North Carolina/asheville Origami Ink

[MrThoth]

I am definitely driving over for one day, maybe I'll get a hotel room and hang out for several days if it seems worthwhile. sure wish they'd update their website, though. The registration form is from 2014, the schedule and related information is minimal, etc. If I knew anything about web stuff I'd volunteer to help, but I'd only make the situation worse.

 

I definitely want to bring a few pens that need repairs or "tweaking," but other than that I'm not sure what to bring since I've never been to a show. Bring my best pens to show off? Bring the parts of my collection I'm most proud of? Bring my favorite pens? Bring a random assortment? Or do people generally not bring their own pens to show? I am entering into uncharted waters and will have to sail carefully. I figure at the Triangle Pen Club meeting on May 3 I will ask a few of these questions and prepare.

Edited April 24, 2015 by MrThoth

[TheGreatRoe]

The Triangle Pen Show's website is updated....just on the new URL....which inexplicably isn't linked or redirected from the old URL.

 

Website for 2014: http://www.raleighpenshow.com/

Website for 2015: http://www.trianglepenshow.com/

[fountainpenlady]

I am planning on staying the weekend, kind of a belated Mother's Day present to self. Received the registration form via mail. I am sending it back to Mawhorter. He said Friday, they won't be ready till 12noon and there will only be about 14 vendors there at that time, so I decided to come in Saturday and stay. Bring the pens you want tweaked, if nothing else, you can show the NibMeisters exactly what you want done, you can meet some of them, put face to names. (having sent my pens to a Nibmeister and investigated, they usually ask you to provide a sample of the kind of nib writing from a pen you like so they can duplicate it on your pen you want the nib tuned, this way you can do this in person). Bring a pen minimum, or pens whose nibs are exactly what you want your tuned pen to write like if you are going to seek nib tuning.

 

Not much to the physical brochure either. TBA for much of the events, etc.

 

Back to Nibmeister suggestions: If you decide to not wait for your pens to be tweaked or they can't do them all right there, you can always get a card, when you return home be able to correspond and remind them of your pen's issue; they will at least have some knowledge of you from the pen show.

 

Although, it is a Pen Show, I don't recall anything designed officially for showing off pens. I know they have vintage pens there, pen auction for vintage pens. You might be able to meet up with others who pen talk might be possible, not sure. I am bringing along the pens I actually carry in regular rotation, write with myself. You decide whether you want to bring your favorite or an assortment. I am not bringing them (my pens to show) as much as to use. Avid and consistent journal writer.

 

First, you have enough time to develop a game plan. Beyond the experience:

1. Do you have any particular pen brands in mind you are interested in testing, seeing?
2. Any inks you might want to purchase?
3. How much do you think you might want to spend while attending the Pen Show?

These are random questions to begin asking yourself. These will simply be the basic questions to ask yourself.

 

Your first Pen Show will be overwhelming. There will be rows and rows of pens, inks, accessories, etc.

65 tables in the Grand Ballroom, believe me, it was overwhelming for my first time. Not to mention, if you have no one near you routinely with this interest, the fact there will be so many people who share it, items which involve it directly is also a wonderful feeling, but also one which is overwhelming.

Other than that simply be as excited as I am to be finally have a Pen Show in my state where I can plan on attending. Also, you can meet some of the representatives from the Triangle Pen Club who will also be there. Deb Mckinney, I believe is a Nibmeister and hopefully will be attending.

It is quite an experience and one which you may not forget soon. It has been several years and I can still envision and feel what I did when I first went to my first Pen Show. Then, I did not spend the night, so this time will definitely be an added treat! Hope some of this rambling/random information helps you. Ultimately, Enjoy

Edited April 24, 2015 by fountainpenlady

[fountainpenlady]

 

The Triangle Pen Show's website is updated....just on the new URL....which inexplicably isn't linked or redirected from the old URL.

 

Website for 2014: http://www.raleighpenshow.com/

Website for 2015: http://www.trianglepenshow.com/

You are a gem. I received a brochure, but can't recall where I learned of the link to this upcoming Pen Show myself.

Dessert Party scheduled for Saturday 7:15pm/ Auction Saturday 8pm of vintage pens will happen. Other than that much of the other events, such as workshops seem to still be TBA.

In case, folks come here and seek information, such as the links you provide, You can also stay at the Embassy for a discounted price, you have to mention you are going to be there for the Triangle Pen Show.

 

You also have only until May 14th for registrations. "Must be made by May 14th, 12 midnight EST to guarantee rate. Cancellation requires 24 hour notice."

