Skylab Letterpress Open House: Sunday, Sept. 20 2pm-5pm

This Sunday, Sept. 20 is the 20th Anniversary of Skylab Letterpress and we would like to invite any Desk reader to join us at our Open House from 2pm-5pm. Light refreshments will be available as well as a tour of the shop, shopping, freebies and maybe a chance to get inky and print up some stuff we'll have locked up on press.

wellappointeddesk.com

Link Love: Recovery Mode

As an asthmatic, when I catch a cold, it turns into full-fledged bronchitis. I have all the meds on-hand from my doctor since I've been through this for decades but the recovery time is long and slow. I have to let my body recover and, as anyone who runs a small business can tell you, slowing down and letting go is hard to do.

wellappointeddesk.com

Product Review: Rickshaw x NockCo Brasstown Pen Roll Case

Rickshaw Bagworks is now offering the classic NockCo Brasstown pen roll and zip case (starting at $60). This was one of the earliest designs created by NockCo way back in the day and a case I've had and abused for over 11 years. I have had a pen leak in mine, thrown it in the wash, ironed on custom decals and stained it repeatedly.

wellappointeddesk.com

We are not Labor(ing) (To)Day.

Hello, and welcome to Labor Day, the day we should not be laboring. So take a little break today if you had to work. If not, why are you looking at your phone, laptop or tablet?!?! Go play! Read a book, take a walk, play a game, hang out with friends! We will be here tomorrow. We promise.

wellappointeddesk.com

Using what you have…

I dig through my growing pile of unused notebooks and try to avoid the lure of new planner season by using or repurposing notebooks and journals I already own.

wellappointeddesk.com

I went to SF and all I got was a cold…

Okay, its not entirely true that all I got at the SF Pen Show was a cold but it was the most memorable. I am currently suffering from laryngitis with no voice at all as well as a healthy does of bronchitis. Despite the rapid onset of the con crud, the show was really good. Everyday was busy, full of happy people buying new pens, inks, paper and accessories.

wellappointeddesk.com

I went to SF and all I got was a cold…

Okay, its not entirely true that all I got at the SF Pen Show was a cold but it was the most memorable. I am currently suffering from laryngitis with no voice at all as well as a healthy does of bronchitis. Despite the rapid onset of the con crud, the show was really good. Everyday was busy, full of happy people buying new pens, inks, paper and accessories.

wellappointeddesk.com

Trending Now: Adding Stickers to Pens

A few weeks ago I became aware of a new trend: adding stickers to your pens! I was immediately intrigued, and went looking through YouTube, Reddit and all my other sources. Here's some things I found: Identify what pen you'd like to add stickers too. I went ahead and chose a Pilot Kakuno Demonstrator that I bought a while ago. Like writing with it, design is very neutral, don't mind adding stickers to it (which could potentially devalue a potential pen for resale, but you do you!).

wellappointeddesk.com

Link Love: Stationery Community Controversies

I am still a little vague on the specifics around what has actually happened with the Pelikan Hub events but many local events were cancelled by Pelikan and many attendees were "uninvited" to the events. Hubmasters do not have the contact info for people who were uninvited so they cannot reach out and let them know about the event, invite them without swag from Pelikan or just organize a non-Pelikan-sponsored meetup.

wellappointeddesk.com

September Planner Set-Up: World In My Hands

  I love making a fresh start for each month and doing a themed set-up at the start of each month gives me a chance to start over. Each month is a new beginning and a chance to recommit to goals, trackers, etc. This month's theme was sort of "the whole world in your hands" inspired by globes, back-to-school and a sense of optimism and hope, at least for me.

wellappointeddesk.com

Custom Journal for Orilium Magical Readathon Autumn Equinox 2026

I love to read and I love to gamify my life. I like to play for "imaginary internet points" and just generally find new ways to trim down my ever-growing TBR (to be read) list. So, when a friend of mine introduced me to the World of Aeldia and the Orilium Fall Equinox Magical Readathon, I knew this was going to be something I would enjoy.

wellappointeddesk.com

Link Love: See you in SF?

