The DWRDNET Stationery Feed

Join me for in an in-depth conversation with Rob Sanchez of Rob's Penworks, exploring the art of pen making, Japanese stationery, and the intersection of craftsmanship and creativity. Discover Rob's journey, favorite tools, and tips for aspiring artisans. Learn about how Rob has branched out into other specialty items like custom pencils or x-acto holders and a bonus clip of the best rarely talked about paper to be found in bulk.Show Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/robspenworks/https://www.instagram.com/papajstudio/https://www.instagram.com/hooligan_georgia/https://www.instagram.com/hakata.kawabun/https://maps.app.goo.gl/p2H2ie2LQhrFLHwF7?g_st=icChapters00:00 Introduction to the Pen Making Journey06:04 The Allure of Japanese Stationery12:05 Essential Stationery Tools and Accessories17:48 The Art of Casting and Creating Blanks23:44 Collaboration and Community in Pen Making29:56 From Lathe to Multi-Use Tools38:31 Balancing Day Job and Passion Projects43:38 Discovering Unique Stationery in Japan50:08 Navigating the World of Pen Shows

In this episode, Coralie from Coracrea Crafts talks about how she took a personal interest in gothic calligraphy and ended up turning it into not only a growing online store, but was able to take it to the point of opening of a brick and mortar location in Nashville. Coralie shares her experiences in starting her Etsy shop, the importance of social media in building her brand, and how she ended up deciding to open The Creative Corner Nashville. The conversation delves into community engagement through workshops, future expansion plans, and the significance of supporting local artists and small businesses.

In this episode, Addy from Stationery Stack shares how the company came to be by wanting to solve some problems she faced when it came to her use of stationery. She goes into how she went from no woodworking experience to a product launch in a very short time and how she got the ideas for her various products. We go into how she sells, pen show schedules, as well as some sneak peaks at some soon to be released new products and options that she will be able to offer through her website in terms of customization and shipping.Show LinksUnboxing The Pen Tray I Didn’t Know I Needed: Stationery Stack Alfie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM63JVDiXUQ&t=1s&pp=ygUVQWxmaWUgUGVuIFRyYXkgcmV2aWV3Pen Addict Unboxing Alfie Pen Tray https://youtu.be/QDhmUT-GDVI?t=5734A Gathering of Curiosities - Alfie Tray Review https://www.gatheringofcuriosities.com/blog/the-pleasure-of-craftsmanship-the-alfie-trayPen Addict Stationery Stack Pen Tray Review https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2025/8/1/stationery-stack-pen-tray-reviewPen Addict Unboxing the Zoila from Stationery Stackhttps://youtu.be/NLxrbWC-YJU?t=3730https://stationerystack.com/https://www.instagram.com/stationerystackhttps://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@StationeryStack⁩  https://www.tiktok.com/@stationerystackChapters00:00 Introduction to Stationery Stack and Guest Background05:02 Exploring Fountain Pens and Inks07:16 Exploring Writing Tools: Notebooks and Pens09:28 The Role of Stationery in Daily Life12:15 The Birth of Stationary Stack: From Hobby to Business15:00 Product Development: Solving Problems with Design18:07 Naming and Inspiration Behind Stationary Stack Products20:49 Future Products and Innovations in Stationery26:55 Creative Storage Solutions for Stationery27:25 Remixing Existing Products for Customization31:34 Innovative Designs in Woodworking36:33 The Importance of Visibility in Stationery37:25 Expanding Presence at Pen Shows38:46 Batch Production and Customer Engagement42:17 Future Plans: Personalization and International Shipping

In this episode, Derek DeWeese interviews Lisa Vanness of Vanness Pens, exploring her journey in the stationery world, the evolution of writing instruments, and the significance of pen shows. They discuss the legacy of Vanness Pens, the impact of online sales, and the rise of the popularity of ink samples. The conversation also touches on the growth of paper options, the intersection of planner and pen communities, and highlights from Lisa's recent trip to Japan.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Stationery World02:52 Lisa's Journey into Writing and Stationery05:21 The Legacy of Vanness Pens07:54 The Evolution of Ink Selection at Vanness10:30 The Impact of Online Sales on Vanness13:05 The Importance of Ink Samples15:38 The Growing Interest in Paper18:22 Conclusion and Future of Stationery19:06 The Evolution of Paper and Stationery21:15 Merging Communities: Planners and Fountain Pen Enthusiasts25:23 The Birth of a Podcast: On the Paper Trail30:42 Insights from Japan: A Stationery Adventure35:03 Upcoming Pen Shows and Events37:43 The Importance of Analog Writing38:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

