The DWRDNET Stationery Feed

In this episode, Coralie from Coracrea Crafts talks about how she took a personal interest in gothic calligraphy and ended up turning it into not only a growing online store, but was able to take it to the point of opening of a brick and mortar location in Nashville. Coralie shares her experiences in starting her Etsy shop, the importance of social media in building her brand, and how she ended up deciding to open The Creative Corner Nashville. The conversation delves into community engagement through workshops, future expansion plans, and the significance of supporting local artists and small businesses.

In this episode, Addy from Stationery Stack shares how the company came to be by wanting to solve some problems she faced when it came to her use of stationery. She goes into how she went from no woodworking experience to a product launch in a very short time and how she got the ideas for her various products. We go into how she sells, pen show schedules, as well as some sneak peaks at some soon to be released new products and options that she will be able to offer through her website in terms of customization and shipping.

Show Links

Unboxing The Pen Tray I Didn’t Know I Needed: Stationery Stack Alfie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM63JVDiXUQ&t=1s&pp=ygUVQWxmaWUgUGVuIFRyYXkgcmV2aWV3

Pen Addict Unboxing Alfie Pen Tray https://youtu.be/QDhmUT-GDVI?t=5734A

Gathering of Curiosities - Alfie Tray Review https://www.gatheringofcuriosities.com/blog/the-pleasure-of-craftsmanship-the-alfie-tray

Pen Addict Stationery Stack Pen Tray Review https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2025/8/1/stationery-stack-pen-tray-review

Pen Addict Unboxing the Zoila from Stationery Stackhttps://youtu.be/NLxrbWC-YJU?t=3730

https://stationerystack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stationerystack

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@StationeryStack⁩ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@stationerystack

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stationery Stack and Guest Background

05:02 Exploring Fountain Pens and Inks

07:16 Exploring Writing Tools: Notebooks and Pens

09:28 The Role of Stationery in Daily Life

12:15 The Birth of Stationary Stack: From Hobby to Business

15:00 Product Development: Solving Problems with Design

18:07 Naming and Inspiration Behind Stationary Stack Products

20:49 Future Products and Innovations in Stationery

26:55 Creative Storage Solutions for Stationery

27:25 Remixing Existing Products for Customization

31:34 Innovative Designs in Woodworking

36:33 The Importance of Visibility in Stationery

37:25 Expanding Presence at Pen Shows

38:46 Batch Production and Customer Engagement

42:17 Future Plans: Personalization and International Shipping

In this episode, Derek DeWeese interviews Lisa Vanness of Vanness Pens, exploring her journey in the stationery world, the evolution of writing instruments, and the significance of pen shows. They discuss the legacy of Vanness Pens, the impact of online sales, and the rise of the popularity of ink samples. The conversation also touches on the growth of paper options, the intersection of planner and pen communities, and highlights from Lisa's recent trip to Japan.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Stationery World

02:52 Lisa's Journey into Writing and Stationery

05:21 The Legacy of Vanness Pens

07:54 The Evolution of Ink Selection at Vanness

10:30 The Impact of Online Sales on Vanness

13:05 The Importance of Ink Samples

15:38 The Growing Interest in Paper

18:22 Conclusion and Future of Stationery

19:06 The Evolution of Paper and Stationery

21:15 Merging Communities: Planners and Fountain Pen Enthusiasts

25:23 The Birth of a Podcast: On the Paper Trail

30:42 Insights from Japan: A Stationery Adventure

35:03 Upcoming Pen Shows and Events

37:43 The Importance of Analog Writing

38:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

In this first episode of season 2, Derek DeWeese speaks with Nick Dominguez about his experiences in the stationery world, particularly focusing on his trips to Japan where he discovered exclusive stationery items. They discuss the evolution of Nick's stationery hobby, travel tips for enthusiasts, preferences in inks and paper, and his collaboration with the Gentleman Stationer. The conversation also delves into the excitement of shopping in Japan, the importance of store exclusives, and the emerging trend of Sailor's steel nibs.

Show Links

https://www.instagram.com/nicolaudominguez/

https://www.instagram.com/gentlemanstationer/

https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/curated-desk-and-reading?category=Rickshaw+Bagworks

https://www.rickshawbags.com

Takeaways

Nick's journey into stationery began in 2020.

Traveling to Japan is a must for stationery enthusiasts.

Having a loose itinerary allows for spontaneous discoveries.

Nagasawa is a top stationery store in Japan.

Store exclusives serve as great souvenirs.

Sailor's steel nibs are impressively smooth.

Rickshaw bags are highly regarded for their quality.

Inks can be overwhelming; focus on exclusives helps.

Traveling with family can balance stationery shopping with cultural experiences.

The Fillmore model is a favorite among many stationery lovers.

