The Jotted Line

Sometimes it may seem impossible to write both neatly and fast. Neat handwriting is one of those skills that eludes many people.  When trying to write fast, your handwriting ends up looking unreadable and messy. When you try to write neatly, it seems to take forever. You may be frustrated and wondering - What is the solution? Is it really possible to write fast yet neatly? Let’s find out… The 4 Best Tips to Achieving a Neat Handwriting When Writing Fast How do you write neatly and fast? Use a comfortable pen grip Make your letters small, tall, and skinny Maintain correct posture Use the "arm movement method"  DISCOVER MORE: WRITE FASTER WITH A PERSONALIZED PEN!   We'll take a closer look at each one of these key tips below! Why Would You Need to Write Neatly and Fast? There are some instances when you will have to write very quickly, yet legibly. Students for example often face this dilemma during lessons.  If you are studying, you will need to be able to listen and take notes at the same time. Often, the speaker will not slow down and it’s up to you to keep up.  They may also have to increase handwriting speed when answering tests or exams. With limited time, they need to record their answers as fast as possible. Being able to write quickly could be the difference between a pass and a fail. Another instance is when you have a flash of inspiration and need to jot it down quickly. Many creatives have this problem. They think of a brilliant idea and by the time they make a note, it’s forgotten. Quick handwriting skills would definitely come in handy in such situations.  The Role of Your Pen in Maintaining a Neat Handwriting When Writing Fast “The pen is the tongue of the mind.” -Horace As Horace said, no matter how technologically advanced a society is, the pen is always present. It can never be replaced.  When wondering how to write neatly and fast, you will need to find the correct equipment.  Your pen will play a big role in the speed and legibility of your handwriting as well as handwriting style.   Key features to look out for in a ‘fast pen’ include: Balance - Where does the weight lie on the pen? Is it towards the tip, the back or the middle? One way to check is to lightly hold the pen in the crook of your thumb and index finger. There should be no excess weight towards one end. Tip friction/pressure - The point at which the pen makes contact with paper should have minimum friction. It should allow for easy, quick ink-flow.  Nib/writing point size - The thickness of the nib/writing point will determine speed.  Tips between 0.7mm - 0.9mm may be easier to use but they result in larger strokes which take more time to complete.  Use thinner tips for smaller letters (explained below). Fine point fountain pens and rollerball pens are the best when looking for a thin-tipped pen. Fit - Your pen should have no loose or ill-fitting parts. The cap should close snugly and the clip should be able to snap back when tugged slightly.  The ideal pens for ‘speed-writing’ are fountain and rollerball pens because minimal pressure is needed. The ink flow is constant and the light touch lets you write much faster.  Take a look at this comparison table for various pens and their advantages. Each one has a different impact on your handwriting style.  Shop Now: Personalized Pens from Dayspring Pens 1.) Use the Most Comfortable Pen Grip Everyone holds their pens differently and your grip is entirely personal. As long as it results in neat handwriting, no single grasp can be labeled right or wrong.  Studies show that grasp patterns do not actually play a big role in handwriting speed. Experts, however, agree on these two methods of holding a pen: 1. The pen is between the thumb and index finger and the body of the pen rests on the middle finger. The ring finger and little finger are tucked into the palm. This is the most commonly used handwriting method, known as the dynamic tripod grip. 2. The pen is between the thumb and both the index finger and the middle fingers. The body rests on the ring finger. Known as the dynamic quadrupod grip, it is also widely popular and one of the most effective.  They are accepted as a way to reduce strain on fingers and wrists and are the most popular grasp methods in handwriting techniques. The lateral versions of these grips are also common in handwriting. The one major difference is the way the thumb crosses over the pen and touches the forefinger. Source: researchgate.net However you hold your pen, you want to make sure you hold it lightly with minimal tension to ensure you maintain a neat handwriting throughout.  