In this first episode of season 2, Derek DeWeese speaks with Nick Dominguez about his experiences in the stationery world, particularly focusing on his trips to Japan where he discovered exclusive stationery items. They discuss the evolution of Nick's stationery hobby, travel tips for enthusiasts, preferences in inks and paper, and his collaboration with the Gentleman Stationer. The conversation also delves into the excitement of shopping in Japan, the importance of store exclusives, and the emerging trend of Sailor's steel nibs.Show Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/nicolaudominguez/https://www.instagram.com/gentlemanstationer/https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/curated-desk-and-reading?category=Rickshaw+Bagworkshttps://www.rickshawbags.comTakeawaysNick's journey into stationery began in 2020.Traveling to Japan is a must for stationery enthusiasts.Having a loose itinerary allows for spontaneous discoveries.Nagasawa is a top stationery store in Japan.Store exclusives serve as great souvenirs.Sailor's steel nibs are impressively smooth.Rickshaw bags are highly regarded for their quality.Inks can be overwhelming; focus on exclusives helps.Traveling with family can balance stationery shopping with cultural experiences.The Fillmore model is a favorite among many stationery lovers.

In this final episode of Season One, Derek Deweese reflects on the journey of the podcast, discussing the evolution of the show, the guests featured, and the insights gained from each episode. He shares his personal experiences with stationery, including his favorite pens, inks, and papers, and highlights the importance of community engagement in the stationery world. As he looks forward to Season Two, Derek invites feedback and suggestions from listeners to enhance future episodes.Show Linkshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwFAC_8KRdr4AnR1IhPION7BN-fQvIF7Ehttps://youtu.be/PRGOvPd-m4whttps://youtu.be/UNym0r0hzU4https://youtu.be/vK1cLWwEF2ohttps://youtu.be/dwKfK8bFx6ohttps://youtu.be/LzR-5SwfXgwhttps://youtu.be/iXo0DN1MkBshttps://youtu.be/QUNFyzVwWXQhttps://youtu.be/AH5MKweOrfwhttps://youtu.be/9abdQsq4SQghttps://youtu.be/7xs00EB5dPkhttps://youtu.be/9yHn8p5Fatshttps://youtu.be/7QeiA5dluuchttps://youtu.be/KRu7jiy87KAhttps://youtu.be/5ibyTw-hdP4https://youtu.be/ysbZ8iLDv3Ihttps://youtu.be/QSxJQCEjOKYhttps://youtu.be/RAmB5EvsdJIhttps://youtu.be/cZQJLEFgjyohttps://youtu.be/aSuII-8lttwTakeawaysThis is the last episode of season one.Plans to continue the show for a long time.Dabbling with various inks has been enjoyable.Developing a better paper palette is essential.Favorite stationery item is a book weight.Showcasing guests has been a rewarding experience.Community engagement is vital in the stationery world.Personal journey in stationery has evolved significantly.Looking forward to more pen shows and recordings.Encouraging feedback for future episodes is important.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the DWRD NetStationary Feed00:00 Introduction to the DWRD Net Stationery Feed00:09 Reflecting on Season One07:29 Guest Highlights and Episode Recaps23:44 Personal Journey and Future Plans26:16 What's Next for the DWRDNET Stationery Feed

