Pen Boutique Blog - Thoughts, expressions and news about pen world!: March 2015

Monday, March 30, 2015

Celebrating Pencil Day..

Pencil is the basic stationery that everyone has. For a writing instrument with a history that dates back to the time of human civilization, it still remains as humble as it used to be and does its purposeful work. It is only fitting that there is a day dedicated to it. Yes, 30th March has been dubbed Pencil Day and the date wasn’t chosen randomly.

Some 157 years ago, on 30th March, Hymen Lipman received the first US patent for his “pencil with attached eraser” invention. While this pencil was different from the pencil-with-eraser we know today, it did pave the path for today’s pencil. Just imagine a writing-time where you have to hold on to a separate eraser all the time. Exactly! It doesn’t sound very convenient. Hence, thank you Mr. Lipman and Happy Pencil Day to you all.

How to celebrate Pencil Day?

• When was the last time you drew a cartoon or doodled or something? Well, today is the day you should take it up again and get in touch with your creative side.
• Write. Anything. Just let your brain to stimulate and enhance by writing. Start a journal today.
• Finish a crossword puzzle/Sudoku or Find the Way or Join the Dots on your morning paper.

Message in a Bottle:Water-proof Ink

A Message in a Bottle is a form of communication whereby a message is sealed in a container (archetypically a glass bottle, but could be any medium, as long as it floats and remains waterproof) and released into the sea or ocean. Among other purposes they are used for scientific studies of ocean currents.

Ever since humans have had the "vessel" for a letter, the ability to write and the time to do it messages have been dropped into the sea. Messages inside of bottles have been floated over a long period of time by a variety of people, for a variety of reasons. The earliest known sender recorded was the Greek philosopher Theophrastus who, in around 310 B.C., threw sealed bottles into the Mediterranean to prove that the inland body of water was formed by the inflow of the Atlantic.
On his return to Spain following his first voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus's ship entered a severe storm. Columbus threw a report of his discovery along with a note asking it to be passed on to the Queen of Spain, in a sealed cask into the sea, hoping the news would make it back even if he did not survive. In fact, Columbus survived and the sealed report was never found, or at least, its discovery never reported.

Queen Elizabeth I of England in the 16th Century used bottles to carry intelligence reports. Messages in bottles have been chronicled for centuries and include some of the most famous names in history. For example, Ben Franklin, used message-carrying bottles to compile a basic knowledge of East Coast currents in the mid-1700's, and to this day is still used by the U.S. Navy.

According to Guinness World Records, the oldest message in a bottle spent 92 years 229 days at sea. A bottom drift bottle, numbered 423B, was released at 60° 50'N 00° 38'W (about halfway between Aberdeen, Scotland and the coast of Denmark) on April 25, 1914 and recovered by fisherman Mark Anderson of Bixter, Shetland, UK, on December 10, 2006.

Today the romantic notion of casting a Message in a Bottle is still alive. Contemporary culture has spawned a popular song by the Police, a book by Nichols Sparks and a companion movie to the best seller. Even Message in a Bottle pre-made kits are now available for purchase.

If you are am island castaway, or you just want to enjoy this time honored tradition, using waterproof ink is your best bet for this endeavor. It is a form of ink that can be used in various pens and is intended to not be water-soluble and therefore not run or be ruined by exposure to water. Pen Boutique carries a wide variety of waterproof ink to be used in your own Message in a Bottle!

Question: What is the most popular waterproof ink?

Answer: Noodler's Black

Noodler's:

#41 Brown: http://www.penboutique.com/p-11896-noodlers-ink-41-brown-ink-bottle-refill-original.aspx

Bad Belted Kingfisher: http://www.penboutique.com/p-11895-noodlers-ink-bad-belted-kingfisher-ink-bottle-refill-original.aspx

Bad Black Moccasin: http://www.penboutique.com/p-11894-noodlers-ink-bad-black-moccasin-ink-bottle-refill-original.aspx

Bad Blue Heron: http://www.penboutique.com/p-11893-noodlers-ink-bad-blue-heron-ink-bottle-refill-original.aspx

Lexington Gray: http://www.penboutique.com/p-11904-noodlers-ink-lexington-gray-ink-bottle-refill-original.aspx

Luxury Blue: http://www.penboutique.com/p-14451-noodlers-ink-luxury-blue-1oz-eternal-ink-bottle-refill.aspx

Bad Green Gator: http://www.penboutique.com/p-11897-noodlers-ink-bad-green-gator-ink-bottle-refill-original.aspx

Pen and Ink Drawings

In fine art, the term 'pen and ink' denotes a drawing technique involving the use of black and other colored inks which are applied to a support (generally paper) with either a dip pen or a reservoir pen. This traditional, versatile media has been used by Western artists since ancient-Egyptian times, for sketches, finished drawings or ink and wash paintings. It is also one of the main mediums involved in book illustration.

