Stationery Orbit
John West
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I'm slowly getting the word out, one snail mail at a time. Stationery Orbit is where we can all come to learn more about creative letter writing.
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2 days ago
56 Going to the Mountain
*In today’s episode, we will be talking about strange things afoot in the ink world and apparently all things Mont Blanc.*
*Acquisitions*
*John- New Super **Orange Mark One** from Studio Neat*
*Postal Bulletin*
*Katharine Graham (1917–2001)*
*United States Postal Service*
*300th Anniversary Station (Barrington, not the USPS)*
*Happy Birthday, Barrington!*
*Noodler’s Anti-Semitic Antics*
*Controversial earlier this year *
*This week’s label issue,** not noticed since about ‘18-’19 *
*Noodler’s Statment *
*Goulet Statement *
*Anderson Pens and Atlas Stationers are also dropping Noodler’s *
*New Ink names*
*Keeping Oregon Strange(r)*
*Letter writing is getting expensive in the UK.*
*Can **writing a letter help you get the winning bid for a house**? It can again now.*
*The **Mont Blanc monolith** has been spotted in Germany*
*And **Mont Blanc in Kenya** (130,000 KES = 1,119.53 USD)*
*NERD Alert! It’s a Jony Ives article and his favorite tools*
*https://www.macrumors.com/2022/05/09/jony-ive-essential-tools-designing/*
*https://trendfool.com/business/jony-ive-chooses-the-12-tools-of-his-trade/*
*https://www.ft.com/content/b73731f5-7563-4ff3-9c78-a226643b4648** *
*https://hwebber.co.uk/product-category/c-s-osborne-leather-working-tools/edgers-creasers-bone-folders/*
*https://www.montegrappa.com/en/cluster/fattoperte/myfirstmontegrappa/fortuna/*
*https://shop.mitutoyo.co.uk/web/mitutoyo/en_GB/mitutoyo/01.05.05/Universal%20Bevel%20Protractor/index.xhtml*
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May 1, 2022
55 Two Crazy Years
In today’s episode, we celebrate 2 years of Stationery Orbit! We'll also talk about Postal Banking, some really expensive pens and some comforting storing about post offices and stationery stores.
*The current top five episodes of SO*
*15. Brad Dowdy of The Pen Addict*
*27. Exploring the world of socially responsible stationery with Daryl of Musubi*
*22. Learning about fountain pen fluid dynamics from Nicole Sharp*
*1: The Pen Primer*
*25. Emergency Episode : Paper Source Bankruptcy*
*All Time Total Downloads18K*
*COUNTRIES / TERRITORIES (71 Total)*
*CITIES (1829 Total)*
*Postal Bulletin: **Women’s rowing stamps, Mighty Mississippi Stamps, stamps and color postmarks, a few fun B&W postmarks*
Postal Merch
*Postal Banking? It could happen… again.*
More postal banking
More postal banking
More postal banking
More postal banking
*To be filed away in the weirdest Post Office article I’ve seen:*
*Also: see **Compassion*
*OK, Myke and Brad got me, I’ve been watching too much F1:Drive to Survive! **Go Pirelli!*
The damage
*Out of my comfort zone for pens, but the picture of the **Guilloche by CNC machine at Otto Hutt is awesome!*
*Looking for stationery that’s easy to find and makes you feel good about yourself? Look no further than **BeRooted Stationery** at your local Target store.*
*And **something to keep an eye on **out of Malaysia:*
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Apr 17, 2022
54 Saturday night's alright for fighting
This episode covers some Postal Services offerings we missed, some fun articles that are stationery adjacent, and some very expensive stationery offerings.
Evan’s New Acquisitions: (I know I said I’d be trying not to buy anything soon so I could get an Emperor)
Sailor Fika Coffee
Lamy Safari Cream
Postal Bulletin
George Morrison stamp we missed, this is the color postmark
Other stamp not in the bulletin?
Women's rowing stamps
George Morrison stamp announcement:
Possible FOREVER stamp from Ukraine
Possible FOREVER stamp from Ukraine
Where to buy the stamp from Ukraine
The Letter Locking article from Atlas Obscura (thanks to Friend of the Show Janet for the tip)
This list includes a $1860 notebook and an $8 million fountain pen
The $8 Million stamp
To be filed in the “Should have spent more on spell check”
I’ll keep an eye out for SOLO products but I haven’t seen this “global” brand yet.
5 letter writing tips from a letter writing club out of the UK
Letter writing campaign for Ukrainian refugees
To be filed under “keep your address book updated”
Are you Jonesing for a tee-time? What’s the answer? Write a letter of course!
Fun look at why fountain pens have become a “cult” and a really good pen list!
Singapore’s idea of FOMO! Did someone say…Namiki?
List of pens for a gentleman’s desk and yes it includes a Yard O-led!
Last and not least, a love letter to Ranga Pens from India!
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Apr 3, 2022
53 Stuff we missed and other oddities
* In today’s episode, we have news from the Postal Service, stationery exploration from Singapore and more places for you addicts to get your stationery fix.*
*John latest acquisitions: Sakura Midori letter paper*
*Iroshizuku inks - Tsutsuji and Syo-Ro*
*Sailor ink three pack*
*Taccia Sabimidori*
*Another pad of Midori A4 grid*
*Evan got to try a Namiki Emperor*
*US Postal Bulletin*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2022/pb22594/html/info_004.htm#ep1461694*
***https://store.usps.com/store/product/cards-envelopes/title-ix-field-notes-notebooks-S_481799** *
*New postal reform act*
*TWSBI - Narwhal drama*
*Wearingeul Ink Glitter Potion*
*https://www.penchalet.com/ink_refills/fountain_pen_ink/wearingeul_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_glitter_potion_fountain_pen_ink.html*
*https://mountainofink.com/blog/wearingeul-inks*
*https://vanness1938.com/collections/wearingeul*
*
*
*Nib Lab*
*https://www.instagram.com/nib.lab/?hl=en*
*
*
*Shawn Newton article *
*https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2022/mar/06/arkansas-artists-penchant-for-pens-paying-off-for/*
*https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2015/10/2/an-interview-with-shawn-newton*
*Cleanroom stationery*
*https://www.businessmerseyside.co.uk/cleanroom-stationery-market-share-2022-analysis-by-leading-keyplayers-contec-basan-the-texwipe-co-micronclean/*
*Fountain Pens for sustainability*
*https://www.nationalobserver.com/2022/03/10/opinion/rethinking-your-ink-service-planet*
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Mar 20, 2022
52 Getting Straight with Straits Pens
And in today's episode, we are joined live from Singapore by the two founders of Straits Pens, Sunny and Lip, and they were kind enough to come on the show with us to discuss their Honest Inks line and the state of their Myu and Murex collections.
Straits Pens - pens, Honest Inks and bespoke ink mixing.
CYs tear down
Hero (Wingsung) 698
Hero 850
3776 Century
Clarification from Lip Sing:
In regards to the 4 new colours, I mentioned about Peranakan. They are actually also called Straits-born Chinese. They are basically Chinese that married the Malay women and have their own culture and food that is Malay influenced and have a very interesting culture. For the caucasian that married local women, they are known as Eurasians.
