Pen Bodega Blog

Sailor Pro Gear Cyclamen Review

The new Sailor Cocktail series for 2023 includes colors and styles that are rather familiar. They seem pretty close to last years cocktail series, with the exception of this years Cyclamen. The cocktail series is a set of fountain pens with colorways inspired by mixed cocktail drinks. Last years edition include a blue, red, purple, green, and white dominate colors, and while they are different than this years it seems the color variation is only slight. ...

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Don't use calligraphy ink in your fountain pen

Don't use calligraphy ink in your fountain pen

Dirty fountain pen You are new to the fountain pen hobby and are ready to get started with all of that pretty ink. You are on the lookout for shading and sheening, for just the perfect color of yellow to match your fountain pen, and you see a bunch of ink at the craft store, but hold off buying the first "ink" you see, as not all ink is safe for your new hobby. It's essential ...

Weirdly simple guide to a starter fountain pen for beginners

Weirdly simple guide to a starter fountain pen for beginners

You are new to the fountain pen hobby, having just recently discovered that people still use them regularly, and that manufactures are still releasing new models and varieties more than ever before. Your curiosity is piqued, and you want to experience the simple joy of slowing down and writing with a fountain pen, however the options seem overwhelming. If you are wanting to explore the world of fountain pens, and you want simple and straight forward ...

Is your fountain pen writing too wet?

Is your fountain pen writing too wet?

Fountain pens are loved by many for their smooth writing and the luxurious feel they bring to the writing experience. However, sometimes fountain pen ink can have ink flow problems that make them too wet, this can cause smudging and bleed-through on paper. This can be frustrating, but fear not! We will explore some tips and tricks for what to do when fountain pen writing is too wet. Choose the Right Paper Adjust Your Writing Angle Use ...

Is a mechanical pencil ideal for writing?

Is a mechanical pencil ideal for writing?

Mechanical pencils have been around for quite some time, but they are still not as widely used as their traditional counterparts, the pen and wooden pencil. However, there are many benefits to using a mechanical pencil that make it a superior choice over other writing tools. Ecological Impact Mechanical Precision Writing Comfort Reuse and Versatility Mechanical Pencils the Clear Winner Mechanical Pencil Ecological Impact While it is true that most plastic is not recycled, it is still eco-friendly to use ...

There are no rules to journaling

There are no rules to journaling

There are no rules to journaling. That's right - journaling is all about making it what you need it to be in order to grow and heal as a person. Whether you choose to write or draw, your journal can be a safe space for your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The beauty of journaling is that it allows you to take whatever is inside your head and put it down on paper, where you ...

Consider a Vintage Fountain Pen

Consider a Vintage Fountain Pen

Using a vintage fountain pen is a unique writing experience that embellishes a timeless elegance to the act of writing. Vintage fountain pens were often crafted in small batches with care and attention to detail by skilled artisans, using high-quality materials such as gold, silver, precious woods, and later celluloid. The craftsmanship of these pens is unparalleled. Vintage Soennecken Pony Pearl Grey Vintage fountain pens can be available at many different price points. The price will ...

What is Maki-e Decorative Fountain Pens

What is Maki-e Decorative Fountain Pens

Maki-e is a Japanese decorative technique that involves creating intricate designs on the surface of an object using a combination of gold or silver powder and lacquer. The word "maki-e" translates to "sprinkled picture" in English. The technique has been used for centuries to embellish various objects, including furniture, jewelry boxes, and even armor. In the context of fountain pens, maki-e is used to create stunning designs on the barrel and cap of the pen. The ...

Dye Versus Pigment Ink for Fountain Pens

Dye Versus Pigment Ink for Fountain Pens

Blue ink dropped into water When it comes to choosing ink for fountain pens, there are two main types to consider: dye-based ink and pigment-based ink. While both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, understanding the differences between the two can help you make the right choice for your writing needs. Dye-based ink is a type of ink that uses dye molecules to create its color. This type of ink is known for its vibrant ...

Limited Edition Fountain Pens

Limited Edition Fountain Pens

Fountain pens have been around for centuries and continue to be popular among writing enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals alike. One of the reasons for their appeal is the wide variety of styles, materials, and designs available. Among these, limited edition fountain pens stand out as a particularly special and unique category. Sailor Pro Gear Slim Limited Edition Pixiedust Limited edition fountain pens are typically produced in small batches and for a limited time period, often with a ...

Sketch Wallet 2.0 review

Sketch Wallet 2.0 review

Recently I bought The Original Sketch Wallet 2.0 Large, a large-ish black canvas wallet that holds cash and cards, and it's namesake, a small notebook. The Sketch Wallet is larger than a traditional wallet in order to accommodate the pocket notebook, but offers a few unique features to make up for it. Read on to see if it is worth they hype. img src="https://static.penbodega.com/blog/sketch-wallet-box.jpg" alt="Sketch Wallet unboxing" A sketchbook? In my wallet? The first Sketch Wallet was ...