The development of ink truly revolutionized human life. Long before Gutenberg simplified the printing process, ancient cultures in Egypt, Greece and Asia used ink for creating handwritten manuscripts, religious and political documents and works of art. Ink provided people with a permanent means to keep records, create manuscripts and document the world around them. Ink as a sophisticated artistic medium developed sometime between the 7th and 8th centuries in China, where a range of subjects, from religion, history and daily life, were illustrated using brushes fashioned from animal hair and feathers. Applied to scrolls of paper or sheets of silk, these detailed works of art were forerunners to the approaching development of pen and ink drawings.

By the Renaissance, new tools were developed to enhance the precision and detail afforded by ink, such as wooden styluses and sharpened metal shards. Because of its permanence, ink drawings demanded practice and perfection. For this reason, many artists used this medium for their studies. Leonard Da Vinci created many detailed studies of human anatomy, mechanical inventions, as well as figure drawings, which exemplify the range of results possible with fine ink drawing. Ink was also used with other media, such as pencil, graphite, watercolor and chalks, and soon washes and highlighting techniques developed, providing additional effects to ink drawings, whether quick sketches or elaborate compositions.

Ink has been used for centuries to create meticulous compositions. In addition, realistic diagrams of the anatomy helped early doctors in the study of the human body. The printing of books advanced literacy and promoted language arts. As an artistic medium used by masters, such as Rafael, Rembrandt and Picasso, ink is a versatile medium that provides a permanent record of an artistic statement.

Question: How many “Pen and Ink” drawings did Leonardo Da Vinci create?

Answer: Leonardo composed a minimum of 4,000 “Pen and Ink” drawings.

Wedding Invitations Calligraphy

From your invitation envelopes to your favor tags, handwritten calligraphy will give your wedding paper a luxurious, elegant look.

Calligraphy for wedding invitations has been used and adored throughout history. There is much projection that goes into finding the proper sort of calligraphy one desires for wedding invitations. For example, did you know that there are many types of calligraphy that one can employ? Many are familiar with the flowing italic sort of calligraphy which is somewhat constant these days. People do create a life out of this particular art, they are able to deliver on their promise to leave you feeling spellbound.

Calligraphy for wedding invitations is surely one of the primary things you need to think of when you are forecasting a wedding.

Calligraphy is not only fun; it's a deeply spiritual art that may transform your outlook on everything you do and see. By incorporating calligraphy into your wedding presentation you can send a message of tradition and elegance combined with a personal and artistic touch.

Writer Quotes

“Caesar had perished from the world of men, had not his sword been rescued by his pen.” - Henry Vaughan

“You want to be a writer, don't know how or when? Find a quiet place, use a humble pen.” - Paul Simon

“Putting pen to paper lights more fires than matches ever will!” - Malcolm Forbes

“To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the inner music the words make.” - Truman Capote

“But words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew, upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think...” - Lord Byron

History of Demonstrator Pens: Featuring Pelikan Special Edition M805

Demonstrator pens, also known as skeleton pens, were originally furnished by manufacturers to dealers, so that the features of their products could be shown to potential buyers. Sales reps from the classic era would not have called on a customer without a couple of these demonstrators in his sample case; they would use them to show dealers the latest tricks for keeping ink inside a pen. Today, many collectors seek out these rare old demonstrators.

The first demonstrators had openings cut in their barrels, and usually, their caps. These would typically allow direct viewing of the filling mechanism and the section-inner cap junction, respectively. The first transparent demonstrator pens were probably Parker's Bakelite-barreled eyedropper-fillers, which were soon made a regular production model. Parker and Sheaffer both made fully transparent versions of their best-selling Duofold and Balance models in the early 1930s. Other demonstrators were only partially transparent, the transparency highlighting the pen's special features.

The demonstrator is still with us today, although it is no longer just a sales tool; demonstrators are offered to the buying public as "special editions" of established pen lines. For example, Aurora recently offered a completely transparent version of its venerable 88, while the translucent Pelikan 200 would also have to count as a demonstrator of sorts (although its colors are a bit too dark perhaps for true demonstrator status). Lamy also offers a demonstrator in its Vista variant of the economy-priced Safari. Omas has also offered numerous see-thru pens. There are plenty of other examples to be found among modern luxury pen manufacturers.