A wider pen allows for a more relaxed grip so stay away from thin-barreled pens. These cause you to squeeze the pen causing unnecessary strain on fingers.   2.) Make Your Letters Small, Tall and Skinny You can increase your writing speed by decreasing the size of your letters. The smaller each individual letter is, the less time it takes to complete it.  You do not want to decrease the letter size so much as to make your note illegible. Rather, a reduction of 10 - 15% is enough to increase your handwriting speed.  It has also been found that it is easier for us to write up and down than side-to-side. This is because our fingers only bend up and down so sideways motions are more difficult. Making your letters taller and skinnier is a way to reduce horizontal movements. Another simple way to improve your handwriting is to use lined paper. The lines give guidance and are a way to keep the letters neat.  3.) Posture Your posture when writing will determine the amount of stress placed on your various muscles and thus influence the speed.  If you have incorrect posture, your muscles will cramp, and inevitably, cause you to write slower.  These tips outline what posture will help improve your handwriting. • Both feet are flat on the floor.• Knees are at a 90° angle.• Your back is straight and slightly inclined towards the desk.• Forearms rest in the desk with elbows at 90°.• Non-writing hand holds onto paper at a 45° angle.• Your neck and shoulders are relaxed.• Whole body faces the desk directly.• Paper tilted to the right (for right-handed people). The opposite applies to left-handed people.   4.) Use the Arm Movement Method of Writing According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the normal method of handwriting taught in schools often causes cramps as it uses the smaller hand muscles. Another mode of writing known as the ‘American method’ is a movement of the full arm off the shoulder. It does however not lend itself to rapid writing due to the energy required to move such large parts.  The best method for rapid writing is the ‘Arm Movement Method’. Here is a breakdown of how to use this method of handwriting. (Note: This is for right-handed people. If you ’re left-handed, just reverse the instructions to fit)  • Place the center of your forearm on the desk, with the fleshy part taking the weight.• Extend your arm behind the elbow over the edge of the table. • Rest your hand on the third and fourth fingers (or preferred pen grasp).• Use your wrist and forearm to move across the page instead of just your fingers.• Keep your elbow at an angle of more than 90° to avoid excessive flexion. Although there are numerous Dos and Don’ts when it comes to correct positioning, the actual arm movements are key. If you want faster writing, try to use your forearm muscles to move across the page. Avoid relying on the delicate wrist and finger muscles. Expert Tip: Cursive handwriting is often faster than print. More connected letters allow for a smoother and faster transition between words. The table below highlights some techniques you can use to help you achieve neat handwriting: Technique Description Effect Proper grip Hold the pen with a relaxed grip Improved control, neater writing Consistent size Maintain uniform letter size Enhances overall neatness Posture Sit with proper posture Affects consistency and legibility Line spacing Adequate spacing between lines Prevents crowding, enhances readability Slanting Maintain consistent slant Contributes to a uniform and neat appearance Finding the Right Pen for Fast Yet Neat Handwriting We have seen that fountain pens and rollerball pens are the best for fast, neat handwriting. Luckily, there is no need to spend hours trying to find the correct pen in your quest. We believe that handwriting is an art and should be treated as such. That is why we offer a wide range of customizable pens that will enable you to write neatly, yet fast. Only the highest quality will do, as experienced by this happy customer. "My son loved his pen. He said it wrote really well and the quality was better than expected. It was beautifully packaged ...." Cinthia F.   Our fountain pens offer a unique experience for both beginners and aficionados. The smooth ink flow and rich lines delivered by Dayspring Pens rollerball pens are unrivaled.   Or check out some of our top everyday carry pens! And you can choose an engraved pen gift, if you're stuck for ideas. Even better, we offer free engraving on all pens to make your ‘tool’ unique and special.  Why wait? Shop online now for speedy delivery.

