In episode 14, I get to welcome Jonathon Brooks of Carolina Pen Company to talk about how he has become one of the most well known names when it comes to pen materials in addition to the pens that he makes as part of the Carolina Pen Company. We talk about how he got started, and the path that followed in terms of teaching himself to make pens which quickly led to pouring his own blanks, and things just kept growing over time.Jonathon shows a variety of pens made from his materials from brands such as Franklin-Cristoph, Leonardo, Delta and more. Jonathan talks about how he stumbled on his unique way of displaying his pens at shows, as well as getting into offering laser engraved nibs on his pens, as well as producing them for other makers as well.Show Linkshttps://www.carolinapencompany.comhttps://www.instagram.com/carolinapencompany/https://www.thepenturns.comhttps://www.fountaintelling.comhttps://www.edisonpen.comhttps://www.pensbypasquale.comhttps://www.papajstudio.comhttps://www.newtonpens.com

In this episode I am joined by pen maker and artist Matthew Martin who talks about how he got into making his machined pens. Matthew talks about how a side project of helping his dad with some knife making ended up becoming his full time job of making bespoke metal pens. Matthew talks about how he explored different anodization techniques, and how that moved into using anodized titanium as a form of artistic expression.Show Linkshttps://www.matthewmartinmakes.comhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewmartinmakes/https://www.anodizedart.comhttps://www.instagram.com/anodizedart/https://www.anodizedart.com/galleryhttps://artandlightgallery.com/artist/matthew-c-martinFind Matthew at the Dallas Pen Show or the Empire Pen Show for 2026 and follow his website for 2027 details.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Matthew Martin's background02:13 Starting in machining and transition to pen making04:03 Materials used: Titanium, zirconium, Mokume Gane07:02 Design philosophy behind OG1 and OG2 models11:58 Finishing techniques: Anodizing, flame finishing, stratified coloration20:01 The artistic evolution: From simple finishes to depictive art34:07 The role of art in modern pen making and future projects44:02 How to follow Matthew Martin and upcoming releases

In this episode, Derek interviews Diana from Moth and Maple who shares her journey into leather and stationery accessories, discusses her custom offerings, and explores her process of creating unique leather products and blanks for pens. Discover how her passion for leatherwork and stationery converges into a thriving small business, with insights into the latest trends and her upcoming projects.There will be a website product drop on Saturday June 6, so be sure to check that out.Show Linkshttps://www.mothandmaple.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mothandmapledesigns/Upcoming Pen ShowsOrlandoDallas

On this episode I get to welcome writer Michelle Geffken to talk about her work in the analog space. She is the creator of the paperblogging.com website, and is a big proponent of embracing the analog tools and mindset when it comes to writing and creativity. Be it sketching, typewriters, or fountain pens, Michelle talks about how all of these come into play in her work.Show Linkshttps://www.paperblogging.comhttps://www.thepapermouse.comhttps://juliacameronlive.com/book/the-artists-way-a-spiritual-path-to-higher-creativity/https://spitalfieldslife.comhttps://www.momentumdash.comhttps://creativefuel.substack.comhttps://www.paperblogging.com/current-giveawayhttps://arboretum.harvard.eduhttps://arboretum.harvard.edu/arnoldia/https://www.paperblogging.com/stories/barter-and-banter-a-conversation-about-analog-tools-with-derek-deweese

In this Episode, I get to talk to Rich of River City Pen Company. We get to talk about how he got started, how he approaches his various pen models, when he decided to start creating some inks, his show schedule and more. Show Linkshttps://www.rivercitypencompany.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rivercitypencompany/https://www.youtube.com/@rivercitypencompanyhttps://www.youtube.com/@FYC_Tonihttps://www.stationeryuniverse.comhttps://stationeryuniverse.comhttps://www.amarillostationery.comhttps://www.hinzepens.comhttps://www.turntpenco.comhttps://www.luckystarpens.com

In this episode, Kirk Speer of PenRealm shares his journey into the world of fountain pens, nib grinding, and custom engraving. Kirk talks about opening up his new physical location, and goes through a great overview of how a nib appointment works at a pen show. Discover Kirk's insights on choosing inks, the art of nib tuning, and building a community around stationery hobbies.Show Linkshttps://www.penrealm.comhttps://www.instagram.com/penrealm/https://penrealm.com/search?q=olight&_pos=1&_psq=olight&_ss=e&_v=1.0Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Nib Wolf01:25 The Journey into Fountain Pens03:39 Ink Choices and Preferences07:31 Paper and Writing Experience09:41 Vintage Pens and Ink Safety11:18 Favorite Stationery Items12:45 Nib Grinding and Customization18:58 Transitioning to a Business20:30 Establishing a Physical Store20:57 From Garage to Storefront: The Growth of Pen Realm22:52 Engraving and Customization: Enhancing the Nib Experience28:25 Navigating the Nib World: Understanding Options and Choices39:30 Community and Collaboration: The Future of Pen Realm

