Today I received a new custom pen from Rockster Pens , crafted by Ash Lawrence . While this is not my first pen from Rockster, it is one made specifically to my vision. I wanted a vintage-inspired design crafted from Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate, and the final result exceeded my expectations. The pen arrived in a thoughtfully designed cardboard tube that immediately reflected Ash's attention to detail. The packaging is versatile enough to accommodate a variety of pen sizes, and the Rockster logo is prominently displayed. I always appreciate makers who carefully consider every aspect of the experience—from branding and presentation to shipping—as it elevates the enjoyment of receiving a custom piece. Once I removed the pen from the tube, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the material. The material features a rich blend of browns, reds, and oranges, accented by subtle chatoyance that gives the pen remarkable depth and movement in the light. I chose rose g...
Have you ever been scrolling through Instagram and come across an amazing looking ink swatch? So good in fact that you go a buy a bottle immediately? I have, but I’m a sucker for a good ink swatch. My ink collection certainly proves it. Six years ago, that collection consisted mostly of Lamy blue cartridges, and at the time, that was all I needed. Simpler times. Back then, fountain pen inks were fairly straightforward—mostly blue, black, brown, and red. You picked a color, filled a pen, and went on with your life like a normal person. Oh, how things have changed, and ink swatching has been a huge driving force behind it. The first ink that truly made me stop and stare was Organic Studios Nitrogen. I don’t remember exactly when it happened, but it definitely left an impression. Early in my fountain pen journey, blue inks were my go-to choice. They felt more vibrant than black or brown, and there was already a wide range of shades to explore. But Nitrogen was something different. The int...