The Well-Appointed Desk

Julia van der Wyk Ink Wash Class

Our good friend, Julia van der Wyk, is teaching Ink Wash Painting this August at the San Francisco Pen Show.

We all have way too many inks than we can use in a lifetime so thankfully, Julia will show you lots of painting techniques to allow you to use your fountain pen inks (and any ink really) to paint still life, from nature and much more. Practice brush handling, experiment with water and paper, and create an art piece in her hands-on workshop.

Class is Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 1-3pm and tuition is $85 including materials. Class is limited to 15 students so you should probably register ASAP to ensure your place. Julia asks that you bring an object to use for your first still life. Check out her Instagram feed for some ideas.

Class fee is separate from pen show entry fee.

Julia van der Wyk

There are lots of other interesting classes on the docket for the SF Pen Show. I’ll be working at the show so I won’t be able to attend any classes but I’m looking forward to living vicariously through anyone who is attending the classes.

In Pen Review

The DRILLOG v. 2 Machined Dip Nib (& Graft Spirl Barrel)

AnaJuly 18, 2022July 17, 2022Leave a comment

The first launch of the DRILLOG on Kickstarter ended in November 2021 to much hype and fanfare. Many people were excited by the machined metal dip nibs as a unique and durable alternative to glass, plastic or the classic, bent metal, dip nibs. To continue the excitement, this month, on Kickstarter, they launched a new v.2 version of the DRILLOG pen barrels and new nibs.

The DRILLOG products have been created by folks at Shion, a Japanese factory specializing in precision metal processing. They have manufactured aircraft parts in the past so they clearly have machining down to a science. The company currently operates two product brands: NEIGHBOR & CRAFTSMAN, a brand based on the theme of comfortable neighbors and DRILLOG, a brand that pursues the possibilities of writing instruments.

I was sent a sample of the DRILLOG graft spiral barrel/grip section (approx. $94USD) and a 0.5mm dip nib (approx. $95USD) making the total reward cost $189USD plus any shipping fees.

The Graft Spiral barrel/grip section is extremely tiny.

Capped (closed): 77mm (3.125″)
Posted: 111mm (4.425″)
Nib & grip section: 65mm (2.625″)

The rear section with the holes (assumedly for attaching to a key chain or carabiner) can be unscrewed and replaced with a full length body section that either matches the grip section or not. A plain aluminum, full-length barrel is about $102USD. For the full length “Classical Spiral” to match the Spiral Graft grip section on the model I received, is about $118USD. The spiral pattern on the grip section makes it wider than some of the other grip options and creates natural divots for your fingers.

The model configuration that I tested weighs 20gms capped or posted. It is not usable unposted since it threads into the barrel at the grip section.

I placed the Pilot Custom 912 next to the DRILLOG for size comparison.

Writing Tests:

I received the 0.5mm nib for testing which is considered comparable to a EF nib. I find this to be a fair comparison. I was able to write for a good long while before needing to dip again. I tested several different types of ink to see if different brands behaved differently with the metal nib. I did notice a slightly wider line with a wetter ink but nothing too shocking.

I know that some people who received samples or early versions of the DRILLOG nibs from the first Kickstarter had some issue with ink flow. The nib I received came with some care instructions that clearly outlined the likelihood that oils (particularly HAND oils) and debirs can build up in the fine grooves in the nib and the best course of action is to start off by handling the nib as little as possible. If you do start to run into issues, they recommend cleaning it carefully and using a toothbrush or other small, gentle brush to remove dirt, dried ink or other debris from the grooves. I think a nice trip through an ultrasonic cleaner with a little pen flush would probably also be useful if you run into any ink retention issues.

One of the interesting discoveries I made while testing the DRILLOG nib and barrel was that once the nib was loaded with ink, I could lay it almost flat onto the paper and use the nib to apply a swathe of ink on the page. This discovery made ink swatching an even easier task. Dip the DRILLOG nib, lay it along your paper or Col-o-ring card to apply a large patch of color, then dip again to write the name of the ink. Dip the nib into water to clean, wipe with a clean towel and start your next swatch sample. Easy peasy!

The prices are approximate as the USD to Japanese Yen rate may vary between the time of selecting a reward and when the fees are processed. This Kickstarter project has two weeks left and is already fully funded.The prices are approximate as the USD to Japanese Yen rate may vary between the time of selecting a reward and when the fees are processed. This Kickstarter project has two weeks left and is already fully funded.

Final Thoughts:

The DRILLOG project is very unique and definitely ushers in a new era is dip pens. It’s a very modern alternative to the dip pens of the past. Is it better? That’s hard to say definitively. It’s certainly a pricier option to the $7 Speedball nib holder and $2 nib. That said, this is definitely designed for an audience comfortable with spending $200+ on a fountain pen who is looking for a modern maker answer to the question “How should I test/play with my inks?” Which side are you on?

DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by Scion for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

In Paper Review

Notebook Review: Curnow A5 NEW PAPER Inserts

AnaJuly 15, 2022July 15, 20221 Comment

One of my favorite vendors at pen shows is Curnow Bookbinding and Leatherwork. Unfortunately, they only attend two shows per year: St. Louis and San Francisco. So, if you’re lucky enough to attend either of these shows, I recommend making a beeline to their tables to stock up on traveler-style notebook inserts and handmade leather covers. If you live in the SF area, Curnow does attend many local craft and art fairs so you may be able to shop for delicious paper and handmade leather journal covers in person. Just check out their Facebook page for their next event. To place an order, send them a DM on Facebook or an email. Their email address is on the pinned post with pricing at the top of their Facebook page.

For many years, the Curnow handmade journal inserts were one of the few ways to get Tomoe River paper but as the availability of Tomoe River increased and then the subsequent changes to the paper quality, Curnow has been leading the way in the search for other papers that are unique and fountain pen friendly.

This year I picked up two 3-packs of A5 notebooks. One is the Ayush Paper and the other is Kraft paper (both are $20 per 3-pack). All Curnow notebooks are available in an array of common notebook sizes: Field Notes (Backpocket-Pocket), Passport (Backpocket), A5, A6 and traditional Traveler’s Notebook (A5 slim). Curnow will also create custom sizes on request. The Ayush (and Neenah) paper options are available blank, lined, music, 5mm dot-grid, 5mm cross-grid, 5mm grid, 2.5mm grid and knitters’ grid. The Kraft (and Tomoe) are only available blank

The Ayush Paper Inserts:

I don’t have a lot of details about this particular type of Ayush paper. It’s 29lb cream/ivory paper and is made in India. The paper was created for use with fountain pens and my experience thus far is that it lives up to the claim. Each of the three notebooks included contain 60 pages.

I tested an assortment of pens on the Ayush paper, using a guide sheet under the page to maintain (relatively) straight lines without having to have lines printed on my paper.

The Ayush paper didn’t show any signs of feathering and handled rollerball, gel, fountain pen and marker with no issues.

When paper performs this well, I always throw in the alcohol-based Sharpie marker because that pen bleeds through EVERYTHING. So, when I flipped over the page, I was delighted to see that the Ayush paper did very well with everything I threw at it. Even the Sharpie just had show through, not bleedthrough. There is a little show through along the spine edge where I had colored in the boxes but it is not so visible that I wouldn’t be able to use both sides of the paper.

The texture of the paper is slightly toothy. On the sliding scale of paper smoothness with Rhodia on the smoothest end and Col-o-ring on the toothy end, I’d put Ayush in the middle of the range, maybe a bit on the Col-o-ring side but closer to the middle.

Overall, I am quite pleased with this paper and I am looking forward to putting these notebooks to work over the next few months. That way I’ll know if I need to stock up in SF.

The Kraft Paper Inserts

The Kraft paper inserts won’t be of interest to everyone but if you’re looking for a fun paper for pastel or glitter gel pens, paint markers or other drawing tools, look no further.

Curnow doesn’t list the weight of the Kraft paper but I’d guess its maybe 60# text. If you have the Field Notes Sweet Tooth edition, the paper weight feels similar. The Kraft notebooks are blank and the paper is too opaque to use a guide sheet underneath so they are definitely better for drawing, sketching, doodling or collage. A lot of colored pencils also worked well on the paper.

Posca paint pens, brush markers and opaque gel pens are so fun on this paper. I also think using the kraft notebooks for collage would also be fun. The paper is heavy enough to support layers of additional paper and some glue adhesive. Gouache might be fun too.

I wouldn’t recommend watercolor painting. I don’t think the paper would show the color of watercolor with much effect and the paper is likely to buckle/waffle from the water. But you do you.

When I flipped the paper over to see how much of the paint pen and brush marker showed through, I was truly blown away. Not even a bit of show through. I’m speechless.

Final Thoughts:

The Curnows are such kind people and such great craftspeople that I delight in supporting their creative ventures. I hope you have an opportunity to try some of their products and meet these delightful folks.

In feature

Giveaway: Hinze Pen Co. L12 Erste Fountain Pen

AnaJuly 14, 2022July 14, 2022139 Comments

Following our review on Monday of the Hinze Pens Erste (L12) Fountain Pens, my intention was to give away one of the two pens used in the review.

After posting about the plethora of color options, it became clear that the best course of action is to giveaway a gift certificate (valued at $160) so that YOU can choose which color Erste (L12) best captures your heart.

