Drifting Apart: The Last Drop (via A Fleeting Ripple). As someone who’s reinvented a blog/website/hobby multiple times over the years (including by stepping away for relatively long periods), this post really resonated with me. Also, be sure to watch the YouTube video referenced in the post, which I enjoyed.
Recap of TIPS 2024 (via Inkredible Colours). The Tokyo International Pen Show (TIPS) is on my pen/stationery show bucket list. It’s run quite differently from U.S.-based shows, which you can read about here.
What the Heck Is a Planner Convention? (via Well-Appointed Desk). I published my own recap of our adventures at the Chicago Planner Conference, and Ana had many similar thoughts! (Though I did not know about the app with the swag drops. Note for future pen shows.)
Pen 18111 3D Pen Review and Giveaway (via Figboot on Pens). Apparently Yoshi Nakama is returning to Japan and potentially will not be making pens for the foreseeable future, but has remaining stock of some of his 3D-printed pens.
Change of Planner Plans/Change of Planners? (via Stationery Pizza). I too have decided to opt out of the dedicated “Planner” this year and return to notebook systems, namely a combination of the Traveler’s Notebook and Plotter.
Archiving and Storing A5 Inserts (via Philofaxy). If you use ring or modular notebook systems, you will understand the importance of having an archiving strategy for those back refills you want or need to save.
Pineider A5 Hardcover Notebook Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). Though they’ve expanded into pens in recent years, Pineider’s roots are as a paper manufacturer. I do love colored paper!
A New Beginning for Macchiato Man (via Macchiato Man). I’m glad to see the site isn’t going away! Many thanks to Blake for making this possible.
Traveling with Ink: November 2024, my North Sea Haul (via Fountain Pen Blog). Now that’s a great trip! Complete with pen acquisitions.
Road Trip with Traveler’s Company (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I love the idea of the Traveler’s Caravan and the customized notebooks. I’ve never made it to one of these events, but maybe (one day) I can host?
Just a small part of the swag I brought home from the Chicago Planner Conference.
In Case You Missed It….
This week on the blog, I recapped my trip to the Chicago Planner Conference (i.e., Swagfest 2024). It was a unique experience, quite different from any traditional pen show I’ve attended. Based on discussions that I had with attendees during the class that I co-taught, I also drafted up a new “Ask T.G.S.” post addressing how to handle higher-maintenance inks.
Perfect pairing? I’m loving the new Diamine inks.
This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop
This week saw the arrival of multiple new releases from TWSBI, including the Caribbean + Onyx Diamond 580 ALR and the Sky Blue ECO, as well as a full restock on most of the recent releases such as the ECO Irish Green + Onyx and all of the bronze-trimmed offerings. We have most TWSBI nib sizes back in stock, so if there is a pen you’ve been waiting for, please check in!
We’ve added a ton of new inks to our offerings, including Teranishi Guitar inks from Japan, the newly arrived Diamine 160th Anniversary inks, and Platinum Chou Kuro, Platinum Carbon Black, and all of the Platinum Classic Iron Gall inks. Read about all of this weeks arrivals in the Thursday Drops post.
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