I'm in the last-dash packing stage getting ready to fly out for the SF Pen Show. I'm excited to spend time with my West Coast Pen Friends and see how crazy the SF show will be this year. If you're coming to the show, be prepared for the crowds. Deep breaths, pack snacks and water and try out your own slim, low-profile Pen Show Bag (see link below!).

wellappointeddesk.com

Ink Review: Dominant Industry Leaf Green

I recently picked up a bottle of Dominant Industry Leaf Green ($17 for 25ml bottle -- $1.47 per ml). I must have been inspired by the Oregon landscape with this deep green, forest-y vibe ink as I had just been there for the PNW Pen Show. When swatched, the ink is  deep green with a little shading that shows a tiny bit of a yellow-y undertone.

wellappointeddesk.com

Ink Review: Dominant Industry Leaf Green

I recently picked up a bottle of Dominant Industry Leaf Green ($17 for 25ml bottle -- $1.47 per ml). I must have been inspired by the Oregon landscape with this deep green, forest-y vibe ink as I had just been there for the PNW Pen Show. When swatched, the ink is  deep green with a little shading that shows a tiny bit of a yellow-y undertone.

wellappointeddesk.com

When Best Intentions are Not Enough

For those who don't know my history before becoming a full-time content creator and stationery maker, I worked as a graphic designer for Hallmark Cards for almost 20 years. I worked with some of the most talented lettering artists, illustrators and writers. I went on to work for two other companies as a product developer (not digital products but a design of physical goods like tea sets, Christmas ornaments, home decor goods and more) where I had the pleasure of collaborating with artist and illustrators as well as creating my own artwork.

wellappointeddesk.com

Link Love: Paper, Planners and 2027 is coming!

With every week that I do Link Love, I see and feel transitions in the types of posts I find. Lately, I've seen a shift towards the paper part of our hobby. As the vessel for our thoughts, ideas, plans and memories, paper can often be the most important part of the stationery hobby. Whether you are looking for notecards or writing paper for letters, notebooks for ideas and projects, journals for memory keeping or planners for (finally) getting your life in order, paper is the key.

wellappointeddesk.com

Notebook Review: Graphilo Style – 8.3″ x 4.7″ – Blank

You know how sometimes you see the measurements of a notebooks and think, "Oh, I know what size that is" and just order it? Yeah, that's what happened to me when I ordered the Kobeha Graphilo Notebook - Style - 8.3" x 4.7" - Blank ($34 or $0.36 per page, ). I thought it was Traveler's Standard-size since JetPens listed it as "A5 Slim" so I assumed I'd have an existing cover to use with the notebook.

wellappointeddesk.com

Giveaway Winner: Galen Leather Sinclair Case

Thanks to everyone who entered the Galen Leather Sinclair case giveaway. I wish I had more to give away but I only have one so let's celebrate today's lucky winner: I'm happy to treat you this beautiful case! More giveaways soon so stay tuned! I've emailed the winner directly. If its you, check your spam filter. If winner does not reach out within 7 days, I will pick a new winner. 

wellappointeddesk.com

Ink Review: Monteverde Trailhead Coffee & Cathedral Grove + Pen Flush (Dromgoole’s Exclusive)

Dromgoole's released a new collection of inks for the Portland PNW Pen Show. The set was a collaboration with Monteverde x Dromgoole’s Trailhead Coffee and Cathedral Grove (30ml ink set + 30ml Pen Flush for $23.04  - 0.25 per ml) and were inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Trailhead Coffee: Trailhead Coffee is a rich, earthy brown inspired by freshly brewed coffee with the addition of a gold shimmer.

wellappointeddesk.com

Swirling with the Kaweco Sport Marble Ocean

The latest release from Kaweco has been a source of fascination and, for some, disappointment. The Kaweco Sport Marble Ocean with EF Nib ($37) features a marbled plastic barrel that features teal blues, greens and clear areas. Because the material is subject to unexpected variations, purchasing one of these pens can be a bit of like blind box roulette. Will the model I get be full of swirly colors or be…

wellappointeddesk.com

Link Love: I Blame Brad!