So, how to get a pen to write again? Sometimes, you might need a minute to get the ink started in a brand new pen. Or if you have a pen that you haven't used for the while, the problem and solution can be the same. We have had customers think that perhaps their new pen came without ink in the cartridge, when in fact it was just a matter of getting the pen started. Why does it not just write the moment I first try it? While most of the time the ink will start on first attempt, sometimes they do not. The tip's ball can clog, or the ink can congeal or coagulate. Especially on a brand new pen the cartridge is filled at the factory from end opposite from the tip. It all has to do with how a ballpoint pen works. The pen will not write until it gets wet. That's why you need to wet the ballpoint with ink to make it work going forward. Further Reading: How Do Ballpoint Pens Work So until the ball in the tip wets with ink or until any small air pockets are removed, the pen may not write or may skip. 99.5% of the time the ink cartridge it is not defective, it just needs to be started. Once the pen starts, there will be no further issues. Tips on how to get a pen to write again: Dip the tip in a drop of oil. Cooking oil is fine, any oil will do. Water can also work, but we suggest oil. Let it soak for 5-10 seconds, swirling it around in the drop of oil is best. Scribble vigorously on a piece of paper until the oil absorbs and only ink starts to flow. If it does not start, then soak the tip in oil for 20 minutes and try again. If this did not work, here are additional tips   The video below demonstrates a second way to get a pen to start writing. If none of the above works, then warming the ink just a little can tried. You should remove the refill from the pen before you warm the ink. Warming it can thin the ink or melt a clog, allowing the ink to flow easily. Here is a video. NOTE: We are NOT responsible for any damage to the pen or refill if you choose this method.   The table below summarizes some issues you might face when using a ballpoint pen and their solutions: Issue Solution Pen won't start Shake the pen gently to get the ink flowing  Dry ballpoint tip Draw small circles on scrap paper to encourage ink flow Old or dried ink Soak the pen tip in warm water for a few minutes Air bubble in cartridge Tap the pen gently on a hard surface to release the air bubble Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

Welcome to the world of fountain pens. If you are new to fountain pens and how they work, it can be confusing and even frustrating. One thing that many new users have questions about is how to refill a fountain pen. In this article, I am going to break down how to fill it with ink and how to write with a fountain pen. I'm also going to throw in some sweet tips for getting the most out of your fountain pens. And once you get started, you will truly enjoy your new writing instrument. First, however, you need to at least be a little bit familiar with the parts of a fountain pen before going in and changing out the ink. The Major Parts of the Fountain Pen 1.) The Nib The fountain pen nib is the metal point where the tip of the pen comes in contact with the paper. The nib is usually fashioned out of stainless steel or gold alloys that allow the point to flex with the movement and pressure of writing. Once upon a time, nibs were predominantly made out of soft metals like gold that are naturally anti-corrosive, but alas, these metals are not the most durable and often crack or the tips break off. When you find a gold pen nib nowadays, they usually have a hard metal tip to prevent these issues. The little slit and hole in the nib serve integral purposes of both feeding ink to the tip and preventing structural damage to the pen while it is in use. The "breather hole" also allows air back into the reservoir to prevent a vacuum. Air vacuums in fountain pens are bad—"pen exploding all over white clothing on an airplane" bad. See below for more info on this and how to prevent that sort of catastrophe. You can find a variety of sizes for the point from extra fine to double broad. Each size serves its own purpose, but a fine or medium nib are great sized for beginners. There is also an entire category of nibs for calligraphy, drawing, and more. 2.) The Feed The fountain pen feed is that black plastic piece on the backside of the nib. It creates a route to draw ink to the tip and allows air to flow back up into the reservoir.  Further Reading: The Ultimate Guide to the Different Types of Fountain Pen Ink   3.) The Ink Reservoir The ink reservoir is exactly what it sounds like: it's the place where the fountain pen ink goes. The two most common fountain pen ink filling systems are: disposable ink cartridges piston ink converters Most fountain pens use universal 1/4 inch refill ink cartridges. But it is always good to check and make sure you have the correct ink cartridge for your particular pen. If the cartridge came with the pen, either loose in the packaging or in the barrel, you are good to use that cartridge.  