In recent years, transparent fountain pens have become very popular. In contrast to demonstrators past, which were made in very limited numbers and not sold to the public, these pens are regular production items, though sometimes made as limited editions. This trend may be traced back to Pelikan's transparent green M800 and transparent blue Blue Ocean M800 of 1992.

To that end, currently the most popular demonstrator brand, Pelikan, announces a new special edition, the Pelikan Souveran M805 Demonstrator Fountain Pen. Pelikan launched the Demonstrator in 2008 with transparent barrel to show how the piston mechanism works. With the huge success of the series, Pelikan re-launches the writing instrument in size 805. Featured with palladium plated trimmings and 18k gold nib covered with rhodium, the writing instrument can been held snugly in palm of hand and experience effortless writing. It is available in different nib sizes.

Pelikan M805:
SE Demo:http://www.penboutique.com/pelikan-souveran-special-edition-m805-demonstrator-fountain-pen-with-engraving-medium.html

SE w/markings: http://www.penboutique.com/pelikan-souveran-m805-stresemann-fountain-pen-207.html

Cross Pens Special Purchase for Graduations

The graduation season is almost here! A pen is a traditional present that signifies success and future professionalism. Pens make for the best graduation gifts for high school, college, graduate school, trade school or military school. Pens have been known to bridge the style gap between “old fashioned” and “stylish.” Even the most paperless adherent graduate can use a good pen to prop up on their desk, a pen/stylus to interface with paper and technology as well as a life style statement of a proud status. The most popular graduation brand pen by far is Cross. For more than 150 years successful academic, medical, business and more have launched their careers with a reliable Cross fine writing instrument.

A.T. Cross (or Cross for short) was founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1846 by Richard Cross. Though the Cross family were traditionally jewelers, Richard Cross was a superb pen and pencil maker who passed all of his knowledge to his son, Alonzo T. Cross. In 1916, the Cross family sold the company to an employee, Walter R. Boss, who transformed it into the world-wide success it is today. For more than 165 years, A.T. Cross has re-invented writing instruments by combining design ingenuity with jewelry-quality craftsmanship. As America's first manufacturer of quality fine pens, they have continued to make pens people will use, depend on and enjoy for years to come.
For a limited time Pen Boutique is offering special purchase prices on these select Cross pens. Get a jump start on your graduation present list. Don’t forget to inquire about our customized engraving!

36%-50% OFF!!!

Classic Century Satin Black w/ CT BP: http://www.penboutique.com/cross-century-ii-classic-satin-black-ballpoint-pen.html

Click Slim Satin Red: http://www.penboutique.com/p-14441-cross-click-slim-satin-red-gel-ink-pen.aspx

Mahogany Desk Set-Single Pen: http://www.penboutique.com/search?q=cross+mahogany

Classic Century Satin Chrome MP: http://www.penboutique.com/cross-classic-century-satin-black-pencil-0-7-mm.html

Friday, March 27, 2015

Earth Hour – Time to Save the Planet

When the first light-off took place in Sydney, Australia in 2007, no one could have believed that this WWF (World Wildlife Federation) sponsored movement against global warming will go global. The next year, Earth Hour had become a worldwide observation with more than 50 million people from 35 countries taking part in it. What it involved was darkness. Earth Hour is a movement wherein willing participants switch off lights and electrical appliances for an hour, starting at 8:30 pm local time, on 28 March every year. The event’s main aim is to support strategies and bring legislation changes that will keep global warming at bay and stop climate change; all this through the power of crowd and unity.

Last year, the participation number shot up to 7,000 cities in 152 countries. The Hour sees support via participation from major landmarks around the world, such as the Great Pyramids, the Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, Toronto’s CN Tower and the Las Vegas Strip, to name a few. Even Google homepage went “dark” for an hour, switching from the usual white background to black, to symbolically show support to Earth Hour. Although the event is a one-hour gig, its main propaganda goes beyond that. The idea is to inspire people to reduce everyday energy consumption by doing simple things. Here are a few things you could do to support Earth Hour throughout the year and contribute in saving the planet:

• Turn off lights, heaters and ACs in rooms, that are not being used at the moment,
• Switch to using energy-efficient CFL and LED lights,
• Turn of electrical appliances when not in use,
• Don’t use hot water unless it is winter or really cold,

Be a part of Earth Hour this year and every year on 28 March from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time. You know what to do. Spread the word. Use Your Power to save the planet.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Fountain Pen Ink Trivia

Fountain pen ink is a water-based ink intended for use with fountain pens.

