The Frenchman who creates these wonderful pens converted a pipe factory into his pen atelier –thus the quality of the wooden pens is that of a fine handcrafted smokers pipe. Like any designer he wanted to create in other types of materials and have a broad array of colors for his pens –so he added bakelite, metals and embossed leather to craft his many fabulously chic designs.

Once upon a time I was so conscientious about sending thank-you notes immediately after a dinner or lunch or promptly jotting an acknowledgement to someone who had accomplished something special. The older I have gotten, the less diligent I have become. I suppose some of that correspondence has been absorbed by the immediacy of email, but my resolution this spring is to return to the discipline of writing.

I know when I receive a well-penned letter I am both pleased and impressed. Throughout the years I have held on to notes and letters that have particular meaning for me. I suppose because I am a tactile person, I love the idea of someone reaching for their favorite pen and writing on a paper they have selected or have had made especially for them. There seems to be more of a connection with the writer when you behold the personality that is expressed in the choice of paper and ink along with the thoughts expressed. I believe that words are more considered when one writes in longhand, at least I know mine are.

In addition to the pleasure of that connection between writer and recipient is the fun of choosing one’s own stationery, -- the monograms, pens, ink colors, and even the selecting of the particular postage stamp one uses on the envelope. To me this falls into the category of small personal luxuries that help to create a well-lived life, a gentle civility that can so often get lost in today’s frantic, obsessive, multi-tasking environment. Handwritten letters and notes take much more time than an email but, as the world becomes faster paced and in a way more insular, I think we all begin to value that which expresses the time, consideration, and thought taken by the writer.

I am a paper fanatic! From sketchpads to wrapping paper to personal stationery, I have always just loved paper. Creating one’s own stationery is a signature of one’s personal aesthetic and style. I have worked with the extraordinary archives of the best and oldest gravures in France, creating a personal monogram based on the lettering of the court of Louis XV. I found the “CR” that I wanted in the same 18th century book of initials used by courtiers at Versailles. continue >