Disposable Ink Cartridges The disposable ink cartridge is a plastic tube filled with ink that is inserted into the internal opening of the feed. Ink cartridges are pretty hassle-free, but they aren't as cost-effective as converters. Piston Ink Converters An ink converter is a reservoir that allows you to draw ink up into the barrel of the pen, essentially creating your own ink cartridge. Ink converters work either with a piston (where you twist the knob at the top drawing ink into the reservoir) or as a rubber tube (where you squeeze the air out of the reservoir, place it in the fountain pen ink, and then release it to draw the ink in through air pressure). Ink converters require bottled ink to fill your fountain pen, so you'll likely have to buy that separate, but there are so many options out there for fountain pen ink. Some fountain pens allow for both converters and ink cartridges interchangeably. Other than that, your fountain pens will come with the converter built into the pen itself.  Shop Now: Ink Pen Refills From Dayspring Pens   How to Refill a Fountain Pen How to Load Disposable Ink Cartridges: Unscrew the barrel from the grip section Insert the sealed end of the cartridge into the grip section and press firmly. You will likely feel the seal break when the cartridge is securely lodged Note: in most ink cartridges, the sealed end will be the narrower section with the ridge. Reassemble your pen How to Load an Ink Converter into a Fountain pen: Before beginning, you will need: the correct converter for your brand of fountain pen bottled ink a piece of paper towel Here's how to load your ink converter: Remove the cap and unscrew the barrel from the grip. Insert the converter into the opening, pressing firmly until it stops moving. Twist the knob of your converter to send the piston all the way to the bottom of the converter. (You should see the piston descending to the bottom of the converter.) Submerge the nib past the breather hole into the ink bottle and twist knob in the opposite direction to draw ink into the reservoir, filling the converter with ink. You will see the reservoir fill. Remove the nib of the pen from the bottle, reassemble the barrel of the pen, and your pen is ready for use. The table below compares different ink refill types: Refill Type Characteristics Common Brands Bottled ink Wide variety of colors, cost-effective Diamine, Waterman, Noodler's Ink cartridges Convenient, mess-free Cross, Pilot, Lamy, Montblanc Converter  Allows the use of bottled ink Pilot, Waterman   Tips for Getting Your Ink Flowing: For the disposable cartridge: It can take a moment for the ink to saturate the cartridge pen and flow through the feed. Don't worry if your fountain pen does not start writing straight away. If the ink does not begin flowing after a couple of minutes, you can gently squeeze the cartridge to get the nib wet, or dip the nib in water to start the flow. When you use a water to start the ink, your ink flow will start quite "watery". Just scribble on paper until pure ink flows. For the ink cartridge converter: Since the entire nib is dipped in the ink bottle, the pen should start writing very quickly because it is already saturated in ink. If needed, you can always remove the barrel and twist the fully loaded converter to release just a drop or two of ink from the tip. Fair warning, if you twist too much, you will drip a lot of ink so be prepared with a paper towel or water. How to Use a Fountain Pen: Now that you understand how to refill a fountain pen and your luxury fountain pen is filled with ink and ready to go... how the heck to you use this thing? In a lot of ways... just like any other pen! Here are just a couple tips to make writing with fountain pens easier, but all in all once your pen has ink flowing you should be pretty good go. Tip #1: Place the pen at a 45 degree angle. Tip #2: Don't press too hard. Fountain pen nibs need much less pressure to write than a ballpoint pen since they have liquid ink. Just moving the tip evenly across the paper should yield the best results. Pressing too firmly can actually damage the pen causing the nib to bend or crack Tip #3: Use higher quality paper. It can be helpful to grab some higher quality paper especially for first time users. Printer or notebook paper can be thinner and harder to work with. Problems caused by paper include the pen skipping, the ink running, and the ink feathering (when the ink bleeds into the fibers of the paper). Tip #4: Cap your fountain pen It is important to keep your pen cap on when you are not using it. Since the ink often has water in it, the ink in the nib can dry if left exposed to air and will not write when you go to use it next. Fret not if your pen dries out! Just scribble for a bit or wet the nib with a little water to rehydrate the ink. Tip #5: Clean your fountain pen regularly. Every 1-2 months, it's good to do a quick cleaning of your fountain pen so everything keeps running nice and smooth. I like to clean my fountain pen whenever I refill the converter or pop in a fresh disposable cartridge. For pens that have not been used in a while and are particularly dried out, try dropping the feed and nib structure into a cup of water and letting it soak for an hour or so. Rinse and repeat till your water stays clear. Tip #6: Store your fountain pen properly. How you store your fountain pen will largely come down to how much you use it. All in all, the best way is to store it laying flat. This allows the ink to stay wet in the nib without excess ink pooling in the cap.  