Because fountain pens operate on the principle of capillary action, ink for them is almost exclusively dye-based. Pigment inks (which contain solid pigment particles in a liquid suspension) tend to clog the narrow passages of the pens. Some pigmented inks do exist for fountain pens, but these are uncommon. The ideal fountain pen ink is free-flowing, free of sediment, and non-corrosive. These qualities may be compromised in the interests of permanence, manufacturability, and in order to use some widely available dyes.

Most fountain pen manufacturers also provide a brand of ink; for example Parker sells 'Quink', '. The recent resurgence of fountain pen use has also created a market for companies that specialize in ink, such as the British company Diamine and the American company, Noodler's Ink. These manufacture ink in dozens of different colors.

Trivia Question: What is the most popular selling bottled ink?

Answer: Lamy Blue

Pen Trivia - Left Handed Writers and Nibs

Bias against left-handed people is discrimination, conscious or not, against people who are left-handed dominant. Approximately 10% of the world's population is left-handed. Yet many common tools are designed solely for use by right-handed people, making them difficult, painful, or unsafe for left-handed people to use. These range from simple objects such as scissors to dangerous machinery such as power saws. Even in relatively "modern" societies, left-handed people historically have been—and in some places still are—forced from childhood to use their right hands for tasks which they would naturally perform with the left, such as eating and writing.

Left-handed people who speak Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, or any other right-to-left script do not have the same difficulties with writing. The right-to-left nature of these languages prevents left-handers from running their hand on the ink as happens with left-to-right languages. Because writing when moving one's hand away from its side of the body can cause smudging if the outward side of the hand is allowed to drag across the writing, it is considered easier to write the Latin alphabet with the right hand than with the left. Furthermore, it is considered more difficult to write legible Chinese characters the left hand than it is to write Latin letters, though difficulty is subjective and depends on the person in question.

Left-to-right alphabets can be written smudge-free and in proper "forward slant" with the left hand if the paper is turned 1/4 turn clockwise (90 degrees to the right), and the left hand is drawn toward the body on forward strokes, and left to right on upward strokes (as expressed in directionality of the text). It is also possible to do calligraphy in this posture with the left hand, but using right-handed pen nibs. Otherwise, left-handed pen nibs are required in order to get the thick-to-thin stroke shapes correct for most type faces.

Luckily Pelikan and Lamy offer left-hand fountain pen nibs for the left-handed writer.
http://www.penboutique.com/pelikan-pens.html?cat=291
http://www.penboutique.com/search?q=pelikano+480

Pen Boutique carries many of Lamy’s left handed nibs including:
http://www.penboutique.com/lamy-pens.html?cat=215&type=435
http://www.penboutique.com/search?q=lamy+logo

Question: When was the first pen nib invented?

Answer: The first pens were reeds, bamboo, and bird feathers (quills), and quills were used extensively from the 5th through the 1st century BC, notably for the Dead Sea scrolls. By 79 AD, Romans were using metal-nib pens dipped in ink.

Monks Contributions to Calligraphy

Medieval monasteries were the refuges for book copying during the Middle Ages. The burning of the library at Alexandria in the 5th century had been a terrible blow to humanity. Countless scrolls containing scientific, philosophical, artistic and mathematical knowledge were destroyed out of ignorance. Surviving documents were rare, and were often brought to monasteries to be copied for future generations.

The Bible was certainly the most copied book of the Middle Ages. Not only was the Church interested in using these Bibles to spread its gospel throughout the land, these volumes were to be a veneration of beauty. Monks would often work in large rooms called a scriptorium, and only those working on texts would be allowed in this room.

Monks became specialists. The antiquaries were masters of calligraphy. Rubricatores illuminated the large initials at the beginning of a page while miniatores illustrated the margins. Monks called illuminators painted intricate designs and biblical scenes on pages, to supplement the text. One of the most famous of these, the Book of Kells, was written around 800 a.d. and can still be seen in the library at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

Some monks made tremendous strides in changing the acceptance of non-biblical writing. Thomas Aquinas rattled the foundations of the Church when, instead of denouncing early Greek thinkers, he read ancient texts to reconcile their philosophies with Christianity. The illuminations also went against the convention of "never paint a picture of Christ." These illustrated scenes became masterpieces, and aided in the peasants' understanding of biblical stories.

