I just found this, gosh it's 5 years ago, I'm late to the party!!! I am just starting to collect fountain pens. I love the idea of cigar boxes!! I'm going to look into that thanks you.
Hi Tommie -- you found my first real fountain pen related video other than my thank you one for a giveaway I won. :) I still love using cigar boxes for organizing things!!!! We have a Tobacco World locally and they sell the empties for $2.
Chris!!! I just found your videos. I feel like Alice falling through the rabbit hole. I thought I was alone in this. I just recently got a chance to explore the world of fountain pens and inks. I grew up loving them back in the 70's, but you know how life happens. Thank you so much for sharing your passion. It is a thrill to see your rock/crystals on your desk and hear the words balls of yarn in connection with your organization and exploration of all things pen, ink and paper. Well done, Robbin Allan
Hi Robbin!!! Welcome!!! I also wrote with fountain pens back int he 70s! I experienced a lot of "problems" and there was no one to ask questions to ... my Mom seemed to never have problems with her pens but I had drying issues etc. So, when I discovered in 2016 that there was an entire community of fountain pen people and retailers .... tons of ink colors ... videos on every single issue one could ever encounter .... I was so excited .... it didn't take long for me to start doing videos because I wanted to share the stuff I was learning & I was so excited. It has been almost a year now since this first video. I told myself in the beginning it would be worth it if I inspired even one person so I'm very very happy when I hear from viewers like you!!!!!
You so inspired me that I went to a cigar shop and bought two used cigar boxes and will convert them into pen boxes. Had a look on TH-cam and got some ideas of how to convert them, and I do have some ideas of my own. Another happy project for my fountain pen hobby, thanks to you Chris Saenz.
That's awesome I'm glad to hear it Richard!! I saw some really cool videos on how to convert cigar boxes -- create the grooves for the pens to rest on and everything!!! It made me wish I had the wood shop tools ... my Dad had everything like that! Good luck with your project - let me know how it goes!!!
Love your stationary setup. I don't have a dedicated space just yet for my stationery items, but the collection has been growing. Looking forward to your videos.
Hi Michael -- thanks for watching and commenting!! I just enjoy this hobby so much that I want to talk about it with others who also share the enthusiasm for fountain pens!!!
Oh I really enjoyed this video, Chris! I'm so happy I'm not the only one (about pens) on SO many levels! Thank you for your time and interest to share!
Hi Mary -- thank you -- I'm glad you enjoyed it! This was the first video that launched me into making fountain pen videos! I probably had 8 followers at the time I did it - and I didn't realize people would be so interested in videos like this!
Hi Ms. Chris! This was an awesome video! I can definitely hear the passion and excitement in your voice. I'm on a college budget and I used cigar boxes to store my fountain pens too! I have a similar case like your's @ 4:35. As an added safety measure My Mom gave me some soft fabric that I laid down over the slots so the pens don't get scratched by the wood. It makes it looks nicer too in case you wanna try it
Hi Danial .. thanks for watching and commenting! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. That is an excellent idea about using some fabric -- in fact -- my aunt had given me some silk handkerchiefs that are colorful but I had no idea what to use them for and now you've given me an excellent idea! I was amazed when I visited our local tobacco shop and saw all the pretty wooden boxes -- the first time I went, I saw in the main room where they keep the cigars -- some of those boxes are works of art and it's amazing they only charge $2 for them!
I enjoyed watching your video and particularly liked your down to earth approach. I felt like I was listening to a friend share their pen and ink area with me. (BTW I can't wait for my granddaughter to be old enough to introduce to fountain pens; I've already bought her a Pilot Kokuno) I too use cigar boxes for storage. I find that the Nub cigar boxes are perfect for storing Noodler's ink bottles while still in their boxes. Thanks again for sharing your ideas!
Hi Joe -- thank you very much!! I'll have to look out for a Nub cigar box -- my Noodler's 4.5 ounce eyedropper bottle doesn't fit in any of the boxes I currently have!
What a lovely video! You have such great ideas for those cigar boxes! I'm going to link this to my video as I think it would be so useful. And PS I love your crystals all lined up neatly on your desk!!