Learn More: How To Store a Fountain Pen Properly   Other Frequently Asked Questions Here are some questions and problems you may come across now that you are entering the fancy world of those who write with fountain pens. Can a Left-handed person use a fountain pen? Most definitely! Though it will take a little bit of getting used to. How you hold the pen and where you position your writing hand will be much more critical for a lefty. Standard holds may cause the hand to drag through the wet ink and smear. Brian Goulet recommends trying different writing hand positions. Also, using quick-drying inks will also help. Do I need to "break in" my fountain pen? Most likely no. Modern fountain pens are normally ready-to-go once they've been loaded with ink. Can I take my fountain pen on an airplane? You sure can, but just in case... Back in the day, the reduced air pressure on a plane in flight would cause air in the reservoir to expand, pushing the ink out of the pen for a big old frocket ink stain. Modern fountain pens have fixed this issue, so you really shouldn't have this problem. If you want to be on the safe side or if you are traveling with an antique, remove the ink from your pen, and store your pen in a separate bag before you fly. Can I use my pen in freezing weather? Alas, no. Fountain pen ink is liquid based so it will freeze. Stick with a ballpoint pen for any arctic writing endeavors. Can I write upside down with a fountain pen? Nope. Gravity is crucial for using fountain pens. Conclusion I hope this has helped you from feeling daunted by how to refill a fountain pen. You are now fully equipped to chuck that old ballpoint away, fill your new fountain pen with a cartridge or ink bottle, and get to writing. If you're looking to buy a new fountain pen, check out our wide selection of engraved pens from brands like Cross, Parker, and Waterman. Or check out our list of best-selling pens! Before you go, please feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts, questions, or fountain pen stories! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

If you're wondering how to replace the lead in any of the mechanical pencils offered by Dayspring Pens, it's easy! In this article, we will tackle in a step by step guide how to refill the lead in not only the Rosewood, Monroe pencils but also the Richmond mechanical pencils. The Rosewood Mechanical Pencil Up first, we have the Rosewood Mechanical Pencil. This is by far the most complex lead refill process so we have included a video that will help demonstrate the process below. Remove the cap and the tip.  Remove the eraser holder that was under the cap to get a new piece of lead out of the storage area. Now screw the mechanism all the way out to be sure that that is no lead in the tip end. You do this by turning it to the right. There is a very small brass piece that will appear.   NOTE: If you broke a piece of lead in the pencil, you will have get that out. There is a spring that grabs the lead and a broken off piece of lead will prevent the new stick from going in the spring. (Here is how)  Now, turn the cylinder back a little until the smallest brass piece in the tip goes back in a bit.  Insert new lead into the point, it will grab. Turn the new lead into the pencil  The Monroe Mechanical Pencil Next, we have the Monroe Mechanical Pencil. This pen follows the simple, classic mechanical pencil refill process. Remove the gold cap of the clip mechanism by pulling it straight off from the cap. (This will expose the eraser.) Pull the eraser off from the pen. Insert 0.7mm lead into the visible hole.  Replace eraser and cap and click the pen until the lead appears in the tip. The Richmond Mechanical Pencil Lastly, how to replace the lead on the Richmond Mechanical Pencil.  Though maintaining the simple put lead in the hopper method, the Richmond does require some steps to expose the lead reservoir. Pull the cap directly off from the barrel of the pen.  Unscrew the exposed cylinder counterclockwise to remove. (This will expose a black plastic tip.) Pull the ridged black tip directly off the barrel and insert 0.7mm lead into the opening. Replace the black tip, screw the silver cylinder back on, and push the cap back into place. Click the twist-action mechanism until the lead descends out of the writing tip.  Time to Replace the Lead in Mechanical Pencils There you go! I hope this article cleared that up for you! If any of this guide has left you unsure of what to do or if you have any questions about the process, please leave a comment below so we can make this article as clear and helpful as possible. If you are interested in trying out any of these mechanical pencils, each comes with a free line of custom engraving and ships for free in the United States. And if you need some more helpful How to Guides here are some links: How to Refill a Fountain Pen How to Clean a Fountain Pen How to Choose the Right Fountain Pen Ink Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