Woman Writer Quotes

“Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery.” - Jane Austen

“The strokes of the pen need deliberation as much as the sword needs swiftness.” - Julia Ward Howe

“Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in her works.” - Virginia Woolf

“The one ironclad rule is that I have to try. I have to walk into my writing room and pick up my
pen every weekday morning.” - Anne Tyler

“In a mood of faith and hope my work goes on. A ream of fresh paper lies on my desk waiting for the next book. I am a writer and I take up my pen to write.” - Pearl S. Buck

Monterverde Inspired by Regatta

A regatta is a series of boat races. The term typically describes racing events of rowed or sailed water craft, although some powerboat race series are also called regattas. A regatta often includes social and promotional activities which surround the racing event, and except in the case of boat type (or "class") championships, is usually named for the town or venue where the event takes place.

Although regattas are typically amateur competitions, they are usually formally structured events, with comprehensive rules describing the schedule and procedures of the event. Regattas may be organized as championships for a particular area or type of boat, but are often held just for the joy of competition, camaraderie, and general promotion of the sport.

North America’s oldest regatta is the Royal St. John’s Regatta in St. John’s, Newfoundland every year since 1826.

The Monteverde Regatta Sport Fountain Pen - Supreme Writing Performance! Regatta Sport Design completely echoes hi tech spirit through the pen featuring stealthy matte black trim and genuine carbon fiber bands between segments of boldly handcrafted resin rings.

Magnetic enclosure makes it faster and efficient. Fountain Pens are available in four different sizes: fine, medium, broad and stub.

http://www.penboutique.com/monteverde-regatta-sport-fountain-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/monteverde-regatta-sport-red-fountain-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/monteverde-regatta-rose-gold-limited-edition-fountain-pen.html

The Monteverde Regatta Limited Edition Fountain Pen - Rose Gold. Celebrating 10 years of the popular Regatta Sport collection, the new Regatta Limited Edition features rich rose gold in an outstanding combination with the familiar Regatta Sport design of polished carbon fiber.

http://www.penboutique.com/monteverde-regatta-rose-gold-limited-edition-fountain-pen.html

Music, Inspiration and Writing

Listening to music, while writing, has always provided an inspired backdrop. Writing with a musical related fine writing instrument will also motivate one to pen creative works.

Four young lads from Liverpool set the music world on its ear starting in the sixties. Their influence and collectability of all things Beatles related merchandise still stands strong to this day, over fifty years later. For the true Beatles fan Acme offers an array of wonderful choices of roller balls depicting the Fab Four from various periods of their esteemed career.

The Beatles

http://www.penboutique.com/p-13950-acme-the-beatles-1963-rollerball-pen.aspx
http://www.penboutique.com/p-14009-acme-the-beatles-1965-rollerball-pen.aspx
http://www.penboutique.com/p-14008-acme-the-beatles-1966-rollerball-pen.aspx
http://www.penboutique.com/p-14007-acme-the-beatles-1967-rollerball-pen.aspx
http://www.penboutique.com/p-14006-acme-the-beatles-1968-rollerball-pen.aspx
http://www.penboutique.com/p-14004-acme-the-beatles-1969-rollerball-pen.aspx
http://www.penboutique.com/p-8088-acme-rod-dyer-beatles-pen-with-interchangeable-rollerball-fountain-pen-set.aspx

Pink Floyd’s masterpiece “Dark Side of the Moon” had mammoth long-running sales, with its years charting success. The album showcased the talents of the group’s diversity and inventiveness.

Did you know that there is an actual Pink Floyd writing font? The font is based on the cover writing of the band’s famous groundbreaking work “The Wall.” What better way to test this alphabet than with the limited edition of the Acme Pink Floyd Rollerball.

How many artists have their own designed drum sticks and writing instruments? The answer is jazz great Lenny White. White is an American jazz fusion drummer best known for being the drummer of Chick Corea's Return to Forever. He has been described as "one of the founding fathers of jazz fusion".

You can own this hip writing pen by following the link here.

Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons the 20th century, he is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply, "the King." Elvis is featured in these exquisite pens by Montegrappa. The royal treatment is given to these legacy collectible writing wonders.

http://www.penboutique.com/p-10757-montegrappa-elvis-aqua-ballpoint-pen.aspx
http://www.penboutique.com/p-10751-montegrappa-elvis-black-fountain-pen.aspx
http://www.penboutique.com/p-10756-montegrappa-elvis-white-rollerball-pen.aspx

