My 2021 State of Pens (via Leigh Reyes). Leigh’s year-end updates are always thoughtful, well-taken, and full of links to content you may have missed throughout the year.
2021 Is Hindsight (via Penquisition). A great year-end update from Evan. I’m looking forward to reading more of their content in the year to come.
A Pen Man in a Strange Land; Quick Update (via The Poor Penman). It’s always fun to learn a bit about the backstory behind different blogs and accounts. Best of luck!
Greatest of All Time Fountain Pens 2021 (via S.B.R.E. Brown). The 2021 GOAT List is live!
My 2022 Pen New Year Resolutions (and Laminated List) (via UK Fountain Pens). Anthony is taking a similar approach to what I did for 2021. I’ve found it a much more satisfying approach to collecting and using, with a lot less stress.
A State of Reflection (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). I’ve enjoyed following Les’s creative endeavors over the past year! Be sure to keep up with her blog, which features much more than stationery.
“Why Are You Selling This Pen When You Said It Was Perfect?” Five Reasons I Part with Greatness (via UK Fountain Pens). Just because a pen isn’t right for you long-term doesn’t mean it’s not a good (or even a great) pen. As Anthony points out, needs are different, and needs change.
Theme System Journal Review (via Pen Addict). I have an early version of the Theme System journal that I picked up a couple of years ago, and I’m finally going to try it out starting this month.
Tales of a Vandal Pen User: Reflecting on Eyedroppers (via Peaceable Writer). I’m also somewhat ambivalent about eyedroppers, but I certainly miss writing in cafes and libraries.
Ink Comparison: Kin Mokusei v. Apricot (via Well-Appointed Desk). If you’re having trouble keeping track of Sailor’s ink release history, Jesi has created a reference in this post. I’ve moved away from a lot of Sailor inks recently, but this is a handy tool if you have a large stash of Sailor inks and find yourself wondering if a newly released ink is similar to something you already own.
In Case You Missed It… “Resolution” Posts for 2022
I say that I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions, but I did a couple of posts anyway: Five Intentions for 2022: What I Want to See From Myself, and Five Wishes for the Pen Community. You’ll notice that most of the posts in this weeks links involve similar content, and it’s encouraging to see that a lot of us seem to be on the same page headed into the new year!
This Week in the Curated Shop
It’s been a bang-up inaugural year for the shop, and I’m off to do my inventory count this afternoon (FUN!). Many thanks to all of you who participated in my year-end inventory promotion. While sales may be over, check out this post highlighting some products that are sure to help you with your New Year’s planning, as well as the new “Best-Sellers” category in the store! (BTW, the Planner promotion runs through tonight! Take 10% off all dated and undated planners before you have to head back to work.)
Consider Joining TGS Patreon for Access to Monthly Meetups and First Dibs on Gently Used Stationery, Exclusive Products and More!
For some additional fun, and to help support the blog consider joining the Patreon program. Patreon supporters receive special pricing and early access to product releases and collaborations such as the T.G.S. x Sunderland pen, in addition to other benefits. You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. This year I’ve introduced monthly online meetups, which take place on Friday or Saturday and have been super enjoyable. The Patreon membership also has “first dibs” on my regular gently used stationery sales. Check out the current sale, as there is at least one custom fountain pen remaining!