I was recently laid-off from my job of 19 years. This lay-off occurred just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread across the globe. Unlike other people who have lost jobs as a result of the pandemic, I was already unemployed and largely staying at home before our current shelter-at-home policy took effect.

I had not really started thinking about how or where I would work until the shelter-at-home requirements had been put into place. My timing is terrible, I know. The BWI Pen Show and the Arkansas Pen Show were immediately after my lay-off and I hoped they would provide an infusion of funds and much-needed time with friends and penthusiasts.

Once I returned home after the Arkansas Pen Show, I realized it was time to get serious about dusting off my resume and portfolio and start planning for my new life, whatever form that may take.

Part of that planning included needing to set-up an actual work space at home. Previously, I had been making do, working from the kitchen counter or precariously balancing my CINTIQ on the edge of a tiny tabletop when freelance work was needed. This was not comfortable or the least bit ergonomic.

Initially, we were planning to acquire various new pieces from IKEA including an adjustable standing desk, new drawer units and accessories however the whole non-essential travel ban made it necessary to think inside the box. By that I mean, we needed to poke around our packrat house and try to locate items we could use or reuse. Bob found an old, extra-large (30″x40″) drafting board in the basement that he had purchased at a yard sale several years ago. He got out the power sander and some stain and urethane and refinished the drafting board into a new worktop for me. He also found an old set of IKEA legs at the print shop and mounted them on the bottom. Voila! a new-old desk.

It has enough room for my CINTIQ touch screen, laptop, bluetooth keyboard and some pretty bits so that it doesn’t feel too austere.

We rescued an old metal drawer unit from the print shop as well that I could use to put various ephemera bits. It currently has our postal scale (yes, we are still shipping out orders!) and I’ve added a couple of my Dudek pen blocks so I have both beautiful and useful writing tools at the ready.

Also on my desk are:

• Galen Leather washi tape dispenser ($35 via Vanness PenShop)
• Japanese tea warmer ($18.99 via Amazon)
• Bunny Desk Scissors ($29.95 via Amazon)
• Anker Soundcore Boost Bluetooth speaker ($59.99 via Amazon)
• Kathy Weller “We are the Weirdos” mug ($20.50 via Etsy)
• Kate Spade stationery box ($30)
• sheep pushpin keeper ($9.95 via Amazon)
• Pelikan Star Ruby Fountain Pen ($167.95 via Goldspot Pens)
• Lamy 2000 Multi-Color Ballpoint (€56.20 via Appelboom)
• Parker Jotter Fountain Pen ($24 via Goldspot Pens)

And before anyone asks, it looks like the cover on my laptop is no longer available on Amazon but similar designs can be found here.

Have you set-up a work-from-home space? Are you making do on your couch or kitchen table? Or are you still able to go to your job wherever it may be?

Thanks to my sponsors for providing some of the images I use for Fashionable Friday. Please consider making your next purchase from one of the shops that support this blog and let them know you heard about them here. Thanks for your support and for supporting the shops that help keep it running.

DISCLAIMER: The item in this review include affiliate links. The Well-Appointed Desk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Please see the About page for more details.

The post Setting up my new home office appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

