Happy World Friendship Day

Happy Friendship Day

Finally the moment has arrived, a perfect day to express our gratitude to our beloved friends. So, are you planning to rejoice all your memories with your friends by reliving all your cherished moments? If yes then there cannot be a better day than this to get enclosure with your past. Yes, I know that a simple hug is enough to convey our message of love to them but wouldn’t it be nice if we can present a special gift on behalf of the occasion.  This year rather than exchanging friendship bands lets embrace this day by gifting something special to our closest friends.

Here are some fascinating gift ideas from Pen Boutique.

Retro51 Disney Vintage Mickey Deluxe Whoopee Party Ballpoint Pen
This pen is clearly a perfect gift for the special friend with whom you have shared your best childhood days. This pen will definitely take you guys back to the nostalgic past when you used to watch Disney show together.

Sheaffer Prelude Signature Rollerball Pen
Sheaffer Prelude Signature Rollerball Pen is definitely an ideal gift for your friend. This pen flaunts a magnificent look comprising of a clean-cut classic design in a wide range of metal finishes.

PM Craftsman Elephant Bookends
Is your friend a book fanatic? Then the PM Craftsman Elephant Bookends will be a perfect gift. Each of these elephants is crafted perfectly portraying every single detail that seems to bring these elegant pieces to life.

Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Gold Onyx Key Ring
Looking to raise your bars to a whole new level by gifting something amusing to your friend then go for the Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Gold Onyx Key Ring. These key rings flaunt a dashing look comprising of style and class. Believe me your friend will just love it.

Note: For prices please visit our website www.penboutique.com

Perfect Writing Instruments for Kids

I was looking for a fun pen for my kids (6 and 9) to use and learn cursive with.  I decided to go with the Pelikan Pelikano and Pelikano Junior.  They really are perfect for kids, or anyone just starting with fountain pens.  They both are available in Right or Left Handed A (starter) nibs.  The Pelikano also offers a Fine or Medium version.  I like the ease of getting the pen ready to write - just a quick push and the ink cartridge popped right in.

Pelikan Pelikano

The colors are great as well - the Pelikano is available in Green, Yellow, Red or Blue and the Junior version is Turquoise, Violet and Red.

Pelikano Junior

The kids finally chose the Pelikano Junior since the ink cartridge was pirate-themed.  It's a shame that the ink cartridges are not available with different themes here in the US.  My daughter picked out the Turquoise, Violet and Pink ink cartridges and my son went for the Green, Red and Blue.

They also thought it was cool that they could put their names on the pen with an enclosed sticky white label.

I found the pens to be easy to hold and the grip section comfortable in my hands.  I was not expecting a smooth nib for the type of pen or price, but was pleasantly surprised.  The ink flow was perfect and did not clump or flow out excessively.

Now I can't wait to get home and help them learn a new way of writing.

Happy Parent’s Day

Every year on 26th of July Parent’s Day is celebrated throughout the world to honor every single parent on behalf of their efforts to make their kids a better person. Parents are our roots who have nurtured us with everything as well as cherished our dreams by sacrificing their own. Let’s face the fact, parents are the most important people in our lives. They act as a torch and light the path for us towards a better and secured future. Thus, Parents Day is part of the year when we get a chance to compliment our parents for all their sacrifice and moreover this is the day when we express our gratitude towards them.

How often do we gift a special gift to our parents? Probably twice a year but a fact that we should acknowledge is that a small effort from us can bring an immense amount of joy to them. So, on this year’s Parent’s Day present them something special I assure you it will bring out the lost smile on their faces that you’ve been longing to see for a long time. I know that no special gift can portray the picture of your parents that you pasted in your heart. But some gifts can actually convey the message that you’ve treasured in yourself.

Here are some gift ideas from Pen Boutique.

Cross Botanica Black Primrose Ballpoint Pen
The elegant look of this pen speaks it all. This pen comprises of a sophisticated design printed over an ivory lacquer base and a hefty body that ensures a smooth writing experience. Overall this pen would be a perfect gift to amuse your parents.

Monk Paper Charcoal Lokta Quotation Journal
This is an ideal gift for every occasion. Monk Paper Charcoal Lokta Quotation Journal comprises of a beautiful cover which homes 48 pages of Lokta paper. Believe me your parents will love it.

Hampton-Haddon Mini Gimbel Clock
Hampton-Haddon Mini Gimbel Clock a perfect gift that will fit in your budget. This clock will be an ideal desk accessory and always remind your parents of you whenever they roll their eye on it.