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Mar 6, 2022
51. Getting Your Fix
*In today’s episode, we have news from the Postal Service, stationery exploration from Singapore and more places for you addicts to get your stationery fix.*
*New Aquisitoins: *
*Figboot Leonardo Momento (Zero?) *
*Shel Silverstein stamp announcement! It looks like they are allowing special station postmarks.*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2022/pb22592/html/info_004.htm*
*Studio Ghibli Stationery! Kinokuniya in Singapore! So much winning!*
*https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/t/hobby-and-goods/stationery/studio-ghibli-stationery*
*John’s exploration in Singapore stationery so far*
*-Art shop at City Square*
*-Japanese art shop at Paya Lebar Quarter, Tokyu Hands*
*-Got to meet Sunny and Lip at Straits Pens, great guys, Sunny showed me an actual Arabic nib, **https://www.instagram.com/p/Carod5HvJce/** Interview coming soon!*
*And I wanted to throw out a special thanks to Dan and Tom of Studio Neat for re-opening the Orange Mark One for worldwide orders. One will be on its way to Singapore. Sorry, it’s sold out now.*
*https://www.studioneat.com/products/limited*
*Elle magazine (India) delivering all the Etsy stores!*
*https://elle.in/stationery-brands-enthusiasts-will-love/*
*She used the magic words Stationery addict!*
*https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherineerdly/2022/03/02/is-analogue-the-new-digital-papier-pursues-200-billion-global-stationery-market/?sh=7ddb1d8e11c3*
*The Papier shop, some emphasis on mental wellness but not what I would call curated. Maybe this is just what you do with $50 million in startup funding.*
*https://www.papier.com/wellness/*
*Another appeal for more letter writing.*
*https://fordhamobserver.com/67855/opinions/a-letter-to-those-who-dont-write-them/*
*And we (maybe just I) missed InCoWriMo!!*
*
*
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Feb 20, 2022
50. Evan and Other Evan
*In today’s episode, we have a guest that is from the fountain pen world. **Evan Rosenberg** is the co-creator along with his father Julian Rosenberg of the Penquisition Blog.*
*Acquisitions?*
*John- **Mythic Pen** Aeschylus XL in Cool Tones PM*
*Postal Bulletin Update*
*Several New stamps: Mountain Flora, Sunflower Bouquet, Tulips*
*
*
*Interview with Evan Rosenberg*
*3D printed pen rests** *
*Living Classrooms Foundation*
*Urushi*
Sofer (scribe)
*What are some of the pens that have been most surprising to review?*
*Lamy 2000 Multipen*
*Pilot Dr. Grip Multipen*
*BIC Multipen*
* The review for the **Fortuna Credo Shema*
*Favorite Paper?*
*Write Notepads*
*What pen have you been reaching for lately?
*Beta V2 from Mad Science Pen Company in The Pensmiths Dark Arts material.
*Can you share one technique with the listeners that you think will elevate their snail mail art?*
*Just do it.*
* Are there artists that you think are doing amazing work that stationery lovers need to know about?
*Cosme Gumuzio
*What is your favorite purchase (stationery or not) in the last 6 months?*
Beta V2 from Mad Science Pen Company in The Pensmiths Dark Arts material.
*Where to find Evan on the internets:*
Penquisition Blog
Penquisition on Instagram
*
*
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Feb 6, 2022
49 Letters for more than pen pals
* In today’s episode, we’ll look at the latest postal bulletin and news about the next-gen vehicles, the Pen Addict Slack survey results, and more reasons to write letters than being a pen pal.*
*USPS releases Title IX stamps and postmarks, a few Valentine’s Day Postmarks, *
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2022/pb22590/html/info_006.htm#ep1460573*
*Lack of environmental analysis before awarding the contract, 0.4 MPG increase in fuel efficiency for a fleet that is 30 years old.*
*https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/02/02/usps-trucks-epa-climate-change/*
*The Pen Addict Slack survey results from TheTempTrac and InkyKatWrites*
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPrD5DGyyxk*
*The PDF*
*https://d.pr/f/OX6OxZ*
*The Pen Addict Episode “A guy named Dean”*
*https://www.relay.fm/penaddict/493*
*Postcard Paul with 47,000 cards sent in 29 years*
*https://www.kwqc.com/2022/01/07/postcard-paul-scaling-back-after-nearly-three-decades-letter-writing/*
*Want results, Write a letter, not just for politics*
*https://qctimes.com/opinion/columnists/column-want-results-write-a-letter/article_d2826540-f601-503e-a572-49c6ba95ca07.html*
*Book riot, the case for writing letters. Therapy. Journaling and releasing feelings.*
*https://bookriot.com/case-for-writing-letters/*
*Letter writing to the next generation. Jewish principle of l’dor v’dor*
*https://www.jweekly.com/2022/02/04/oakland-woman-helps-connect-generations-of-families-through-letter-writing/*
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbSKubUD4SA** *
*Missed delivery notification phishing emails and malware attachments*
*https://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2022/01/31/hackers-spoof-post-office-notices-to-spread-notorious-trickbot-malware/?sh=51e4d20026dd*
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Jan 23, 2022
48 New look at old letters
*New stamp releases*
*https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2022/0111-usps-reveals-more-stamps-for-2022.htm*
*Postal Bulletin (1/13/22)*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2022/pb22589/html/info_010.htm*
*Letters of Note IG Account*
*https://www.instagram.com/lettersofnote/*
*More letter locking!*
*https://www.studyfinds.org/letters-17th-century-aristocrats-virtualy-unfolded/*
*More on Edmonia Lewis*
*https://www.baystatebanner.com/2022/01/20/usps-black-heritage-stamp-honors-edmonia-lewis/*
*https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/african-american-stamp-subjects.htm** *
*Using letter writing to reinforce communications learning*
*https://baylorlariat.com/2021/11/04/engage-listening-writing-skills-with-pen-pals/*
*Yoseka re-opening after the holidays*
*https://greenpointers.com/2022/01/19/yoseka-stationery-on-west-street-reopens/*
*Latinx Stationery*
*https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/best-latinx-stationery-brands*
*Ink buying ink?*
*https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/stationery-maker-bic-to-buy-toronto-temporary-tattoo-company-for-us-65-million-1.5744377*
*Oldest known seal*
*https://www.livescience.com/oldest-seal-impression-israel.html*
*
*
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Jan 9, 2022
47 New Year New Groove
In today's episode, we'll be catching up with the latest postal bulletin talking about the new year and some new goals for the new year and talking about some other stuff out of the letter, writing world
*New Acquisitions*
*John - Got my Drillog, haven’t had a chance to play with it.*
*Evan - MB for BMW Ink*
*Space Cat Coozy*
*Other Two pen sleeves from Rickshaw*
*New year’s plans/goals?*
*John - Going to buy basic stuff to rebuild my stationery supplies in Singapore. BTW, for anyone that was wondering, before I was supposed to leave I trimmed my collection to three pen cases, but all of my higher-end pens are going with me. *
*Evan - Get through my reply pile, invest in interesting designed pens, last year was interesting mechanisms (If CONID is back, I’m getting one ASAP)*
*New Stamp **https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22588/html/info_004.htm#ep1461078** *
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22587/html/info_007.htm** *
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22587/html/info_008.htm** *
*Mailing It! Interview with the Postal Service Inspector Service head*
*https://usps-mailin-it.simplecast.com/episodes/americas-oldest-law-enforcement-agency-the-united-states-postal-inspection-service** *
*Hobinichi Stationery Club*
*https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/magazine/2022/contents/stationeryclub/qtaqdmu7a.html*
*Call to action for writing in support of libraries and books*
*https://bookriot.com/freadom-letter-writing-campaign/*
*Easy templates, calls to action*
*https://www.freadom.us/campaigns-actions*
*India pen pal connections (world wide really)*
*https://www.thehindu.com/society/these-homegrown-initiatives-are-helping-people-find-pen-pals-to-connect-with/article38086614.ece*
*https://www.letterstostrangers.org/*
*Stationery pub crawl*
*https://billypenn.com/2021/12/16/philly-stationery-crawl-publetters-pen-pals/*
*
*
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Dec 26, 2021
46. Mea culpa
Sometimes life throws you a curveball. This last week was one of those times. I'm happy to be safely back in the US, but this week's normal episodes was a casualty of life's craziness this last week. My sincere apologies to our listeners for missing this week's recording. We will see you all in the new year.
