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(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)
The concept of a pen case that can double as a stand is one that many manufacturers have tried out. It's a product that always intrigues me because it offers a lot of convenience for anyone that wants to quickly deploy a fistful of writing instruments on any work surface. In some cases, the two main functions of the case can detract from each other. The perfect balance of making a great case and a great stand can be hard to achieve.
The Sonic Sma Sta standing case is a two-in-one case and stand that endeavors to fit both uses. On the outside, it's a clean nylon package with a crescent-shaped zipper over the top of the case, while the back of the case is flat. When unzipped, the back of the case folds back and attaches to itself with a couple of magnets hidden under the nylon fabric. When the case is open like this, the bottom is a nice round shape that provides great stability for everything inside. There's a large opening in the back for storing long writing instruments, and then a smaller opening in the front for stashing smaller tools and accessories. The marketing copy says you can pop your phone into the front pocket so that it holds your phone up, but this only works on smaller phones. For example, a Pixel 7 and iPhone 13 Pro are both two wide to easily fit.
When the case is in stand mode, I've really enjoyed using it. It provides a nice level of organization and great stability for whatever I keep in in. It holds about 10-15 writing instruments when fully loaded, but the sweet spot for this case is between 6 and 12 items. If it's too loaded down, it can be difficult to pull things out of the case because there's too much friction with other nearby things. You can also splay things out a bit so they're easier to grab while the case is in stand mode. The front pocket is handy for keeping small items at bay, but I've found that I don't really use it much (more on why a little later). There's also a small pouch in the front area that has a small Velcro fastener to keep it shut, but the edges of the pouch are still open so you can store objects that are little taller than the height of the pouch. Overall, it's a great stand.
When it's time to pack up, just flip the top back up and zip it up. Easy, right? Maybe. In order to close this case, one of the sides ends up being positioned upside down, and gravity can really cause problems here. For me, I gave up on trying to store anything in the smaller compartment when packing it up as a case. I only use the larger compartment so that I don't have to worry about things falling out of the smaller compartment when I flip it and close the zipper. Even though the small pouch has a Velcro closure, it doesn't cover the entire opening and things tend to fall out with just a little movement. When you factor in the fact that the smaller compartment becomes the same area where the writing instruments are stored once the case is zipped up, I really think that Sonic didn't intend for anything to be stored in the smaller compartment.
This learning process was a bit frustrating, but fairly easy to overcome once I realized the limitations. What I haven't overcome yet is the problem of opening the case when I'm ready to use it as a stand. Let's start with the correct way to always open this case: lay it flat on its back and unzip the pouch before picking it up and transforming it into a stand. What I find myself doing without even realizing it is unzipping the pouch while I'm still holding it in my hands, intending to flip it back and set it down on a desk in stand mode. Every time I do this, I manage to spill most or all of the contents of the case onto the table or floor. Yikes!
Aside from the usage problems I've had with opening this case, I still really like using it as a stand that I can easily pack up and move occasionally. I wouldn't use this is a heavy commuting case that I potentially pack and unpack multiple times a day. The process of opening the case and setting it up as a stand is just a little too chaotic for my taste, and there are other options out there that offer the same basic functionality without the uncertainty of spilling everything out when opening it.
At $20.50, it's a fair price for what you get. The materials aren't the best on the market, but it feels well-made and robust. The zipper is smooth and sure, and the stitching is tight and clean. The light blue color is fun and I appreciate the minimal branding — plus, there are several other colors to choose from. The case also looks unique due to the crescent-shaped zipper and half-pipe shape when it's closed. At this price, I'm more than happy to use this on my desk as a pen holder that I can quickly pack up every few days/weeks if needed. If you want something that you can use on the go, look for other options that are more secure when opening/closing the case!
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
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allegory-of-the-cave
nathannobis
An image of a prisoner looking at shadows in the cave, illustrating part of Plato's "Allegory of the Cave."
(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)
There's always more room in my stationery cabinet for more pen pouches, and a recent newcomer for my collection is the Midtown pouches from Itoya's Profolio division. These come in both small and large formats, and both are really useful for keeping your things organized inside drawers or bags.
While some pen pouches consist of just one pocket with a zipper, these pouches feature a sleeve in the middle that creates two discreet pouches. The adds a nice level or internal organization without adding much bulk.
The pouches are made of a thick felt material, so it's both soft and protective. The color coordination make it feel a little special instead of a pen pouch that only uses one color for the fabric. In my case, I opted for the black and wintergreen colorway, but I had a really hard time choosing. All of the color options they have are attractive.
On the outside, the cases are smooth and clean. The stitches are well done, but I don't expect them to last forever since they're made out of felt. That isn't a knock against felt, but I just don't think it holds up as long as something like nylon fabric.