Edited April 24, 2015 by dcroe05

[TheGreatRoe]

... Deb Mckinney, I believe is a Nibmeister and hopefully will be attending...

 

I spoke to her a while ago and I do believe she is attending, and she's an excellent nibmeister.

 

Unfortunately I'll miss the Triangle Pen Show this year as I'll be in Miami and Missouri.

[fountainpenlady]

 

I spoke to her a while ago and I do believe she is attending, and she's an excellent nibmeister.

 

Unfortunately I'll miss the Triangle Pen Show this year as I'll be in Miami and Missouri.

Too cool! I was wondering, it will be good to see her. I'll try to provide some insights along the way.

[MrThoth]

FPL -- thanx for the advice! I have no doubt there will be a certain amount of "overwhelming," since I've never been to such a show. However, as a veteran of many such shows in my industry, which contain a similarly high level of "goodies" I would love to buy, I think I will have a greater "tolerance" for the "shock" than someone coming into it "cold." We'll see, though.

 

I think I may avoid trying to get any nibs worked on at the show, but making a contact and getting a card for a local nibmeister would be just the thing. OTOH I have one or two pens that need actual repairs of other types, and those I'd like to get done if I can. Can't hurt to bring 'em along, in any event.

Being able to talk with other people who share my interest in fountain pens may be the best part of it; that was certainly why I had so much fun attending my first Triangle Pen Club meeting last month. Finding people who share my particular obsession with Cross Townsends may be hoping for a little too much, but OTOH meeting people who collect other types of pens means I learn more.

 

It still kind of weirds me out not to see lots of manufacturers on the list of exhibitors. In the gaming industry a show this size would attract a lot of manufacturers eager to sell directly to and interact directly with the fans/consumers. But each industry is different, and gaming is a much younger/less developed one than pens. What works, works.

 

Hopefully I'll see you there. I'll be on the lookout for a lady in a hat.

[fountainpenlady]

MrThoth

!

[AAAndrew]

The Triangle Pen show is a great experience. I went last year for the first time and was initially a bit overwhelmed, but it was great to just walk around and look at amazing pens you'll never find normally. Just remember to always ask if you can pick up a pen, it's just polite.

 

And make sure you set yourself a budget, because you'll be very tempted!

 

I'll be there Sunday.

[fountainpenlady]

The Triangle Pen show is a great experience. I went last year for the first time and was initially a bit overwhelmed, but it was great to just walk around and look at amazing pens you'll never find normally. Just remember to always ask if you can pick up a pen, it's just polite.

 

And make sure you set yourself a budget, because you'll be very tempted!

 

I'll be there Sunday.

Hoping to be there from Friday till Sunday. If you care to say hello, look for a lady wearing a hat. Yet, like not picking up a pen before asking, might want to ask whether the lady you are approaching is in fact fountainpenlady, it is only also polite.

[AAAndrew]

Of course the response to the question "Are you Fountainpenlady?" at the Triangle Fountain Pen Show may well be "Uh, yeah. Did you not see the sign at the door?"

 

I'll ask anyway.

[fountainpenlady]

FPL -- thanx for the advice! I have no doubt there will be a certain amount of "overwhelming," since I've never been to such a show. However, as a veteran of many such shows in my industry, which contain a similarly high level of "goodies" I would love to buy, I think I will have a greater "tolerance" for the "shock" than someone coming into it "cold." We'll see, though.

 

I think I may avoid trying to get any nibs worked on at the show, but making a contact and getting a card for a local nibmeister would be just the thing. OTOH I have one or two pens that need actual repairs of other types, and those I'd like to get done if I can. Can't hurt to bring 'em along, in any event.

Being able to talk with other people who share my interest in fountain pens may be the best part of it; that was certainly why I had so much fun attending my first Triangle Pen Club meeting last month. Finding people who share my particular obsession with Cross Townsends may be hoping for a little too much, but OTOH meeting people who collect other types of pens means I learn more.

 

It still kind of weirds me out not to see lots of manufacturers on the list of exhibitors. In the gaming industry a show this size would attract a lot of manufacturers eager to sell directly to and interact directly with the fans/consumers. But each industry is different, and gaming is a much younger/less developed one than pens. What works, works.

 

Hopefully I'll see you there. I'll be on the lookout for a lady in a hat.

