Long time no see, friends :) I’ve been a bit silent and I have a lot of stuff in the works, but first I wanted to share a mini haul from the DC Pen Show! Ana’s post reminded me to post this recap, so here we go.
This was my first DC Pen Show! Previously I’ve been to the San Francisco Pen Show , but DC is a whole different monster of a show. Spanning multiple days, two ballrooms, and some packed hallways, it was slightly overwhelming but in the best way possible.
Of course the pens are a huge part of the show, but the most meaningful part to me was the community. I met many internet friends that I only knew by their screen names, and caught up with some long-time blog friends. Conversations spanned everything from “what got you into pens & stationery” to “show me the most unique item in your collection”, and went into the wee hours of the night.
I am more into calligraphy & art supplies so I didn’t go to the show with the intention of buying many things. I do have a humble haul to share though.
First off– I bought this SUPER CUTE vintage Parker Jotter Ballpoint from one of the numerous vintage dealers. True to the stereotype of my generation, I was drawn to this pleasant millennial pink color (“sort of a grapefruit shade of apricotty salmon“). I spotted it on Day 1 of the show– it was $20, so I didn’t feel like pulling the trigger just yet. I told myself if it was still there on Day 2, I’d buy it.
It was still there :D
In addition to my pink Himalayan salt rock, it also matches this no-name gel pen I bought at an Asian street fair a few years ago.
Along with a few other stationery items I own…
I also picked up some pocket notebooks! In exchange for a small donation, I picked up the Galaxy Word Notebook from the Pay it Forward booth. I’ve been eyeing the print for a while but just hadn’t picked up the 3-pack. I also got a pack of Sakura Edition notebooks from Write Notepads.
More matching…
Now for some pics of the show itself! There were so many vintage dealers. My favorite were the ones that even came with their original vintage packaging.
There were just piles and piles of old stuff too.
So much ink! This was at the Vanness booth. Of course, Vanness had all the unusual/hard-to-find inks.
And so much paper! All of our favorite fountain pen friendly brands.
The Pen Addict himself, Brad of Nock Co. showing off their new wares.
Aaand I just HAD to take a photo of this. A gentleman (I’m so sorry I didn’t get your name) was sharing his pen collection with us one evening. His collection wasn’t expensive or ostentatious, but he definitely wins the superlative for “Most Unique Collection”. In addition to some truly bizarre vintage Rotring items and random drafting pencils, he had these two delightfully chubby pens!
On my way out of DC I also stopped by to see a friend and visit the iconic Capitol Hill Books. Built out of an old home, the interior is stacked to the brim with old and new books of all sorts. What really makes this place a gem are the helpful and snarky little paper cards taped all over. Some are pretty standard for a bookstore — “Mysteries”, “World War II History”, etc.
But then there was stuff like…
(please excuse poor quality photo, it was very dim inside)
Overall I really enjoyed my time in DC and hope to be back next year!