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Dec 12, 2021
45. Spiral locking into the holidays
*EP 45*
*In today’s episode, we will be catching up with the latest postal bulletin, some great letter locking new and more news of letter writing and stationery coming into the holidays.*
*12/2 Postal bulletin *
USPS Holiday Stamps Retro 51
L*etter writing for documentation of the pandemic and self-care*
*Mary Queen of Scots letter lock*
*https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/12/mary-queen-of-scots-sealed-her-final-missive-with-an-intricate-spiral-letterlock/
**https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/10/mary-queen-of-scots-locked-final-letter-using-paper-folding-research-finds*
*The actual article with the full letterlock steps*
*Pen pal project to battle loneliness during the holidays*
*The actual project site **(They got sponsored by Tetley Tea)*
*Inkvent 2021*
*Green Guide to Stationery*
*Zenzoi Bamboo Fountain Pen** *
*J. Herbin inks*
*Paperage Recycled Paper Journals*
*Review of the Paperage Notebook*
*Stationery corporate responsibility **- Shared by one of o…
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Nov 28, 2021
44. Letter writing for the Queen
*In today’s episode, we will be catching up with new acquisitions, the latest postal bulletin, and more news of letter writing in the age of email.*
*Postal Bulletin*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22585/html/info_006.htm*
*Postmark America - Lighthouses in Ohio*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22585/html/info_008.htm** *
*Follow up on the Paper Source Bankruptcy*
*https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/11/barnes-noble-owner-buys-stationery-retailer-paper-source-out-of-bankruptcy.html*
*Elliott Investment Management, the owner of Barnes & Noble, said Tuesday it will acquire gift and stationery retailer Paper Source.*
*Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt will oversee both companies. While the two businesses plan to operate independently, it hinted at possible partnerships in the future.*
*The acquisition will provide Paper Source with the funding it needs to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.*
*Palace hiring assistant correspondence officer*
*https://www.bel…
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Nov 14, 2021
43. Keeping letter writing alive
*Just a quick note in the show notes, **Shawn Newton is fundraising** for a new machine for his shop and would appreciate your support.*
*In today’s episode, we will be catching up with new acquisitions, the latest postal bulletin, and all of the latest news of people in the world keeping letter writing alive in the age of email and DMs.*
*Acquisitions *
*John - Trilogy nib has returned!*
*Evan - skis, Oculus*
*Postal Bulletin*
*An SO listener sent a **postcard through the Blue Origin program*
*Fighting for Space by Amy Shira Teitel *
*News of letter writers keeping letter writing alive*
*It’s the **Macy’s Believe Campaign,** letters to Santa generate a $1 donation to Make-a-Wish and that program has raised over $25 million*
*Letters from kids in juvie, the ones delivered to teachers impacted their reaction to the students which in turn lowered the recidivism rate, **SF Examiner article**, **EdSource article**, **original paper*
*This is from **AI UK for their Write fo…
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Oct 31, 2021
42. Breathtaking
*In today’s episode, we will be catching up with new acquisitions, the latest postal bulletin, and something breaktaking.*
*Acquisitions *
*John - Schon DSGN PEEK-a-boo, (**Bent Tines** epsiode with Ian))*
*Kilk pen and *
*OPUS 88 demo with a new Parallel nib*
*Evan- VHS London Fog*
*Visconti Travel Filler*
*Iroshizuku Yama-Budo*
*Postal Bulletin*
*Four pictorial postmarks*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22583/html/info_005.htm*
*USPS official podcast: **https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mailin-it-the-official-usps-podcast/id1587184784** *
*USPS Daffy Duck trucks*
*https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/10/29/biden-usps-dejoy-trucks/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter** *
*Nock Co. is no more*
*https://nockco.com/*
*Cases 50% off - Most of his stock is sold out*
*https://www.relay.fm/penaddict/484** episode talking about the shut down*
*
*
*NaNoWriMo -30 days 50,0000 words!*
*Brad Dowdy committed! He’ll be copying…
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Oct 17, 2021
41 Link Love
* In today’s episode, we will be catching up with the latest postal bulletin, diving into some Link Love, and looking at a great summary of FPC.ink.*
*Acquisitions*
*John- nope (but going to a pen swap today)*
*Evan-celebratory pen? (hasn’t arrived yet)*
*Graf Von FC Storm Grey Ink*
*Franklin-christoph is having an online pen show on Oct 19th. *
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22582/html/info_007.htm#ep1462469*
*https://about.usps.com/newsroom/local-releases/ca/2021/1008-new-for-the-holiday-prices-shipping-rates-and-dates.htm*
*Holiday shipping deadlines*
*https://www.instagram.com/p/CUpCC0lgDgp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link*
*https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/10/link-love-beyond-tired/*
*https://kottke.org/21/10/letters-to-the-future*
*Vietnamese creative agency Ki Saigon has designed a book out of recycled plastic containing letters to read a millennium from now.*
*Chicago Pen Show recaps*
*https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2021/10/2/report-…
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Oct 3, 2021
40. David Parker aka Figboot on Pens
In today’s episode, we will have a special guest who has become an established part of the fountain pen world through his YouTube channel and now a custom Leonardo pen release. Please welcome David Parker aka Figboot on Pens.
What is your current grail pen?
Namiki Yukari Royale
(I'm just getting into golf) What has been your favorite golf course?
Tobacco Road Golf, NC
Torrey Pines
Pebble Beach
St Andrews (go on Sunday, play on Monday)
What do you think are the most underrated pens in the market?
Cross Peerless 125 (I thought Fountain Pen Hospital had them but they are out of stock)
Diplomat Aero (Pen Chalet link so you can use your Pen Addict code)
What is your favorite pen in the $100-200 price bracket?
Lamy 2000
Pilot VP
What is your favorite snail mail embellishment?
Wax Seals
Figboot on Pens Leo
Pen18111
Rockster pens
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Sep 19, 2021
39. Pen Acquisition Overload
*In today’s episode, we will be catching up with pen acquisitions and the Postal Bulletin.*
*New acquisitions*
*John (better grab a Snickers)*
*Aurora Optima Abissi JE 2016*
*Pilot Vanishing Point*
*Pilot Murex*
*Red Dragon Pen Company Pocket Parallel*
*Kickstarter Drillog*
*Evan*
*Calipers and thread gauge set (for a future pen related project), custom pen makers, I may be reaching out for an odd request soon. *
*New letter lock I found*
*https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Fold-and-Lock-a-Letter/*
*New Stamps and postmarks (last two bulletins)*
*https://about.usps.com/resources/postal-bulletin.htm*
*https://vanness1938.com/collections/planners/2022-planner?sort_by=created-descending&_kx=HxHsgK8Z25S4lghVYB3eKV4sNASdkjSTW7LYO-FKwm8%3D.WQ54UZ*
*https://vanness1938.com/products/midori-planner-stickers-chatty-cats?_kx=HxHsgK8Z25S4lghVYB3eKV4sNASdkjSTW7LYO-FKwm8%3D.WQ54UZ*
*
*
*https://www.amexessentials.com/best-historical-letter-collections-to-read/**
Ernest Hemingway…
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Sep 5, 2021
38. Kirk Speer Revisited
In today’s episode, we will have a special guest who has been tearing up the pen show scene and expanding his reputation as a nib grinder and shop owner. Please welcome Kirk Speer.
