Still So Much To Be Grateful For (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). As a community, we do indeed have so much to be grateful for! And while I don’t spend a lot of time on Twitch, this list resonates with me.
Pelikan Hubs 2022 - Philadelphia: A Recap (via Pelikan’s Perch). I had a blast hosting this year’s Nashville-area Pelikan Hub, and have enjoyed reading about the different Hubs around the world. I will echo that finding a suitable location has become difficult as the event grows in size and popularity.
Slowing the Shopping (via Rachel’s Reflections). While this one may come too late for many of us (myself included), it’s still the holiday shopping season, with the temptation to overindulge.
A Case Against Black Friday (via Caroline Finds It - Caroline Weaver). If you’re not subscribed to Caroline’s newsletter, and are interested in reading about not just thoughtfully curated products in various categories but small business in general, you should subscribe ASAP.
Cosmo Air Light B6 Slim Notebook (via Well-Appointed Desk). I never got much into Cosmo Air Light as a paper, though I did enjoy the samples I used. If its properties interest you, get the notebooks while you can!
Kakimori B6 Bank Paper Planner Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). With changes to Tomoe River and, at least for now, the impending demise of Cosmo Air Light, people are looking for alternatives. Bank Paper has emerged as a favorite for many.
Heavy Duty: A5 Rhodia Notepad (via A Fleeting Ripple). I’ve been reading a lot in the pen community about how Rhodia is overrated. While there is definitely inconsistency among the different products, as a general matter I still consider it very good for the price point, especially for paper you plan to use in higher volume, such as at work.
Curating Towards Custom (via mnmlscholar). My own collection as a whole is starting to curate towards custom, and I’m very happy with that!
Meet Your Maker - Meg Blackburn, Black Robin Pens (via Pen Addict - Caroline). I always love reading about new (to me at least) makers, and I have a running list of makers whose pens I want to try. Add Black Robin Pens to the list!
In Case You Missed It…
Since this week was a holiday week here in the States, and one that traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping craziness, the focus was on a lot of sales. While there didn’t seem to be as many insane 30-50% off promotions (which hopefully signals a healthier approach to these types of things on the part of both businesses and consumers), it’s still a good time to pick up items you’ve had your eye on at a slight discount. That said, remember to support your independent shops and makers, who due to economics may not be able to offer the same type of discounting as big box or major online outlets. I published this “Indie Gift Guide” to complement my own annual shop Holiday Gift Guide (discussed below), focusing on those independent makers I have supported over the past year. I did also write a piece on my pencil “mini-collection,” which I’ve trimmed down over the years but still brings me a lot of joy.
Don’t Miss the T.G.S. Curated Shop Cyber-Week Sale - Use “GIVETHANKS” for 10% Off Most Items
Through Monday, use the coupon code “GIVETHANKS” at checkout to take an extra 10% off most items in the Curated Shop (excluding TWSBI). It’s our way of thanking readers and repeat customers, and hopefully gives you a little help with a head start on your holiday shopping. This week we had a major restock on most Caran d’Ache items, including the arrival of the “Colour Treasure” limited editions and the 10th release of the Crayons de la Maison Caran d’Ache.
Consider T.G.S. Patreon - New “Gently Used” Items in the Patreon Shop!
For those who want to support T.G.S. without necessarily adding to their accumulation via shop purchases, the Patreon Program offers two options for tiers of support: $3 and $5 (with a discounted annual option) and plan on making monthly meetups, pen show events, and periodic exclusive content the primary benefits. Of course, Patreon members will continue to get first access to periodic sample sales, with right of first refusal on gently used pens. (Reminder that those items which made it through Patreon become available to the general readership, and this week you can get an extra 10% off Gently Used items with the coupon code referenced above!) Many thanks to all of you who already decided to back via Patreon. Your support means the world to me!