In this engaging conversation, Azizah of Gourmet Pens shares her journey in the stationery world, discussing her extensive experience with fountain pens, inks, and papers. She highlights her passion for creating inky messes and her love for collaboration with various pen makers. Azizah also reflects on the impact of social media on the pen community, the importance of fostering connections, and her ongoing projects, including classes and upcoming collaborations. The discussion emphasizes the joy of using stationery and the supportive nature of the pen community.Show Linkshttp://www.gourmetpens.comhttps://gourmetpensshop.comhttps://www.gourmetpensclub.comhttps://www.instagram.com/gourmetpens/https://www.youtube.com/gourmetpenshttps://www.patreon.com/gourmetpenshttps://penworld.comhttps://gourmetpensshop.com/products/dc-pen-show-2025-casual-broad-edge-calligraphyhttps://gourmetpensshop.com/products/dc-pen-show-2025-inky-messesTakeawaysAzizah is known for her inky messes and passion for fountain pens.She has between 80 to 120 pens inked at any given time.Eyedroppering pens helps keep ink fresh and ready to use.Her favorite pen setup is the Opus 88 with a Pilot Parallel nib.She has a reasonable collection of about 150 inks.Tomoe River paper is her top choice for writing.Azizah encourages people to embrace inky messes and creativity.She values the supportive nature of the pen community.Azizah aims to create a welcoming environment for all stationery enthusiasts.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Azizah and Gourmet Pens01:06 Inked Pens and Creative Process03:37 Favorite Pens and Opus 8808:46 Ink Preferences and Selection15:15 Paper Preferences and Recommendations22:16 Stationery Adjacent Items and Organization23:33 Organizing the Chaos of Fountain Pens26:03 The Allure of Collectible Stationery27:00 The Birth of Gourmet Pens28:59 The Impact of Social Media on Stationery36:56 Collaborations and Creative Journeys46:12 The Supportive Community of Pen Makers48:01 Writing for Pin World Magazine51:49 The Evolution of Podcasting in the Pen Community56:11 Upcoming Collaborations and Classes59:58 Future Plans for Gourmet Pens

In this episode, Luke Wiechman from Papa J Studio shares his journey into the world of pen making, discussing the inspiration behind his floral finials and the innovative use of 3D printing in his designs. He reflects on the importance of community and collaboration within the pen-making industry, as well as his future plans for new products and collaborations.Show Linkshttps://www.papajstudio.comhttps://www.instagram.com/papajstudio/https://www.tristarstudio.comhttps://www.instagram.com/darailpenz/https://www.instagram.com/robspenworks/https://www.pensbypasquale.comhttps://www.instagram.com/urushi.notes/https://www.instagram.com/sey_urushipen/PapaJ Studio Instagram Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/reel/DJHA_Ozufje/https://www.instagram.com/p/C5eGBkkr_Ov/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6pNnshPu_E/https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7h10ApvJj2/https://www.instagram.com/p/DB7KQLAPZ0i/https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHgk7IQJLy5/https://www.instagram.com/p/DHi66oMu8S5/https://www.instagram.com/p/DGdc-0jJfx_/https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEz_n9VpneW/https://www.instagram.com/p/DDVHCzjy2kz/https://www.instagram.com/reel/C900ztjv_zd/TakeawaysPapa J Studio is named in honor of Luke's father-in-law, Jerry.Luke's journey into pen making began with woodworking and a family connection.The floral finials are a unique selling point for Papa J Studio pens.Collaboration with other makers is a key aspect of the pen-making community.3D printing has significantly enhanced the design and production process for Luke.Luke emphasizes the importance of creativity and originality in pen making.The floral body pens require extensive time and skill to produce.Luke plans to introduce a pocket pen and floral roll stops in the future.Community support has been crucial for Luke's growth as a maker.Luke's wife, Kristina, plays a vital role in the design of floral finials.

In this episode, Logan Merrill from Little Hollow Customs shares his journey into the world of pen making, discussing his creative process, the technology he employs, and the community of makers he engages with. He highlights the importance of functional art, the evolution of his pen designs, and the impact of 3D printing on his work. Logan also shares insights into his future projects and innovations in the pen-making space.Show Linkshttps://littlehollowcustoms.comhttps://www.instagram.com/littlehollowcustoms/https://www.carolinapencompany.com/https://www.instagram.com/mikes_metalworking/https://papajstudio.comTakeawaysLogan Merrill is an outside-of-the-box thinker who enjoys functional art.He started making pens as a challenge after moving and setting up a new workshop.Logan's first fountain pen was made in May 2023, a year after he began with kits.He emphasizes the importance of repeatability in pen design for customer satisfaction.The CNC machine has significantly improved his production capabilities and safety in the workshop.Logan's 3D printing experience predates his pen-making journey and has become a valuable asset.He created a folding pen stand to save space at pen shows, which has gained popularity among other makers.Logan is experimenting with hybrid pens that combine metal and resin for better balance and usability.He is exploring new materials like gem bronze and Shibuichi for his pen designs.Logan's future projects include a rollerball option for his pens, expanding their versatility.