Yellow, Seafoam, Turquoise, Lavender and Plum. And, of course, Pink!

Above is a photo of all the colors . You can choose any color. The gift certificate is valued at $160. Winner will be responsible for any customization, add-on costs or shipping, taxes and fees.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment below and tell us what color combo or the Erste you might like. Play along and type in something. It makes reading through entries more interesting for me, okay? One entry per person.

If you have never entered a giveaway or commented on the site before, your comment must be manually approved by our highly-trained staff of monkeys before it will appear on the site. Our monkeys are underpaid and under-caffeinated so don’t stress if your comment does not appear right away. Give the monkeys some time.

FINE PRINT: All entries must be submitted by 10pm CST on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. All entries must be submitted at wellappointeddesk.com, not Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook, okay? Winner will be announced on Wednesday. Winner will be selected by random number generator from entries that played by the rules (see above). Please include your actual 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. If winner does not respond within 5 days, I will draw a new giveaway winner.

This giveaway is open to all readers. Please read all the fine print.

In Link Love

Link Love: Stamps, Stickers & Stars

AnaJuly 13, 2022July 13, 20222 Comments

In my world this week, the big news has been the photos from the Webb telescope photos which Bob watched live yesterday morning. nd I placed an order for some stamps and stickers from JetPens this week and while I’ve been anxiously awaiting their arrival, I discovered that I’m not the only person who’s decided to up their journal/planner game with some fancy doodads.

I feel like July is the perfect time to spice up your planner or chosen analog tool with a little something extra. If you’ve been using the same system all year, you might be feeling a little restless. So rather than starting over with something new, this is the perfect time to add a little more pizzazz. This doesn’t mean going all the way over to the super decorated bullet journals. Just add some washi to the edge of pages to indicate the beginning of the month or a regularly referenced page (to be watched? to be read?). Or stamp the date at the top of your page. Easy peasy and it might make getting over the mid-year planner slump a little easier!

Pens:

The Best Bristle Brush Pens (via JetPens)
Kaweco Collection Liliput Green Fountain Pen Review (via The Pen Addict)
Caran d’Ache Ballpoints (via Wonder Pens Blog)
My Thoughts on the Lamy Studio (via The Pen Addict)
Are You A Pen Collector? (via An Inkophile’s Blog)
Drehgriffel Nr. 2 (via Bleistift)

Ink:

Diamine new Flowers box set (via United Inkdom)
Review: Anderillium Inks Avian Series (via KraftyCats)
Ferris Wheel Press Ink Charger Set Review (via The Pen Addict)
ScriBo Verde Mediterraneo (via dapprman)
Pennonia Organa Lilac (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist)
Fruity July Ink Palettes (via Mountain of Ink)
Robert Oster Chicago (via Mountain of Ink)

Pencils:

Thrifty Tips pt.1 (via Nero’s Notes Blog)

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In photo, Tools

Analog Tools: Spinning wheels and the Tour de France

Laura CameronJuly 12, 2022July 13, 20227 Comments

If’ I’m being really honest, my first love is not fountain pens and stationery; it’s knitting and yarn. But since many of us love analog tools, today I thought I’d share what I’m up to.

Every year there’s this little bike race in France over the summer. And many years ago (early to mid 2000s), spinners (of yarn) decided that during the Tour de France, they would spin and make yarn on their spinning wheels. And they called it Tour de Fleece.

I learned to spin yarn back in 2010. Basically to make yarn, you take fiber (wool is the most common, but there are other animal and plant-based fibers you can use) and you combine both drafting (pulling apart the fibers to create create the thickness you’d like) and then add twist to make it stronger. The first thing you spin is a singles – a single strand of yarn. If you choose to, you can then twist these singles on each other to create stronger, plied yarns. I typically spin 2-ply yarns, but 3-ply yarns are quite popular, and you ply quite a few strands together (my biggest was a 9-ply and it looks like boat rope!)

But I digress. When I first started spinning I used a spindle. This is the most analog of spinning tools – just a stick, with something to weight it and keep it spinning (a whorl) in your hands.

Once I decided I was hooked, I got a spinning wheel. Despite the name and the engineering, this is another analog tool. My spinning wheel doesn’t look like a Rumplestiltskin replica, but it has the same functions. There are two foot pedals (treadles) and a wheel which through the use of some strings and springs makes a foot-powered system that adds twist to fiber and allows it to collection on a bobbin.

Most recently I have taken a bit more of a leap and actually bought myself an electric spinning wheel. This wheel uses a motor and either battery-power or electricity to eliminate the foot treadling and yet still add twist. I do go back to my analog wheel quite a bit though – there’s something so soothing and meditative about creating something with my hands (and feet).

