‘Tis The Season To Simplify

Ready or not ’tis the season when multitasking heads into high gear. How can you fit fountain pens into such busy days?

Simplify!

If you have a number of pens, it is all too easy to fill more than you can use. Tame that urge when pens might remain idle for many days in a row. Fill two or three from your core rotation and add a few extras for color and nib variety. That should be enough inky joy for the bustle of the season. Well, at least I hope so since that’s exactly what I’m going to do when I finish the ink and paper tests on my desk.

No time for your pens?

Unlike most hobbies and interests, fountain pens are tools that fit into everyday life so take advantage of it. Any ink will do for lists and notes and your pens will appreciate the exercise.

J. Herbin 1670 Ink Sample. The bar shows the range of shades in the written sample.

If you don’t have time for doodles and drawings or long missives, make even mundane writing count with seasonal or holiday colored inks. A grocery list written in vivid red or pine tree green is so much more festive than one done in basic black.

Have a leftover silver gel pen from your pre-fountain pen days? Anyone can draw stars. Add a few silvery ones to that massive “To Do” list. Sparkle and shine are good this time of year.

Uni-ball Noble Metallic Gel Ink Pen Set from Jet Pens

Make it fun!

Whatever you do with your pens, make it fun. Cut up a sheet of quality paper or stationery and use your holiday colors to leave your family silly notes or reminders to yourself. Gift tags can be made the same way and it’s a great way to show you really thought about the recipient.

Make it personal.

A brief note, letter or card could be tucked into any gift but can be especially thoughtful in a book. Card stock works well for a personalized bookmark. Write something you might never say otherwise.

No card stock on hand? You can fold fine stationery over several times or accordion style to keep your words hidden except to the person intended. Want to make it even more unique? Punch a hole at the top and thread ribbon or soft string through with a few beads laced onto the ends.  Metal bits and bobs have the added charm of making soft, clinking sounds as they tap against each other. You’ve probably seen similar bookmarks at a bookstore or card shop, but a personalized one is so much better.

1930's Waterman's '301' Fountain Pen

What’s next?

Now that you’ve survived December, it’s on to January. After the bare bones rotation of the holidays, go for a color explosion to counter the gray and stormy background of mid-winter. Anyone up for summery turquoise, shocking pink, or brilliant orange? What a perfect inky way to start the New Year right.

Retro 51 Scriptmaster 2 Clementine