In episode 14, I get to welcome Jonathon Brooks of Carolina Pen Company to talk about how he has become one of the most well known names when it comes to pen materials in addition to the pens that he makes as part of the Carolina Pen Company. We talk about how he got started, and the path that followed in terms of teaching himself to make pens which quickly led to pouring his own blanks, and things just kept growing over time.

Jonathon shows a variety of pens made from his materials from brands such as Franklin-Cristoph, Leonardo, Delta and more. Jonathan talks about how he stumbled on his unique way of displaying his pens at shows, as well as getting into offering laser engraved nibs on his pens, as well as producing them for other makers as well.

Show Links

https://www.carolinapencompany.com

https://www.instagram.com/carolinapencompany/

https://www.thepenturns.com

https://www.fountaintelling.comhttps://www.edisonpen.com

https://www.pensbypasquale.com

https://www.papajstudio.comhttps://www.newtonpens.com

In this episode I am joined by pen maker and artist Matthew Martin who talks about how he got into making his machined pens. Matthew talks about how a side project of helping his dad with some knife making ended up becoming his full time job of making bespoke metal pens. Matthew talks about how he explored different anodization techniques, and how that moved into using anodized titanium as a form of artistic expression.

Show Links

https://www.matthewmartinmakes.com

https://www.instagram.com/matthewmartinmakes/

https://www.anodizedart.com

https://www.instagram.com/anodizedart/

https://www.anodizedart.com/gallery

https://artandlightgallery.com/artist/matthew-c-martin

Find Matthew at the Dallas Pen Show or the Empire Pen Show for 2026 and follow his website for 2027 details.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Matthew Martin's background

02:13 Starting in machining and transition to pen making

04:03 Materials used: Titanium, zirconium, Mokume Gane

07:02 Design philosophy behind OG1 and OG2 models

11:58 Finishing techniques: Anodizing, flame finishing, stratified coloration

20:01 The artistic evolution: From simple finishes to depictive art

34:07 The role of art in modern pen making and future projects

44:02 How to follow Matthew Martin and upcoming releases

In this episode, Derek interviews Diana from Moth and Maple who shares her journey into leather and stationery accessories, discusses her custom offerings, and explores her process of creating unique leather products and blanks for pens. Discover how her passion for leatherwork and stationery converges into a thriving small business, with insights into the latest trends and her upcoming projects.

There will be a website product drop on Saturday June 6, so be sure to check that out.

Show Links

https://www.mothandmaple.com

https://www.instagram.com/mothandmapledesigns/

Upcoming Pen Shows

Orlando

Dallas

On this episode I get to welcome writer Michelle Geffken to talk about her work in the analog space. She is the creator of the paperblogging.com website, and is a big proponent of embracing the analog tools and mindset when it comes to writing and creativity. Be it sketching, typewriters, or fountain pens, Michelle talks about how all of these come into play in her work.

Show Links

https://www.paperblogging.com

https://www.thepapermouse.com

https://juliacameronlive.com/book/the-artists-way-a-spiritual-path-to-higher-creativity/

https://spitalfieldslife.com

https://www.momentumdash.com

https://creativefuel.substack.com

https://www.paperblogging.com/current-giveaway

https://arboretum.harvard.edu

https://arboretum.harvard.edu/arnoldia/

https://www.paperblogging.com/stories/barter-and-banter-a-conversation-about-analog-tools-with-derek-deweese

In this Episode, I get to talk to Rich of River City Pen Company. We get to talk about how he got started, how he approaches his various pen models, when he decided to start creating some inks, his show schedule and more.

Show Links

https://www.rivercitypencompany.com

https://www.instagram.com/rivercitypencompany/

https://www.youtube.com/@rivercitypencompany

https://www.youtube.com/@FYC_Toni

https://www.stationeryuniverse.com

https://stationeryuniverse.com

https://www.amarillostationery.com

https://www.hinzepens.com

https://www.turntpenco.com

https://www.luckystarpens.com

In this episode, Kirk Speer of PenRealm shares his journey into the world of fountain pens, nib grinding, and custom engraving. Kirk talks about opening up his new physical location, and goes through a great overview of how a nib appointment works at a pen show. Discover Kirk's insights on choosing inks, the art of nib tuning, and building a community around stationery hobbies.

Show Links

https://www.penrealm.com

https://www.instagram.com/penrealm/

https://penrealm.com/search?q=olight&_pos=1&_psq=olight&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Nib Wolf

01:25 The Journey into Fountain Pens

03:39 Ink Choices and Preferences

07:31 Paper and Writing Experience

09:41 Vintage Pens and Ink Safety

11:18 Favorite Stationery Items

12:45 Nib Grinding and Customization

18:58 Transitioning to a Business

20:30 Establishing a Physical Store

20:57 From Garage to Storefront: The Growth of Pen Realm

22:52 Engraving and Customization: Enhancing the Nib Experience

28:25 Navigating the Nib World: Understanding Options and Choices

39:30 Community and Collaboration: The Future of Pen Realm

In this episode I welcome Dave Dollar of Dave Dollar custom pens to talk about how he transitioned into pen making from other wood working, and has turned that into a fulfilling retirement career of making custom fountain pens. Dave talks through his pen models, how he was able to find a unique niche that needed to be filled with one of his pen models, and how he has differentiated his pen models. Dave talks about winning the Orlando Pen Show makers contest and touches on plans for a repeat performance. This was a fun episode, so I hope that you enjoy.

Show Links https://davedollarcustompens.com

https://www.instagram.com/davedollarcustompens/

https://www.hellotellostudio.com

https://www.logstotreasures.com/zodiac-pens

https://garnyandco.com

https://orlandopenshow.com

https://www.littlecraftplace.com

https://www.littlecraftplace.com/pages/events

https://www.floridastationeryfest.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dave Dollar and His Journey

02:20 Diving into the World of Pen Making

13:45 Transitioning from Hobbyist to Business Owner

21:59 Innovative Designs and Niche Markets

24:23 The Art of Customization in Pen Making

26:39 Winning the Orlando Pen Show Pen Maker Challenge

31:12 The Dynamics of Local Craft Shows

36:41 Exploring Materials and Custom Commissions

44:11 Future Innovations in Pen Design

47:49 Outro

In this episode we explore the world of typewriters with Richard Polt, author of The Typewriter Revolution, as he shares insights on collecting, using, and reviving this timeless technology. Learn about the history of the Typewriter Manifesto, how both of his books came to be, as well as the cultural significance of typewriters in the digital age. Richard also discusses an upcoming typewriter sale as well as an in person swap meet in Cincinnati.

Details about the Typewriter Sale and Swap Meet

http://writingball.blogspot.com/2026/04/preview-of-my-typewriter-sale.html

Show Links

https://www.typewriterrevolution.com

https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/index.html

https://loosedogpress.blogspot.com

https://www.wordplaycincy.org