what’s in my pen cup…
Some people are intrigued by what one carries in their purse. Others are curious about what fills someone’s closet. But me? And you? Potter + Butler folks? We want to know what is in people’s pen cups. It’s a natural curiosity for those of us with an affinity for pen and paper.
Admittedly, my pen cup tends to change in nature as often as the seasons come and go. There are so many good writing utensils, all of which deliver copious amounts of simple joys, that it’s only fitting that its contents are dynamic and on rotation.
However, on this sunny day in mid-May, as I create the seasonal spreads for this year’s holiday planners and balance the end-of-school year game plan with the plans of a sweet summer ahead, I have filled my pen cup with some of my trusty besties. The OGs. The work-horses. The ride or dies of my collection.
*Please note: As an Amazon associate, I make money when items are purchased through my links.
Here is what is in my pen cup today:
Papermate Sharpwriter Pencil : I started fangirling over these simple mechanical pencils when I noticed an illustrator I admire was never without one in hand. As a designer myself, often drafting concepts and jotting ideas, these pencils - sporting old school style with their yellow bodies and traditional pink eraser tops - are solid. They write smoothly, come off not too dark and not too light, and have a soft feel to them when writing - almost like the bounce and cush of an old Buick LeSabre. (Does this comparison resonate with anyone else who rode in the backseat of their grandparents’ car and have never felt a car as comfortable since?). Their twist-tip draws the pencil lead down and separates it from the normal click draw of nearly every competitor.
Sharpie Felt Tip Pen: This is my absolute favorite planner pen. Hands down. No question. No matter what rotates out of my pen cup, these will always be there. They are the perfect pen to write clearly in small planner page spaces, they are seamless in their writing, and the click of putting the cap on makes my heart sing. For real. This pen can write on any surface, does not smudge, and like my dog - just never lets me down. If you are going to get one pen for your pen cup, this is the ONE.
Pentel Sign Pen: These chunky-writers have been in my pen bag since my event planning days. The color variety is perfect for projects that call for color coordination. These are used more like markers in my world. Too thick for everyday planner pages, they are more suitable for note writing and journaling. They last for eternity (Ok, that’s an assumption, but you get it). Love these.
Statement Black Metal Scissors: You use scissors as decorative desk pieces, too, right? Ok, good. I always need a pair of scissors within arm’s length, and I obviously want them to be cute and looking like they are hand-forged straight out of my crafty iron workshop behind my log cabin. That’s why these are perfect. My actual scissors are from Hearth and Hand at Target a few years back (but I am sure they were hand-forged in a rustic workshop and not mass-produced), and they are no longer available. While not suitable for day-long craft production (looking at my comfort-grip Fiskars for that!), they are perfect for quick use and desktop eye candy.
What is in your pen cup? I would LOVE to know.