‌Are‌ ‌you‌ ‌looking‌ ‌for‌ ‌the best pen refill ‌for‌ ‌your‌ ‌favorite‌ luxury pen?‌ ‌Are‌ ‌you‌ confused‌ ‌on‌ ‌which‌ ‌replacement‌ ‌refill‌ ‌will‌ ‌fit‌ ‌your‌ ‌pen?‌ ‌ Here’s‌ ‌the‌ ‌definitive‌ ‌guide‌ ‌to‌ ‌help‌ you‌ ‌find‌ ‌the‌ ‌right‌ ‌refill‌ ‌for‌ ‌your‌ ‌pen. If you have a gold Cross pen or a Waterman Expert pen (or any other sort of pen for that matter), this guide is for you! It can be frustrating to spend money and wasting delivery times on a refill only to find out that it doesn’t fit. It might take some digging to figure out which brand of ink cartridge fits which pen: this article is meant to do a lot of the digging for you.  Here's why it takes digging: Some pen brands take standard refill sizes, so you can buy generic or off-brand pen ink cartridges (and these are usually cheaper and of exactly the same quality), but others have specific profiles and sizes that fit only their pens.  So, what do you need to know when your Cross pen or any other luxury pen needs an ink refill? You need to know which pen cartridge types are compatible for, say, Cross pen refills. You need to know where to find them. You need to know where they're the most affordable. By following this guide you’ll learn how to find the right refill for your pens. How Do You Find the Best Pen Refill? 1.) Find Information on the Make and Model of the Pen Start by identifying your pen’s model and make. Go ahead and use this information to find the right pen cartridge type that fits it perfectly.  A good place to start would be on the manufacturer’s website. Do they mention the specific refill options that go with your pen type?  If not, consider checking with retailers or reviewers.  Is it a pen that’s available at Dayspring Pens? Go to the “shop by style” tab on our site, then click on the ink refill section on the far right. You will find refill options that fit your Cross, Waterman, or Parker pens. Here’s a screenshot to guide you. SHOP BY STYLE 2.) Inspect the Pen Refill for Any Identifying Marks Cross Brand Selectip Rollerball Refills Not sure what brand or make yours is? Check your pen refill for identifying marks. Can you see a model number or manufacturer logo? Search the web using the identifying mark and see what options you can find. You could ask other users of luxury pens online for recommendations as well. Make use of online forums such as the fountain pen network, Reddit, and Quora.  Be careful when using model numbers, though. It’s not uncommon to find similar model numbers that are designed for different pen cartridge type sizes. Check the specifications to make sure the new refill matches your pen type. Consider Searching for Similar-Looking Ink Refills AT Cross Brand - Ballpoint Pen Refill If you can’t find a branded refill, chances are there are no specialized refill options for your pen type.  In addition, you can also contact the manufacturer online and see if they can offer any recommendations. Alternatively, you can search for a different refill of the same style that’s compatible with your pen. Note: Only use this method if the first two fail. A similar-looking refill of the same style can have slight variations causing compatibility issues.  Pen Refill Chart Guide  Ballpoint Pen Refill Guide ACME Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction ACME European Length Ballpoint Refill Aurora Standard/Parker-Style G-2 A2 Retractable Refill Standard G1 Baron Fig Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Caran d’Ache Caran d’Ache 828 Refill Caran d’Ache Goliath  Caran d’Ache Ecridor XS Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Coles Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Conklin Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Cross Cross Style C1 Refill Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Cross Matrix 8572 Dayspring Pens Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Diplomat Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Faber-Castell Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Fisher Space Pen Fisher Space Pen Pressurized Refill Cross Style C1 Refill Fisher Pressurized Universal U Refill Graf von Faber-Castell Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Hugo Boss Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Kaweco Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Laban Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction LAMY  LAMY M16 Ballpoint Refill LAMY M22 Mini Ballpoint Refill LAMY M21 D1 Refill LAMY M55 Tripen Marker Ballpoint Refill Montblanc Montblanc Ballpoint