The zippers are smooth and easy to operate. The inclusion of a pull tab on the end of the zipper is a welcome addition. It makes closing the case easy. One thing that I really dislike about the case design is that the zipper doesn't actually seal the case entirely. At both ends of the zipper, there's a small gap that can allow things to fall out if you're not careful. It's not a big deal on the small case because even a wood case pencil is a tight fit, but the large case has a gap that's large enough for a regular fountain pen to slip through. I don't think this would happen easily, but the right conditions could mean losing a pen or pencil that you value. With that in mind, I only use these pouches when I know they won't be thrown around or jostled very much.
Inside Large.
Inside Small.
Inside the pouches, you're greeted with a fun color contrast because the slim pouch in the middle that divides the larger pouch into two sides is a different color. In my case, the divider is a bright wintergreen while the rest of the pouch is black. Each side of the main pouch has plenty of room to store all kinds of things. The small pouch is even large enough to store unsharpened wood case pencils! The dividing pouch is slim and doesn't expand, so its storage capabilities are limited. It's great for storing something flat. The divider in the small case isn't deep enough to hold a 3.5x5.5 inch pocket notebook, but the large case divider is perfect for a pocket notebook.
In terms of the size, there are two options: small and large. At 4x7 inches, the small size might be poorly named, but I think it strikes a great balance in portability and how much you can store inside it. I can easily fit about 15 to 20 gel pens in each interior pocket of the small case, and while it does expand quite a bit, it's still very stow-able.
The large pouch comes in at 5x9 inches, which doesn't sound like much but translates to a much roomier pouch that holds almost too much stuff. This pouch is large enough to handle small electronics and power bricks along with plenty of stationery goods.
These cases certainly aren't my top choices for storing or transporting more valuable pens since they might get scratched or dinged, but they've been fantastic for throwing a bunch of pens and tools into the pouches, tossing the pouch into a bag, and going out. The thick felt is pleasant to use and offers plenty of protection to what's inside. And with two size options, you can find plenty of different ways to use these pouches.
The small pouch comes in at just $5.99, and the large pouch is $7.99. Look, they're zippered pouches with a divider inside — they hold stuff and they look cool. If you need a pouch, pick one up! Choosing a color is the most difficult part about this proposition.
(Goldspot provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Twitter. And check out her latest book, Out of Water, now available where books are sold!)
I love pen cases, and I love pockets, so if you fill a pen case with pockets, you have my attention. And considering several positive past experiences with Nomadic's Wise-Walker products, this Carbonium Pen Case was a must-try.
The case is made from a polyurethane with a woven-like texture that mimics carbon fiber. The look is sleek, but vintage. The case has two main pockets with silver zippers and poly-tab zipper pulls. The front main pocket has a nylon mesh bottom so items are visible from the outside of the case.
Inside the large main pocket, there are So Many Pockets. The bulk of the space is divided in two by a centered zipper pocket that is perfect for holding small accessories. There is a larger space on either side of this pocket. On the front wall of the case, there are two mesh pockets, and on the back wall, there is one long nylon pocket. That's seven separate compartments for keeping your treasures organized. Consider me charmed.
One thing I noticed fairly quickly is that the pockets and placements mimic a tech case more than a traditional pen case, so of course I had to test-pack it with both stationery and gadgets.
It worked great for pens, notes, and washi tapes. The slip pockets are the perfect size for a roll of washi, the larger compartments can hold lots of gel pens or highlighters, and the interior zipper pocket is great for erasers and clips.
It worked equally well for tech. It fits phones, portable chargers, cables, and dongles well. It even fits my camera and all my camera essentials, with spare batteries and memory cards safe in the central zipper pouch. In fact, as I type this, the case is traveling with my husband across the country with all his tech inside, including all his chargers and cables and a mini handheld game console.
It would even make a decent clutch or EDC kit case. The well-planned pockets make it very versatile, and the waterproof fabric provides added benefits, though the zippers are not waterproof.
The zippers are actually my one and only issue with this case. They're a bit flimsy feeling, with small teeth and a thin fabric backing. It feels like I'm going to break the zippers--though I haven't broken them, despite some aggressive handling. They just feel cheap on an otherwise excellent case.
The Nomadic Wise-Walker PF-03 itself is not too expensive, anyway, at only $22 at JetPens. That's just over $3 per pocket, which is well worth the cost. I've paid much more than that for cases that weren't as functional as this one. And I'll probably have to buy a duplicate of this one, as I suspect the spouse has permanently adopted the original.
