National Handwriting Day
By : Dana K. Robinson In: Writing Instruments - General Information
The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) introduced National Handwriting Day in 1977 to celebrate the handwritten word. National Handwriting Day is held each January 23, John Hancock’s birthday. John Hancock is famous for his grand signature on the Declaration of Independence, the very first. Today, the term “John Hancock” refers to someone’s signature. According to the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) website "The purpose of National Handwriting Day is to alert the public to the importance of handwriting. According to WIMA, National Handwriting Day is a chance for all of us to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting."Many feel the fonts of today’s computer world are dull and impersonal – no matter which computer is used, their writing appears the same way. The use of computers, fax machines, and e-mail to communicate has taken over the personal touch of our modern society. While some fear the demand for writing instruments and fine paper is diminishing, statistics show the world of handwriting is alive, well and thriving.
"Though computers and e-mail play an important role in our lives, nothing will ever replace the sincerity and individualism expressed through the handwritten word," said Robert B. Waller Jr., WIMA’s executive director.
As a teacher I use my handwriting to communicate to the students in ways that I am unable to on the computer. Good papers still get enthusiastic exclamation points or smiley faces (for the younger crowd). And, even without ever expressing disappointment in a student's performance, the students can simply tell how I feel from my handwriting. It's not always what you say . . . it is how you say it. The personalized touches communicate so much more. E-mails, faxes even text messages don't allow for those unspoken communications that may, in fact, come from the heart. That's why handwriting becomes important. Speak from your heart, through your hand. Use the power of your pen.
Handwriting allows people to become artists, whether they use pen or pencil. Personalities, like facial expressions or tone of voice come out through one’s individual handwriting. It can communicate a lot about who you are and what you are thinking. On January 23, we are encouraged to write notes, letters, poetry, or even journal to express ourselves in the purest form – on paper.
So take out a fresh, clean sheet of paper and write a love letter to someone special or a note to someone you miss – chances are, your handwriting will be well received.
New From Cross Pens the Cross Sauvage
By : Carol Christian In: What's New !
Balance, shape, style, elegance… those are the words that describe the new Sauvage from Cross. Designed for a woman’s sense of style and fashion, the Sauvage offers both beauty and the dependability and superior quality for which Cross is renowned.
click here to buy the Cross Sauvage Ivory/Python
The Cross Sauvage design takes a queue from some of nature’s wild animals. The engravings replicate the intricate and delicate patterns of zebras, giraffes and pythons. The design is subtle, yet rich.
Click here to buy the Cross Sauvage Brown Tourmaline/Giraffe
The Cross Sauvage…think of it as fashion for your hands.
Montblanc for Women
By : Carol Christian In: Top Selling Pens
It’s no longer a man’s world. Women comprise approximately 58 % of the work force, with a significant numbers rising to executive positions. Montblanc, the elite of the ‘fine writing instruments’ (aka pens to most people) have for years acknowledged the rise of women in the work force by launching a line targeted for the successful woman.
The first Montblanc fountain pen was created in 1906 by a banker, engineer and stationer and was instantly recognized as a technical and commercial breakthrough. Through the years Montblanc has introduced award-winning designs that quickly became synonymous with luxury, style and success. For decades Montblanc writing instruments were aimed at the highly successful, executive male…with the pens creating an aura of respect, success and sophistication. The clearly masculine Montblanc LeGrande is larger than most pens, has a substantial feel and was targeted for larger hands and the elite businessman.
Enter women into the executive ranks… and Montblanc responded with the Montblanc women's collection!
My personal favorite is the Greta Garbo.
On the occasion of Greta Garbo's 100th birthday Montblanc dedicated its first Special Edition for the elegant woman. The extraordinary design with a black barrel, a cream colored cap, both made of precious resin, the very female shape and a clip which is set with a white, round Akoya pearl make this writing instrument as unique as the goddess herself.
The Marlene Dietrich
An homage to a goddess… dedicated to women who are determined to fulfill their vision. Montblanc pays tribute to Marlene Deitrich who became an acclaimed actress of the golden age of Hollywood, a famed entertainer, charismatic singer and vivid archetype for generations.
The barrel is made of black precious resin, inlaid with Montblanc signet and mother-of-pearl, platinum-plated rings and clip set with a deep blue sapphire. Notice the slight very female curvature of the entire pen… very much for the ladies’ hands.
The Virginia Woolfe…
The Writers Edition “Virginia Woolf” is impressively oriented to the literary heritage of the writer for whom it is named. Seventy-five years after the publication of the novel “The Waves”, finely engraved guilloche work recalls Virginia Woolf’s most outstanding work and her eventful life. In the form of waves, the guilloche work covers the body of jet-black precious resin, underlining the lightly curved silhouette.
These are not your ‘father’s pens’.
Women of the world… Enjoy!!