Pen Realm
Dromgoole's
Mark Bacas
Kilk Pens
Bokumondoh
Kokuyo Bobbin maker
Scribe ink
Mont Blanc Agatha Christie
Classic Pens
Esterbrook
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Aug 22, 2021
37. Wax Seals Revisited
*In today’s episode, we will be talking all about the newest postal bulletin and wax seals*
*Acquisitions:*
*Evan - SLC 2002 Olympic Fountain Pen*
*NPR’s Life Kit did an episode on writing a letter*
*New regional postmarks, including one in PR*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22578/html/info_010.htm*
*
**https://www.stationeryorbit.com/4-the-wax-seals-primer/*
*https://www.etsy.com/shop/Catherinecraftsupply?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=722484130*
*https://backtozero.co/*
*https://www.letterseals.com/*
*https://www.carolinapencompany.com/custom-wax-seal*
*https://vanness1938.com/collections/wax-seals*
*J.Herbin Wax seal ink pads*
*Global Solutions Metallic White Shimmer Stamp Pad*
*Stick wax*
*Glue gun wax - **especially clear wax*
*Wax beads** -**Melting spoons - Melting furnaces*
*DexterRings** -from the UK*
*Regnas** - from Thailand*
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Aug 8, 2021
36. 2021 Postmark Experiment Results
*In today’s episode, we will be talking all about the results of the 2021 Droids Postmark Experiment*
*Drilllog Kickstarter**
**Musubi *
*The new rates will take effect on August 29, 2021.*
New Postal Bulletin
The results blog post
The results table
*The Chien-Shiung Wu postmarks were returned but they were all done with the black and white postmark.*
*For the Droids postmarks, the 24 Pounds Strathmores and the Envelopes.com Press-N-Peel envelopes came out on top of this 5 envelope comparison. The 24# Strathmores, in my opinion, are a better product than the USPS uses for their own postmark product. I will be posting pictures from the experiment on Instagram in the following days. Each of the envelope types have links to their product pages on Envelopes.com. All materials, including stamps, mailers, envelopes, and postage were paid for by John West. *
*You can write to us at:*
*Stationery Orbit*
* Attn: John West*
* P.O. Box 621*
* Golden, CO 80402 *
*StationeryOrbit is…
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Jul 25, 2021
35. Into Deep Space
In today’s episode we will be talking about a postmark experiment update and custom ink from the Philippines
New acquisitions
John-Backed the Drillog Kickstarter
Evan- New ink, Koyo No Oto #7
The Stationery Orbit Deep Space Custom Ink from New Brew Inks in Manila, Philippines
USPS Postal Bulletin
Royal Mail New Coastal Animals Stamps
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Jul 11, 2021
34. How we reply
In *today’s episode, we will be talking about how we write letters to our pen pals, and a quick postmark experiment update *
*Bokumondoh urushi/raden pen IG post*
*Inky Rocks Bokumondo Video*
*24-pound paper envelopes and applied the
**B&W postmark** to that set of envelopes. *
Question from Brad of Mythic Pen Company and As the Pen Turns podcast:
*Letter writing, how do we write to our pen pals. Any tips?*
*Standard things I do in a letter.*
*Date the first page, number pages ½ 2/2 etc*
*List the pen and ink at the bottom of the page *
*Eg Kaweco Brass Sport <M>/Platinum Pigment Blue*
*I try to put the By Snail/Par Escargot stamp on most of my letters*
*Jeff Besos/Blue Origin Postcards to space (will get link later) **https://www.clubforfuture.org/missions/** *
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22574/pb22574.pdf*
Not mentioned in the episode but very topical so I'll add it here:*
*Inky Rocks Letter Writing Video
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Jun 27, 2021
33. Letterlocking meets origami
I*n today’s episode, we will be talking about postmarks, fun media mentions of fountain pens, the postmark experiment, and the possibility of using origami diagrams for letterlocking .*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22573/html/info_007.htm*
*Seen on Tim Ferris’s newsletter*
*https://www.fountainpenhospital.com/*
*Shop I’m excited to visit once again —*
*Fountain Pen Hospital**. Now that I’m fully vaccinated, I’m excited to get back to the Fountain Pen Hospital, which was “founded in 1946 by Phil Wiederlight and Al Wiederlight (the father and grandfather, respectively, of today’s proprietors – Terry and Steve Wiederlight). Terry and Steve have a combined 60 years experience in all phases of vintage and modern writing instruments.” Special thanks to **Neil Gaiman** for recommending it during **our conversation together**, in which he described how and why he does so much writing by hand.*
*The Pigeon Letterlock YR diagram (based on A4 size paper…
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Jun 13, 2021
32. Plunging into envelopes
In today's episode, we'll be talking about stamps, erasable ink, and the history of envelopes.
*USPS Price Increase, First Class Letter going from 55 to 58 on August 29th:*
*https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2021/0528-usps-proceeds-with-request-for-postal-rate-change.htm*
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_United_States_postage_rates#/media/File:US_Postage_History.svg*
*https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2021/0518ma-usps-announces-upcoming-stamp-dedications.htm*
*https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2020/1117-usps-announces-upcoming-stamps.htm** *
*
*
*https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/351973-erasable-fountain-pen-ink/*
*http://letterlocking.org/categories*
*https://www.wsel.com/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/EMA_History.pdf*
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May 30, 2021
31. Letterlocking the Matrix
I*n today’s episode, we will be talking about stamps, pen clubs, the postmark experiment, and the table of letterlocking *
*Erasable Fountain Pen ink: **https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_PXcODU1G/*
*https://www.kiwiinks.com/collections/erasable/products/erasable-ink** *
*Another Space Retro51: **https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBS5_PjPMH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link*
*Sun Science Stamps:*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22572/html/info_004.htm** *
*Postmarks: *
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22572/html/info_006.htm** *
*https://www.wsel.com/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/EMA_History.pdf**
Unlocking History, Table of Letterlocking*
*http://letterlocking.org/categories*
Metric Paper video from CPG Grey
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May 16, 2021
30. Philatelic overload, Postmark experiments and International Mail Art
Ep 30
In today’s episode we will be talking about stamps, postmarks and mail art
The etymology behind the word stationery
Interesting call for pandemic mail-related items
Barbados stamps for Centenarians. “Comprising a total of 27 stamps, the collection was released on December 8, 2016”
New Canadian stamps
https://twitter.com/renatalorelei__/status/1390056806018392065?s=21
More neat stamps from the Royal Mail
Japanese Pokemon Stamps! https://t.co/heLSiqQOiH?amp=1
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=https://www.post.japanpost.jp/kitte/collection/archive/2021/0825_01/
Go for Broke: Japanese American Soldiers of WWII Stamp (will release June 3rd)
United in Mail Art
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May 2, 2021
29. Pen Clubs
I*n today’s episode we will talking about pen clubs so when we can all get out of the house, we may have some folks to share our fountain pens with.*
*Acquisitions:*
**
***NockCo Brasstown*
* **King Jim Magflap Clipboard*
***Nakabayashi Lifestyle Tool Box*
***Kaweco Supra Fountain Pen*
*https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22569/html/info_006.htm#ep1466399*
*https://store.usps.com/store/product/stamp-gifts/espresso-drinks-coasters-S_683298*
***Nathanials Postmarks**
**As The Pen Turns podcast** *
*Maruman Croquis Sketch Pad *
Pen Clubs Map!