A music nib is actually a stub. But it’s not just any stub, it’s a special stub designed for a particular kind of usage. To write music, you need a pen that can make thin vertical strokes for the stems and flags of the notes, and fat horizontal ones very fast. To make it write music, you need to hold it a little differently than you might hold a pen when you’re writing text. There is a high angle of elevation in the way the pen is rotated in the hand so that its narrow stroke is vertical relative to the paper. Music nibs also write very wetly so that they can support the hasty style many musicians often use.
You do not have to be a musician to write with the music nib. You can write anything you like, and you’ll find that a music nib gives you nice line variation and the very smooth line. Many prefer using a music nib as their favorite form of writing expression. Sailor and Platinum both offer a wide selection of various colors with music nibs.

http://www.penboutique.com/sailor-1911s-gold-accents-14kt-gold-red-fountain-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/p-11526-platinum-3776-black-music-fountain-pens.aspx
http://www.penboutique.com/platinum-3776-century-chartres-blue-music-nib-fountain-pen.html

Friday, March 20, 2015

Celebrating a Day of Happiness

Happiness is a blurry emotion, because there is no one definition to it. It means different things to different people. And although everyday should be one filled with happiness at every curve, it isn’t always that way. 20 March is the International Day of Happiness as declared by the United Nations. The day gives recognition to the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals in the lives of human beings and promotes the idea that “the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental goal.”

To mark the day this year, United Nations is assembling “the world’s happiest playlist” and musicians including Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, David Guetta and John Legend are contributing to the list. The campaign also encourages everyone to be a part of it by tweeting a song that makes them happiest with the hashtag #HappySoundsLike. While you are at that, find out what makes you happy and how can you make others happy. Research shows that connecting with other people is important to stay happy. So, try starting a conversation with the person sitting next to you on the bus or at station. If it isn’t your cup of tea, do something else that reflects your happiness. Take dance classes, take up sketching, start a blog, join a cooking school or start one yourself. Do everything that keeps the beautiful upward curve on your lips. Even better, try doing something to make others happy and experience their happiness as it reflects on your face. Stay happy!!

Monday, March 16, 2015

Filofax Spring Organizers

It feels like spring time here - temperatures are in the 50s and rainy. Along with the spring-like weather, comes the new Filofax Spring organizers. There are so many new colors and styles to choose from.

The Filofax Patent series features a high gloss patent finish with a matching color pen loop. There are the eye-pleasing colors: Lavender, Lemon and Duck Egg. It comes with the standard Filofax inserts: 2015 calendar/diary, #1-6 index, To do list, Contacts, Ruler/page marker and assorted notepapers. There is a space in the front cover for cards and a pocket in the back for a notepad. These are available in the Pocket and Personal sizes only. My favorite is the Lemon color - a nice sunshine yellow for a rainy day.

The Daises organizers put a smile on my face since they are my favorite flower. It has a soft touch cotton twill canvas cover, with a field of daises all around. This is available in the pocket or personal size. The personal size has 6 card slots in the front and space for a notepad in the back. I did need to purchase the To do refill for it since it does not arrive with that. I would be lost without my to do list!
The Domino Patent series has a new design - spots. The Pine and Aubergine organizers have spots on them. Yes - I had to look up the word Aubergine - it is a British word for eggplant. The organizer looks more of a dark fuchsia/purple with pink spots than a typical eggplant color (at least to me). The Domino Patent also has the ever popular Fluorescent Pink and Turquoise colors. Only the Pink color is available in the pocket, personal and A5 size, the rest are available in personal and A5 only.

The Saffiano series returns with Pear and Aquamarine, available in Pocket, Compact, Personal and A5. The Pear is a very bright yellow green color and the Aquamarine a nice deep blue green. The Pear compact is the perfect gift for my teenage cousin. She will always be able to find it in her bag.
And last, but certainly not least - a Filofax for my dad. He loves his Nappa personal size zipped organizer. He is the envy of his Florida neighborhood. The rich leather colors of Black and Taupe together are quite handsome. These are available in personal and A5 size, zipped or without. There is a pocket on the front cover and a zipped pocket on the back, which is perfect for a little extra cash or a cellphone.

Remember that we have most of these items in stock now and more coming each week. Just wish the rain would stop for a bit and let the sunshine through so I can start on my flower garden.

By Joy

Ink Trivia : What type of ink colors flow the best and is trouble-free and are less likely to dry-out?

What type of ink colors flow the best and is trouble-free and are less likely to dry-out?

Answer: Pigment inks such as royal blue, turquoise, red, green and brown are trouble-free inks.

Important Tip: When changing the color tone of a brand of ink you should thoroughly rinse with lukewarm water until all remains and residue of ink feed and ink reservoir.

Pen Trivia : Match the song titles with the artist...

Writing letters has long been a popular theme in popular culture songs. Revealing your heart always seems a bit easier when penning your feelings. Let’s see how closely you have been listening about writing. Match the song titles with the artist who made the tune popular.