In this episode, Matthew Chen, a renowned nib grinder, shares his journey into the world of fountain pens and nib grinding. He discusses his early experiences with pens, the evolution of his craft, and the unique techniques he learned from masters like Nagahara. Matthew also delves into his passion for photography, the quirky trend of placing pens in food, and the busy life of a nib grinder attending numerous pen shows. He emphasizes the importance of customer interaction and the personalized service he offers, including mail-in nib services.Show Linkshttps://www.mattsnibworks.comhttps://www.instagram.com/pactagon/TakeawaysMatthew Chen is a nib grinder known for his specialty grinds.He started using fountain pens in 2015 and quickly became interested in nib work.Matthew learned from nib grinding masters, including Nagahara.He enjoys photography and often captures moments at pen shows.The trend of placing pens in food started as a humorous meme.Matthew travels extensively for pen shows, attending around 20 events a year.He emphasizes the importance of customer interaction at shows.Mail-in nib services are available for those unable to attend shows.Matthew prefers a steady and manageable business approach.He values continuous improvement in his craft.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Matthew Chen and His Work12:01 The Journey into Nib Grinding23:47 Understanding Nib Grinds and Customer Experience24:13 Understanding Nib Grinds and Writing Styles26:38 Choosing the Right Nib Size for Grinds29:28 Nib Quality and Tuning Challenges32:09 The Art of Photography and Nib Grinding37:25 The Trend of Pens in Food39:14 Matthew's Busy Pen Show Schedule43:58 Future Plans for Matthew's Nibworks

In this episode, Carola, known as FromCarola on social media, shares her journey as a fountain pen enthusiast and artist. She discusses her love for fountain pens, the inks she uses, and her creative process involving watercolor and abstract art. Carola also talks about her transition to live streaming on Twitch, where she engages with a community of fellow stationery lovers. Additionally, she shares her experiences teaching workshops and her aspirations for the future, emphasizing the importance of creativity and community in her life.Show Linkshttps://liliandbella.com/https://www.instagram.com/fromcarola/https://www.youtube.com/@FromCarolahttps://www.twitch.tv/fromcarolahttps://sanfranciscopenshow.com/classes/https://blog.tombowusa.com/author/carola/https://www.tombowusa.com/watercolor-florals-stamp-card-workshop.htmlTakeawaysCarola enjoys sharing her process of using fountain pen inks and watercolor paints.She keeps around 12 to 15 fountain pens inked at a time.Her grail pen is the Pilot Namiki Makie Milky Way fountain pen.Carola experiments with different inks based on her mood and the season.Tomoe River paper is her go-to for writing.She loves using pen rests and trays to display her pens.Carola dove into the fountain pen hobby during the pandemic.She finds joy in teaching others about art and creativity.Twitch allows for real-time interaction with her audience.Carola is open to future opportunities in the stationery community.

In this episode, Lisa Marie of Pourly Controlled shares her journey from a stationery enthusiast to a blank maker. She discusses her love for pens, inks, and the creative process behind her unique blanks. Lisa reflects on the supportive community within the stationery world and her aspirations for the future, including attending pen shows and possibly creating her own pens.Show Linkshttps://www.pourlycontrolled.comhttps://www.instagram.com/pourlycontrolled/https://www.instagram.com/zodiacpencompanyhttps://www.instagram.com/karynalovestoplanhttps://www.instagram.com/starrynightresinshttps://www.instagram.com/hinzepenhttps://www.instagram.com/pens_and_sprezzahttps://www.instagram.com/orlandopenshowhttps://www.instagram.com/atlantapenshowhttps://www.instagram.com/oliveoctopus.inkhttps://www.instagram.com/maverick.penshttps://www.instagram.com/hellotellostudioTakeawaysLisa Marie's passion for stationery began in childhood.She transitioned from using pens to creating her own blanks.The name 'Pourly Controlled' was a playful creation with her husband.Lisa emphasizes the importance of community in the stationery world.She draws inspiration from childhood memories and nature for her blanks.Lisa's perfectionism sometimes leads to discarding her own work.She aims to create unique and innovative pen blanks.The emotional connection to her creations is significant for Lisa.Lisa plans to attend more pen shows to connect with the community.She aspires to eventually create her own pens from her blanks.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Poorly Controlled07:00 The Journey into Stationery and Pen Making13:34 The Name Behind Poorly Controlled17:19 Future Aspirations in Pen Making21:50 Creative Inspirations and Naming Blanks24:05 The Journey of Finding the Right Pen27:35 Signature Style in Resin Blanks30:40 The Emotional Connection to Blanks34:49 The Art of Experimentation and Happy Accidents38:00 Future Aspirations for Poorly Controlled