Calgary Pen Club
London Pen Club (Ontario)
Southern California Pen Collectors Club
Southeast Pen Collector’s Club
Boston Pen People
Greater New York Pen & Ink Group (GNYPIG)
Research Triangle Pen Club
Seattle Pen Club
Seattle-ish Pen Posse
GLAMPIG - The Greater Los Angeles Metro Pen & Ink Group
Colorado Pen Posse
Dallas Pen Club
IowaPen
London Pen Club
Fountain Pen Network
Russian Penlovers Club
San Francisco…
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Apr 18, 2021
28. Postmarks Strike Back
In this episode, we will be talking about new acquisitions, new droid postmarks, and Quill pens.
Any new acquisitions?
Evan -
Musubi purchases
* *Pen sleeve*
* *Notebook*
Rickshaw Bagworks Golden Waves Pen Sleeve
*Hero H718*
Quills!
John - Montegrappa Monte Grappa
Box of Sheaffer pens from TX
*htps://epica.com/products/classic-leather-journal-featuring-hand-made-amalfi-paper*
Pictorial Postmarks:
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22567/html/info_006.htm#ep1480012
Canada Post sends a prepaid postcard to every household in the country
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/03/07/canada-post-is-sending-every-household-free-postcard-help-deliver-smile/
Follow up on star wars stamps, being released May 4th, virtual event on FB and Twitter
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/events/star-wars-droids-forever-stamp-ceremony.htm
March 25th Postal Bulletin https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22568/html/info_004.htm
and the Pictorial Postmarks are in for th…
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Apr 4, 2021
27. Exploring the world of socially responsible stationery with Daryl of Musubi
In today’s episode we will be talking about the magical world of high-end notebooks and what it takes to be a socially conscious company in an Amazon packed world. Our guest today has established himself as a fixture at pen shows, a trusted source of knowledge for Tomoe River paper, he has just released a new series of notebooks featuring Cosmo Air Light Paper, and will be releasing his new line of Folio Covers later this year! Please join me in welcoming him all the way from Singapore, Daryl from Musubi.
*https://www.ozuwashi.net/en/index.html*
***https://ozuwashi.com** (store)*
Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise,raiSE*
*
Musubi
@ateliermusubi on Instagram
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Mar 21, 2021
26. Letter locking and Star Wars stamps
*Episode 26*
*Any new acquisitions?*
* John-
Nock Co Waxed Canvas Brasstown*
*Jeweler's loupe, and brass shims for tuning **https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxHM6JjScRs*
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwrV1Qb1vp0*
* What projects are we working on?*
*Evan- Postal Bulletin _ postmark*
* Evan’s January postmarks started getting delivered March 4th*
* John- fountain pen tuning*
* Getting back to sealing with clear sealing wax out of a glue gun and dried flowers*
* Dr. Chien Shiung Wu stamp and sending it off for postmark*
*What is going on in the stationery world?*
*Jana Dambrogio has been busy!*
*https://www.cnn.com/style/article/opening-sealed-letters-study-scn/index.html*
* Videos on this fold! **https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_awvL2O4PVY** *
*Even made NYT: **https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/02/science/locked-letters-unfolding.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur** *
* Related: **https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/buried-ash-vesuvius-scrolls-are-being-read-new-xray-te…
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Mar 7, 2021
25. Emergency Episode : Paper Source Bankruptcy
*Emergency Episode!*
*Paper Source Bankruptcy*
*https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/03/breaking-news-from-the-stationery-world-paper-source-files-bankruptcy/*
*https://www.chicagobusiness.com/retail/paper-source-bankruptcy-squeezes-small-greeting-card-sellers*
*The Card Bureau - **https://www.thecardbureau.com/*
*http://steelpetalpress.com/cat/blog/*
*1Canoe2*
*417 Press*
*Amy Heitman*
*Antiquaria Design*
*Bench Pressed*
*Bloom Wolf*
*Charm Cat*
*Chez Gange*
*Constellation & Co*
*Good JuJu Ink*
*Darling Lemon*
*Inklings Paperie*
*Kiss and Punch*
*Knot and Bow** *
*Ladyfingers Letterpress*
*Lake + Loft*
*Loudhouse Creative*
*Noteworthy Paper*
*Paper Epiphanies*
*Paper Baristas** *
*Paula & Waffle*
*Power and Light Press*
*Rhino Parade*
*Sapling Press*
*Steel Petal Press** (based in Chicago, like Paper Source)*
*The Good Twin*
*The Lavender Whim*
*The Paper Wilderness*
*The Social Type*
*Unblushing*
*Up With Paper*
*Wild Ink Press*
*Yellow Daisy P…
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Mar 7, 2021
24. Introducing Evan Harris as the Co-Host of Stationery Orbit
*In today’s episode, I am happy to be introducing Evan Harris as the co-host of Stationery Orbit.*
*Welcome, Evan!*
*End of InCoWriMo, how did your InCoWriMo go?*
*Address labels*
*A5 sheets*
*New postal vehicle/reactions **?*
*
*
*New Pictorial Postmarks*
*Will you marry me? Postmark and Perseverance on Mars Station Postmark*
*Anything new on the market?*
*NockCo waxed canvas Kickstarter*
*New Parker 51*
*Safari re-release in Terra and Savanah*
*Pura – Leonardo Momento Zero Grande*
*Scribe Inks*
*PENNONIA INK*
*Letterlocking YouTube site*
*Dictionary of Letterlocking*
*
*
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Feb 21, 2021
23. Letter writing societies
In today’s episode we will be talking all about letter writing societies.
Letter writing society directory
Arizona Correspondence Society
Coast Side Letter Writing Society
Mojave Correspondence Club
Colorado Correspondence Co
Paper Seahorse/Tampa Bay Letter Writers Social
The Paper Seahorse
Midwest Letter Society
New Mexico Letter Writers Society
Lone Star Letter Writers
South Sound Letter Writing Society
Correspondence Club
Laramie Letter Writing Community
6. The Pen Pal Primer
Geek Girl Pen Pals
Victorian Letter Writers Guild
Dudes Who Write
Stationery Orbit Pen Pal Primer
14. Joanna, IGGPPC Director
Geek Girl Pen Pals
Charm Bomb Podcast
*Podcasts:*
The Pen Addict
Senders-receive Podcast
The Nib Section
As the Pen Turns
The Tokyo Inklings
The Bent Tines
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Feb 7, 2021
22. Learning about fountain pen fluid dynamics from Nicole Sharp
In today’s episode, we will be talking all about how your favorite fountain pen works. Behind every design, there is engineering. Behind fountain pens, there is fluid dynamics and I’m excited to have on as a guest a Ph.D in fluid dynamics. Her goal in life is to spread the word about fluid dynamics and today she will explain the various ways physics puts ink to paper.
You can find amazing articles that will expand your knowledge of the world of fluid dynamics on her website fyfluiddynamics.com/
Please welcome, Nicole Sharp!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fountain_pen_ink
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_tension
Do you have a favorite fountain pen ink?
Conservative- Platinum Carbon Black
Wild- Looking for the perfect orange
Papier Plume Sazerac
KWZ Eldarado
Robert Oster Australis Tea
Papier Plume Blue Heron
Leuchtturm
Endless Recorder
Rhodia Pad
Midori
Pilot Vanishing Pont Matte Black
Sailor Manyo Yomogi
Mnemosyne pad
Sailor Colorado
Can you share one technique with…
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Jan 24, 2021
21. A visit from the Queen of Washi, Beth Hobson
In today’s episode, we will be talking about something near and dear to most stationery lover’s hearts, WASHI TAPE! Our guest has established herself as the enabler for all things washi.
Please welcome Pen Addict Slack royalty, the Queen of Washi, tis herself, Beth Hobson!
InkyConverters https://www.etsy.com/shop/inkyconverters
Nutmeg and Arlo https://www.etsy.com/shop/NutmegandArlo
Mildred for Tea https://www.etsy.com/shop/Mildredfortea
Simply Guilded https://simplygilded.com/
Kawaii Pen Shop https://kawaiipenshop.com/
Once More with Love https://oncemorewithlove.com/
Coffee Break Planner https://www.coffeebreakplanner.com/
Wonton in a Million https://wontoninamillion.com/
Original Kawaii Pen https://originalkawaiipen.com/
Tiny Deer Studio https://tinydeerstudio.com/
Shoal https://shopshoal.com/
Jet Pens https://www.jetpens.com/
AliExpress https://www.aliexpress.com
Cocoa Daisy https://www.cocoadaisy.com/
Baum-kuchen studio https://www.baum-kuchen.net/pages/studio-…
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Jan 10, 2021
20. Talking about the Postal Bulletin and Letter Locking with Evan Harris
Welcome to Episode 20 of Stationery Orbit where we are all here to learn more about creative letter writing, I’m your host John West and in today’s episode we will be talking about something I didn’t even know was a thing until it was brought to my attention by our guest. He brings joy to his pen pals by going well above and beyond by sending in letters for special postal cancellations and sending letter-locked letter au’ natural into the wild. He is a Postal system super user!
Please welcome, Evan Harris!
Postal Bulletin
A cancellation (or cancel) is a *postal* marking applied to a *postage* stamp or a piece of *postal* stationery indicating that the item has been used. The primary purpose of cancels is to prevent the reuse of stamps. The terms cancel and postmark is used interchangeably.
What is your favorite postal cancellation you’ve seen in the Postal Bulletin?
Space themes
Canceled postage conference
What is letter-locking?
Letter locking on YouTube
Letter locking m…
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Dec 25, 2020
19. 2020 Recap
*Welcome to Episode 19 of Stationery Orbit, where we all come to learn more about creative letter writing, I’m your host John West and this episode is my 2020 recap show. *
T*hanks to my first patron Todd, who has believed in me almost from the start. *
*Mercedes Marathon *
*PO Box*
*I tried **spearfishing Lionfish*
*Leonardo MZ in JB PM*
*Sammy Hagar’s b-day bash*
F*olded nib*
L*earning cursive *
*Pilot 823*
*@briankesinger*
*@lucyoftotality*
*#siberiancat*
*@seblester*
*@karenhallionart*
*@purr.in.ink*
*Kaweco Apple Pencil Holder*
*You can find me on Instagram at:*
*@gneissguyco** for pictures of cats and life*
*@stationeryorbit** for stationery experiments*
*You can also write to me at:*
*Stationery Orbit*
* Attn: John West*
* P.O. Box 621*
* Golden, CO 80402 *
*StationeryOrbit** is my main website where you can find episodes and places to subscribe to StationeryOrbit on all of the major podcast platforms. You can also find links to the Stationery Orbit…
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Dec 13, 2020
18. Timothy Ely Part 2, Bookbinder and artist at APlanetaryCollage.com
Welcome to Episode 18 of Stationery Orbit where we are all here to learn more about creative letter writing, I’m your host John West and today’s episode is the continued discussion with Timothy Ely. He is an author of a multitude of art books and he has two softcover books available. We will be talking about ink manufacture and ways to use his art techniques to level up your creative letter writing.
You can find his two softcover books on Amazon and they are:
Flight into Egypt
and 8 Books
You can commission new works, and find reproduction prints on his website A Planetary Collage
The documentary for Tim’s art book, Line of Sight
01:09 Do you have a favorite snail mail embellishment?
07:52 Can you tell us about the chemistry/physics/engineering you have to consider when you make an ink?
Tim Lee’s folded pens
Ruling Pens
10:05 Do you have a favorite fountain pen ink?
De Atrementis Document Black
Noodler’s Dark Matter
Book of Kells
Grumbacher Paint
Andrew Wyeth…
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Nov 29, 2020
17. Timothy Ely, Artist and Bookbinder at APlanetaryCollage.com Part 1
Welcome to Episode 17 of Stationery Orbit where we are all here to learn more about creative letter writing, I’m your host John West and today’s episode is a discussion with a remarkable artist. He is an author of a multitude of art books and he has two softcover books available. We will be talking about how drafting and cartography merge into art; and how to use rubber stamps to trigger creative ideas.
Please welcome, Timothy Ely!
You can find his two softcover books on Amazon and they are:
Flight into Egypt
and 8 Books
You can commission new works, and find reproduction prints on his website A Planetary Collage
Here is the link to the documentary for Tim’s art book, Line of Sight
What inspired you to mix graphic design, cartography, drafting and bookbinding into your own unique style of art?
Which piece of yours found its way to the Library of Congress?
Can you tell me about the Compound 12 piece that is at the University of Denver?
What is cribiform?
Did you learn t…
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Nov 15, 2020
16. AMA with Jennie Hinchcliff of Redletterdayzine.com
Today’s episode is a “ask me anything” episode with Jennie Hinchcliff of redletterdayzine
Question about getting things through safely -- wax seals not getting crushed, things like that. Any tips? Just mark "hand cancel" on everything?
-Becky Wilson via the SO Discord
Letter Seals Waterson’s Scottish postal taper
More the where to go and how to get started - it's a bit intimidating when you see some of cool work others put out. Dos and don'ts, things to be avoided.
-Karissa from TPA Slack
Add and pass
Sources for reading up on the history of mail art - including beyond the 70s and 80s.
-Karissa from TPA Slack
Eternal Network by Chuck Welch
Correspondence art- Michael Crane and Mary Stofflet
The World of Donald Evans by Willy Eisenhart
The Umbrella Anthology – Judith Hoffberg
Frog Pond Splash – edited by Elizabeth Zuba
Ray Johnson retrospective at the Art Institute of Chicago in Jan- April 2021
Siglio Publishing -Paper Snake and Not Nothing by Ray Johnson
Projects…
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Nov 1, 2020
15. Brad Dowdy of The Pen Addict
Today’s guest requires a special introduction
He once spent an entire month on a remote hilltop with pen in hand, the tender silence only broken by the sound of nib on paper, writing line after line of the same character just to achieve a number 4 that brought joy to his soul.
He is a Namiki Nerd, a Lamy Lover, a founding member of Team Safari, the King of Pen,
It’s BRAD DOWDY!
The Pen Addict blog was founded in 2008, the Pen Addict podcast followed in 2012, then NockCo and recently, a partnership in Spoke Pens and a Twitch stream for the Pen Addict.