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
Well known in the tattoo world, artist Amanda Wachob is going back to her painting roots for a collaboration with ROAM. The Amanda Wachob x ROAM Limited Edition collection includes just 100 suitcases, each hand-painted by Amanda herself, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces of luggage in gradient shades of blue, purple, teal, green, and gold. Four years in the making, the collection is the first, limited edition hand-painted luggage.
Amanda Wachob
The idea for the design came to Amanda while she was tattooing a scientist who studied beetles. Their intriguing iridescence led her to translate that same luminosity to luggage. To make it happen, Amanda went down to ROAM’s factory in Georgia where she painted 200 shells (two shells make one suitcase) with five to seven layers of paint. The labor-intensive process was well worth it when you see the results, as each one is its own piece of art. To make each suitcase even more unique, ROAM allows the customer to choose their own trim colors from Carolina Lilac, Kyoto Black, Venetian Green, Como Blue, and Ibiza Sky.
Two colorways are available: Cerulean, with blues and purples highlighted by radiant teal-green, and Noctorne, featuring black and purples with gold and green accents.
As with all ROAM luggage, each suitcase is made-to-order in the United States, which means no waste. Even the stitching is done by hand! The 100% U.S. virgin polycarbonate shells are durable and strong while also being lightweight – ideal for carry-on luggage.
The interior complements the vibrant exterior with an iridescent shimmering lining that’s washable. An interior compression system on each side allows for maximum storage, while a laundry pocket and two accessory pockets keep your goods organized.
A TSA-approved lock and water-resistant zipper keep personal items safe.
The aircraft-grade aluminum handle can be set at four heights for easy handling, while four Hinomoto ball-bearing wheels make for seamless glides through airports.
Each suitcase is numbered and signed by Amanda and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.
Mixing iridescent paint in the factory
Shells during the painting process
An Amanda Wachob tattoo
Amanda Wachob tattooing client
Works by Amanda Wachob:
Dimensional Transmutation, tattoo ink and temporary tattoo paper on canvas, 46″x 60″, 2019
Tsunami, tattoo ink and temporary tattoo paper on canvas, 46″x 60″, 2019
Amanda with a finished suitcase
For those of us that have longed to get a tattoo by Amanda for years (she’s always had a very long waiting list), perhaps carrying her art around in a different way could suffice. You’ll definitely be part of a small group of people – 1 in 100 – to own one! The Amanda Wachob x ROAM Limited Edition collection launches today at roamluggage.com with suitcases priced at $975.
“Currently, we design 3D ergonomic iPhone cases and custom toilet seats” may read like some random word salad spit out by the AI-operated ChatGPT, yet it is the genuinely strange descriptor greeting visitors at Bailey Hikawa’s site dedicated to the disparate category of objects. As weird as that may all seem, the designs themselves are even more surreal…
The self-taught industrial designer takes a sculptural approach to iPhone case design unlike any others out there. Far out there. How else could one describe the Ishi iPhone Case in Lil’ Shrimp as anything but a sizable gummy bear that seems to have indulged in enjoying a shrimp cocktail (or spaghetti) before melting into a slightly amorphous blob reminiscent of colorful indoor rock climbing wall grips? We’d imagine Matthew Barney would be rather envious of these designs.
Or how about the Geta Phone Case in Marigold, a large vented back design that operates as a very secure grip, phone stand, possibly the most protective case we’ve ever seen… and a pressure point massage tool?
“Wave” in Japanese, the Nami phone case’s soft waved edges allow for fingers to slide into each groove for a secure grip while also making it easy to prop up.
My personal favorite is the Nami Phone Case in Onyx, a wavy gripped case made to order and amusingly Hikawa’s “slimmest phone case yet!” Not quite subtle, but compared to this eye-catching design, practically under-the-radar.
Bailey Hikawa
We’ll leave the toilet seat selection to your own imagination.
(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)
Storing and carrying pens and other writing instruments is one of the delightful side avenues of the stationery hobby that I enjoy almost as much as the pens and pencils. Storing and organizing different pens based on functionality, job, or mood provides endless fun and variation, and it's nice to have the right tool for the unique situations that come up.
The Shibui 3 Pen Case in Olive Green is a smart-looking leather case for carrying three pens in style. In terms of pen cases, this one falls into a specific category for me. First off, it zips closed to provide full coverage and prevent anything from falling out. And, It only holds three pens, and I like that constraint sometimes. When I only need three pens, and I want them to be secure, this is a go-to case.
The outside of this case is really pleasing. The full grain leather is soft and durable, and the YKK zippers are smooth and robust. I have no doubts that the pens I keep in this pouch will fall out or get damaged along the way.