In this episode, Derek Deweese interviews Ana from The Well-Appointed Desk, exploring her journey in the stationery world, her passion for fountain pens, inks, and papers, and the evolution of her blog into a thriving business. They discuss the importance of pen shows, the impact of tariffs on stationery products, and the vibrant community surrounding stationery enthusiasts. Ana shares insights into her ink collection, favorite stationery items, and the creative projects she undertakes, including her Patreon community and podcast.Show Linkshttps://www.wellappointeddesk.comhttps://www.wellappointeddesk.com/pen-show-schedule/https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2014/06/epic-refill-guide-rollerball-gel-and-ballpoints/https://wellappointeddesk.bigcartel.com/https://www.patreon.com/c/wellappointeddeskhttps://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?s=ink+destashhttps://youtu.be/R4NG5XDcCXQ?si=W8YnWji6ybekm_nKTakeawaysAna has a passion for fountain pens and stationery.She has streamlined her ink collection from 600 to 100 bottles.The Well-Appointed Desk started as a Tumblr blog.Ana's favorite paper is B6 Stalogy.She emphasizes the importance of supporting Tomoe River paper.Ana's Col-O-Ring project has become a staple in the stationery community.Pen shows are crucial for networking and product launches.The Patreon community offers exclusive content and a book club.Ana's podcast discusses new releases and stationery trends.Future plans include expanding product offerings despite tariff challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ana and The Well-Appointed Desk02:53 Ink and Pen Preferences05:58 The Journey of Ink Collection09:06 Exploring Ink Archiving and Art12:01 The Importance of Paper14:53 Stationery Adjacent Items17:49 The Birth of The Well-Appointed Desk21:01 The Col-O-Ring Revolution23:53 The Evolution of Ink Swatching27:07 The Col-O-Dex and Its Creation32:46 The Birth of Rolodex Cards36:28 The Evolution of Product Offerings41:10 Curating a Unique Product Line47:39 The Role of Pen Shows in Business55:34 Comparing Pen Shows and Stationery Events01:03:30 Engaging the Community through Patreon01:08:31 Future Plans for Well-Appointed Desk

In this episode, Joe C. from the Gentleman Stationer shares his journey in the stationery world, discussing his preferences for pens, inks, and paper, as well as the importance of creating a curated shopping experience. He reflects on the growth of his business, the significance of community engagement, and his future plans for the store. Joe emphasizes the joy of stationery as a hobby and the importance of providing unique products that cater to a diverse audience.Show Linkshttps://www.gentlemanstationer.comhttps://www.instagram.com/gentlemanstationer/https://www.youtube.com/@UCRWO7U4vfE1r8FjvNh3O4tw https://patreon.com/gentlemanstationerhttps://www.gentlemanstationer.com/tgs-warehouse-shop-address (Physical Nashville Store)TakeawaysJoe is an attorney by day and a stationery enthusiast by night.His grail pen is the red Lamy 2000 designed by Johnny Ive.He prefers paper that dries quickly for efficient writing.The Gentleman Stationer started as a blog and evolved into a store.Joe aims to create a curated shopping experience with unique offerings.He wants to make pen shows more accessible to a broader audience.The stationery community is shifting towards practical, everyday use items.Joe enjoys experimenting with new products and collaborations.He values feedback from the local community and online supporters.The goal is to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the Gentleman Stationer.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Joe and the Gentleman Stationer02:01 Pens and Inks: Personal Preferences04:44 The Paper Choice: What Works Best06:40 Stationery Adjacent Items: Beyond Pens and Paper11:17 The Journey of the Gentleman Stationer16:31 Curated Shopping Experience: Differentiating the Store20:55 Balancing Business and Passion23:11 Collaborations and Creative Partnerships30:32 Exploring the Stationery Community37:51 Future Plans and Community Engagement------------Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8f3UwW0iTebo52QOQIYUcA/join

