On The Paper Trail...

Since we are once again back “on the trail,” - attending two pen shows in Japan! - we thought it would be fun to talk about pen and stationery shows. Topics include how we prepare for shows as both vendors and attendees, the differences between pen shows and stationery shows/fests, and our own personal tips on how to plan for a show in advance to maximize your experience.While we do our best to describe items we are talking about for our audio listeners, you can also view the companion YouTube series. Show Notes and LinksTWSBI ECO Pink Lemonade + Bronze Fountain Pens Sticky Notes and TabsTRAVELER'S NotebooksKakimori Glass NibsIshimaru Color Bar Ink Jacquard Pencil Pouches T.G.S. Pen Show Primer Guide

This week we discuss Pen, Paper, & Ink Problems, and the different terms commonly used in the stationery world to describe these issues. We specifically focus on problems with ink flow in fountain pens such as skipping, hard-starting, and railroading, as well as paper bleed through and show through. We also recap our recent "On The Paper Trail Live in Nashville Event". A huge thanks to all of you who turned out, and it was wonderful to see so many faces in person! While we make every effort to be descriptive for our audio-only listeners, you may wish to view the companion YouTube channel as well. Show Notes and LinksOn The Paper Trail Live in Nashville RecapPilot Juice Up Fountain Pen Kaweco Lunar Sport RollerballsPilot Grance Fountain PenMidori Color SpiralTWSBI ECO Jade Jelly + Bronze Fountain PenKaweco Lunar Sport Fountain PensTRAVELER'S Company 2027 Dated RefillsMidori Planner TabsTri-Star Studio Custom Fountain Pens

Do you ever feel lost talking about fountain pens? Whether you're brand new to this hobby, or are a seasoned user who's simply never explored topics such as pen repair and nib customization, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the different terms and expressions people use. For this episode we thought it would be fun to talk through the different parts of the pen and a basic overview of how a fountain pen functions. Future episodes will revisit terminology and discuss things like pen problems, nib modifications, and more! We also share some last-minute details on the On The Paper Trail Live event coming up this weekend in Nashville. Please note that in this episode, we walk through the parts of a fountain pen and a fountain pen nib. While we have done our best to describe everything for audio listeners, we strongly encourage you to watch the video as well if you would like a visual demonstration. Show Notes and LinksOn The Paper Trail Live in Nashville - Advance Tickets RequiredLeonardo Momento Zero PuraseY Fountain PenPenultimate InksGentleman Stationer Store Hours and LocationVanness Pens Store Hours and Location (Fort Smith Location Opening for Fountain Pen Day!)Get caught up on previous episodes, and find more information on the main podcast informational page.

Episode 17 continues our discussion on Journaling for Mental Health! September is National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness month, so for these two most recent episodes we have been discussing a topic important to both of us: journaling for mental health and self-care. Part II dives into less traditional journaling techniques that we have both experimented with in the past, including creative practices such as doodling and ink swatching, quote collecting, handwriting practice, sticker journaling, and more. Disclaimer: Our discussion here is highly personal and specific to us and our own individual situations. Journaling is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you need help, or feel that you need to talk to someone, we strongly encourage you to speak with a mental health treatment professional. Show Notes and LinksNational Suicide Prevention MonthOn The Paper Trail Live in Nashville (October 16-18)New Gentleman Stationer StorefrontT.G.S. x Tono & Lims Exclusive InksPilot Frixion WaaiPilot Custom 845 Vermillion Urushi Fountain PenLamy 2000 Fountain PenPilot Juice UpDavinci Raymay 6-Ring RefillsWearingeul Thumbelina InkLisa's New StickersKaleidocraft PrintsGet caught up on previous episodes, and find more information on the main podcast informational page.

September is National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month, so for Episode 16 we decided to talk about a topic that's close to both of us: Journaling for mental health and techniques we both find helpful for self care. Part I discusses our own techniques, and Part II will discuss additional journaling techniques that we may not use all the time but have tried in the past and break out periodically. Of course, we also make time to discuss the recent San Francisco Pen Show, new shop arrivals, and upcoming events!Disclaimer: Our discussion here is highly personal and specific to us and our own individual situations. Journaling is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you need help, or feel that you need to talk to someone, we strongly encourage you to speak with a mental health professional. Show Notes and LinksNational Suicide Prevention MonthPilot S20 BallpointKuru Toga Wood Mechanical PencilMark'Style Tous Les Jours Ballpoint PenMidori PlannersVinta InkPennoniaRoterfaden RestockSchon DSGN Lil' DipperArt of Creation Panel DiscussionDallas Pen ShowOn The Paper Trail Live in NashvilleGet caught up on previous episodes, and find more information on the main podcast informational page.