The Writer's Original Tool: 15 Inspirational & Timeless Fountain Pens

2008-06-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

As I sit and write at the computer keyboard all day, sometimes I am reminded of the wonderful fountain pens that my father always placed so carefully on his desk. In this modern world, writing is done mostly on keyboards and cell phones, with an average ballpoint pen or pencil sufficing for any extra daily writing.

photo by [phil h]

In a world gone by, writing with elegantly designed fountain pens was a delightfully aesthetic experience that seemed to be fundamentally intertwined with the actual writing itself. It was as if by wielding such a qualified and respectable tool, you could somehow write in a style that was worthy of the pen itself.

Fountain pens have become quite a collectors item and I will post some of those fancy pens here - but the focus of this article is more about the fountain pen's artistic beauty and the feelings that these exemplary writing instruments inspire. There is nothing quite like superior craftsmanship, and these fine pens are definitely admirable examples of a long and commendable tradition.

1. Faber Castell 2008 'Pen of the Year'

photo by ynsuper

This pen has everything that a conniseur of pens might look for in 2008, although I am not sure just how many of those there are. A beautiful and tangible example of how pens can look in the 21st century.

2. Cross Apogee

photo by churl

This pen definitely looks like it would feel comfortable in your hand, about the size of a small cigar.

3. Sailor Sapporo

photo by churl

This pen seems like a "nothing but the facts ma'am" writing tool, basic black and strictly by the book. That doesn't mean you can't doodle with it if you want to!

4. My Sword

photo by curious spider

This is a lovely close-up that accurately illustrates the quote "The pen truly is mightier than the sword." I can almost see the rocket's red glare in the tip of this pen...

5. Fancy Chiltons

photo by hbp pics

Although I have never owned a pen like this, I have always loved their intricate and original mosaic designs. Almost like marble... I would definitely love to clip one of these to my shirt pocket, but I would probably be scared to death that it would leak ink all over me... lol. I am definitely a n00b when it comes to fountain pens.

6. Old pen & case

photo by BN catchesthelight

There is something indeniably elegant about this antique pen and its green velvet case. It kind of reminds me of a violin.

7. Chilton ring top

photo by hbp pics

A lovely pen held by a strictly non-traditional bull dog in boots statue. A funny mix of the classic and the quirky! "Hey! Are you looking for this?"

8. Conklin Pens

photo by hbp pics

Another lovely closeup of the wide range of designs and colors that popular pens used to have. Nothing like a touch of gold to brighten your day. Maybe it would provide some real momentum to make sure and "write that down".

9. Boy Scout Handbook with Antique fountain pens

photo by surfinsandy23

Here is a photo that will either take you back in time, or leave you wondering WTF(?), but it is certain that once upon a time, every young man needed to have himself a good pen if he was going to get very far in this world.

10. Yesteryear Meets the Digital Age

photo by zircon 215

Here is a nice close-up of a classic fountain pen that has definitely taken some wear over the years but still looks like shiny as new. I hate to say it but it goes to show you "that they sure don't make stuff like they used to". I have bought pens that have looked far worse than this after only writing for about 30 minutes.

11. Waterman 52 1/2 V nib

photo by hpb pix

This shows what serious craftsmanship went into making these classic pens. Why else do you think they are still around and in working order?

12. Crocker Hatchet Filler Nib

photo by hbp pix

A piece of American history. Boston #3. It looks like a very elegant but serious pen.

13. Parker Royal Challenger & 4 Duofolds

photo by hbp pix

These are like the glam rock style of classic pens. Flashy, shiny, full of sparkles and sequins. This pen was surely designed to make a statement. "See what I have here? It ISN'T an iPhone!"

14. 1959 Australian Sheaffer PFM V nib

photo by hbp pix

That is how they made pens 50 years ago. Simple, but aesthetic and intriguing. Like a good wine.

15. Beautiful in Red

photo by thequicksilver

This lovely fountain pen combines color, beauty, and style - and would probably be great for writing a love letter. Or maybe a Waltz... Voila!

I hope you enjoyed this journey into the world of the writer's original tool. Maybe it won't make you go out and buy one of these expensive babies, but maybe you will realize what a tradition is behind real quality writing pens.

By the way, after talking with my dad, he relayed a story to me about a fountain pen that his father was given when he started college. My dad had wanted to repair it recently and had sent it out by mail. It turns out that although the company says in their ads to always insure the pens when you ship them for repair, my dad didn't - and somebody of course swiped it. A real downer.

It seems that for some people, ideas flow from a pen in a different way than they will ever flow from a computer. It's certainly a thought to consider.

Fountain pen collection
photo by A Cranmer

There's No Place Like Home: 13 Inspirational Home Offices

2008-06-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hi!

As "My Friendly Web Office" starts to get organized, it seems like a good time to show how others have set up their own home offices. Everyone has their own idea of what is comfortable, practical, and useful - and each of these individual office styles is definitely unique. Home offices may be the wave of the future, and these are certainly worth a look.

As you marvel over these original office designs, maybe you can get some good ideas to fix up your own personal work spaces. It will probably make the work much more enjoyable. Let's hope so. Let's get to work...

1. The Lounge Style

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This is quite a comfortable little setup, but you may need to find ANOTHER place to do YOUR work...

2. Office in a Kit

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Believe it or not this awesomely funky backyard office is a kit that you can assemble yourself. This is also a great choice for husbands who have wives with good carpentry skills. lol. On second thought, don't try this at home kids, it could get messy!

3. The Classic Organized Look

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I can imagine how this office would look after 30 minutes if some of my friends were to use this tidy little space. You probably don't want to know...

4. The Futuristic Office

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It may be the wave of the future, but this contemporary office setup makes me a little dizzy just to look at the picture.

5. Retro Look in the Countryside

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Now this is a space with some good vibes! Put a little Led Zeppelin onto the stereo system, and you can sit here and get some real work done.

6. Manhattan Rooftop Shed Office

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This cool "shed" office is like the rooftop for 'Boston Legal', only here you can stretch out on comfortable patio chairs with your drink and cigar. Or whatever.

7. The Lap of Luxury Home Office

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This office has a little bit of everything, but maybe TOO much. I don't know if I could get much work done with a large screen DVD player and a comfortable bar in front of me all day long. Is it too early for a martini?

8. Sporty Home Office

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This is a cool space for all of the eXtreme sport lovers out there. When you get zoned out from too many hours on the internet, you grab your surf board and wetsuit and head for the beach. Best if you live near the Ocean.

9. Urban Minimal Home Office

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A bed, a mirror, a laptop and a chair on wheels. Just right for some people.

10. Home Office on a Trailer

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This is a nice choice for those who get bored with the same surroundings everyday. It is especially nice when you have an attractive lady to accompany you while you are on the road. On business of course...

11. Home Office on a Houseboat

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Maybe this isn't for everyone, but it is probably one of the most original offices here. Not recommended for those who get seasick easily however...

12. That Homey Home Office Look

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A nice little space to make you feel at home while you work. I wouldn't recommend putting plants DIRECTLY over both of your computers though. A little water overflow there could be pretty problematic.

13. Office in a Lap
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"Home (Office) is Where Your Lap (Top) Is"

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What do you need an office for when you have such a comfortable setup? The delicate art of balance.

We hope you enjoyed seeing what some others have done with their personal spaces. Subscribe to My Web Friendly Office RSS and stop by for some more cool tips for the office soon.

By the way, I want to give credit for the great shot of the hammock on my header. It isn't my hammock, but it sure does look inviting...

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