6 Steps to a cleaner fountain pen

6 Steps to a cleaner fountain pen

Fountain pens like any other tool, require maintenance and care to function properly. Cleaning your fountain pen is an essential part of this maintenance process. What is the importance of cleaning your fountain pen, and what are the challenges of cleaning different types of ink. Also what are the benefits, if any, of using ultrasonic cleaners. Why Clean Your Fountain Pens? Different Inks, Different Challenges How to clean your fountain pen Using Ultrasonic Cleaners Cleaning your fountain pen A clean ...

Valentines Day Fountain Pen

Valentines Day Fountain Pen

Valentine's Day is a day for celebrating love, and a unique way to express your affection for your significant other than with a gift that is both deeply personal and practical. Giving a fountain pen as a gift to your lover on Valentine's Day is a meaningful gesture that can communicate your love in a way that words cannot. A fountain pen is a timeless writing instrument that has been associated with elegance, sophistication, and the ...

The Joyful Embrace of Holding a Fountain Pen

In a world that rushes forward with the click of keys and the tap of screens, the timeless allure of a fountain pen lies not just in its ink but in the unparalleled sensation it imparts to your hand. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, a fine fountain pen is an enjoyable symphony of weight, balance, and grip, creating a connection between your hand and the creativity that flows out onto the ...

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The Timeless Elegance of Ink

In a world dominated by the rapid pace of digital communication, it's easy to overlook the timeless allure of ink. This humble substance, derived from a variety of natural sources, has played a pivotal role in human history for ages. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, ink possesses an intrinsic beauty that captivates artists, writers, and enthusiasts alike. Ink has an enchanting allure that continues to inspire creativity. The Ancient Artistry of Ink Ink has been an integral part ...

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Platinum Preppy, a beginner's fountain pen

Starting with fountain pens can be intimidating, especially for those who are used to using ballpoint or gel pens. Fountain pens have a different feel which could require a bit of practice to become comfortable with. However, they also offer many benefits such as smoother writing, increased comfort, and more customization options. The Platinum Preppy fountain pen is an excellent option for beginners because it offers high-quality pen at an affordable price point. Here are a ...

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Fountain pen filling mechanisms

Fountain pens have been hundreds of years, and over that time, there has evolved different types of filling mechanisms. During their evolution pen makers were looking for ways to make the use of fountain pens more convenient, less messy, and cheaper to use. The five most popular types of fountain pen filling mechanisms are converter, cartridge, piston, vacuum, and eye dropper. Each of these filling mechanisms has their own pros and cons which we will discuss, ...

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Fountain pen flex nibs for elegant writing

Fountain pens are the epitome of elegance and casual sophistication, and they are often associated with beautiful handwriting and smooth flowing lines. Fountain pens have many different kinds of nibs, and the nib type can play a large role in the tone of the line and the feel of the script. The flex nib in particular has gained popularity among calligraphers and artists because it enables line variation and allows the writer to imbue their ...

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Fountain pen and a Bullet Journal

In today's messed up world, keeping track of your tasks and schedules can be a daunting ordeal, but it doesn't have to be, and we make it a form of self-expression and creativity at the same time. Bullet journaling, a versatile and customizable meta-system for planning, journaling, and note-taking that has taken the stationery community by storm. When it comes to bullet journaling, nothing beats the experience of using a fountain pen. Using a fountain pen ...

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Escape the online distractions

Using a Fountain Pen to Enhance Focus and Productivity While Working Online The fast-paced and constantly connected world of work can be both a blessing and a curse. While technology has made it easier than ever to communicate and collaborate with others, it has also led to a never ending stream of distractions, interruptions, brought about by notifications and addicting social media. As a result, we struggle to find the focus and concentration we need to ...

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Fountain Pen Trim: Gold or Silver

When choosing a fountain pen, one of the decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy a pen with gold or silver trim. Both materials offer their own unique benefits, so it's essential to understand the differences between the two before making a decision. Both offer a satisfying writing experience and timeless elegance. Gold Trim Gold is a popular choice for fountain pen trim because of its luxurious appearance and durability. Gold is a soft metal, ...

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The Joy of Fountain Pens

I just got done writing in my notebook. I choose a Platinum Century 3776, with a medium nib, and Platinum's Pigment Blue ink. It's a very "office place acceptable" blue. Not too overpowering, not too bright, not too dark. Blue enough to not be black, and mellow enough to not be offensive. Perfect for an office setting. I'm using the office blue in a ratty old composition notebook, rough paper never intended for the delicate touch ...

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Which Fountain Pen Nib Size Is Best

Which nib is best for fountain pen? You are new to the fountain pen hobby and wonder what you should look for in a nib when buying a new pen. The basics of fountain pen nibs is straight forward for a beginner, the important things to know are the material the nib is made of and the size of the tip, which determines the width of the written line. A nib to have a few ...

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Your first fountain pen

You've been hearing that fountain pens are still a thing and you've decided you wanted to learn more. Read on to learn the basics of fountain pens, with suggestions for buying your first pen. Fountain pens never really went away, in fact they have been improving. Innovations with materials and manufacturing have created high quality fountain pens for everyone. The same is true for inks, innovation has created tons of colors that are bright and durable. !--more-- Now ...

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