• Fave read: Sourdough by Robin Sloan. I loved Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore and though, at first glance, Sourdough seems like a very similar with its love to something analog in the high tech world of San Francisco.
• Fave watch: The Mandolorian. I love Star Wars so it was only a matter of time before I freebased the series to date. Since the episodes are only 30 minutes long, it only took two nights.
• Fave listen: Mostly, I’ve been listening to podcasts. It’s been an eclectic mix of late but my favorites have been The Anthropocene Reviewed and Dolly Parton’s America.
• Fave eat: Vegan Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats. I modified this recipe slightly. Instead of brown rice syrup, I use Lyle’s Golden Syrup. I think you could replace any thicker sugary syrup, thicker than maple syrup, that is. So, if you have a favorite substitute, I think the recipe will still work fine. I’ve made these with just a drizzle of chocolate on the top but I prefer the chocolate/peanut butter “frosting” layer. I do recommend storing these in the fridge in an airtight container as they can dry out and get crumbly if its really warm. They warm up in room temperature in about 5-10 minutes.
• Fave drink: Bubly Blackberry. I’ve been trying different sparkling waters as a way to have something “fun” to drink in the middle of the day that is not laced with chemicals. Some sparkling water flavors are better than others. I do own a SodaStream so really, I should make my own but for work, it’s nice to have it in pre-packaged containers.
• Fave fountain pen: I am currently using two of my fountain pens more than any others. The first is my tried-and-true Caran D’ache 849 with EF nib. I keep it loaded with cartridge roulette and it’s long enough to have a cartridge loaded and a spare in the barrel. It’s perfect for work because it’s a pop top so capping and uncapping is quick for short notes and the cartridges make it easy to refill mid-meeting without too many funny looks. The other pen is my new-to-me Montblanc Rouge et Noir with custom nib grind by Gena of Custom Nib Studio. I remember thinking “why would I ever want a snake pen?” and now I have two. Go figure.
• Fave ink: I’m still loving the PenBBS #224 Tolstoy It’s hard to acquire this color these days but PenBBS 159 Bitter Herb is pretty close.
• Fave gel pen: Pilot Hi-Tec C Slim Knock This extra small gel pen fits perfectly inside my Baron Fig Guardian or in the Moment wallet (see below) so that I always have a pen with me. It’s the closest I have to a Fisher Space Pen-style EDC.
• Fave paper/notebook: Is it self-serving to say that the pocket notebook I use most frequently is my Col-o-ring Oversize? It’s true. I use it to quick swatch new inks, doodle or sketch out various things and surprisingly, after years of thinking I didn’t like spiral bound notebooks, the Oversize is uniquely appealing. The size and form factor make it great tool testing of all sorts, quick visual experiments and the spiarl allow for additional elements to be glued or taped into it without adversely affecting it.
• Fave EDC bag: Moment Crossbody Wallet I have to thank Jaclyn at Inkpothesis for making me lust after this wallet.
• Fave analog activity: I’ve been sewing lately. I’ve made some pajama pants, two tops and have been working on a dress. I even made a mini quilt for my cats. CJ loves the mini quilt.

Thanks to my sponsors for providing some of the images I use for Friday Faves. Please consider making your next purchase from one of the shops that support this blog and let them know you heard about them here. Thanks for your support and for supporting the shops that help keep it running.

The post Friday Faves: Ana’s December Picks appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

Fave read: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Fave watch: Outlander (via Amazon)
Fave listen: Every Little Thing (via Gimlet Media)
Fave eat: Apple Cider Donuts!
Fave drink: Tea Pigs Fennel & Licorice Herbal Tea ($9.99 via Tea Pigs)
Fave write: Diplomat Traveler Flame,  Medium Nib ($52 via Pen Chalet)
Fave ink: De Atramentis Deepwater Obsession Black-Red ($14 via Vanness Pens)
Fave paper/notebook: Rhodia Goalbook Purple ($25.95 via Vanness Pens)
Fave analog activity: Knitting! I’m currently working on a Boxy by Joji Locatelli in Wooly Wonka Fibers Gaia Sock in Mulberry

Where to start? FALL is here! I for one am overjoyed to cuddle under blankets and watch and listen to my faves. I’m a bit late to the Outlander hype, but after visiting Scotland this summer my husband suggested we watch and I’m hooked (not even for the reasons you would think)! Sure Sam Heughan is droolworthy, but so is the amazing knitwear. Yup that’s me, knitter at heart.

As you can tell from my favorite eat and drink, I’m full of love for fall. There’s a cider mill near our house and they have amazing cider donuts. I have to stop going back… And if you’ve got a bit of a sore throat or fall allergies, Tea Pigs Fennel & Licorice tea with a touch of honey will clear that right up!

My current faves on my pens and ink are my Diplomat Traveller (love that flame finish!) and Deep Water Obsession Black-Red. And no matter how many notebooks I try I always go back to the Rhodia Goalbook. It’s perfect for all my lists!

Finally, KNITTING SEASON IS HERE! I am on a mission to knit ALL THE SWEATERS.  I’m currently trying to finish a Boxy, an oversized comfy pullover knit in supersoft merino. This is one I want to wear all fall long!