In this final episode of Season One, Derek Deweese reflects on the journey of the podcast, discussing the evolution of the show, the guests featured, and the insights gained from each episode. He shares his personal experiences with stationery, including his favorite pens, inks, and papers, and highlights the importance of community engagement in the stationery world. As he looks forward to Season Two, Derek invites feedback and suggestions from listeners to enhance future episodes.

Show Links

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwFAC_8KRdr4AnR1IhPION7BN-fQvIF7E

https://youtu.be/PRGOvPd-m4w

https://youtu.be/UNym0r0hzU4

https://youtu.be/vK1cLWwEF2o

https://youtu.be/dwKfK8bFx6o

https://youtu.be/LzR-5SwfXgw

https://youtu.be/iXo0DN1MkBs

https://youtu.be/QUNFyzVwWXQ

https://youtu.be/AH5MKweOrfw

https://youtu.be/9abdQsq4SQg

https://youtu.be/7xs00EB5dPk

https://youtu.be/9yHn8p5Fats

https://youtu.be/7QeiA5dluuc

https://youtu.be/KRu7jiy87KA

https://youtu.be/5ibyTw-hdP4

https://youtu.be/ysbZ8iLDv3I

https://youtu.be/QSxJQCEjOKY

https://youtu.be/RAmB5EvsdJI

https://youtu.be/cZQJLEFgjyo

https://youtu.be/aSuII-8lttw

Takeaways

This is the last episode of season one.

Plans to continue the show for a long time.

Dabbling with various inks has been enjoyable.

Developing a better paper palette is essential.

Favorite stationery item is a book weight.

Showcasing guests has been a rewarding experience.

Community engagement is vital in the stationery world.

Personal journey in stationery has evolved significantly.

Looking forward to more pen shows and recordings.

Encouraging feedback for future episodes is important.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the DWRD NetStationary Feed

00:00 Introduction to the DWRD Net Stationery Feed

00:09 Reflecting on Season One

07:29 Guest Highlights and Episode Recaps

23:44 Personal Journey and Future Plans

26:16 What's Next for the DWRDNET Stationery Feed

In this engaging conversation, Azizah of Gourmet Pens shares her journey in the stationery world, discussing her extensive experience with fountain pens, inks, and papers. She highlights her passion for creating inky messes and her love for collaboration with various pen makers. Azizah also reflects on the impact of social media on the pen community, the importance of fostering connections, and her ongoing projects, including classes and upcoming collaborations. The discussion emphasizes the joy of using stationery and the supportive nature of the pen community.

Show Links

http://www.gourmetpens.com

https://gourmetpensshop.com

https://www.gourmetpensclub.com

https://www.instagram.com/gourmetpens/

https://www.youtube.com/gourmetpens

https://www.patreon.com/gourmetpens

https://penworld.com

https://gourmetpensshop.com/products/dc-pen-show-2025-casual-broad-edge-calligraphy

https://gourmetpensshop.com/products/dc-pen-show-2025-inky-messes

Takeaways

Azizah is known for her inky messes and passion for fountain pens.

She has between 80 to 120 pens inked at any given time.

Eyedroppering pens helps keep ink fresh and ready to use.

Her favorite pen setup is the Opus 88 with a Pilot Parallel nib.

She has a reasonable collection of about 150 inks.

Tomoe River paper is her top choice for writing.

Azizah encourages people to embrace inky messes and creativity.

She values the supportive nature of the pen community.

Azizah aims to create a welcoming environment for all stationery enthusiasts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Azizah and Gourmet Pens

01:06 Inked Pens and Creative Process

03:37 Favorite Pens and Opus 88

08:46 Ink Preferences and Selection

15:15 Paper Preferences and Recommendations

22:16 Stationery Adjacent Items and Organization

23:33 Organizing the Chaos of Fountain Pens

26:03 The Allure of Collectible Stationery

27:00 The Birth of Gourmet Pens

28:59 The Impact of Social Media on Stationery

36:56 Collaborations and Creative Journeys

46:12 The Supportive Community of Pen Makers

48:01 Writing for Pin World Magazine

51:49 The Evolution of Podcasting in the Pen Community

56:11 Upcoming Collaborations and Classes

59:58 Future Plans for Gourmet Pens

In this episode, Luke Wiechman from Papa J Studio shares his journey into the world of pen making, discussing the inspiration behind his floral finials and the innovative use of 3D printing in his designs. He reflects on the importance of community and collaboration within the pen-making industry, as well as his future plans for new products and collaborations.

Show Links

https://www.papajstudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/papajstudio/

https://www.tristarstudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/darailpenz/

https://www.instagram.com/robspenworks/

https://www.pensbypasquale.com

https://www.instagram.com/urushi.notes/

https://www.instagram.com/sey_urushipen/

PapaJ Studio Instagram Links

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJHA_Ozufje/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5eGBkkr_Ov/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6pNnshPu_E/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7h10ApvJj2/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB7KQLAPZ0i/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHgk7IQJLy5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHi66oMu8S5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGdc-0jJfx_/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEz_n9VpneW/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDVHCzjy2kz/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C900ztjv_zd/

Takeaways

Papa J Studio is named in honor of Luke's father-in-law, Jerry.

