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.

• 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.

It finally feels like spring and the cherry trees are blooming. The magnolias and other flowering trees are starting to bloom here so it’s put me in the cherry blossom spirit. In my enthusiasm, I completely forgot to include Fahrney’s exclusive (and annual) Retro 51 Cherry Blossom pen and pencil offerings.

• MT Japanese Cherry Blossom Washi Tape $3.50 per roll (via CuteTape)
• Kurochiku Magnetic Bookmark – Sakura (Cherry Blossom) $6.25 (via JetPens)
• Kobe #30 Ooji Cherry Fountain Pen Ink (50ml bottle) $30 (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Visconti Breeze Cherry Fountain pen €82.64 (via Appelboom)
• NAVA Design Haiku Notes – Pocket-Sized Notebook $8 (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Freund Mayer Wax Seal Stick in Pearl Pink $2.75 per stick (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Cherry Blossom Enamel Pin $10 (via Jenni Bick)
• Pilot Iroshizuku Kosumosu Ink (Fall Cherry Blossom) (15 ml Bottle) $9.90 (via JetPens)
• Kyo-Iro Cherry Blossom of Keage Ink (40ml bottle) $28 (via Anderson Pens)
• Daydream Nail Polish $9.50 (via Noodles Nail Polish)
• Caran d’Ache 849 special edition “Claim Your Style” Pink ballpoint pen €39 (via Fontoplumo)
• Kaweco Frosted Sport Fountain Pen in Blush Pitaya (Dragonfruit) $27 (via Pen Chalet)
• Lamy Safari Pastel Rose fountain pen (2019 Special Edition) €20.90 (via Fontoplumo)
• Retro 51 Tornado Fountain Pen in Orchid $52 (via Goldspot Pens)
• Kurochiku Japanese Pattern Eco-Bag – Small – Sakura (Cherry Blossom) $9.50 (via JetPens)
• Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff $18 (via Glossier)
• Pilot Lady White Fountain Pen in Sakura Cherry Blossom $187.50 (via JetPens)

Thanks to my sponsors that provide 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. Thank you for reading the blog and for supporting the sponsors that help keep it running.

The post Fashionable Friday: Cherries A-Bloom appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

Inspired by the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday, the new jelly, frosted Kaweco Sport pens and an album I waited three decades for, this week’s Fashionable Friday is ready for love. All kinds. Romance, pet love, familial, and even love of a new pen.

• English Beat Here We Go Love (via Spotify)
• Kaweco Sport Frosted Blush Pitaya fountain pen pre-order for €21.25 (via Fontoplumo)
• Longevous Love Necklace $15 (via ModCloth)
• Filofax Original Personal Organizer in Pillarbox Red Leather $77.95 (via Goldspot Pens)
• Kobe #61 Yukinogoshou Zakura Fountain Pen Ink #30 for 50ml bottle (via Vanness Pens)
• Kokuyo Harinacs Stapleless Staplers in Pink $12 (via JetPens)
• Cute Hearts Washi Tape by MASTÉ Japanese Masking Tape $2.50 per roll (via CuteTape)
• Sailor Jentle Four Season Irori Fountain Pen Ink 50ml Bottle for $18 (via Anderson Pens)
• Love Cards set of 12 cards in 12 languages $22.50 (via House Industries)
• Lamy Scala Rose Fountain Pen, starting at €73.55 (via Appelboom)
• Caran d’Ache 849 Fountain Pen in Red, Fine Point $51.95 (via Goldspot Pens)

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

The post Fashionable Friday: Here We Go Love appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

• The Knitting Planner 2019 $30 (via Jen Geigley)
• Magnetic Sheep Paperclip Holder $15.99 (via Amazon)
• Kaweco AL Sport fountain pen in light blue aluminum €71.50 (via Fontoplumo)
• Kyo-no-oto 09 Keshimurasaki Fountain Pen Ink $28 for 40ml bottle (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Lamy Scala Rose Fountain Pen €89 (via Appelboom)
• 16 Most Unique Knit And Purl Stitches To Whip Up (via The Whoot)
• Note Pals “Alpaca Farm” Sticky Tags $2 (via Vanness Pens)
• Craft Handmade Rubber Stamp $6 (via CuteTape)
• Sun-Star Stickyle Scissors – Long Type – White x Clear $6.75 (via JetPens)
• J Herbin Poussiere de Lune Bottled Ink Fountain Pen Ink 30ml bottle for $10.35 (via Pen Chalet)
• Kate Davies’ Carbeth Cardigan Pattern (via Kate Davies)

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 used 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.

The post Fashionable Friday: If You’re Cold, Put on a Sweater appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.

• J. Herbin Corail des Tropiques Ink (Tropical Coral), $5.50 for 10 ml Bottle (via JetPens)
• Pilot Juice Gel Pen – 0.38 mm in Coral Pink, $1.80 (via JetPens)
• Montegrappa Monte-Grappa Coral Fountain, $315 (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Swig 17 oz Bottle in Rose Gold, $25 (via Vanness Pen Shop)
• Leather Index Sticker in Coral Pink, On Sale $6.96 (via MochiThings)
• Episode Leather Pen Pocket in Coral Pink, On Sale $13.96 (via MochiThings)
• Kaweco Art Sport fountain pen in Coral Red, €160 (via Fontoplumo)
• Kaweco Sport Skyline fountain pen fox, €20.50 (via Fontoplumo)
• Montblanc Heritage Spider Coral Methmorphosis Fountain pen €702.48 (via Appelboom)
• Clairefontaine 1951 Notebook in Red Coral, $4.50 (via Pen Chalet)
• Mirabella Iza Table Lamp in Coral, $39AU (via Big W)
• Color of the Year 2019 Mug: PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral, $25 (via Pantone)
• Pantone Chip Drive USB Flash Drive 4GB, $15 (via Pantone)
• Horizontal Line Stripe MT Japanese Washi Tape in Coral Pink, $3.50 per roll (via CuteTape)

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.

The post Fashionable Friday: 2019 Color of the Year appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.