications at the

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-58647496370784216552008-01-06T16:45:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:40:50.154+10:00

The end of 2007 brought five exciting new inks from Pilot - Iroshizuku Color Drops, a range of blue inks with hues derived from nature:While blue is not my favorite color preference, the Iroshizuku inks asa-gao, ajisai and tsuki-yo have soft undertones of blue-violet and green-blue, making them quite appealing.I hope the initial Color Drops range is a sign of things to come from Pilot - imagine a

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-38776746460772505262008-01-01T17:45:00.000+10:002008-01-01T17:57:20.733+10:00

Ah... 2008 is now upon us, whatever shall it bring?Well, for starters I know 2008 will bring me the following goodies from the Ujuku Shop:Platinum Carbon InkPilot Security InkSailor Kiwagura InkI'm looking forward to using these black waterproof inks on my Art Spectrum "Draw & Wash" pads, which provide a perfect feather-free surface for ink sketching.I'm hoping the new inks won't pose too much of

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-34634352601451407702007-12-26T10:45:00.000+10:002008-01-01T17:53:21.850+10:00

I can't believe I forgot to post this, but the Nakaya website has been updated with the details of the Special Order Piccolo I received in October!Special Order » Original Color » Olive Green Tamenuri.

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-70820318362695780932007-12-15T12:05:00.000+10:002007-12-15T12:09:26.413+10:00

In my last post I mentioned my latest Sailor - a Professional Gear Special Edition produced for the Japanese market. I wrote a little about this pen over at the Fountain Pen Network when I first received it, and I've been using it ever since. When I bought this pen, I was concerned about the F nib (having only ever used modern Sailor EF nibs in the past), but I was lucky enough to have gotten a

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-50081623784042093102007-11-17T22:55:00.000+10:002007-11-19T17:05:22.047+10:00

November has been a fruitful month for Japanese pens. In a very short period I have acquired several pens I have wanted for some time now! Most of these are stainless steel Sailor pens which are not too common.The most magnificent pen of them all is the Sailor Egyptian Hieroglyphs model. I was very lucky to be able to add the Hieroglyphs pen to my collection, and once again, such a thing was made

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-32409343276315753492007-11-04T07:29:00.000+10:002007-11-05T17:09:46.943+10:00

Life in pendom has been quiet of late, but I have a couple of small pen and ink notes to report:I've ordered two bottles of the FPN Dumas Tulipe Noire ink, which is a dark red-violet shade possibly resembling a mixture of Noodler's Red Black and PR Burgundy Mist.I recently acquired a vintage Sailor 'Egyptian Hieroglyphs' pen, which is a model from the mid 1970's or so. Striking design! It is a

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-27731930251272519492007-10-14T12:20:00.000+10:002007-10-14T12:54:02.139+10:00

This morning I discovered the online store of a Melbourne-based retailer which carries my favourite paper, Original Crown Mill! The store is called The Source Online.This is exciting stuff - The Source have a good range of OCM products, especially concerning the Pure Cotton items which I could previously only mail-order from Monograms in Brisbane.

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-82887729492797191362007-10-12T23:15:00.000+10:002007-11-04T19:10:34.744+10:00

Earlier this week my spectacular Special Order Nakaya Piccolo arrived! It is gorgeous.A full Review has been posted over at the Fountain Pen Network. :)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-35740424368877694372007-09-26T20:45:00.000+10:002008-06-13T17:24:09.240+10:00

My Aurora Fuoco Mini arrived today, and it's GORGEOUS! Here it is posing with some Mini siblings:In addition, I have also received my Pelikan M400 Tortoise & Dark Brown, as well as my Pelikan M450 Tortoise & Vermeil!And last but certainly not least, a beautiful 1976 Platinum pen made from solid Silver with Silver/Vermeil relief - the workmanship is beautiful, and this is quite a special pen.I'm

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-81410787111931409592007-09-21T08:18:00.000+10:002008-06-13T17:24:09.241+10:00

As is always the case, weeks pass with no sign of any interesting pens, and then suddenly all the pens I'd like to buy pop up at once! I really hate when that happens...Anyway, the following pens will soon be arriving:Aurora Fuoco Aurea Minima LEThis will arrive next week - maybe even by Tuesday! My preference is usually toward gold trim, but this particular intense red is perfectly offset by

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-82142552317647449142007-09-12T10:07:00.000+10:002007-09-28T21:27:55.235+10:00

Today I finally ordered a few Pilot pens I have been meaning to buy for some time. I'm always apprehensive of buying pens with Fine nibs instead of Extra Fine nibs, but the general consensus is that these Pilot F nibs write like an EF nib does.If that's the case, great! If not... well, they'll end up on eBay at some point.Pilot Prera - Lime Green, F nib.The Prera has been recommended to me by

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-31814440305527971032007-09-11T10:22:00.000+10:002007-09-28T21:28:24.914+10:00

I think the waiting does it. I mean, I don't mind the waiting for my FPs to arrive in AU - the postal system always take ages, but this is more about waiting for ordered pens, or to be able to order certain pens. Too much waiting makes my interest fade... Example 1: The Aurora Fuoco Mini. I ordered one over eight weeks ago, but now my order is not able to be confirmed and I don't know why – it’s