Often when I work for Dromgoole's at a pen show, I will have several people ask for the same ink. Inevitably, an influencer or two will have posted about a particular ink. Sometimes its a video or a TikTok but when I was setting up Link Love, I found out why I had dozens of people asking for Wearinguel Undine…

wellappointeddesk.com

Giveaway: Galen Leather Sinclair Case

I spent some time talking with the team at Galen Leather at the DC Supershow and had them pick the best of the best of their new Leather Sinclair Pen Case in Deep Cognac just to share with one lucky reader. If you're not familiar with the Nock Co. Sinclair case, it started its life as a simple fabric case created in the Atlanta area and was then recreated in custom-printed fabrics by Rickshaw Bagworks and now Galen is bringing a new level of luxury to the humble Sinclair by producing it in fine leathers with soft, supple handwoven Kutnu lining.

wellappointeddesk.com

Fashionable Friday: International Cat Day

Tomorrow is International Cat Day. If you know me, everyday is Cat Day so let's celebrate our favorite feline couch potatoes. Trying to narrow down our combined love for stationery and cats was such a challenge. Van Dieman's has a 15-color ink collection called Feline with fabulous illustrations on the bottles including Persian Princess which looks 100% like Princess Donut (IYKYK).

wellappointeddesk.com

See You in DC?

I am hopping on an airplane right now and I'm headed to the biggest pen show in the US! Come see me at the DC Supershow this weekend. I will be at the Dromgoole's tables as their resident ink expert. I would be happy to help you find the perfect ink to match your new pen, seek out your "must have" ink and celebrate paper, planners and all the other stationery products.

wellappointeddesk.com

Giveaway Winners: Aura Estelle Undated Planners

Thanks to all the entries into our recent Aura Estelle Undated Planner Giveaway. There is still time to order a copy of the Undated or 2027 versions on their website. Now, on to our winners! BrooklynBeka is our winner for the B6 Undated Daily version of the Aura Estelle Magnet planner. Congrats to Jennifer L! She'll be getting the Weekly version.

wellappointeddesk.com

Link Love: Pen Show Prep

This week is the end of the Yoseka Stationery Fest in Brooklyn and, for many of us, counting down the hours and days until the two largest pen shows in the US -- the DC Supershow and the SF Pen Show. As we prepare for the upcoming shows, check out our special "Pen Show Prep" category to plan your shopping, packing and preparation for the upcoming shows.

wellappointeddesk.com

Pen Review: Drillog classical2 material AL Nib Holder & Kodachi Machined Dip Nib (+ Troublemaker Abalone Ink)

Just after the original Kickstarter launch of the Drillog machined dip nib pens, I was able to test one. I recall really liking the nib but the original shape of the super-short sprial nib holder was not to my liking. It was a  little too short and a little too wide. For such an elegant nib design, the nib holder did not have the same elegance.

wellappointeddesk.com

Pen Review: Drillog classical2 material AL Nib Holder & Kodachi Machined Dip Nib (+ Troublemaker Abalone Ink)

Just after the original Kickstarter launch of the Drillog machined dip nib pens, I was able to test one. I recall really liking the nib but the original shape of the super-short sprial nib holder was not to my liking. It was a  little too short and a little too wide. For such an elegant nib design, the nib holder did not have the same elegance.

wellappointeddesk.com

August Planner Set-Up

For August, I was inspired by Lawrence of Arabia and The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi. If it going to be this hot out, I want desert adventures, treasures, tombs and Indiana Jones. Printables are available for Patrons. Become a Patron today and download your very own printables. Where will your paper adventures take you? Stationery Items: Aura Estelle 2026 B6 Magnet Daily Planner…

wellappointeddesk.com

Giveaway: Aura Estelle B6 Magnet Undated Planners

I have been super happy with my Aura Estelle B6 Magnet Daily Planner that when the company reached out to me last week asking if I'd be interested in sharing my love for Aura Estelle planners I said "Yes, please and thank you!" Aura Estelle has provided me with TWO planners to share with readers: B6 Magnet Weekly Horizontal UNDATED…

wellappointeddesk.com