Fisher Space Pens - innovations that work!
By : Carol Christian In: Top Selling Pens
You’ve got to love the Fisher Space Pen’s advertising claims…
·Writes underwater
·Writes upside down and at any angle
·Writes twice as long as other rollerball pens
·Writes on wet surfaces and photographs
·The most dependable, reliable, and versatile pen in the world
…however, these are some of those rare advertising claims that are actually true!
Between writing sales orders at all sorts of angles, and watching my son’s struggle through writing frustrations with his pens while doing his homework at all sorts of odd positions (who knew that a pen won’t work if it is writing upside-down?) we’ve gone through a lot of pens that simply don’t work. It doesn’t seem to matter if we buy the bag of ten pens for a buck, or spend lots more for a ‘fine writing instrument’; the ink just doesn’t want to flow at odd angles. If only life had more of a consistent level surface.
A friend gave me a Fisher Space Pen and now this is all my son and I will use.
So, what makes the Fisher pens unique? In one word…. innovation! The Fisher Space Pen uses a pressurized, replaceable ink cartridge to allow the pen to write at virtually any angle, including upside-down. Unlike traditional pens, which use gravity, the 35 lbs per square inch of pressure forces ink to the tip. The stainless steel socket prevents leaks and oozing, yet consistently delivers an instant, uniform ink flow. The pens use a special ink – thixotropic ink – which allows the ink to flow smoothly on most surfaces, even underwater.
One more advertising claim…
· The estimated shelf life of the Fisher Space Pens is over 100 years.
I won’t be around to test it in 100 years, but maybe my great-grandchildren will.
Good work Fisher Space Pens. At last, there is a product that actually lives up to its claims.
click here to buy Fisher Space Pens
Selecting a Pen
By : Carol Christian In: Writing Instruments - General Information
How To Select A Writing Instrument
Your new pen may become a very personal possession for you and all your writing needs. Using a fine pen or pencil makes writing so much more enjoyable. A fine writing instrument is a wonderful and thoughtful gift that is often long lasting and treasured by the recipient.
When purchased for yourself, your pen makes a personal statement about you and will become a faithful and favored tool. Some writers favor a fountain pen; others favor a ballpoint pen or roller ball. And, of course, there are times when only a pencil will do. Choose the style that you find most comfortable. Some of the most popular pen manufacturers include: Montblanc, Parker, Cross, Waterman, Schaeffer and Waterford. Top mechanical pencil manufacturers include: Faber Castell, Montblanc, Yard O Led, Cross, Lamy and Caran d' Ache.
Whatever you choose, a fine pen or pencil will become a favorite companion.
FOUNTAIN PENS
The fountain pen is an elegant, and very personal writing instrument. The nib - or writing tip- determines smoothness and flexibility of your written word. With time, the nib conforms to your personal writing style. Lending your fountain pen to someone else, can alter the nib. Nibs are available in several sizes. Medium points (M) are good for most handwriting styles. If your handwriting is small or condensed, select a fine (F) point. Broad points (B) often look great but can be very temperamental and must be held flat to keep the ink flowing sufficiently enough to feed the tip. Extra-fine (XF) points are also available, but tend to write less smoothly. Fountain pens use bottled ink or cartridges, and most fountain pens can be easily converted to either. Writers with a light touch can use almost any make or style of fountain pen. Those who tend to bear down when they write should choose a pen with a firm nib.
ROLLER BALL PENS
The Rollerball pen is perfect for those who want the flair of a fountain pen and the convenience of a ballpoint pen. Rollerball pens use liquid ink that has a smooth and fluid flow. Most rollerball pens have caps to keep the ink from drying out.
BALLPOINT PENS
Ballpoint pens are the most popular writing instrument, because they suit all writing styles. A good ballpoint pen writes smoothly without skipping on most surfaces, including glossy or coated paper. Ballpoint pens use a thick paste ink that is long-lasting and does not dry out when the point is exposed. Most ballpoint pens do not have caps; the point is exposed by either a push-top or a twist mechanism.
MECHANICAL PENCIL
Professionals who need a precision drawing or sketching tool will come to rely on a good mechanical pencil. Mechanical pencils deliver a clean, consistent line. Most mechanical pencils have self-feeding systems, which enable the lead to automatically advance into the point with a push-top or twist mechanism. Mechanical pencils must be loaded with correct size lead, or the leads may become jammed inside the mechanism. The most common lead sizes are 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.
PEN and MECHANICAL REFILLS
Refills are available for virtually every style and make of pen and mechanical pencil. Executive Essentials offers a complete line of original manufacturer’s refills as well as substitutes from other manufacturers. So, your investment in your writing instrument will last long after your initial investment. Executive Essentials offers a huge variety of pen and pencil styles. If you have further questions, please contact our customer service at 1-800-680-7367. One of our professional customer service representatives will gladly assist you.