The DWRDNET Stationery Feed

In this episode, Derek Deweese interviews Darrell Davis, the owner of D Squared Arts, who shares his journey into the world of pen making and the artistic processes behind his unique creations. Darrell discusses his background in art, the inspiration behind his designs, and the importance of functionality in his work. He also touches on his aspirations for community engagement and the future of his craft.Show Linkshttps://dsquaredarts.com/https://d-squared-arts.myshopify.com/https://www.instagram.com/d_squared_arts/https://www.facebook.com/DSquaredArtshttps://newtonpens.com-----------Be sure to visit Darrell at the Chicago and Dallas Pen Shows to see these works of art in person.TakeawaysD Squared Arts focuses on creating functional art through unique pen designs.Darrell's journey into pen making was influenced by his friend Shawn Newton.The tactile experience of using a pen is essential to Darrell's design philosophy.Darrell enjoys experimenting with different materials and techniques in his art.He aims to create pens that evoke a personal connection with the user.The artistic process involves a lot of trial and error, especially with new designs.Darrell emphasizes the importance of community in the pen-making world.He plans to expand his presence at pen shows and online sales.Darrell is exploring the idea of incorporating metalwork into his pen designs.The uniqueness of each pen is a key selling point for D Squared Arts.Chapters00:00 Introduction to D Squared Arts02:01 Journey into the Pen and Stationery Hobby04:32 The Art of Pen Making09:53 Exploring Paper and Stationery Preferences12:28 Favorite Stationery Adjacent Items14:10 Background in Art and Education19:06 The Process of Hand-Carving Pens23:01 Creating Unique Pen Blanks25:04 Design Considerations in Pen Making31:23 Ceramics and Artistic Techniques34:10 The Art of Ceramics and Functional Design38:49 Creating Unique Writing Instruments44:37 Exploring the Intersection of Art and Functionality47:51 Expanding Presence in the Pen Community01:01:31 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

In this episode, Derek Deweese interviews Danielle Kindsfater, the owner of Happiness Handmade, LLC. They discuss Danielle's journey into the world of stationery, her passion for journaling, and the unique products her business offers, including clear matte stickers and watercolor art. The conversation delves into the importance of community support, the challenges of running a small business, and the deeper meaning behind creating art and stationery. Danielle shares her insights on the stationery industry, her favorite tools, and her vision for Happiness Handmade, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment that comes from creativity and connection. In this conversation, Danielle and Derek explore the challenges and triumphs of running a small business in the creative niche of stationery and journaling. They discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of community building through analog connections, and the merging of planner and fountain pen communities. Danielle shares her innovative approach to stickers and their versatile uses in journaling, while also outlining her aspirations for the future of Happiness Handmade, including international shipping and affiliate programs.Danielle will be at Author Fest hosted by Bean's Books at Pickles Gap Village in Conway, AR on 4-12-25, 9-5pm CSTHappiness Handmade is also looking at the St,. Louis and Dallas Pen Shows as well, but not yet confirmed.-----------Links mentioned in the episodehttps://www.happinesshandmadellc.comhttps://www.instagram.com/daniellekindsfater/https://www.instagram.com/elizajournalshttps://www.instagram.com/nibs.and.tints/https://www.instagram.com/Rebeka_Planshttps://www.instagram.com/iamshandrabroughtonhttps://www.vanness1938.comhttps://pegandawlbuilt.com------------Affiliate Linkshttps://www.vanness1938.comUse Code DWRDNET for a 10% discount on your purchase. Some exclusions apply. Check the website for details.TakeawaysHappiness Handmade aims to facilitate happiness through creative expression.Danielle's journey into stationery began with a love for journaling and art.The importance of community support in growing a small business.Fountain pens and paper choices are deeply personal and impactful.Creating stickers is a way to inspire others and elicit feelings.Danielle values the relationship between her products and her customers.The growth of Happiness Handmade is driven by organic community engagement.Danielle's husband plays a crucial role in the business operations.Future plans include expanding product offerings and participating in more events.The journey of building a business is a slow but rewarding process. Imposter syndrome is common among small business owners.Building community is essential for growth in creative niches.Face-to-face interactions enhance connections in the stationery community.Stickers can be used creatively beyond traditional planning.The planner and fountain pen communities are merging.Innovative designs can make stickers more appealing to a broader audience.International shipping poses challenges for small businesses.Understanding market preferences is crucial for product design.Social media can be a powerful tool for small business marketing.Every small business starts with a small following, and growth takes time.

Summary

In this episode of the DWRDNET Stationery Feed, host Derek Deweese interviews Jonathan Butler, the owner of Butler Stationery in Columbia, Tennessee. Jonathan shares his journey into the world of stationery, his passion for pens and inks, and the joy of running a stationery shop. He discusses his favorite products, the importance of supporting local makers, and his experiences with vintage pen restoration. The conversation also touches on Jonathan's future plans for his shop, including the potential for hosting classes and incorporating a tea shop.

SummaryIn this engaging interview, Derek Deweese speaks with artist and photographer Chase Gustafson about his journey into the world of fountain pens and stationery. They discuss Chase's early experiences with art supplies, his preferences for writing papers, and the importance of nibs and ink flow in fountain pen use. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by left-handed writers and the various accessories that enhance the stationery experience. Chase shares insights into his artistic process and how he integrates fountain pens into his work, making for a rich discussion about creativity and the tools that inspire it.Show Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/chasingphotography/https://www.chasingphotography.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@UCbN4JNVqy-J9m7cveTVIBHQProducts MentionedLochby Tool Rollhttps://www.gentlemanstationer.com/curated-paper/lochby-tool-rollMnemosyne Kleid Edition Horizontalhttps://vanness1938.com/products/kleid-mnemosyne-x-kleid-a4w-notebook?_pos=1&_fid=8d15186de&_ss=cAffiliate Linkshttps://www.vanness1938.comUse Code DWRDNET for a 10% discount on your purchase. Some exclusions apply. Check the website for details.TakeawaysChase Gustafson has a long-standing relationship with art supplies.Fountain pens offer a unique writing experience compared to other pens.Choosing the right paper is crucial for fountain pen use.Left-handed writers often adapt their techniques to suit their needs.The nib material affects the writing experience significantly.Ink flow is influenced by both the nib and the feed of the pen.Stationery accessories can enhance the writing experience.Chase prefers dot grid paper for journaling and sketching.Fountain pens can be used for both writing and drawing.The stationery community is rich with resources and support for enthusiasts.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chase Gustafson and His Artistic Journey02:47 The Preferred Papers for Chase08:44 Stationery Adjacent Items and Their Significance13:57 Fountain Pens: A Natural Transition for Artists17:21 Left-Handed Challenges and Adaptations in Art21:27 Understanding Paper Weight and Its Impact on Art23:07 Exploring Paper Types and Their Impact25:07 Understanding Nib Materials and Their Importance29:10 The Evolution of Fountain Pens and Nib Technology35:07 Ink Flow Mechanics in Fountain Pens40:58 Wrapping Up and Where to Find Chase's Work42:58 Future Interviews and Community Engagement