Kalifano 4" Marine Blue World In Silver Hand
Are you looking for an ideal gift which will act as a token of love and express your gratitude towards your Parents? Then the Kalifano 4" Marine Blue World in Silver Hand will be a thoughtful and moreover a meaningful gift. This product features a striking look flaunting a sturdy design and vivid artistry which can convey the message that how they acted as a helping hand to build your world.

Pencil Trivia

Pencil Trivia

Question: What are the favorite pens of doctors and nurses, Fountain, Ball point, Gel Ballpoint or Rollerballs?

Answer: Gel pens that retract and do not have a cap. 

Napkin Forever Desk Set - Pininfarina Cambiano

When I heard that Napkin® had a pencil-like writing instrument that never needed to be sharpened, the first thing that popped into my head was “Napkin makes pens?”  The second thing that popped into my head was “That sounds like the Jac Zagoory Beta Pen…  Napkin makes pens?”  The ubiquitous name “Napkin” conjures associations the same way “Kleenex” does – or, in this case, the way “Pininfarina” associates with luxury car design.  Bring together designers from these two Italian companies to create a never-ending writing instrument, and the Napkin Forever Pininfarina Cambiano Desk Set emerges.

At first glance, you can see the Pininfarina influence in the sweeping design of the metal on the body of the instrument – I hesitate to call it a pencil or a pen, as neither description truly fits.  Napkin has incorporated the same writing tip as it has on its other Forever pieces - Ethergraf®.  Ethergraf® is a special metal alloy that creates a mark on paper via oxidation.  The line looks like a pencil mark, but because it is interacting with the paper rather than leaving material on the surface like a pencil does, it isn’t erasable.  I did notice that the darkness of the line varied depending on the type of paper, so that is something to consider if you prefer darker lines.  The rest of the body is made of aluminum and walnut, with the metal portion available in either a Matte Black (more of a grey on my example) or Copper color.  The piece feels a little rear heavy, though when actually writing the weight distribution doesn’t hinder the user.  What I really like is the pen holder/desk stand/protective case.  Made of walnut, like the body of the pen, it allows you to either have the pen standing at an angle, laying flat across the top, or protected inside (this is how the pen arrives).  This box is actually functional and won't be just taking up space in a drawer or closet, a nice variation from the norm.

As for the actual writing experience – this is an interesting piece.  On some types of paper, I noticed an almost “stickiness” when lifting it off of the page.  This only occurred after I had written something and was very deliberate in lifting the instrument off the page, but did not appear if I touched it to paper or wrote as I normally would.  Perhaps this is a side effect of the alloy’s interaction with the paper?  The weight felt good in the hand despite its relative unevenness, and the shape was very ergonomic.  The instrument was relatively smooth across the page, though not as smooth as an HB pencil I happened to have on my desk.  This set is a statement - automotive design meshing with innovative creativity - rather than something to replace your favorite pen or pencil.

Standing in its holder, the pen has a somewhat retro look due to the materials used, and the Pininfarina influenced lines make it look like it’s going 100 MPH.  The desk stand is a fantastic touch and something I think, other than never needing to purchase another pencil or sharpener (or eraser), really adds to the value.  If you're looking for a stylish writing instrument which melds Italian automobile flair with modern metallurgy, the Napkin Forever Pininfarina Cambiano Desk Set is a fine choice.

The New Monteverde Limonada

For that fun and stylish summer pen, Monteverde Limonada is a great choice that offers style, practically, and durability. The Limonada is one of the latest creations from by Monteverde and has an affordable price for one starting with fountain pens or looking for an everyday writer to carry on the go.
        
A flair of fun style, the pen comes in the following colors: Milano Black, Tivoli Yellow, Roma Gold, Torino Red, and Capri Blue. The Capri Blue has a good luster with shiny steel ascents that contrast well. The body and style are reminiscent of that fun Italian sports car one would love to ride. The contoured body offers a comfortable grip, which is thinner than the rest of the body. The body itself has a light weight and almost medium weight when posted. Don't let that fool you- the all brass body is durable and gives substance to the light pen.The cut-out stylish steel clip is firm and snug.
           

         

Writing with the pen is a pleasant surprise. The medium iridium steel nib is standard, yet is sufficient.When writing it is especially smooth on down strokes. Though a slightly firm steel nib, there is not as much feedback as one would expect. An added convenience is that a converter is also included and that the pen takes Standard International cartridges.

         

While it's still summer be sure to grab the refreshing Monteverde Limonada. A great pen for an affordable gift or a treat for oneself. With a variety of colors and an enduring body, the Limonada is this summer's special from Monteverde.