In this episode, Derek Deweese interviews Jaclyn Myers, co-founder of KaleidoCraft Prints, a company specializing in 3D printed stationery products. Jaclyn shares her journey into the stationery hobby, her preferences for pens, inks, and paper, and the excitement of launching her business at the Chicago Pen Show. The conversation highlights the importance of community in the stationery world and the innovative potential of 3D printing to enhance the hobby.Show Linkshttps://www.kaleidocraft.comhttps://www.instagram.com/kaleidocraftprints/https://www.wellappointeddesk.comhttps://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2020/10/alternative-ink-tools-hits-misses/https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/06/rethinking-the-stationery-world-post-pandemic-overcoming-burnout/https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/author/jmyers/TakeawaysJaclyn Myers launched KaleidoCraft, focusing on 3D printed stationery.She has a strong preference for unique nibs and ink combinations.The match between pen and ink is crucial for her writing experience.KaleidoCraft aims to provide affordable and customizable stationery products.The Chicago Pen Show was a successful launch for KaleidoCraft.Jaclyn emphasizes the importance of community in the stationery hobby.She encourages reconnecting with the stationery community after a hiatus.KaleidoCraft plans to donate a portion of profits to charity.The company is exploring the creation of fountain pens and nib holders.Jaclyn's passion for crafting and stationery has been lifelong.

In this episode, Chad from Eel and Anchor shares his journey into the world of fountain pens, his transition from enthusiast to maker, and the story behind his brand. He discusses his role in the Arkansas Pen Club and the upcoming 2026 Pen Show, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration within the stationery world. Chad also touches on his experiences with resin pouring and the creative process behind making pen blanks.Show Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/eel_and_anchor/https://www.instagram.com/arkansaspenshow/2026 Arkansas Pen Show Hotel https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham/north-little-rock-arkansas/wyndham-riverfront-little-rock/overview?CID=LC:46q62bu8edfbx3y:17526&iata=00093796https://www.vanness1938.comhttps://www.newtonpens.comhttps://www.bokumondoh.com/TakeawaysChad is known for pouring resin blanks and making pens.He enjoys experimenting with different ink brands and colors.Chad prefers broader nibs to showcase ink characteristics.He started his pen journey by writing a D&D campaign by hand.Chad's interest in resin pouring began with making dice for friends.He values community and enjoys sharing his pen collection with others.Chad's brand name, Eel and Anchor, has a personal backstory.He aims to improve the Arkansas Pen Show experience for attendees.Chad is open to helping newcomers in the pen community.He believes in the importance of creative outlets and hobbies.

SummaryIn this episode, Derek Deweese interviews Erick Gama, the founder of Amarillo Stationery, discussing his journey in the stationery world, his love for pens and inks, and the unique offerings of his business. They explore topics such as ink preferences, paper choices, the importance of branding, and the experiences at pen shows. Erick shares insights into his mascot, collaborations with other brands, and his future plans for Amarillo Stationery, emphasizing the importance of community and creativity in the stationery hobby.TakeawaysErick Gama is a passionate pen enthusiast and founder of Amarillo Stationery.He prefers inks that shade and interesting colors over standard blacks and blues.Erick's favorite stationery adjacent item is his personalized desk space.The idea for Amarillo Stationery came from a desire to represent Latin American brands in the U.S.His mascot, Mr. Amarillo, was developed to create a recognizable brand identity.Collaboration with Rickshaw Bags has helped promote his brand at pen shows.Erick's experiences at pen shows have been crucial for business growth and community engagement.He aims to expand his product line with more proprietary inks and merchandise.Erick emphasizes the importance of sharing creativity and supporting fellow makers in the stationery community.He is actively seeking to improve packaging and product offerings for better customer experience.https://www.amarillostationery.comhttps://www.instagram.com/amarillostationeryhttps://www.instagram.com/_erickgama_/https://www.youtube.com/@_erickgama_Chapters00:00 Introduction to Erick Gama and Amarillo Stationery02:57 Ink Preferences and Grail Pens05:55 Exploring Ink and Paper Choices08:50 Favorite Stationery Adjacent Items11:53 The Birth of Amarillo Stationery14:59 Mascots and Branding17:58 Rickshaw Collaboration and Visibility20:56 Pen Shows and Business Growth28:38 Traveling with Supplies30:09 Future Growth and Store Collaborations32:42 Creative Packaging and Design34:31 Discovering Latin American Makers36:40 Sharing and Community in Stationery38:48 Personalizing the Stationery Experience41:45 Upcoming Product Collaborations46:04 Identifying Underrepresented Products52:17 Future Plans for Amarillo Stationery