The post Friday Faves: Laura’s Fall List appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

• Fave reads: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: A Novel, by Gail Honeyman and Beginning Drawing Atelier: An Instructional Sketchbook, by Juliette Aristides (an excellent intro to classical drawing methods)
• Fave watch: The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
• Fave comfort eat: mac & cheese
• Fave recently discovered eat: poke bowl (Yes, I know I’m very late to the party, but I’ve always been take-it-or-leave-it about sashimi, so I didn’t think poke would be anything special. Then I had some at a gathering catered by Seattle Fish Guys, which arguably makes the best poke in town, and now I can’t get enough of it!)
• Fave drink: Obsidian Stout (Deschutes Brewery)
• Fave junk snack: Cheetos (crunchy)
• Fave healthy snack: peanuts
• Fave pencil for writing: The classic Palomino Blackwing
• Fave colored pencils: Caran d’Ache Museum Aquarelle
• Fave eraser: Tombow Mono Smart (hacked to fit Blackwing ferrule)
• Fave fountain pen: Sailor 1911 (full size) with Naginata Fude de Mannen nib (Similar pens can be found here, nib grind is harder to come by)
• Fave ink: Platinum Carbon Black (Yes, boring black, but still the one I use most for drawing.)
• Fave gel pen: Pentel EnerGel RTX 0.7
• Fave travel journal: Rhodia Rhodiarama Webnotebook A6 hardbound
• Fave sketchbook: Stillman & Birn Beta A5 softcover
• Fave EDC bag: Rickshaw Zero Messenger
• Fave bag accessory: Tran Portfolio Pencil Case (holding Museum Pencils)
• Fave nerdy/niche collectible: Cretacolor pencil boxes with Urban Sketchers Symposium logo (collected over several years)
• Fave analog activity: Sketching anything from life (especially animals)

The post Friday Faves: Tina’s Fall List appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

So, here goes my current faves for the month of September:

• Fave read: Grave Importance (Dr. Greta Helsing #3) by Vivian Shaw
• Fave watch: Supergirl (via Netflix)
• Fave listen: 99% Invisible 
• Fave eat: Tostito’s Black Bean & Garlic Chips (AKA “Crack Chips”)
• Fave drink: Messenger Coffee with Natural Bliss Coconut Creamer
• Fave write: Sailor Pro Gear Slim Fountain Pen in Graphite Lighthouse $220 (via Goldspot)
• Fave ink: Bungubox Kaoru $49 for 30ml bottle (via Pen Chalet)
• Fave paper/notebook: Galen Leather Co. The Everyday Book Tomoe River A5 Notebook $32 for Set of 3 (via Vanness Pens)
• Fave analog activity: Dropcloth Embroidery Sampler $16 (via Etsy)

I just started reading the third installment of the Dr. Greta Helsing series and I love it. It is a weird and wonderful story about a human doctor who attends to the needs of the supernatural. We’ve been binging Supergirl because I needed something fun and uplifting to watch and Supergirl fits the bill. It’s filled with girl power kick-assery without being saccharine-y. This week, I participated in an embroidery workshop at work where I worked on the Dropcloth Embroidery Sampler so that’s been my analog activity of choice. I’m waiting on yarn to arrive to finally finish the sweater that has been languishing since February. Hopefully, I’ll get to that this weekend.

Snackwise, I still live by Tostito’s Black Bean and Garlic Chips. They are pricey but delicious. And looking to the cooler mornings, I love our Messenger Coffee subscription with a little splash of “cream”.

Getting down to my desk tools, I acquired a beautiful Sailor Pro Gear Slim Graphite Lighthouse with a MF nib recently and has been my constant companion recently along with a lovely minty, green bottle of Bungbox Kaoru. Having met the ink’s namesake, I am more enamored with the color than ever. And after much waffling, I am back in a traveler’s notebook, using the Galen Leather Everyday Book refills while I wait for a couple new notebooks to arrive in the mail.

The post Friday Faves: Ana’s September Faves appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

• Doughnut Macaroon Standard Backpack in Brick $80 (via JetPens)
• Elum Designs Exposed Binding Woodgrain Journal $16 (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Diamine Shimmer-tastic Firefly Fountain Pen Ink, $20 for 50ml bottle (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Caran d’Ache 849 Nespresso Ballpoint Pen in India Green $45.90 (via Goldspot Pens)
• Edison Pearlette Fountain Pen in Sonoran Sunset with 18K Gold Fine Point $299 (via Goldspot Pens)
• Lamy Studio Olive Fountain Special Edition $89 (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Coleman Stand-up Pen Case $40 (via NockCo)
• Ystudio Classic Pen Case €86.78 (via Appelboom)
• Kaweco Liliput Mini Fountain Pen in Fireblue – Fine Point $180 (via Goldspot Pens)
• Pineider Pen Filler Inkwell $20 (via Pen Chalet)
• Camp Karas “Write Outside” Notebook $2.75 each (via Karas Pen Co)
• Robert Oster Signature Fountain Pen Ink in Dark Chocolate, €13.64 for 50ml bottle (via Appelboom)
• Fine Writing Golden Armor Brass fountain pen €115, (via Fontoplumo)
• Montblanc Petit Prince Sand of the desert brown Fountain Pen Ink, €35.60 for 50ml bottle (via Fontoplumo)
• Yamakoshi Paperable Watermelon Memo Block $6.75 (via JetPens)
• Field Notes National Parks Edition, $12.95 per 3-Pack, 3 different options available (via Field Notes)