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-86198908208164811982007-08-31T17:41:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:38:15.733+10:00

Two nice pens arrived in the mail this week!The first was a NOS 1970's Sailor with a neat chequered motif around the cap. This is a stainless steel short-long pen with a very smooth 14K F nib.Next is a little Italian button-filler made by Astura. This is such a gorgeous little pen - M300 size, and with the original Astura 14K XF nib! This pen was also NOS, and remarkably, the sac was still

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-71359219270316979972007-08-16T21:35:00.000+10:002007-09-28T21:39:17.298+10:00

I heard back from The Pen Shoppe today, as my Omas Dama has returned from Italy. No paperwork was included by Omas, but it seems that they have replaced the clip.Unfortunately, they have also sent a bill for US$75. The Pen Shoppe seems to think I'll be paying that bill - but since the pen is still under warranty, I'll disagree.I'm really quite unimpressed with Omas and this whole fiasco. The

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-13790893910270297562007-08-02T11:24:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:37:37.974+10:00

Some photos of my lovely 1950's Eyedropper:This pen is big and beautiful! The coppery-red colour is especially nice.

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-28444390485878676322007-07-22T16:14:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:37:00.992+10:00

It's been awhile since my last posting, so today's entry will be a large one - I have lots of nice pen news to share. :)Last month I acquired some unusual Japanese pens, and while I promised some photos, I didn't get around to posting any. However, they are here now!Platinum 'Zogan' (1970's)Initially, I didn't know what to make of this pen, as it was much larger than I had anticipated it would be

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-27077536451062110372007-07-01T14:25:00.004+10:002009-01-01T20:36:29.482+10:00

On Friday I had a startling experience - a co-worker approached me, and wanted to know if I could recommend a quality fountain pen with two specific requirements: that it is heavy, and short. I couldn't actually think of any pens to suggest to him (I think I was still in shock from actually discussing fountain pens in my daily life instead of FPN), but I promised I would gather bring some

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-65194807985444991612007-06-24T10:20:00.000+10:002007-09-28T21:23:30.835+10:00

This week, I was very pleased to add a few more nifty Japanese pens to my collection. Here's a summary - I will add some nicer photos when they arrive:Platinum 'Zogan'. This is a 1970's Platinum with interesting Lamy 2000-esque styling. The cap band has a floral motif in the decorative zogan technique, which is the inlaying of gold into a surface. Platinum revisited the 'Zogan' in the 1990's,

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-78147116446422160672007-06-14T12:58:00.000+10:002007-06-14T15:43:43.317+10:00

So far, June has not been a good month.I have tonsillitis at the moment, so I'm at home this week. I'm not happy, because I have a very important deadline next Friday and another deadline at the end of the month! If I keep getting sick, how the hell am I supposed to get any work done? Anyway... in the more pleasant world of pens I have some nice updates:My special Urushi Nakaya Cigar Piccolo

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-79840330094853348682007-05-23T20:18:00.000+10:002007-05-23T20:18:06.166+10:00

The Spring issue of The PENnant arrived in the mail yesterday, so this morning I made some very good coffee and spent an enjoyable couple of hours reading. In particular, I found Daniel Kirchheimer's articles in this issue really interesting! Unfortunately, I now feel the urge to add a couple more early Sheaffer radite ring tops to my collection - particularly those with 'C' and 'F' stamped

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-45886915776845367762007-05-22T23:39:00.003+10:002009-01-01T20:31:18.284+10:00

I've been somewhat slack about posting of late, so let us see what updates we have for May...INK - I can't believe I didn't post about my new inks. I recently ordered Noodler's Nightshade, Private Reserve Gray Flannel, Rohrer & Klingner Sepia and Rohrer & Klingner Smaragdgrün from The Inked Nib, with wonderful service from Natalie as per usual.Noodler's Nightshade: This is a dark red-violet,

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-33027127312662893222007-05-21T17:49:00.000+10:002007-05-22T18:10:46.666+10:00

Well, it took a whole day, but I finally migrated my blog into a new template - and I think it looks pretty snazzy. ;)

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-22538725565745374242007-05-12T22:30:00.003+10:002009-01-01T20:31:09.508+10:00

Just after 4PM yesterday afternoon, my long-awaited package from Richard Binder was finally in my hands! My ten pens were back - with freshly customized nibs!I had forgotten that I had originally sent all but one my pens away in little black slipcases, and when I unpacked the pens it was actually great not knowing what pen each case held!The included writing samples from Richard looked perfect,

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-44954781641618404342007-05-06T16:32:00.000+10:002007-09-28T21:19:44.153+10:00

Well, exciting for me at least! Here is a summary of pens I am expecting...A second Nakaya Piccolo Cigar! Special Urushi finish, 14K SEF nib.A stainless steel Platinum, exactly like the one shown in this post.A cute Waterman Lady Charlotte.The Fountain Pen Network 'Limited Edition' Bexley.TEN (10) pens from Richard Binder, which I sent to him for nib customizations - I may have them by the end of