Nelson Mandela Day

We live in a cruel and selfish world, where most tend to have everything for themselves. But there are few people who have initiated their steps towards humanity with a vision to make our world a better place to live. Amongst them Nelson Mandela is one of the reputed personality who fought against racism for more than six decades. On behalf of his contributions every year on 18th June Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated to honor his good deeds and sacrifices.  

This day was first celebrated by the United Nations in the year 2010 on the grand occasion of his birthday to inspire people through Mandela’s teachings. Nelson Mandela is considered as one of the most influential leaders of all time who inspired equality and change. For many Mandela is a symbol who lit the torch of justice against racism and inequality. Moreover Mandela Day not only celebrates his life and legacy, it also inspires everyone to embrace Mandela’s values and start initiating their steps towards humanity.

Ink Trivia

Question: How long will the average ballpoint pen refill last?

Answer: 2 miles worth of writing

The Writer's Corner -The Healing Power of Writing

Putting pen to paper can be a cathartic experience, especially for authors.

While going through a particularly difficult time in her life with a recent divorce and a new child,author J. K. Rowling suffered a debilitating depression. “I just thought I want to write, so I wrote the book. What was the worst that could happen? It could get turned down by every publisher in Britain. Big deal.”

Political journalist and psychotherapist Laurie Nadel, PhD suffered from the burden of anxiety. Nadel found a way to ease her mind in volatile surroundings. She focused by writing for herself. "I thought that if I could write everything down, I could stay safe."

In the highly acclaimed book “The Artist’s Way” writer Julia Cameron states “Writing is medicine. It is an appropriate antidote to injury. It is an appropriate companion for any difficult situation.”

Even the most inexperienced writer can benefit by putting pen to paper. As long as your intention is to communicate with others or simply open up yourself, the form your musings take will be rewarding.So start that journal, write a letter, craft a poem, share an observation or start the next great American novel. The act of writing will take you on a journey that will enrich your life and quite possibly the lives of others.

Writer Quotes on Ink

“Pale ink is better than the most retentive memory.” - Harvey Mackay

“Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.” - Mark Twain

“The pen is very quick in getting stuff from your brain to the page.” - Graham Swift

“I am probably exaggerating a little, but I owe my equilibrium to ink and paper.” - Julien Green

“Writing ink is the magic that allows nothing to become something. It catches the fleeting idea and seeks out the glances of those who wish to see. Even a random ink splat will mean something to someone.” -Fennel Hudson

Featured Story - Wedgewood

Wedgwood and Sons, commonly known as Wedgwood, is a fine china, porcelain, and luxury accessories company that has been around for over 250 years. In 1759 Josiah Wedgewood founded his namesake company.Wedgwood's name has always been synonymous with fine quality and excellent craftsmanship.

The style of Wedgewood Jasper is a beautiful writing instrument. It has a sophisticated classical contemporary design. Jasperware is a fine grained unglazed stoneware introduced by the English potter Josiah Wedgwood in 1770s.Common items made with Jasperware including neoclassical vases, plates and heavily stylized collectable cameos.

As is the custom with the brand, it is decorated in the neoclassical style in light blue along with white accents and a leaf motif on the central band and laurel wreath design on cap, or in chocolate brown with chrome trim and the iconic Greek Key design on the cap. These collectables are available in fountain pen, ballpoint and roller ball.

http://www.penboutique.com/wedgwood-blue-rollerball-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/wedgwood-blue-ballpoint-pen.html

Lokta Paper and Pen Matchups

 
Summertime is the time for Graduations, Father’s Day and Weddings. If you are looking for that perfect gift, consider the Monk Papers Stationery which can be paired up with numerous pens that we have in stock. Consider the following suggestions to get you started:

1. The Monk Paper Veg Dyed Fern Leaf Fuschia Travel Journal which pairs nicely with the Monteverde One-Touch Stylus Ballpoint Pink, One-Touch Skin Ballpoint Wild Pink or the One-Touch Pink Ballpoint.

 

2. The Lokta Hemp Fiber Stationery Box Set goes great with the Metropolitan Museum of Art Ball Point Pen, fashioned from the Magnolias and Irises leaded-glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany. This would make a perfect gift for a graduate who is going off to college or for a bride to write personalized thank you notes.

3. A great gift for anyone who keeps a journal is the Monk Paper Tangerine Quotation Journal which pairs up nicely with the Limited Edition Copper Orange Fountain Pen, Rollerball or Ballpoint pens.

4. Feel free to pair the Monk Paper Veg Dyed Fern Leaf Teal Boxed Lokta Notelet Set with either the Metropolitan Museum of Art Van Gogh Irises Ballpoint or the Louis Comfort Tiffany Peacock Feather Favrile glass vase. These notelets can be used with silver, white or gold ink or as a cover for your own personal paper.