In this episode, Shawn Newton shares his journey from being an art teacher to becoming a successful fountain pen maker. He discusses his passion for pen making, the supportive pen community, and the importance of mentorship. Shawn also highlights his scholarship program aimed at helping students pursue their education, and how his family has become involved in his business. The conversation touches on the evolution of Newton Pens, the challenges of the pen-making industry, and the joy of connecting with fellow pen enthusiasts at shows.Show Linkshttps://www.newtonpens.comhttps://newtonpens.storehttps://www.instagram.com/newtonpensScholarship Auctions on Ebay. https://www.ebay.com/usr/snennewtonhttps://newtonpens.com/newton-pens-scholarships/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@NewtonPens⁩  https://www.vanness1938.comTakeawaysShawn Newton transitioned from teaching art to making fountain pens.He started making pens in 2012 after a passion for writing instruments.The pen community is supportive and encourages mentorship among makers.Shawn's scholarship program helps students pursue their education.He collaborates with family members in his pen-making business.Shawn aims to simplify his product offerings for better customer experience.He emphasizes the importance of community and connections at pen shows.Shawn's journey reflects the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.He values the feedback from customers to improve his products.The pen community is unique in its appreciation for quality and craftsmanship.------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Shawn Newton and His Journey10:58 The Evolution of Newton Pens21:53 The Pen Community and Mentorship23:50 Recognizable Designs and Industry Impact26:03 The Unique World of Pen Shows31:05 Simplifying the Product Line36:23 The Scholarship Program: Giving Back46:25 Innovations in Pen Accessories51:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of Newton Pens

In this episode, Derek Deweese interviews Lisa, known as Olive Octopus, about her passion for ink and stationery. They discuss Lisa's journey into the world of ink swatching, her preferences for different inks and papers, and her experiences in the stationery community. Lisa shares her techniques for swatching inks, the importance of using the right tools, and her involvement in streaming and community engagement. The conversation also highlights the Ink Pony Club, a creative initiative that encourages others to explore their artistic side with inks.ShowLinkshttps://oliveoctopus.inkhttps://www.instagram.com/oliveoctopus.ink/https://www.twitch.tv/oliveoctopusinkhttp://inkpony.club/https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/users/12951https://www.penaddict.comhttps://www.relay.fmhttps://www.gentlemanstationer.comhttps://www.butlerstationery.comhttps://www.gatheringofcuriosities.comLinks from LisaPainting with Inkshttps://oliveoctopus.ink/inkarchivingbook.htmSwatch Toolshttps://oliveoctopus.ink/swatchtools.htmRSS:https://oliveoctopus.ink/rss.xmlThis is where I share the RSS/link sharing from TGS, WAD, TPA on my sitehttps://oliveoctopus.ink/resources.htm#linklistsTakeawaysLisa is passionate about exploring fountain pens, papers, and inks.She has a library of TWSBI pens in various colors.Her grail pen would be an Irushi style pen.Lisa balances using favorite inks with trying new ones.She enjoys a variety of papers for different writing tasks.Lisa's favorite stationery adjacent item is her Rickshaw bag.She started ink swatching after discovering the Pen Addict podcast.Lisa streams her ink swatching process on Twitch.The Ink Pony Club encourages creativity and community engagement.Lisa aims to share her love for inks and art with others.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ink and Stationery Enthusiasm12:25 Diving into Ink Swatching Techniques36:54 Exploring Ink Properties and Paper Interactions43:22 The Art of Streaming and Community Engagement52:36 The Birth of the Ink Pony Club01:01:32 Future Plans and Community Involvement

In this episode, Derek Deweese interviews Nic Pasquale, the owner of Pens by Pasquale, discussing his journey into pen making, his preferences for inks and papers, and the importance of community in the stationery world. Nic shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his business, and his plans for future innovations. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of making custom pens, as well as the collaborative spirit among pen makers.Show Linkshttps://pensbypasquale.comhttps://www.instagram.com/pensbypasquale/https://hinzepens.comhttps://www.hooligan-georgia.comhttps://www.gentlemanstationer.comhttps://www.butlerstationery.comhttp://www.gourmetpens.comNic started making pens in 2018 or 2019.He initially got into pen making due to his interest in high-end pocket knives.Nic's shop is located in his basement in Columbia, TN.He typically keeps 10 to 12 pens inked at any given time.His favorite inks are from the Pilot Iroshizuku series.Nic enjoys leather goods and has tried making leather pen sleeves.He transitioned from kit pens to custom designs as his skills improved.Internal polishing is a specialty that sets his pens apart.Community support among pen makers is strong and collaborative.Nic plans to expand his offerings and possibly participate in pen shows.