The post Fashionable Friday: Camp Out appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

• Sugar Rush Beach Cheeks Cream Blush $15 (via Ulta)
• Besame Mermaid Lagoon Waterfall Mist Fragrance $48 $26 (via Besame Cosmetics)
• Tarte Rainforest of the Sea sizzle eyeshadow palette $36 (via Tarte Cosmetics)
• PenBBS #160 Mentha Aquatica Fountain Pen Ink $16 for 60ml bottle (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Chugoku Waves Washi Tape $2 per roll (via CuteTape)
• Pilot Iroshizuku 100th Anniversary Ebisu Fountain Pen Ink, $30 for 50ml bottle (via Anderson Pens)
• Zebra DelGuard 0.5 mm Mechanical Pencil in Limited Edition Yellow/Blue  $8 (via JetPens)
• Yamakoshi Paperable Fruits Memo Block in Pineapple $6.75 (via JetPens)
• Abicial Japanese Crab Pen Holder $12.29 (via Amazon)
• Leuchtturm 1917 A5 Hardcover Dot Grid Notebook in Emerald Green (via Goldspot Pens)
• Karas RETRAKT v2 $110 (via Karas Pen Co)
• Kaweco Sport Sunrise fountain pen (Fontoplumo Exclusive) €26 (via Fontoplumo)
• Lamy Studio Aquamarine Fountain Pen €53.72 (via Appelboom)
• Montegrappa Copper Mule Fountain Pen $375.00 Sale: $195.00 (via Pen Chalet)
• Pelikan Souverän M805 Blue Dunes Fountain Pen €482.64 (via Appelboom)
• BGM Washi Tape in Special Seasons Blue Ocean $3.20 per roll (via JetPens)

DISCLAIMER: The item in this review include affiliate links. The Well-Appointed Desk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Please see the About page for more details.

The post Fashionable Friday: Mermaid Everyday appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

• Colorverse Moon Landing Ink Set $100 (via Pen Chalet)
• Lamy Safari USA Independence Fountain Pen $36 (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Leuchtturm 1917 1969 (I took creative liberties with the cover wrap) A5 Dot Grid Notebook in Metallic Silver $25.50 (via Anderson Pens)
• Diamine 150th Anniversary in Silver Fox Ink $15.50 for 40 ml Bottle (via JetPens)
• Retro 51 Tornado Fountain Pen – Apollo Limited Edition, pre-order $120 (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Montegrappa Moon Landing Fountain pen €326.45 or $395USD (via Appelboom or Goldspot Pens)
• One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon $19.25 (via Amazon)
• Apollo 11 from The Giant Leaps in Space Print Series $55 (via Chop Shop)
• Moon Globe $85.25 (via Amazon)
• The Coop NASA Apollo Moon Landing Film Canister Lunch Tins $20.97 (via Amazon)
• Field Notes Three Missions Notebook $12.95 (via Pen Chalet)
• Leather tote bag in silver $150.00+ (via LaraKlass on Etsy)
• Caran d’Ache 849 fountain pen white €55 (via Fontoplumo)
• Diamine Shimmering Moon Dust Fountain Pen Ink $20 for 50ml bottle (via Goldspot Pens)
• MT Thick Thin Black Stripe Washi Tape $3.50 per roll (via CuteTape)

For more information about exhibitions and festivities planned for the anniversary, check out these links:

• Duran Duran to Perform at Moon Landing 50th Anniversary Celebration (via Rolling Stone)
• NASA Celebrated Apollo 11’s 50th Anniversary with a Total Restoration of Mission Control (via Esquire)
• Apollo 50 (via Smithsonian Air & Space Museum)

DISCLAIMER: The item in this review include affiliate links. The Well-Appointed Desk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Please see the About page for more details.