1.) Book of Love
2.) Mr. Postman
3.) Black & White
4.) Ink
5.) Take a Letter Maria
6.) Paperback Writer
7.) The Letter
8.) Lady Writer
9.) With Pen in Hand
10.) Every Day I Write the Book

1.) Dire Straits
2.) The Beatles
3.) Elvis Costello
4.) The Monotones
5.) Coldplay
6.) Three Dog Night
7.) The Box Tops
8.) The Marvelettes/The Beatles
9.) Vikki Carr
10.) R. B. Greaves

Answers:
1.) #4
2.) #8
3.) #6
4.) #5
5.) #10
6.) #2
7.) #7
8.) #1
9.) #9
10.) #3

Cursive Corner

Penmanship is the technique of writing with the hand using a writing instrument. The various generic and formal historical styles of writing are called "hands" whilst an individual's style of penmanship is referred to as "handwriting".

The biggest controversy to take place in the world of penmanship is happening right now: The Common Core education standards dictate that cursive will no longer be taught in elementary schools. And things are getting pretty heated. Seven states—California, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Utah—are now fighting to keep cursive in the curriculum.

I remember being so excited for third grade when I would FINALLY be able to learn fancy handwriting like all the “big kids.” Cursive was presented as something special and advanced and we all wanted to know how to do it. As our teacher handed out our new writing instruments I was thrilled to have my very own ballpoint pen. Being a student of Catholic schools in the 1960s I was subject to hours of the Palmer method of writing practicing my ovals and squiggles. I, for one, hope this time honored tradition continues as it gives me an excuse to use my finest pens!

Thank You Notes and Quotes

Everyone appreciates a thoughtful thank you note. "Thank you" is a common expression of gratitude. It often refers to a thank you letter, a letter written to express appreciation. The best thank you note is a personal one, one that is hand written. Taking the time to take pen in hand and compose a heartfelt sentiment always spotlights a richer sincerity on behalf of the writer. Going an extra step with a distinctive writing ink color is a welcome accent.

There are various ways to compose proper business and appreciative personal thank you notes. Here are a few good sample beginnings listed to get you started.

Business thank you notes

We truly appreciate your business, and we're grateful for the trust you've placed in us. Please don't hesitate to call me if ever a problem should arise. We hope to have the pleasure of doing business with you for many years to come.

I just wanted to let you know that having you on our team makes all the difference. Thanks for all you do. We appreciate your dedication.

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. I sincerely appreciate the time you spent reviewing my career goals and recommending strategies for achieving them. Your advice was very helpful and gave me a new perspective on available opportunities.

Personal thank you notes

The flowers are gorgeous! I've never gotten flowers at the office before and it was quite a treat! I felt like a queen. Thank you so much for sending them, and for choosing such a beautiful bouquet. You really made my day!

Thank you for your thoughtfulness and for always brightening my day!

My family will forever be grateful to you for your care, compassion, understanding and support during our crisis. Thank you for your words of comfort and encouragement, for bringing us a bountiful lunch, and for making it possible for us to gather with family. You have such an exemplary and kind heart, and we cannot thank you enough for all you did (and continue to do) to help us get through a difficult time.

History of Presidential Pens

When President Obama sat down to sign the health care bill into law, he warned: "This is gonna take a little while" — because the president used 22 pens to affix his signature to that one document, jotting down one tiny portion of a letter at a time. The president then began handing those pens out as souvenirs — many of them to legislators who helped steer the bill through, honoring the tradition of giving away presidential signing pens. At least since President Truman, presidents have been using pens and handing them to people who helped push bills through. Probably the most famous one is when LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act. He used multiple pens when it was signed. Harry Truman was the first one to have a box of pens. This tradition was actually started by somebody who sent President Truman a box of pens that said, “I swiped this from Harry Truman's desk.” The Parker Jotter pen was President Kennedy's favorite pen to use at bill signings. Legend has it that he handed off the pens used to whoever was in attendance, as a souvenir of the occasion.

Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter used Parker pens, somewhat more expensive models than had been used up to that point. That continued through President Ronald Reagan, although a variety of models were used. During President Bill Clinton‘s administration, Cross pens came to be used. But it was during the administration of President George W. Bush that the presidential pen took on new heights, with the adoption of the Cross Townsend Selectip, a heavier, more expensive pen that can be loaded with a ballpoint tip, a roller ball or a felt marker.