Apologies, I just returned to this thread, digested it so it does not give me immediate updates. I think there might be more in terms of manufacturers perhaps in the bigger cities where they also have Pen Shows. Like L.A. or D.C. or perhaps even Atlanta, Chicago and don't forget places where pens are routinely made like perhaps place which hold pen shows in Europe. The one here I believe has been going on for 12 years now. It is no doubt well-established, but it is perhaps not considered to be held in a major metropolitan city. After all, remember Cary, NC is kind of the suburbs of Raleigh. Perhaps, do a search on the L.A. Pen Show, or/and the Atlanta one which was last month and perhaps held in a larger venue. Perhaps the other places mentioned, there were more manufacturers. I too was overwhelmed the first time I attended the one at the Embassy. Yet, there was something about it which did not overwhelm me to the point of confusion. It was a nice kind of being overwhelm that I could still take a deep breath, regroup and enjoy it. Therefore, I kind of like its size. If I were inclined to prepare for one which would be held in a bigger city, I think attending the one in Cary would be perfect as a sort of "test run for familiarity" experience/venue to enjoy. I am looking forward. My hatbox is already packed and ready for travelin'.

[fountainpenlady]

Of course the response to the question "Are you Fountainpenlady?" at the Triangle Fountain Pen Show may well be "Uh, yeah. Did you not see the sign at the door?"

 

I'll ask anyway.

Good, I look forward. My hats are packed and ready for traveling. I already have an idea of what I want and my budget. I got my confirmation of weekend registration today in the mail. I think I am going to single out several items from Franklin-Christophe exclusively.

[MrThoth]

 

 

If I were inclined to prepare for one which would be held in a bigger city, I think attending the one in Cary would be perfect as a sort of "test run for familiarity" experience/venue to enjoy.

 

I think that's a good way to look at it. For the first time in some years the DC Show is not on the same weekend as GenCon, which I've attended for over 20 years and cannot miss for professional reasons, so I'm considering going to that. The Triangle show is a good first step instead of jumping straight into the deep end of the pool.

 

In any event, I'm working on my wish list and looking forward to an enjoyable time at the Triangle convention.

Edited May 10, 2015 by MrThoth

[bone215]

My wife and I recently spent some quality time in this Origami Ink store. We were both impressed. The store has an interesting inventory of various pens. Both my wife and I ended up purchasing pens, ink, etc. The wife was running the store the day were there and she is a wonderful person.

Asheville was ok in some respects, but to me it is a small town with a few attractions. Good vibes however.

So, GO.

 

Regards,

[fountainpenlady]

My wife and I recently spent some quality time in this Origami Ink store. We were both impressed. The store has an interesting inventory of various pens. Both my wife and I ended up purchasing pens, ink, etc. The wife was running the store the day were there and she is a wonderful person.

Asheville was ok in some respects, but to me it is a small town with a few attractions. Good vibes however.

So, GO.

 

Regards,

 

My wife and I recently spent some quality time in this Origami Ink store. We were both impressed. The store has an interesting inventory of various pens. Both my wife and I ended up purchasing pens, ink, etc. The wife was running the store the day were there and she is a wonderful person.

Asheville was ok in some respects, but to me it is a small town with a few attractions. Good vibes however.

So, GO.

 

Regards,

Too Cool and wonderful to know. Slowly working my way towards that direction. Memorial Day, Zebulon, NC for the Balloon Festival; end of month for the Triangle Pen Show; at this rate, might be there some time in June or July. I had better have some extra happy money by reading about both you and your wife's good fortune.

[kazoolaw]

If you've a mind to see how the upper crust lived, The Biltmore is a fascinating visit. There are a fair number of desk sets and ivory page turners to maintain your writing interest.

 

gary

[MrThoth]

 

 

Slowly working my way towards that direction.

 

Greensboro has John Neal's calligraphy store (not generally advertised to the public, but as I understand it he's happy to receive visitors/customers). If you're ever passing through and would like a local guide or someone to talk pens with over lunch, drop me a line.

[TheGreatRoe]

 

Too Cool and wonderful to know. Slowly working my way towards that direction. Memorial Day, Zebulon, NC for the Balloon Festival; end of month for the Triangle Pen Show; at this rate, might be there some time in June or July. I had better have some extra happy money by reading about both you and your wife's good fortune.

 

I'll be at the balloon festival as well, but one the other end of it. My band (Wake & District Pipes & Drums) will be playing Saturday and Sunday on the Raleigh end of things.

[wvbeetlebug]

 

Greensboro has John Neal's calligraphy store (not generally advertised to the public, but as I understand it he's happy to receive visitors/customers). If you're ever passing through and would like a local guide or someone to talk pens with over lunch, drop me a line.

John Neal's is Greensboro's hidden gem. I picked up some J Herbin ink, Lamy converters and a few other goodies there way back when. That was before Sharon Luggage was bought out by Mori Luggage. Sharon Luggage at Friendly Center at least carried Private Reserve. Sadly no more.