Hi Alesa! This was my first real video for You Tube other than a thank you for a giveaway I had gotten. I was so excited and still am about all the fun associated with this hobby!!! I was shocked back then how many people watched this. :)
Hi Troy - your idea about the cigar boxes has really increased my joy of the hobby! I've had so much fun organizing my pens and inks and going to "find" cigar boxes! My whole family here is getting interested in them too! (the pens and the cigar boxes!!!) Thanks for all the videos you've done to inspire and teach!!!!
great ideas on storage! I have 1 of those 8 drawer towers that I use to store my better pens that have leather cases which do not fit in a case that holds 48 pens. It is a wonderful way to find a pen you're looking for at any given moment.
Well done. Love your enthusiasm. Great ideas. I also have some of those Walmart trays. Great to see your pens, inks & paper. This helps all of us pen nuts.
You look and sound like me. So "hello" Texas girl. I thought you might be from the north. I am in N Texas. I just started all this in May myself, I buy cheap pens to try the nibs out. As Brian from Goulet said Quantity over quality" I too discovered cigar boxes and some of them are just beautiful. And they are cheap. Very handy instead of all the plastic storage which I just could not put my pens in something like that. I, too use those syringes to fill all my pens instead of dipping the nib in the ink. That is just too much of a hassle. I have alot of your videos to catch up on.
Hi @tbayless8324 -- I'm from Vermont originally but at age 17 .... I went to Oklahoma for 2 years of college then right after spent 7 years in another part of Oklahoma in the Air Force so my accent never went back to normal + includes 32 years living in Texas now. LOL You found my first fountain pen video other than the thank you one for a giveaway I won!!! :) Welcome to the best hobby ever!!!!
My name is Tracie, by the way and Vermont might be cold but a heck of alot prettier. And now all the builders have destroyed the prettiness of cattle and flowing fields cutting huge trees down (yes a tree hugger) I was born here. I needed some kind of hobby that did not exert alot of energy in my older years and not wreck my body. I have written down everything pens, monies, inks, paper that I have spent so far . I just wish they had fountain pen stores near me so I could run and go look. If you are down south, maybe you could go to Dromgooles. It is nice to order some stuff on the internet, but just not for some pens. Did you make it to the pen show.? I went and was overwhelmed. All the pens starting looking alike and did not have have a straight road to stay on with all the stuff there. I was real good and hardly bought anything. @@ChrisSaenz13
I paused right at 6:47 and I have noodles BayState Blue in my wBay wish list for my first ink. I'm thinking about getting a White Twsbi Eco for my first F-Pen
Hi Lynn -- I'm not sure ... I think this video was 5 years ago ... but I know I have used for many years the little Currently Inked Inky Fingers booklets (pocket size) from The Pen Habit and after he stopped selling them Vanness continued ... I don't have but maybe 2 left now so I will be changing that when they run out.
Love your pen sleeves! did you get the pattern for those online - if so I'd love to have it! I'm going to see if I can find a tobacco shop but I suspect I'll have a super hard time finding one of those nowadays (I'm not in the US) but I'd love to find a cigar box they really are cool! Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi - I just did the pattern myself based on another project I made up year's ago. If you have trouble finding a cigar box you may want to check on e-bay. I noticed people do sell them. There are even people who modify them into pen boxes and then sell them. It would be worth checking into.
+Chris Saenz thanks so much for the reply. I'll have to look around and see what I can find. I'm always amazed at the lovely things other people have made.. lol.
Hi Talan - welcome! If you have any tobacco stores it's worth checking with them about their empty boxes. Around here I have also seen them in 2nd hand shops.
Yes, I ordered mine from here: penhabit.com/product-category/inky-fingers-notebooks/ it is the one called - Currently Inked (Pocket) size. This has been the most helpful little log/ink journal for keeping track of what I have in which pen!!!! I find it to be of great quality too!!!
I just found this, gosh it's 5 years ago, I'm late to the party!!! I am just starting to collect fountain pens. I love the idea of cigar boxes!! I'm going to look into that thanks you.
Hi Tommie -- you found my first real fountain pen related video other than my thank you one for a giveaway I won. :) I still love using cigar boxes for organizing things!!!! We have a Tobacco World locally and they sell the empties for $2.
