(Kimberly (she/her) took the express train down the fountain pen/stationery rabbit hole and doesn't want to be rescued. She can be found on Instagram @allthehobbies because there really are many, many hobbies!.)
Coming off the heels of the Chicago Pen Show less than two weeks ago, I knew I had to unpack my suitcase, clean my clothes, get somewhat organized, and then pack again for this weekend’s Stationery Park event down in Santa Monica, CA. Stationery Park (or SP) is organized by Michelle MaliZaki who put on Pen Paper Palooza last May (which I had to miss due to ankle surgery). Anyhoo, I am going to be working at the Flax Pen to Paper tables like I did at the 2026 SF Stationery Fest.
I haven’t been to many stationery fests (this one will be my second), so I’m still trying to figure out what I should bring. I know I wanted to lighten my load for this trip since Stationery Park is not held at a hotel where there is an after-hours scene where folks can gather. Aside from the usual clothes, toiletries, and what-not, I tried to keep my stationery-related items to a minimum by only bringing what I could fit in a Rickshaw Banzai bag.
Just added a new “Hello My Name is” button to this Rickshaw Banzai bag. (Love my “Remove before flight” tag that a friend gave me and my mix tape clicker from Kaleidocraft!)
Shameless plug - if you find me at a meetup, pen show, or other event, I will likely have these pins available. The big red Hello ones are $1 each and yes, that purple daisy pen is a Sharpie for you to write your name. The rainbow Proud Pen Addict pins are free for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, and a minimum $2/pin suggested donation for allies. Hoping to make a nice donation in June, which will be matched by at least two other people, besides me!
Even though this is a stationery event, I still gotta have my fountain pens handy, right? I usually have my 48-pen binder full of inked pens but since I won’t have much opportunity for after-hours pen fun, I decided to be a little more reasonable and bring a smaller assortment of inked pens instead. I picked them primarily for the nibs, but also for the variety of colors.
Denim Girologio 12-pen case (left) and Sugar Turtle Studio x Rickshaw Fillmore pen case (with my SFSF shaker in the front pocket). The Fillmore is empty in case I happen to find some pens that need to come home with me. 🙂
L to R: Pilot Custom Heritage 912, Bokumondoh urushi/raden, SFM nib; Pilot Murex, M; Newton Prospector (medium) with Regalia Writing Labs Sequel; Leonardo x Stilo e Stile Momento Zero, Kintsugi Blue, Fine; Franklin-Christoph Model 20, Cold Brew, Steel Flex; Pilot x MARKSTYLE Smoke Green and Black, Medium.
L to R: Platinum 3776, Kasumi, Medium; Schon Dsgn Full Size, Mondrian, Cursive Monoc; Benu Haute Movie Star, Fine; Zodiac Pen Co Virgo, Stylosuite X-Wing Harpoon flex; Pilot Myu, Black Stripe, Fine; TWSBI Obsidian, Fine.
I never know if I will end up with any down time, but in case I do, I like to have something to write in that doesn’t take up too much space or time. I decided to bring my Traveler’s Company book journal (right), some book-themed stickers in the sticker release insert (left), and an undated weekly insert (back) for documenting daily health & fitness stuff. And yes, the Penco clamp also gets packed.
The above inserts, as well as a zippered “wallet” fit inside my Traveler’s Diner edition.
I use this A6 Hobonichi when trying out other people’s pens at shows/meetups, or when I’m shopping and can try out vendor’s tester pens. I also try to write the name of the person whose pen(s) I’m trying so I can bother them later if a friend wanted to buy the pen (it’s me, I’m the friend, lol).
I always have my Bible-size PLOTTER in my backpack when I travel. It’s my go-to for remembering what I wanted to research, try, shop - not just for pens/stationery, but places to eat or visit. It’s also another place for me to store ephemera, receipts, if my TN isn’t handy. I also jot down random ideas for TPA articles, stuff for the house, etc.
Look it all fits, with plenty of room to zip it up!
There you have it, all the pens and stationery I’m bringing to Stationery Park. I’m sure I’ll come back with more though! I’m looking forward to SP this weekend and will report back if I end up using any of the stuff I brought! If you’re going to be there, come find me and say hi!
(Disclaimer: All products shown are my own and paid for at regular price.)
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