The Tour de France started on July 1 and runs through July 24, which means I’m spending lots of time at my spinning wheel (while watching men on one of the most analog of a tools – a bicycle). I haven’t been playing with pens as much, but I’m digging creating just the same!

In Fountain Pen Review

Fountain Pen Review: Hinze Pen Co. L12 Erste

AnaJuly 11, 2022July 14, 20226 Comments

Hinze Pen Company is known for creating unique but LARGE resin pens. But never one to stay in their own metaphorical lane, Hinze has created a smaller pen body in an effort to got straight for my wallet.

The initial offering of the L12 Erste models ($159.99) that Hinze has been bringing pen shows are solid resin colors compared to their more elaborately poured resin pens. The solid material colors help to keep the overall cost of the pen lower than the more elaborate resin patterns in some of their other designs.

While the barrel colors might not be all swirly, there is still depth and interest in the materials. The two models I picked up were the Pink and the Sea Foam which are delicious, candy colors. The Pink Erste has glitter embedded in the resin and the Sea Foam appears to have a slight hint of shimmer but mostly a solid resin that reminds me of jadeite dishes.

There are six colors to choose from in the Erste (L12) line: Turquoise, Lavender, Yellow, Plum and the Pink and Sea Foam.

The Pink Erste (L12):

In this close-up image you can see the embedded glitter which looks like an iridescent pink glitter so its a little bit sparkly but blends in with the color of the resin so its not in your face sparkly. Its restrained sparkle. If that’s actually a thing.

The Hinze Pen Co. pens ship with No. 6 JOWO nibs that are available in an array of ~~anodized~~ electroplated colors ($20 upcharge). When I say array, I mean a full freakin’ rainbow (12 colors plus stainless and gold)! So, even though the Erste is supposed to be their entry level pen, you are given the opportunity to make your pen special and unique by choosing your nib color. Or not.

For the Pink Erste, I chose a Teal EF nib. Amusingly enough, Jesi purchased the exact same combo when she selected her Erste pen.

The Sea Foam Erste (L12)

The above image shows a close-up of the material and it’s distinctly mermaid-y vibes. Is there a shimmer or is it a creme de minte color? You decide.

What anodized nib choice would look best with this pen? That’s a tough call but I chose purple and I think its just the right amount of pop.

Compared to Other Pens:

From left to right: Pilot Custom 912, Lamy AL-Star, Platinum 3776 Kumpoo, The Erste Seafoam and Pink, Pelikan M205 Star Ruby and a Sailor ProGear Slim (specific colorway unknown).

When describing the Erste (L12), Hinze specifically cites that their goal was to create a “gateway to custom pens” but “keep the size in the general range of a Pelican M205 or Platinum 3776”. So, of course, it only seemed fair to compare the size of the Erste to these pens. The Erste is definitely closer in size overall to the Platinum 3776, Lamy AL-Star and Pilot Custom 912.

When posted, the Erste is as long as a Lamy AL-Star which I find a bit long. Unposted, the Erste, like the Lamys, are much easier to manage.

Capped, the Erste measures approx. 5.25″. Uncapped, it’s 5″ and posted, it’s 6.75″ long. The Erste, thanks to it’s resin material is not a very heavy pen, weighing in at just 17gms capped/posted and filled with a converter and 12gms uncapped.

The Writing Samples

The EF nib on the No. 6 JOWO is a pretty fine line in a stiff nib. If you like writing with rollerball or gel pens in 0.5mm or smaller, then writing with an EF JOWO nib will be right in the sweet spot for you. Obviously, Hinze offers the full array of JOWO nib tip sizes so if you are more inclined for a broad or stub nib, they have those in these awesome anodized finishes as well.

Final Thoughts:

The Hinze Erste (L12) is a smaller pen more suited for folks looking for a “regular-sized” pen. Hinze, being from Texas does like to do things BIG but I think the addition of the Erste (L12) is just the pen to help make the Hinze brand more accessible to a wider audience. Clearly, Hinze is set to take over the small maker pen world.

Stay tuned. There will be a giveaway for your very own Hinze Erste (L12) Fountain Pen later this week.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided free of charge by Hinze Pens for the purpose of review, others were paid for by the generous contributions from Patrons. Please see the About page for more details.

Writing Tests:

Final Thoughts:

The Ayush Paper Inserts:

The Kraft Paper Inserts

Final Thoughts:

Pens:

Ink:

Pencils:

Notebooks & Paper:

Art & Creativity:

Other Interesting Things:

The Pink Erste (L12):

The Sea Foam Erste (L12)

Compared to Other Pens:

The Writing Samples

Final Thoughts: