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.
Available episodes
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3 days ago
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*
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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 Stationery Meetup
Huntsville Pen Munch
Middle TN Fountain Pen Club
Charlotte Fountain Pen Club
Wellington Fountain Pen Meetup
CoPenHagen Meetup
Fountain Pen Fans
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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 the Droids, they are going to have a different one for each droid
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22568/html/info_005.htm
USPS guidelines for color pictorial postmarks
“Customers may submit #6 or #10 envelopes constructed of paper rated as “laser safe.” The Postal Service™ recommends envelopes of 80-pound Accent Opaque, acid-free, 9/16-inch side seams with no glue on the flap.”
Royal Mail King Author Stamp series
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMeZ7-7gRpB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
ColorVerse Eye on the Universe Season 7 https://www.instagram.com/p/CMbRFr4ju8a/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Quill Pen:
http://dennisruud.com/quill-pens/
If you would like to leave us feedback we have a channel dedicated to feedback on the Stationery Orbit Discord
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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-technique-180969358/*
*Stamps we haven’t mentioned yet that are coming out soon. New postal bulletin won’t be out till after recording (for new postmarks)*
*https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-droid-stamps*
*New non-machinable (75c) stamp *
*https://store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/colorado-hairstreak-75-cents-S_121204*
*Diamine Reddit ink (don’t know if there is a show preferred store to link to for something so available): *
*https://vanness1938.com/products/diamine-writers-blood-reddit-ink-project?variant=37562926858415*
*https://www.diamineinks.co.uk/detail.aspx?prodcode=DIA%20110*
*Letterlocking projects we have already done*
* John- Dagger lock*
*Tuck lock*
* Evan- **A.Dumbledor*
*Hexagonal*
*Pinwheel*
*One of our listeners, Janet Faughtwill be puting on a Letter Locking class in June*
*https://societyforcalligraphy.org/event-4187067*
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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 Paper Co. *
More information came in after the episode was recorded but I wanted to pass it along, you can see more on my blog post on the Stationery Orbit website
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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*
*
*
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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…
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-…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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…
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…
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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)
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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…
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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…
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…
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)
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…