Lamy 2000 Blue Bauhaus
What is your Top 5 Ice Cream list looking like these days? (Refill #57)
Mint chocolate chip
Pralines and cream
Moose Tracks
Sea Salt and Caramel
Coffee/Espresso
What fountain pen brand do you think has the best, most consistent quality?
Pelikan
What pen are you writing with today?
Stylo-Art Urushi
What pen do you find yourself reaching for more these days?
Spoke Design - Classic silver
Spoke De…
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Oct 11, 2020
14. Joanna, IGGPPC Director
Today’s episode is a discussion with Joanna, an International Geek Girls Pen Pal Club Director, Content Editor, Keeper of Commas, and Spreader of Smiles and we will be talking about Pen Pals and the ever-expanding world of Girl Geekdom.
Founded in March 2013, the International Geek Girl Pen Pals Club (aka IGGPPC) was designed to bring together the geek community through shared interests in all things geeky, a love of stationery, and an interest in making friends.
What are the IGGPPC Houses?
House Quinn are ages 17-21
House GlaDOS are ages 22-29
House Organa are ages 30-44
House Ripley are ages 45+
Legend of Korra
Star Wars: Clone Wars
The Mandalorian
Charm Bomb Podcast
Sharpies
@MyCatIsPeople
Needle Felting Kit
International Geek Girl Pen Pals Club
IGGLEs On Twitter
IGGLEs on Instagram
IGGLEs on Facebook
IGGLEs on YouTube
Instagram
@joannavolavka
@gneissguyco
@stationeryorbit
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
Attn: John West
P.O. Box…
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Oct 4, 2020
13: Becky Wilson
This episode is a discussion with Becky Wilson who is in the Top 20 on the FPC.ink leaderboards to talk about ink collecting and the current ink market.
FPC.ink leaderboards
Ikea Alex
Test tube racks
Col-o-Rings
Col-o-Dex
Vintage Rolodex
Vaness Pens
Diamine Inkvent
Diamine Jack Frost
Coloverse Cat
Ink of the witch
Seitz Kreuznach
Fox and quill Beetle Juice
Sailor Inks
Popular inks (from FPC.ink)
Waterman Patrician Purple
Yard-O-Led
Atlas Stationers
Midori md
Micheal Sull spacing drill
Leigh Reyes on Instagram @leighpod
Nock Co Kickstarter
Stationery Orbit (SO) News!
www.StationeryOrbit.com
SO Discord
SO Patreon
Where can they find you on the Internets?
Instagram
@rewil
@gneissguyco
@stationeryorbit
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
Attn: John West
P.O. Box 621
Golden, CO 80402
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Sep 20, 2020
12: Kirk Speer of PenRealm.com
This episode is a discussion about pen restoration and nib grinding with Kirk Speer, of PenRealm.com.
Different types of nib grinds
Waterman 12 Eyedropper
*Better QA/QC fountain pen brands*
* Pilot
* Sailor
* Narwhal
* Jowo nibs
* Pelikan
*Fountain Pen Brands with QA/QC issues*
* Mont Blanc has a consistent babies bottom
* Bock nibs
* Platinum
Chatelain pens- eyedroppers worn around the neck
Maruman
Kokuyo
Rhodia
Apica
Pen Addict Newsletter
@Gestaltofatoms
@Inkyexperiments
Geha Fountain Pens - German
www.Penrealm.com
Instagram
@penrealm
@gneissguyco
@stationeryorbit
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
Attn: John West
P.O. Box 621
Golden, CO 80402
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Sep 6, 2020
11: Jennie Hinchcliff co-author of Good Mail Day
This episode is a discussion about the very big world of mail art with Jennie Hinchcliff, co-author of Good Mail Day and author of the website www.redletterdayzine.com
Good Mail Day
Kaweco Sport
Kaweco Lilliput
Parker 51
Schaefer “Lifetime Balance”
*Travelling Mail Art Kit:*
* Pencil pouch
* Pen
* Pencil
* Eraser
* Glue stick
* Postage
* Double stick tape
* Waxy crayons
* Mohawk superfine
* Ink pad
* Rubber stamps
* Date stamper
Ex Postal Facto
Red Handed Rubber Stamps
*What is gleaning?*
* Having eyes open to ways that you can collect and use things in the world around you
* Collecting bits and pieces to use for mail art, whatever strikes one’s fancy
* Old paper, collage bits
*Could you describe the difference between a hand-carved stamp and an Artistamp?*
* Hand-carved =’s soft block carving/eraser carving an image of some kind that can then be stamped onto one’s mail art
* Artistamps =’s a “stamp” designed by an artist/m…
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Aug 23, 2020
10: Urban Hafner of Fountain Pen Companion
This episode is a discussion about ink tracking with Urban Hafner of FountainPenCompanion.com
Urban has developed an extensive website for tracking inks, pens, and more called the Fountain Pen Companion. He is also a co-host of a podcast of the same name. Urban is also an avid Chinese pens collector.
Ink Journal
Leonardo Pens on Appelboom
PenBBS on Etsy
Bobby on ChinesePen
EasyBuy on Etsy
Is your favorite ink #1 on FPC?
Fountain Pen Love
385 ink brands on FPC
E-2 Paper
Sailor Pro Gear Slim Purple Cosmos zoom nib
Pilot 78G
Wing Sung piston filler
Pen BBS 456 vacuum filler with a #6 nib
Karas Decograph cracked ice
Urban’s name chop as a two-color wax seals
Naomi Bulger’s Mail Art Coloring Books
Naomi Bulger on Instagram
Urban on the Internets:
Fountainpencompanion.com
Urban on FPC
Instagram
@urbanhafner
John on the Internets:
John on FPC
Instagram
@gneissguyco
@stationeryorbit
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
Attn: John West
P.O. Box 621
G…
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Aug 9, 2020
9: John Bosley of FountainPenLove.com
This episode is a discussion about paper testing and fountain pens with John Bosley of FountainPenLove.com
John has an extensive set of paper tests on his website. He is also an avid Esterbrook and vintage inks collector.
CVS Caliber
Fabriano Eqo Qua
Fabriano Museum
Mike Masuyama - Mike It Work
Kirk – Pen Realm
Mont Blanc 149
Waterman South Sea blue (Inspired blue now)
Script/Sanford Peacock blue
Carter’s cubes
Smithsonian Institution’s National Postal Museum
Pen Collectors of America
Vintage Inks – John Bosley,2010
https://fountainpenlove.com/paper/the-massive-list-of-fountain-pen-friendly-paper-ratings/
https://fountainpenlove.com/shop/
Instagram
Nick Stewart - @Quinkandbleach
Candace - @Pensivecandy
John Bosley - @fountainpenlove
John West - @gneissguyco
@stationeryorbit
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
Attn: John West
P.O. Box 621
Golden, CO 80402
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Jul 26, 2020
8: Amanda McKay of LettterLetter.com
This episode is a discussion about letter art with Amanda McKay of LetterLetter.com
Amanda has taught creative letter writing classes at pen shows.
TwoHands Paperie
Back To Zero
Imperial Orders Notepad
Karas Kustoms Ink in Teal Kerakote
Tomoe River Paper
Carved stamps YouTube video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlFVrDjAnA0
Letterlocking
Colorado Correspondence Coalition
www.Letterletter.com
Instagram
@letterletter
@gneissguyco
@stationeryorbit
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
Attn: John West
P.O. Box 621
Golden, CO 80402
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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Jul 12, 2020
7: Virginia Howell, Director of the Robert C Williams Museum of Paper Making
This episode is my first interview. Virginia Howell is the director of the Robert C Williams Museum of Paper Making.