The full grain leather adds some rigidity and structure to this case, which is really good for carrying and protecting your pens, but it also means that it doesn't lay flat when open. This isn't a big deal, but might annoy some.
The exterior dimensions are also great for stowing it just about anywhere. It's not too big to throw into any bag or internal pocket, but it also holds three pens with plenty of room to spare. The overall dimensions when the case is closed come out to 6.3in. x 3.15in. x 1in. (160mm x 80mm x 25mm).
The inside of the case is really simple. The left side has a single slash pocket that runs from top to bottom, so that's about 6 x 2 inches to work with. You can't fit a 3x5 notecard, so I haven't really found a good use for this pocket. You could use it to store small pieces of paper (like receipts), but no notebooks. If you have something the size of a business card, that will easily fit.
The right side of the case is where the pen storage magic happens. Shibui's trademarked Pull-Tag system allows you to securely store pens of various sizes and easily adjust the tightness for each pen slot. The leather strap that runs horizontally is really soft and pliable, which makes it easy to adjust while also protecting your pens from scratches when they're fastened in. This system stored my largest and smallest pens side by side, and there wasn't a chance they'd fall out. That said, the friction-fit is easy to overcome when you actually want to insert or remove a pen. It's such a simple but ingenious system.
The Shibui 3 Pen case is $50, which is a great value for the organization, protection, and style this case provides. It protects and stores your pens, but also has a unique and pleasing aesthetic that will age beautifully as the leather breaks in. If Olive Green isn't your thing, there are a handful of other leather colors available as well.
(This product was purchased from Goldspot at a discount.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
What began as a kitchen renovation and floor replacement in 2021, turned into a major renovation of a condo in Southwest Portland, Oregon. Overhauled by Casey Keasler, founder of interior design studio Casework, the once dated apartment needed its spaces reevaluated to make it work for the long time owners. The results of the bold transformation have brought about a modern and fresh aesthetic seen throughout, most notably in the main living space.
Homeowner Ana Quinones
The contemporary kitchen stands out with its cabinets painted soft Rushing River green by Benjamin Moore. Paired with the marbled Dolomite countertops, island, and backsplash, and walnut elements, the kitchen feels high end yet livable.
Casework worked with general contractors, Hammer & Hand, to complete the transformation, which was inspired by some of the homeowner’s favorite museums and spaces, including The Walker in Minneapolis, SFMOMA, Portland’s Snow Peak store, and Stockholm’s Ett Hem. The couple loves clean, contemporary interiors and the use of natural materials, which Keasler incorporated into their new space. The design theme can be broken down into three works – purposeful, clean, and cultivated.
White oak flooring throughout the main areas and bedrooms, lightened the overall appearance of the space.
The main bathroom is contemporary with a classic feel, thanks to the mix of the textured marble pattern, rich wood details, and clean, white and grey tiles.
Rich shades of blue outfit the main bedroom, alongside lighter elements like the flooring, headboard, nightstands, and art piece above the bed.
Photos by George Barberis.
Not that Snoopy and Charlie Brown ever went away, but I feel like there’s something in the air (ETA I did the research – it’s the centennial!). The USPS introduced Charles M. Schulz Peanuts Stamps, and Field Notes did a special commemorative notebook issue to match. And the last time I perused Jet Pens, Kamio Japan had designed some special edition Paco-Tray Pen Cases celebrating the Peanuts gang as well!
I ordered the Navy Version ($24.00) featuring Snoopy and Woodchuck Woodstock (oops!). The Paco-Tray pen case isn’t new (just the Peanuts editions are). It’s a sturdy zippered case featuring 3 handy compartments to store pens, pencils, and other stationery tools. And the best part is that it opens fully to lay flat and feature a stand up tray. The outside is a dark blue polyester canvas, and the insides is a BRIGHT pink fabric (likely also polyester) featuring bits and pieces of the characters with fun quote bubbles.
The case measures 7.5″/19cm long, and (when zipped) 2.25″/5.5cm wide and 2.5″/6.5cm tall. It’s pretty much the perfect size to throw in a purse or a backpack and have all your essentials corralled in a sturdy case. It says it can hold up to 19 pens, although my guess is that depends on how big the pens are, and whether or not you like your pens to touch.
To me, the most special thing about this handy case is the Peanuts theme. It takes me back to reading the Sunday comics in the LA Times growing up. Or maybe it’s that as a teenager in musical theater, I have fond memories of our 1992 production of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (yikes, I feel old). Or maybe it’s that I just love a little Peanuts themed music.
DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided to us free of charge for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.
The post Pen Case Review: Kamio Japan Paco-Tray Pen Case – Peanuts in Navy appeared first on The Well-Appointed Desk.
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