Image via Fountain Pen Day
No amount of words is going to do this one justice. Just listen.
This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:
Pen Chalet Click the ‘podcast’ link at the top of the website and enter the password ‘penaddict’ to enter the raffle, and to get your code for 10% off.
(Susan M. Pigott is a fountain pen collector, pen and paperholic, photographer, and professor. You can find more from Susan on her blog Scribalishess.)
Like many people, my pen addiction began with a Lamy Safari and quickly escalated. I'm not quite sure how many pens I own right now, but everyone in my family will say, "Too many." One of the many symptoms of pen addiction is pen clutter. This is my usual method of organizing pens:
Obviously, this is not an ideal method, since it is not a method at all. Rather, the pens that I'm currently using are strewn across the living room side table. They are easily within reach, and I can choose from a variety of pen styles and colors without having to move an inch. Unfortunately, the pens are exposed to the vagaries of living room life, which includes cats skittering across the table on their way to capture a moth. Thus far, I haven't lost any pens to the cats, but the danger always looms.
Danger!
My first attempt at pen organization was when I had fewer than ten pens. I ordered a faux crocodile, six-pen Penvelope from Franklin-Christoph.
This wonderful case managed my pens for a month or two, but I quickly outgrew it. Now the Penvelope serves as my carrying case for the favored pens I take with me to work each week.
Next, I ordered a wonderful cigar pen case from BamaPens. I love the glass top so I can see my pens while they are protected in the box. The box holds ten pens and has a lovely felt interior and a padded bottom so it doesn't scratch any surface. Just in case anyone wonders, the case has absolutely no residual cigar smell.
But, my collection kept growing because of my insatiable love for pens. I ordered another BamaPen case, hoping that this would take care of the overflow. I planned to keep my Urushi pens in this simpler, glass-free box to protect them from the sun.
The inner fabric is gorgeous, and I love the lion design on the outside. This pen box holds twelve pens horizontally.
Unfortunately, right after I bought my second BamaPen box, I went on what can only be described as a manic spending spree. I bought a ton of pens. Even with my Penvelope and my two Bama pen boxes, I didn't have a place for all of my pens. The living room side table looked like the aftermath of a tornado.
This time, I was determined to find something that could hold lots of pens. I thought about going really cheap and buying a tackle box or an art supply box. I even thought about trying to reengineer a jewelry cabinet. But I'm not crafty. I eventually found a gorgeous wooden, three drawer, thirty-six pen, display case with a glass lid, but, man, it was expensive ($240 at nibs.com). After some extensive searching I found it at Penn State Industries for $99.95.
This case is absolutely beautiful and well made. It is crafted from solid rosewood. The lid sports brass hardware and glass, allowing you to view the top drawer of pens. Another drawer sits below this one. Both slide out for viewing and can be completely removed, if you wish. A bottom drawer is independent of the other two and it also can be removed. All the pens are nestled in contoured foam.
I'd like to say that this pen case solved all my storage problems, but no. I've managed to fill it, the two BamaPen boxes, and my Penvelope. A few unlucky, stray pens sit adrift on table surfaces.
The only hope for completely containing the chaos is to sell some pens . . . or buy another pen case.
The time is here gang, and I wanted to throw out a few scheduling notes and an important message about the live recording of the Pen Addict Podcast.
Schedule of Events:
Thursday, April 14th, 6:00 pm: Meetup/Hangout
This will take place in the room just to the left of the bar and restaurant area. Totally casual, non-scheduled event. Just come in and have fun.
Friday, April 15th, 6:00 pm: Show cookout for vendors and weekend pass holders
This event is being put on by the show promoter and is at the hotel. Food and drinks provided.
Saturday, April 16th, 6:00 pm (Doors at 5:30): The Pen Addict Podcast, Episode #200 LIVE
Due to the size of the room and expected audience, this will be a ticketed event. If you were a backer of the RelayCon Atlanta Kickstarter, you and your spouse/family will be given priority. I will have the tickets at the Nock Co. booth to handout when you pick up your notebooks. Yes, the notebooks are here!
Once we get all the backers in the room, we will try our best to get anyone else in the room that wants to watch. Hopefully everyone gets in but I want to put this out there now in the event we hit max capacity. We will also be livestreaming audio of the show at Relay.fm/live.
We also ask that you do not video, record, Periscope, or stream the show during the time we are recording. Thanks for your support!
Saturday, April 16th, 8:00 pm: The Pen Addict Podcast After Party, Sponsored by Montegrappa
The doors will open after the recording, and the party is on! Everyone is welcome to mix and mingle as we will have overflow space from the podcast room into the bar. There will be drinks and giveaways for everyone. And be sure to find out what the Mule is all about. Pro tip: Ask for Hollywood.
Sunday, April 17th, All day: Recovery
This is going to be an amazing weekend. I can't wait to see everyone there!