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-46140899875279307672007-05-01T20:22:00.003+10:002009-01-01T20:31:02.031+10:00

This is the best thing I've read in ages..."I can grind a nib of any size down to XXXXF. That's a line 0.004" (0.1 mm) wide. One of Phthalo's pens just got that treatment today, and four others were taken down to XXXF. Two more are now 0.3-mm stubs. Who knows what's in store for the rest of the clutch she sent me?"- Richard Binder commenting on nib customizations I requested.How exciting! Seven

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-60852855462054622522007-04-29T11:49:00.001+10:002008-08-28T19:27:22.254+10:00

...well, not really. Some very nice pens arrived in April, and it looks like May will bring more of the same. The above image shows a few nice Japanese pens I acquired last month. From the top: Platinum. White enamel with clover motif. 18K Fine.Platinum. Pale gold arabesque motif. C/C. 18K Fine.Platinum. Stainless steel. C/C. 18K White Fine.Pilot. Black with stainless cap. Lever. 'Hardgilt' Steel

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-84375323058848006652007-03-27T20:38:00.000+10:002007-03-27T21:10:24.400+10:00

This is completely unrelated to fountain pens, but it’s an interesting tale which I thought I would share.I collect Wedgwood Jasperware, and I maintain a small website about it. A fellow Wedgwood collector contacted me recently, wondering if I could advise paint colours which matched the colours Wedgwood have used in the Jasper range. The reason? They wish to paint the interior of their house

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-35141832567718277282007-03-26T21:28:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:22:48.193+10:00

Picked up a couple of nice Japanese pens recently - three Platinum pens from the 1970's, and one Pilot pen from the 1950's.I am particularly interested in the Pilot, which is a lever-filler with a flexible steel nib. My Sailor eyedropper has a flexible steel 'Shiro' nib, which is quite wonderful, so I am hoping the Pilot nib will be similar.

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-53666835977251159232007-03-18T20:54:00.000+10:002007-09-28T21:36:23.148+10:00

I finally got a Sailor Sapporo! Well, I got two actually, a Sapporo and a Sapporo Mini:Perfect little pens with wonderful 14K EF nibs. :D

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-84417135902918044152007-02-27T20:18:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:22:00.663+10:00

The drought (of pen buying) has broken. This last week I was up to my old tricks, buying duplicates from collectors, and scouting around eBay. Some nice pens were had:Radius - Italian, 1940's ladies button-filler. Brown marbled celluloid, 14K Flexible F nib. Sheaffer Valiant - Snorkel. Fern Green, 14K Triumph F nib.Pilot Custom 98 - Deep Yellow, 14K EF nib.Duchessa (Montegrappa sub-brand) -

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-71480959734083588942007-02-06T19:27:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:32:24.705+10:00

I don't think I've mentioned what work Richard will be doing on the pens I've sent him, so this a breakdown:BrandModelCustomizationJean-Pierre LepineJean-Pierre LepineLamyOmasOmasOmasMontegrappaPelikanPelikanPelikanAttilaIndigoLadyCelluloid PrincessCelluloid PrincessCelluloid PrincessMicraM400M300M2500.3 StubXXXF0.3 Cursive ItalicXXXXF0.3 StubXXXFXXXFXXXF0.3 Crisp Italic0.3 StubI can hardly wait

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-22368448405731026382007-01-27T20:17:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:21:16.843+10:00

My inks finally arrived from Pendemonium! Nine delicious colours:- Diamine Umber- Noodler's Russian Chekhov- Noodler's Russian Dostoyevsky- Noodler's Russian Pushkin- Noodler's Apache Sunset- Noodler's Golden Brown- Private Reserve Burgundy Mist- Rohrer & Klingner Fernambuk- Rohrer & Klingner Morinda...plus some Red Platinum cartridges and some silicon grease to use on my Sailor Eyedropper,

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-88278656560726423952007-01-22T20:26:00.000+10:002007-09-26T23:02:05.350+10:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted about Original Crown Mill Stationery, an extremely nice paper I was able to buy locally. The quality is comparable with G. Lalo, which is great; because that was the paper I most wished I could buy here in AU. While I can buy Crane & Co., it's very expensive.I ordered a couple more OCM A5 pads in Cream today, and some C6 Cream envelopes with different tissue

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-10291415425840022402007-01-21T18:38:00.000+10:002008-06-13T17:23:00.826+10:00

I have been advised by Pendemonium that the Diamine Umber shipment may finally be arriving. It's been a few months now, nearly four, I think. Damn Diamine.I've rationalised the number of pens I had inked, and I'm down to eight. Once the Pendemonium inks arrive that amount will easily double, so I might have to trim the current number to five or so...My writing box restoration is going

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35686623.post-52253792008370645882007-01-07T12:02:00.001+10:002009-01-01T20:21:06.694+10:00

I recently picked up a small ladies writing box, which I plan to restore a little so that it displays nicely. It’s not the type of writing box which opens back to create a sloped surface, but rather one which opens to a small tablet for writing which then folds back into the lid to reveal the compartments beneath.The box is from around 1840, appears to be made from mahogany and the top of the

Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14251611016399151825noreply@blogger.com0