5. The Monk Paper Marigold Petal Stationery Set goes well with Metropolitan Museum of Art Lotus Sutra Ballpoint. A dainty set for a dainty lady celebrating a birthday, anniversary or graduation!

6. The bright and colorful Monk paper Batik Multicolor Patchwork Stationery Box Set is shown here with an array of Kaweco Sport ballpoints and pencils. These combinations should truly make writing fun for the young graduates!

Monteverde Jewelria fountian pen and the Ballpoint set.

For sometime the Monteverde Jewelria fountain pen has fascinated me.  The design is beautiful but the name Jewelria always threw me off thinking that it is a pen for the women. But recently I had a chance to take a second look at the pen and especially at a bargain.   The fountain pen was perfect size and had a good length.  The pen is not so large and is light.  The pen can post but thought that due to design the top might be heavy.  But that does not bother me as I usually write without posting the cap.  The pen which was picked up here is the green swirl as green is my favorite color!  I used the converter and filled up the Pelikan Adventurine Edelstein green ink and started to write on my meeting book from Rhodia ( yeah those notes!).

The nib is smooth and does write nicely.  I wrote a page in Rhodia and was ready to write even more.   I will be using this for the week and more until I guess I will find another pen which will raise interest ( should not be long).

I have the picture below and I think it is a gorgeous looking pen.  The ballpoint version which fits the  capless rollerball refill will make a good set to use it when you are on the road or need it for other purposes where you don't want to use your fountain pens.


PEN : Monteverde Jewelria Fountain pen

INK: Pelikan Edelstein Adventurine ink

Paper: Rhodia Meeting Book.

Monteverde Limonada Review

     

Monteverde Limonada

     


          For that fun and stylish summer pen, Monteverde Limonada is a great choice that offers style, practically, and durability. The Limonada is one of the latest creations from by Monteverde and has an affordable price for one starting with fountain pens or looking for an everyday writer to carry on the go.

          A flair of fun style, the pen comes in the following colors: Milano Black, Tivoli Yellow, Roma Gold, Torino Red, and Capri Blue. The Capri Blue has a good luster with shiny steel ascents that contrast well. The body and style are reminiscent of that fun Italian sports car one would love to ride. The contoured body offers a comfortable grip, which is thinner than the rest of the body. The body itself has a light weight and almost medium weight when posted. Don't let that fool you- the all brass body is durable and gives substance to the light pen.The cut-out stylish steel clip is firm and snug.

Monteverde Limonada

         
Writing with the pen is a pleasant surprise. The medium iridium steel nib is standard, yet is sufficient. When writing it is especially smooth on down strokes. Though a slightly firm steel nib, there is not as much feedback as one would expect. An added convenience is that a converter is also included and that the pen takes Standard International cartridges.

          

  While it's still summer be sure to grab the refreshing Monteverde Limonada.  A great pen for an affordable gift or a treat for oneself. With a variety of colors and an enduring body, the Limonada is this summer's special from Monteverde.

By: Montgomery Mall Store employee: Babak

In Celebration of Penmanship

Did you know that there is a national and international competition devoted to handwriting?

The AAHC, Annual American Handwriting Competition and WHAC, World Handwriting Achievement Contest brings focus to the fine art of penmanship.

You can enter in one of two different categories. Functional:  this stresses legibility and Artistic: which spotlights calligraphy using decorative stokes. The winners vary based on age groupings. Anyone 8 years or older can participate. You must enter your writings by hard-copy mail. The cut-off time for this year’s submissions has just passed. But you have time to practice for next year!

What a wonderful way to the art of fine writing alive!

Ink Trivia Government Ink

Question: What ink formula is the standard for use in the United States Post Office?









Answer: 11.7 grams of tannic acid, 3.8 grams of gallic acid crystals, 15 grams of ferrous sulphate crystals, 12.5 grams of a diluted hydrochloric acid, 12.5 grams of phenol acid, 1 gram of black dye and 1 liter of distilled water.

At the turn of the century, the United States government devised a standard for ink for use in post offices. With much wear and tear on pens used in United States Post Offices, this formula was written originally to provide ink for use in its lobbies.

Pen Trivia

Question:
What is the difference between Cursive and Manuscript writing?







Answer:
Cursive writing - joins more than 50% of its letters
Manuscript (print-writing) - joins fewer than 50% of its letters.