Refill Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Montegrappa Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Monteverde Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Ohto Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Ohto Ballpoint Refill Ohto Slimline Ballpoint Refill Ohto Tasche Petite No.705NP Online Standard/Parker-Style G-2 A2 Retractable Refill King Size G1 Refill Otto Hutt Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Fisher Space Pen Pressurized Refill Parker Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Pelikan Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Pilot Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Platinum Platinum Ballpoint Refill Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Platinum Ballpoint BSP-60 Stick Refill Platinum BSP-100N Refill Retro Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Schmidt A2 Retractable Ballpoint Refill Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Fisher Space Pen Pressurized Refill Schmidt MegaLine 4889 Ballpoint Refill Schmidt MegaLine 4867 Ballpoint Refill Visconti  Standard/Parker-Style G-2 Waterman Waterman Ballpoint Refill Waterman Titane CF Ballpoint Refill Yard-o-Led A2 Retractable Ballpoint Refill Mini D-1 Size/Multifunction Access the Ballpoint Refill Guide PDF here!   Rollerball Pen Refill Guide ACME Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Standard Capless Rollerball Refill (Schmidt P8126) Baron Fig Standard Capless Rollerball Refill (Schmidt P8126) Caran d’Ache Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Coles Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Conklin Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Cross Cross Selectip Rollerball Refill Cross Slim Gel 8910 Rollerball Refill Cross Ion and Matrix 8516 Rollerball Refill Dayspring Pens Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Diplomat Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Esterbrooke Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Faber-Castell Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Faber-Castell Magnum Rollerball Refill Kaweco  Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Parker Style G-2 Rollerball Refill Laban Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill LAMY LAMY Rollerball M62/M63 Rollerball Refill LAMY M66 Retractable Rollerball Refill Montblanc Montblanc Rollerball Refill Montblanc Small Rollerball Refill Montblanc LeGrand Rollerball Refill Montblanc Capless Rollerball Refill Montegrappa Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Standard Capless Rollerball Refill (Schmidt P8126) Schmidt Long Capless 8126 Rollerball Refill Schmidt Mini 8126 Capless Rollerball Refill Monteverde Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Monteverde J22 Mini Rollerball Refill Ohto Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Parker Style G-2 Rollerball Refill Otto Hutt Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Parker Parker Rollerball Refill Parker 5th Rollerball Refill Pelikan Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Pelikan Level 5 Rollerball Refill Pelikan 338 Rollerball Refill Pilot Pilot G-2 Gel Refill Platinum Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Retro Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Standard Capless Rollerball Refill (Schmidt P8126) Schmidt Long Capless 8126 Rollerball Refill Sailor Sailor Rollerball Refill Schmidt Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Standard Capless Rollerball Refill (Schmidt P8126) Schmidt Long Capless 8126 Rollerball Refill Schmidt Mini 8126 Capless Rollerball Refill Sheaffer Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Sheaffer Standard Rollerball Refill Sheaffer Ion Rollerball 8516 Refill Cross Slim Gel 8910 Rollerball Refill S.T. Dupont S.T. Dupont Rollerball Refill Schmidt Mini 8126 Capless Rollerball Refill Tombow Tombow Rollerball Refill Waterman Waterman Rollerball Refill Visconti Standard Ceramic/Euro-Format Rollerball Refill Yard-o-Led Schmidt RollingSupersteel Refill Access the Rollerball Refill Guide PDF here!  Fountain Refill Guide ACME Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Aurora Aurora Fountain Pen Converter Aurora Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge BENU Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Caran d’Ache Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Cartier Cartier Vendome Ink Cartridge Standard International Cartridge Cartier Fountain Pen Piston Converter Coles Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Conklin Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Cross Cross Standard Ink Converter Cross Slim Ink Cartridge Cross Standard Ink Cartridge Dayspring Pens Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Diplomat Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Faber-Castell Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter 75mm Ink Converter Franklin-Cristoph Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Graf von Faber-Castell Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Hugo