Chris!!! I just found your videos. I feel like Alice falling through the rabbit hole. I thought I was alone in this. I just recently got a chance to explore the world of fountain pens and inks. I grew up loving them back in the 70's, but you know how life happens. Thank you so much for sharing your passion. It is a thrill to see your rock/crystals on your desk and hear the words balls of yarn in connection with your organization and exploration of all things pen, ink and paper. Well done, Robbin Allan
Hi Robbin!!! Welcome!!! I also wrote with fountain pens back int he 70s! I experienced a lot of "problems" and there was no one to ask questions to ... my Mom seemed to never have problems with her pens but I had drying issues etc. So, when I discovered in 2016 that there was an entire community of fountain pen people and retailers .... tons of ink colors ... videos on every single issue one could ever encounter .... I was so excited .... it didn't take long for me to start doing videos because I wanted to share the stuff I was learning & I was so excited. It has been almost a year now since this first video. I told myself in the beginning it would be worth it if I inspired even one person so I'm very very happy when I hear from viewers like you!!!!!
A delightful video. Thank you so much. I do hope you'll make more.
You so inspired me that I went to a cigar shop and bought two used cigar boxes and will convert them into pen boxes. Had a look on TH-cam and got some ideas of how to convert them, and I do have some ideas of my own. Another happy project for my fountain pen hobby, thanks to you Chris Saenz.
That's awesome I'm glad to hear it Richard!! I saw some really cool videos on how to convert cigar boxes -- create the grooves for the pens to rest on and everything!!! It made me wish I had the wood shop tools ... my Dad had everything like that! Good luck with your project - let me know how it goes!!!
Love your stationary setup. I don't have a dedicated space just yet for my stationery items, but the collection has been growing. Looking forward to your videos.
Hi Michael -- thanks for watching and commenting!! I just enjoy this hobby so much that I want to talk about it with others who also share the enthusiasm for fountain pens!!!
Oh I really enjoyed this video, Chris! I'm so happy I'm not the only one (about pens) on SO many levels! Thank you for your time and interest to share!
Hi Mary -- thank you -- I'm glad you enjoyed it! This was the first video that launched me into making fountain pen videos! I probably had 8 followers at the time I did it - and I didn't realize people would be so interested in videos like this!
Hi Ms. Chris! This was an awesome video! I can definitely hear the passion and excitement in your voice.
I'm on a college budget and I used cigar boxes to store my fountain pens too! I have a similar case like your's @ 4:35. As an added safety measure My Mom gave me some soft fabric that I laid down over the slots so the pens don't get scratched by the wood. It makes it looks nicer too in case you wanna try it
Hi Danial .. thanks for watching and commenting! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. That is an excellent idea about using some fabric -- in fact -- my aunt had given me some silk handkerchiefs that are colorful but I had no idea what to use them for and now you've given me an excellent idea! I was amazed when I visited our local tobacco shop and saw all the pretty wooden boxes -- the first time I went, I saw in the main room where they keep the cigars -- some of those boxes are works of art and it's amazing they only charge $2 for them!
I enjoyed watching your video and particularly liked your down to earth approach. I felt like I was listening to a friend share their pen and ink area with me. (BTW I can't wait for my granddaughter to be old enough to introduce to fountain pens; I've already bought her a Pilot Kokuno) I too use cigar boxes for storage. I find that the Nub cigar boxes are perfect for storing Noodler's ink bottles while still in their boxes. Thanks again for sharing your ideas!
Hi Joe -- thank you very much!! I'll have to look out for a Nub cigar box -- my Noodler's 4.5 ounce eyedropper bottle doesn't fit in any of the boxes I currently have!
What a lovely video! You have such great ideas for those cigar boxes! I'm going to link this to my video as I think it would be so useful. And PS I love your crystals all lined up neatly on your desk!!
Hi Alesa! This was my first real video for You Tube other than a thank you for a giveaway I had gotten. I was so excited and still am about all the fun associated with this hobby!!! I was shocked back then how many people watched this. :)
Chris, I am glad that the cigar box idea is working out well for you. Keep the excitement you have.
Hi Troy - your idea about the cigar boxes has really increased my joy of the hobby! I've had so much fun organizing my pens and inks and going to "find" cigar boxes! My whole family here is getting interested in them too! (the pens and the cigar boxes!!!) Thanks for all the videos you've done to inspire and teach!!!!
I think you have great ideas!
Thank you Chezon -- you found my first real fountain pen related video!!!!! LOL
great ideas on storage! I have 1 of those 8 drawer towers that I use to store my better pens that have leather cases which do not fit in a case that holds 48 pens. It is a wonderful way to find a pen you're looking for at any given moment.
Hi Kevin -- oh this was basically my first fountain pen video! I still love using the cigar boxes! :)
Chris, I must say....You are delightful.
LOL hi Star - you found my first video! :) Thank you!