In this episode I welcome Dave Dollar of Dave Dollar custom pens to talk about how he transitioned into pen making from other wood working, and has turned that into a fulfilling retirement career of making custom fountain pens. Dave talks through his pen models, how he was able to find a unique niche that needed to be filled with one of his pen models, and how he has differentiated his pen models. Dave talks about winning the Orlando Pen Show makers contest and touches on plans for a repeat performance. This was a fun episode, so I hope that you enjoy.Show Links https://davedollarcustompens.comhttps://www.instagram.com/davedollarcustompens/https://www.hellotellostudio.comhttps://www.logstotreasures.com/zodiac-penshttps://garnyandco.comhttps://orlandopenshow.comhttps://www.littlecraftplace.comhttps://www.littlecraftplace.com/pages/eventshttps://www.floridastationeryfest.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Dave Dollar and His Journey02:20 Diving into the World of Pen Making13:45 Transitioning from Hobbyist to Business Owner21:59 Innovative Designs and Niche Markets24:23 The Art of Customization in Pen Making26:39 Winning the Orlando Pen Show Pen Maker Challenge31:12 The Dynamics of Local Craft Shows36:41 Exploring Materials and Custom Commissions44:11 Future Innovations in Pen Design47:49 Outro

In this episode we explore the world of typewriters with Richard Polt, author of The Typewriter Revolution, as he shares insights on collecting, using, and reviving this timeless technology. Learn about the history of the Typewriter Manifesto, how both of his books came to be, as well as the cultural significance of typewriters in the digital age. Richard also discusses an upcoming typewriter sale as well as an in person swap meet in Cincinnati.Details about the Typewriter Sale and Swap Meethttp://writingball.blogspot.com/2026/04/preview-of-my-typewriter-sale.htmlShow Linkshttps://www.typewriterrevolution.comhttps://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/index.htmlhttps://loosedogpress.blogspot.comhttps://www.wordplaycincy.org

Join in as I talk to none other than The Pen Addict himself, Brad Dowdy. Brad has been a staple in the stationery hobby for years and it was great to get a chance to talk to him about how he got to where he is today. We talk about his podcast that has been going for over 700 episodes, his former company of Nock Co. and his current part of Spoke Design. We cover all sorts of topics in what was a great conversation to be able to be a part of.Show Linkshttps://www.penaddict.comhttps://www.relay.fm/penaddicthttps://www.twitch.tv/penaddicthttps://www.instagram.com/penaddict/https://spokedesign.comChapters00:00 Introduction to the Pen Community03:16 Brad's Journey into the Hobby06:29 Current Favorites and Writing Tools09:19 The Ink Dilemma: Cartridges vs. Bottles12:33 Stationery Essentials: Beyond Pens and Paper15:13 The Evolution of the Pen Addict Brand21:21 Lessons Learned in the Stationery World30:19 Transitioning from Hobbyist to Business Owner39:10 The Evolution of Pen Design and Legacy45:27 The Birth of a Podcast: From Blog to Broadcast52:14 Community Engagement and Philanthropy in Stationery01:02:07 Collaborations and Future Projects01:14:57 Looking Ahead: The Future of The Pen Addict01:18:35 Outro

Join me for in an in-depth conversation with Rob Sanchez of Rob's Penworks, exploring the art of pen making, Japanese stationery, and the intersection of craftsmanship and creativity. Discover Rob's journey, favorite tools, and tips for aspiring artisans. Learn about how Rob has branched out into other specialty items like custom pencils or x-acto holders and a bonus clip of the best rarely talked about paper to be found in bulk.Show Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/robspenworks/https://www.instagram.com/papajstudio/https://www.instagram.com/hooligan_georgia/https://www.instagram.com/hakata.kawabun/https://maps.app.goo.gl/p2H2ie2LQhrFLHwF7?g_st=icChapters00:00 Introduction to the Pen Making Journey06:04 The Allure of Japanese Stationery12:05 Essential Stationery Tools and Accessories17:48 The Art of Casting and Creating Blanks23:44 Collaboration and Community in Pen Making29:56 From Lathe to Multi-Use Tools38:31 Balancing Day Job and Passion Projects43:38 Discovering Unique Stationery in Japan50:08 Navigating the World of Pen Shows