Thanks to our sponsors for providing some of the images I use for Fashionable Friday. Please consider making your next purchase from one of the shops that support this blog and let them know you heard about them here.

Thanks for reading and for supporting the shops that help keep it running.

The post Fashionable Friday: One Small Step appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

I was inspired in equal parts by the new Montegrappa Mini Mule and the May Allure’s Most Wanted Beauty Products article (I read the article in the paper edition but you can enjoy it digitally too).

• Alexander McQueen Treasures Print Scarf $495.43AUD ($347.74US) (via Cettire)
• Montegrappa Fortuna Mini Copper Mule Fountain Pen MSRP $350 (coming soon to your favorite fountain pen retailer)
• Auden Alana Sea Shell Drop Earrings $168 (via Neiman Marcus)
• MT Big Black Dot Stripe Washi Tape $3.50 per roll (via CuteTape)
• Pen House Pen Saijiki Kazahana Fountain Pen Ink $31 for 50 ml bottle (via Vanness Pens)
• Thick Plot Notebook $60 (via Story Supply Co.)
• Soap Rocks $13 each (via Bloomingdales)
• Blackwing Pencil Roll $59.95 (via Blackwing 602)
• Esterbrook Twelve Pen Nook MSRP $175 (available soon from your favorite pen retailer)
• Benu Briolette Fountain Pen in Gold Ore – Fine Point $80 (via Goldspot Pens)
• Conklin Duraflex 120th Anniversary Fountain Pen, Special Price $60 (via Pen Chalet)
• Reaktor Starliner Fountain Pen, starting at $55 (via Karas Pen Co.)
• Leonardo Momento Zero Horn ST Fountain pen €122.31 (via Appelboom)
• LAMY Benitoite Crystal Fountain Pen Ink $16 for 30 ml Bottle (via JetPens)

Thanks to my sponsors for providing some of the images I use for Fashionable Friday. Please consider making your next purchase from one of the shops that support this blog. Let them know you heard about them here.

Thanks for your support and for supporting the shops that help keep it running.

The post Fashionable Friday: Pirate Treasures appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

All the trees here in Kansas City decided to bloom this week. It was in the 70s earlier this week , then dipped to frosty temperatures on Friday only to promise balmy temperatures again on Monday and I couldn’t be happier. I love the white, yellow and orchid blooms on everything and, finally, the blue skies! I wanted to share that feeling with you all, with pens and ink and all the things I love.

• The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter (Flow) $15.67 (via Amazon)
• Akkerman #13 Simplisties Violet Fountain Pen Ink, 60ml bottle $28 (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Noodles Spring Collection 2019 featuring glitter crellies like the Robin’s Egg Blue shown here (Available Friday at 6 PM ET) (via Noodles Nail Polish)
• Grace Bag in Sage/Silver $395 (via Coach)
• Penbbs 308/266 Fountain Pen in Mango with Silver Trim and Fine Point $24.95 (Weekly Dip Special Price) (via Goldspot Pens)
• Leonardo Furore Fountain Pen in White Salt with Rhodium Trim and 1.5mm Stub Steel Nib $199 (via Goldspot Pens)
• Visconti Breeze Plume Fountain Pen €82.64 (via Appelboom)
• Grasscloth File Organizer $28 (via Kate Spade)
• BGM Kitties Flake Stickers $4.70 (via JetPens)
• Uni Jetstream Slim Compact 3-Color 0.38mm Ballpoint Multi Pen in Lavender $8.25 (via JetPens)
• Platinum 3776 Nice Lilas Fountain Pen, Special Low Price (Limited Quantity!) (via Pen Chalet)
• April , Rabbit Ring $81 (via GoodAfterNine on Etsy)
• Mini Geometric MASTÉ Japanese Washi Tape in Yellow Checker Tile Pattern $2.90 per roll (via CuteTape)
• Bungubox June Bride Something Blue Fountain Pen Ink (50ml bottle) $43 (via Anderson Pens)

DISCLAIMER: The item in this review include affiliate links. The Well-Appointed Desk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Please see the About page for more details.

Thanks to my sponsors (and Gourmet Pens and Right on the Nail) for providing some of the images I use for Fashionable Friday. Please consider making your next purchase from one of the shops that support this blog. Let them know you heard about them here.

Thanks for supporting the shops that help keep us running.

The post Fashionable Friday: Spring is Here! appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.