Writer Quotes

“A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.” - Eugene Ionesco

“If I waited till I felt like writing, I’d never write at all.” - Anne Tyler

“Forget about all the rules. Forget about being published. Write for yourself and celebrate writing.” - Melinda Haynes

“Start writing no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” - Louis L’Amour

“The writer is by nature a dreamer – a conscious dreamer.” – Carson McCullers

Featured Story

One of the premiere museums in the world is New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Founded in 1870, the museum houses over 2 million works of art. Being the largest museum in the Western Hemisphere, it is one of the most visited destinations in a city known for its destinations. To highlight some of the museum’s treasured artists’ works, a collection of fine writing instruments was created based on the style of these artists. These pens afford a surprisingly great value for both the discriminating fine writing instrument collector and art connoisseur.

At such attractive prices you can purchase more than one of these keep sake pens!

Here are the best sellers from the series:

Louis Tiffany: The famed lamps and stain glass innovator generated many vases using his peacock feather designs.

William Morris: This British designer produced captivating wallpaper spotlighting flowers, leaves and fruit.

Vincent Van Gogh: The artist’s vivid treatment of colors and form is highlighted in this memorable depiction of floral brilliance.
http://www.penboutique.com/metropolitan-museum-of-art-accessory-van-gogh-irises-ballpoint-pen.html

Claude Monet:  Details from Monet’s beloved Vetheuil garden grace the contours of this beautiful pen.

Featured Story Take Note

We may not want to admit it, but the start of the new school semester will come upon us fast. Lamy pens and Letts of London notebooks want you to be prepared. For a limited time Pen Boutique is offering a fountain pen/notebook combination that will have the most dedicated scholastic note taker set and ready to go. We have four different black and red combinations to choose from. Each set comes with a medium point fountain pen and a ruled notebook.

A recent study by Princeton University concluded that you will retain information longer if you take the notes by hand. Taking notes by long-hand forces one to engage with the material a little more in order to pick out the most important and relevant information. By engaging with the content in this way your future studying should go more quickly. It was found that while taking laptop study notes many students were prone to distraction, multitasking on other sites and not being on task. All these elements led to decreased performance.

For a short time we are offering, at a reduced price, this unique combination set that will help steer you on the best path to retain, study and learn.

http://www.penboutique.com/lamy-safari-red-fountain-pen-and-noteletts-mode-black-ruled-notebook-gift-set.html
http://www.penboutique.com/lamy-safari-red-fountain-pen-and-noteletts-mode-red-ruled-notebook-gift-set.html
http://www.penboutique.com/lamy-safari-black-fountain-pen-and-noteletts-mode-red-ruled-notebook-gift-set.html
http://www.penboutique.com/lamy-safari-black-fountain-pen-and-noteletts-mode-black-ruled-notebook-gift-set.html

Pen Trivia

Question: How long is the longest hand written antique scroll?

Answer: According to Guinness Book of World Records, the longest hand written scroll in over 85 feet long. The paper scroll is from 1835 and is archived in India.

Ink Trivia

Question: What is the oldest ink-written postcard?

Answer: The oldest ink-written postcard is dated 1840 and was discovered in 2002. It was penned by an English gentleman who sent it to himself.  Prior to this discovery, postcards in the late 1960s from Germany, Austria and the USA were thought to be the oldest ones of record.

Writer Corner

There are many ways we find to express ourselves. In this fast paced technology world there is an abundance of ways to do so. Many well-known authors from the past and present prefer the feel of a fine writing instrument in their hand while composing.

Starting with his 1994 novel “Stardust” fantasy author Neil Gaiiman first used a Waterman pen with a large notepad. He enjoyed creating with a fountain pen. He now utilizes over 60 different pens which include, Visconti, Pilot Custom 823 Amber and Delta. Dylan Thomas preferred the popular Parker 51 fountain pen with its fast-drying ink. A comparable Parker pen today is the Parker 100 series. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the mastermind behind sleuth Sherlock Holmes, composed many of his works with a Parker Duofold pen. According to husband Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath constructed her writings using a Sheaffer pen.

http://www.penboutique.com/sheaffer-300-glossy-black-fountain-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/parker-duofold-lapis-lazuli-blue-gt-international-fountain-pen-fine.html
http://www.penboutique.com/waterman-hemisphere-essential-black-ct-fountain-pen.html

Writer Quotes

“I saw that bad handwriting should be regarded as a sign of an imperfect education.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Writing letters… is such a swell way to keep from working and yet feel you've done something.” - Ernest Hemingway

 “A man’s penmanship is an unfailing index of his character, moral and mental, and a criterion by which to judge his peculiarities of taste and sentiment.” Lord Chesterfield

“The post office has a great charm at one point of our lives.  When you have lived to my age, you will begin to think letters are never worth going through the rain for.” - Jane Austen

 “Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company. “-  Lord Byron