Chris Saenz I enjoy your childlike wonder and fun with this Hobby and interest
In my mid-fifties and I rediscovered fountain pens.... I loved them when I was a kid and in Junior and High School
And cigar boxes? I love them I use them for lots of different things... I also have one that I store household batteries in that is just terrific
Hi Chris - I’m just catching up on your older videos - this is chockfull of great ideas! Thanks.
Hi Vicki! This was my first video other than a thank you one I did after I won a giveaway! :)
Well done. Love your enthusiasm. Great ideas. I also have some of those Walmart trays. Great to see your pens, inks & paper. This helps all of us pen nuts.
Hi Chris - thank you I'm glad you enjoyed the video! You have surely inspired me with your videos!!!
Chris Saenz Have you ever thought of using old leather cigar cases; readily obtainable very cheaply from secondhand shops?
Hi James - I didn't know leather cigar cases existed - thank you for mentioning this - now I can do some research!!!
You look and sound like me. So "hello" Texas girl. I thought you might be from the north. I am in N Texas. I just started all this in May myself, I buy cheap pens to try the nibs out. As Brian from Goulet said Quantity over quality" I too discovered cigar boxes and some of them are just beautiful. And they are cheap. Very handy instead of all the plastic storage which I just could not put my pens in something like that. I, too use those syringes to fill all my pens instead of dipping the nib in the ink. That is just too much of a hassle. I have alot of your videos to catch up on.
Hi @tbayless8324 -- I'm from Vermont originally but at age 17 .... I went to Oklahoma for 2 years of college then right after spent 7 years in another part of Oklahoma in the Air Force so my accent never went back to normal + includes 32 years living in Texas now. LOL You found my first fountain pen video other than the thank you one for a giveaway I won!!! :) Welcome to the best hobby ever!!!!
My name is Tracie, by the way and Vermont might be cold but a heck of alot prettier. And now all the builders have destroyed the prettiness of cattle and flowing fields cutting huge trees down (yes a tree hugger) I was born here.
I needed some kind of hobby that did not exert alot of energy in my older years and not wreck my body.
I have written down everything pens, monies, inks, paper that I have spent so far . I just wish they had fountain pen stores near me so I could run and go look. If you are down south, maybe you could go to Dromgooles. It is nice to order some stuff on the internet, but just not for some pens.
Did you make it to the pen show.? I went and was overwhelmed. All the pens starting looking alike and did not have have a straight road to stay on with all the stuff there. I was real good and hardly bought anything. @@ChrisSaenz13
I paused right at 6:47 and I have noodles BayState Blue in my wBay wish list for my first ink. I'm thinking about getting a White Twsbi Eco for my first F-Pen
Hi Mike -- oh I think you'll really like the TWSBI Eco!!!
Love it! 🙂
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Dee Dee! I am really loving this hobby!!!!!
What paper is in your swatch book?
Hi Lynn -- I'm not sure ... I think this video was 5 years ago ... but I know I have used for many years the little Currently Inked Inky Fingers booklets (pocket size) from The Pen Habit and after he stopped selling them Vanness continued ... I don't have but maybe 2 left now so I will be changing that when they run out.
Love your pen sleeves! did you get the pattern for those online - if so I'd love to have it! I'm going to see if I can find a tobacco shop but I suspect I'll have a super hard time finding one of those nowadays (I'm not in the US) but I'd love to find a cigar box they really are cool! Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi - I just did the pattern myself based on another project I made up year's ago. If you have trouble finding a cigar box you may want to check on e-bay. I noticed people do sell them. There are even people who modify them into pen boxes and then sell them. It would be worth checking into.
+Chris Saenz thanks so much for the reply. I'll have to look around and see what I can find. I'm always amazed at the lovely things other people have made.. lol.
Thank for your interest about FP
Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Cool boxes. I'm sure they'd be more expensive around here
Hi Talan - welcome! If you have any tobacco stores it's worth checking with them about their empty boxes. Around here I have also seen them in 2nd hand shops.
Where did you get the "inky Fingers" journal? Did you say from "The Pen Habit"?
Yes, I ordered mine from here: penhabit.com/product-category/inky-fingers-notebooks/ it is the one called - Currently Inked (Pocket) size. This has been the most helpful little log/ink journal for keeping track of what I have in which pen!!!! I find it to be of great quality too!!!
Thank you. It looks like a nice way to keep track.
Protest against the three haters!
That disliked this vid