Moleskine

For two centuries now Moleskine® (mol-a-skeen'-a) has been the legendary notebook of artists, writers, intellectuals and travelers. From gifted artists Henri Matisse (1869–1954) and Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890), to poet and leader of the surrealist movement André Breton (1896-1966) to Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) considered the most influential writer of the last century, to famous travel writer Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989).

These notebooks have proven they can withstand the trials of travel and abuses that ensues from normal use. This is the one true trusted travel journal.

Genuine Moleskine
For over a century a small French bookbinder supplied Paris stationery shops with this simple black book where the artistic and literary avant-gardes of the world browsed and bought them. Writer-traveler Bruce Chatwin used to buy his moleskine at a Paris stationery shop in Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, always stocking up before going on his infamous journeys. It was Bruce Chatwin that called this little black notebook, "moleskine". He gave his friend Luis Sepùlveda, a Chilean novelist, a precious moleskine before a trip to Patagonia. It was precious because by then the notebooks were no longer to be found, as the small family concern in Tours closed down. "Le vrai moleskine n’est plus" were the lapidary words of the stationer to Chatwin who had ordered one hundred before leaving for Australia. Now, the Moleskine® tradition continues by Italian manufacturer Moleskine Srl. It can go back to being a witness, passing from one pocket to another and continue the adventure.

Moleskine paper and journals are so popular that they have inspired various blogs by true fans of the brand. Many of these blogs celebrate the various uses of Moleskine from travel blogs, class notes, drawings or journals. Check out and be inspired with details of the brand from some its most passionate admirers. With a variety of sizes, pages and colors to choose from the possibilities are endless!

Moleskine blogs:
http://www.moleskinerie.com/
http://mymoleskine.moleskine.com/cgi-bin/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=register&blog_id=7
https://themoleskineblog.wordpress.com/category/moleskine/

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Sunday, March 15, 2015

Filofax Spring organizers

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Ink Trivia : How many years ago was the first successful recipe for writing ink created?

Ink Trivia

For years people had been carving into clay, stone, or wood to write a record of their life and experiences. But when ink and paper came, it revolutionized writing for all time. They are still in use today. Thus, it’s interesting to know who invented ink.

Many say it was the Egyptians who invented ink. They also say paper was invented by an Egyptian, because “paper” comes from the word “papyrus” which grew abundantly in the Nile region. But recorded history shows that both writing implements—paper and ink—were invented by Chinese men. The paper inventor was T’sai-Lun and the ink inventor was Tien-Lcheu.

Egyptians are often deemed the first users of ink. And that an Egyptian was who invented ink. This is because of the common notion that paper was invented by an Egyptian. True, papyrus was in wide use in Egypt for writing in early times. But they used stylus to carve figures on papyrus instead of black ink. Stylus is a pointed thin rod. Ink was first applied using a brush made of bird’s feather. With this invention, the ink inventor simplified writing and made it so convenient. By 1200 B.C. this black liquid writing implement became popular and other people developed it further by mixing natural dyes. Some applied different colors they took from minerals and plants like berries. This was all made possible because of the breakthrough provided by the man who invented ink.

Q. How many years ago was the first successful recipe for writing ink created?

Answer: About 1,600 years ago, a popular ink recipe was created. The recipe was used for centuries. Iron salts, such as ferrous sulfate (made by treating iron with sulfuric acid), were mixed with tannin from gallnuts (they grow on trees) and a thickener. When first put to paper, this ink is bluish-black. Over time it fades to a dull brown.

Pen Trivia : How many ball point pen are manufactured each year?

Pen Trivia

The principle of the ballpoint pen dates from the late 19th Century when patents were taken out by John Loud in 1888 for a product to mark leather and in 1916 by Van Vechten Riesberg. However neither of these patents was exploited commercially. The modern version of ball point pen was invented by Josef (Lazlo) and Georg Biro. In the summer of 1943 the first commercial models were made. The rights to Lazlo's patent were bought by the British Government. The ball point pen is more rugged than the fountain pen which may be why sales rocketed during World War II when the military needed robust writing implements to survive the battlefield environment. The ballpoint pens was introduced to the U.S. market. The pen was sold for $9.75 each. Some 10,000 were sold at the launch at Gimbel's department store in New York on October 29th 1945.

Ball points were originally conceived and developed as a cleaner and more reliable alternative to quill fountain pens and are now the world's most-used writing instrument. Millions are manufactured and sold daily. As a result, it has influenced art and graphic design and spawned an artwork genre.

Q. How many ball point pen are manufactured each year?

Answer: Over three billion ball point pens are manufactured each year in a variety of styles, point sizes, materials and colors.