Fabriano notebooks
North American Hand Paper Makers
Dard Hunter
IAPMA
Nicole Donnelly
Cave Paper – Minneapolis
Pulp and Deckle - Portland
Facebook
RCWPaperMuseum
Instagram
@RCW_PaperMuseum
@gneissguyco
@stationeryorbit
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
Attn: John West
P.O. Box 621
Golden, CO 80402
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Jun 28, 2020
6: The Pen Pal Primer
This episode is the Pen Pal primer.
http://www.penpalworld.com/
2,300,000 members
Easy to read Privacy policy
Free and paid options
Started in 1998
Mostly online
https://www.snailmailpenpals.net/
Snail mail
Free
Pretty long privacy statement
https://www.globalpenfriends.com/
Email and snail mail
Start in 1995
Good privacy policy
https://www.penpalsnow.com/
more of an online personal ad site for Pen Pals
Does abide by EU Privacy Regulations
Don’t bother signing up if you are under 16
The only info on the site is what you post in your ad
https://www.sassociations.net/
Another a personal ad page looking for pen pals
No privacy policy, again what is on the site is what you post.
https://incowrimo.org (part of the reason I started this podcast)
A letter every day in February
There are address exchanges
Not all Pen Pal sites are for everyone:
https://geekgirlpenpals.com/
Very snail mail centric
Very clever writing on the website
Has a Patreon for support
Go…
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Jun 15, 2020
5: The Mail Art Primer
This episode is the mail art primer.
Cling vinyl stamps allow the stamps to be used with an acrylic handle for support.
Three-color stamps
The TAM Rubber Stamp Archive has a collection of prints of rubber stamps mail-artists have used since 1983.
Harriet Tubman stamp for the $20 bill
https://occupygeorge.com/
https://indroneswetrust.tumblr.com/participate
https://www.stampstampede.org/
East Asian seals
Mulready stationery
https://www.jetpens.com/blog/how-to-use-washi-tape/pt/698
https://every-tuesday.com/10-hand-lettering-enhancements/
You can find me at
@gneissguyco on Instagram
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
Attn: John West
P.O. Box 621
Golden, CO 80402
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May 31, 2020
4: The Wax Seals Primer
This episode is the wax seals primer.
Intaglio seals are cut into the surface of the matrix. Intaglio seals are most commonly used for wax seals and create a design in raised relief in the wax.
Relief seals have designs that are above the surface of the matrix. Relief seals are commonly set behind a piece of paper for embossing that also creates a raised relief design. If a relief seal is used in wax it creates an impressed design more like a mold.
Catherine Craft Supply
Dexter Rings
Regnas Rings
Letterlocking
http://brienne.org/exhibit-4
http://letterlocking.org/about
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/what-did-people-do-before-envelopes-letterlocking
My personal favorite method is to use wax beads in a wax furnace to heat the spoon with the wax in it and the spoon gives you more control over how the wax is applied to the letter. Melting wax beads in a spoon also gives you the ability to mix wax colors to add to the character of the seal.
Wax furnace
Non-machinable post…
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May 19, 2020
3: The Paper Primer
This is the Paper Primer.
What is paper?
A thin cellulose mesh
Rags Make Paper
Paper Makes Money
Money Makes Banks
Banks Make Loans
Loans Make Beggars
Beggars Make Rags
-----Anon. English 19th C.
What does it take to make paper?
Pulping
Machining -mesh forming
Drying
Finishing (sizing)
Washi fiber length 13-17 mm, naturally acid free
Cotton 3-5 mm
Wood pulp cellulose 2-7mm
Begasse paper 1.2 mm
Recycled fibers <1 mm
What are the characteristics that make one paper more suited for a particular application?
Absorption/ghosting / Bleed through
Feathering
Shade
Sheens
drying time
Western paper makers
Clairefontaine
Rhodia
Leuchtturm
Strathmore
Baron Fig
Story Supply
Field Notes
G Lalo
Fabriano
Mnemosyne
Life
Apica
Midori
Tamoe River
Kokuyo
Graphilo
Ink Jet paper
Massive List of Fountain Pen Friendly Paper
Best Fountain Pen Paper
Basel Paper Museum
Williams Paper Museum at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA.
Fabriano Paper…
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May 17, 2020
2: The Ink Primer
This episode is the Ink Primer.
The Pen Addict
Anderson Pens Ink Tool
Richard Binder’s website
3 Oysters
Bungubox
Colorverse
Kobe
KWZ
Kyoto TAG
Namiki
PenBBS
Penlux
*Pilot** *
*Platinum** *
*Sailor** *
TWSBI
Taccia
Vinta Inks
Robert Oster
Standard Bindery
Van Dieman's Ink
Akkerman
Blackstone
Aurora
Callifolio
Caran d'Ache
DeAtramentis
Diamine
Ferris Wheel Press
Graf von Faber Castell
J Herbin
Kaweco
Lamy
Leonardo Officina Italiana
Montblanc
Montegrappa
Organics Studio
Please join me for the next primer episode on paper.
You can find me at
@gneissguyco on Instagram
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
John West
P.O. Box 621
Golden, CO 80402
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May 3, 2020
1: The Pen Primer
This is the first of the primer episodes and I’ll be talking about pens today
Update: this podcast will be produced on a two-week schedule.
The Pen Addict
The Nib Section
The Leaky Nib
The Tokyo Inklings
https://www.penaddict.com/top-5-pens/
Uni Jetstream
Parker Jotter
Fischer Space Pen
Uni Power Tank
Uni Deluxe
Pilot G2
The EPIC Refill Guide
Sharpie
Tombow markers
Multi-pens
Glass nib pens
Comic/Manga nibs
Fountain pen makeup
Nib makers
What are nib grinds
Safari
AL Star
Lamy 2000
Sport
Lilliput
Student
Supro
Pelican M1000
https://thepelikansperch.com/
Preppy/Prefounte
3776
Metropolitan
Custom 74
Vanishing Point/Decimo
Custom 823
Pro Gear /Realo
Pro Gear Slim
1911 Large
Go
You can find me at
@gneissguyco on Instagram
You can also write to me at:
Stationery Orbit
John West
P.O. Box 621
Golden, CO 80402
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Apr 19, 2020
0: Introduction
This is the Introductory episode
This podcast will be centered around creative letter writing and I will start it off with a series of primer episodes and later will move into interviews.
Primer episodes:
Pens
Inks
Papers
Wax Seals
Mail Art
Pen Pals
Links:
The Pen Addict
The Nib Section
The Leaky Nib
2 Guys, 0 Planners
The Tokyo Inklings
BYOB Pen Club
#teamcakeforever
Pilot Metropolitan
Pilot Iroshizuku Kon Peki
Pilot 823
Platinum 3776
Sailor Pro Gear
Kanilea Kohala Sunset
Nakaya Piccolo Cigar
Pelican M1000
SABLE (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy)
Colorado Pen Posse
Colorado Pen Show
Fountain Pen Love
Vintage Pen Shop
Pen Realm
International Correspondence Writing Month = InCoWriMo
Roterfaden Tashenbegleiter
Leuchtturm 1917 Bullet Journal
Kanilea Pen Kohala Sunset with Goulet B nib
https://www.gouletpens.com/products/goulet-6-steel-nib-black?variant=11884804833323
G. Lalo Letter Pad
You can find me at
@gneissguyco on Instagram
You can also…
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