Luke's journey into pen making began with woodworking and a family connection.

The floral finials are a unique selling point for Papa J Studio pens.

Collaboration with other makers is a key aspect of the pen-making community.

3D printing has significantly enhanced the design and production process for Luke.

Luke emphasizes the importance of creativity and originality in pen making.

The floral body pens require extensive time and skill to produce.

Luke plans to introduce a pocket pen and floral roll stops in the future.

Community support has been crucial for Luke's growth as a maker.

Luke's wife, Kristina, plays a vital role in the design of floral finials.

In this episode, Logan Merrill from Little Hollow Customs shares his journey into the world of pen making, discussing his creative process, the technology he employs, and the community of makers he engages with. He highlights the importance of functional art, the evolution of his pen designs, and the impact of 3D printing on his work. Logan also shares insights into his future projects and innovations in the pen-making space.

Show Links

https://littlehollowcustoms.com

https://www.instagram.com/littlehollowcustoms/

https://www.carolinapencompany.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mikes_metalworking/

https://papajstudio.com

Takeaways

• Logan Merrill is an outside-of-the-box thinker who enjoys functional art.
• He started making pens as a challenge after moving and setting up a new workshop.
• Logan's first fountain pen was made in May 2023, a year after he began with kits.
• He emphasizes the importance of repeatability in pen design for customer satisfaction.
• The CNC machine has significantly improved his production capabilities and safety in the workshop.
• Logan's 3D printing experience predates his pen-making journey and has become a valuable asset.
• He created a folding pen stand to save space at pen shows, which has gained popularity among other makers.
• Logan is experimenting with hybrid pens that combine metal and resin for better balance and usability.
• He is exploring new materials like gem bronze and Shibuichi for his pen designs.
• Logan's future projects include a rollerball option for his pens, expanding their versatility.

In this episode, Matthew Chen, a renowned nib grinder, shares his journey into the world of fountain pens and nib grinding. He discusses his early experiences with pens, the evolution of his craft, and the unique techniques he learned from masters like Nagahara. Matthew also delves into his passion for photography, the quirky trend of placing pens in food, and the busy life of a nib grinder attending numerous pen shows. He emphasizes the importance of customer interaction and the personalized service he offers, including mail-in nib services.

Show Links

https://www.mattsnibworks.com

https://www.instagram.com/pactagon/

Takeaways

• Matthew Chen is a nib grinder known for his specialty grinds.
• He started using fountain pens in 2015 and quickly became interested in nib work.
• Matthew learned from nib grinding masters, including Nagahara.
• He enjoys photography and often captures moments at pen shows.
• The trend of placing pens in food started as a humorous meme.
• Matthew travels extensively for pen shows, attending around 20 events a year.
• He emphasizes the importance of customer interaction at shows.
• Mail-in nib services are available for those unable to attend shows.
• Matthew prefers a steady and manageable business approach.
• He values continuous improvement in his craft.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matthew Chen and His Work

12:01 The Journey into Nib Grinding

23:47 Understanding Nib Grinds and Customer Experience

24:13 Understanding Nib Grinds and Writing Styles

26:38 Choosing the Right Nib Size for Grinds

29:28 Nib Quality and Tuning Challenges

32:09 The Art of Photography and Nib Grinding

37:25 The Trend of Pens in Food

39:14 Matthew's Busy Pen Show Schedule

43:58 Future Plans for Matthew's Nibworks

In this episode, Carola, known as FromCarola on social media, shares her journey as a fountain pen enthusiast and artist. She discusses her love for fountain pens, the inks she uses, and her creative process involving watercolor and abstract art. Carola also talks about her transition to live streaming on Twitch, where she engages with a community of fellow stationery lovers. Additionally, she shares her experiences teaching workshops and her aspirations for the future, emphasizing the importance of creativity and community in her life.

Show Links

https://liliandbella.com/

https://www.instagram.com/fromcarola/

https://www.youtube.com/@FromCarola

https://www.twitch.tv/fromcarola

https://sanfranciscopenshow.com/classes/

https://blog.tombowusa.com/author/carola/

https://www.tombowusa.com/watercolor-florals-stamp-card-workshop.html

Takeaways

Carola enjoys sharing her process of using fountain pen inks and watercolor paints.

She keeps around 12 to 15 fountain pens inked at a time.

Her grail pen is the Pilot Namiki Makie Milky Way fountain pen.

Carola experiments with different inks based on her mood and the season.

Tomoe River paper is her go-to for writing.

She loves using pen rests and trays to display her pens.

Carola dove into the fountain pen hobby during the pandemic.

She finds joy in teaching others about art and creativity.

Twitch allows for real-time interaction with her audience.

Carola is open to future opportunities in the stationery community.