Boss Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Jinhao Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Kaweco Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Kaweco Mini Ink Converter Kaweco Ink Converter Laban Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter LAMY LAMY LT10 Ink Cartridge LAMY Z27 Ink Converter LAMY Z28 Ink Converter Montblanc Montblanc Ink Cartridge Montblanc Ink Converter Montegrappa Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter 75mm Ink Converter Montegrappa Long Ink Cartridge Monteverde Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Namiki Pilot/Namiki Ink Cartridge Pilot/Namiki Ink Converter Noodler’s Noodler’s Ink Converter Ohto Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Online Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Online Combi Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge 75mm Ink Converter Otto Hutt Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Parafernalia Parafernalia Lady Austria Ink Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Parker Parker Quink Ink Cartridge Parker Quink Mini Ink Cartridge Parker Ink Converter Pelikan Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Long Standard Ink Cartridge Pilot Pilot/Namiki Ink Cartridge Pilot/Namiki Ink Converter Pineider Standard International Cartridge Pineider Ink Level Piston Converter 75mm Ink Converter Platinum Platinum Ink Cartridge Platinum Ink Converter Platignum Platignum Ink Cartridge Platignum Ink Converter Retro 51 Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Rotring Rotring Rapidograph Ink Cartridge Rotring ArtPen Ink Converter Sailor Sailor Chalana Slim Ink Cartridge Sailor Jentle Ink Cartridge Sailor Ink Converter Schneider Standard International Cartridge Schneider Ink Converter Sheaffer  Sheaffer Skrip Classic Ink Cartridge Sheaffer Ink Converter Standard International Cartridge Schmidt Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter ST Dupont Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter 75mm Ink Converter Stipula Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Regal Standard International Cartridge Regal RC-03 Ink Converter Tibaldi Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter 75mm Ink Converter TWSBI Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Visconti Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter 75mm Ink Converter Waterman Waterman Ink Cartridge (long) Standard International Cartridge Waterman Ink Converter Worther Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Yafa Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter Yard-o-Led  Standard International Cartridge Standard Ink Converter YStudio Standard International Cartridge YStudio Ink Converter Zebra Zebra V301 Ink Cartridge Access the Fountain Refill Guide PDF here! ISO Standard Pen Refill Types Many brands adhere to the same standards of size (ISO 12757-1:2017 and ISO 14145-1:2016) when making their pens. This is why most refill sizes have the same dimensions even though the pens are from different makers. Are you still in doubt about the right pen refill replacement to use? One of these standard refill styles could be it.  The D1 Refill Image from: inkdependence.com These are short and slim refills usually seen in small multi-function pens. It’s worth noting that a lot of brands make their own D1 refill sizes. However, if your pen uses a D1 refill, you can use a refill from any brand as they are compatible. There’s a wide range of inks and color options to choose from. The fact that D1 refill sizes are small in size means that they run out of ink more quickly. They might not serve you longer as their full-size counterparts. But, small pocket writing tools are precisely what they’re designed for. Image from: swarovskipenrefills.blogspot.com Size. About 2.6 inches long and 2.3 mm in diameter.  Ink Type. Generally, D1 pen refills are miniaturized ballpoint refills and are almost all interchangeable. There are a few that use gel ink. They get used up faster than ballpoint refills, however. Parker-style G2 Refill A Parker-style refill features a wide body with a long thin tip and a threaded plastic piece on the end. This refill type has an easily recognizable shape and is almost always interchangeable.  Being one of the most common refill styles in the world, there are many Parker-style options to choose from. However, the Parker Pens Ballpoint Refills are some of our favorites.  Size- About 3.9 inches long with a wide barrel and a long thin tip. Ink Style- Generally, they feature ballpoint ink. You may find a few gel ink refill options as well. Cross-style Refill Cross Ballpoint Refill.  Often referred to as the C1 refill, this Cross Ballpoint Refill features a long, thin metallic body. There’s a threaded plastic knob that allows for screwing into the pen body.  Specs: 4.6 inches long.  Standard Rollerball Pen Refill See Parker Brand Rollerball Ink Refill. These are used in retractable gel and rollerballs. However, they aren’t always interchangeable as they can vary from one brand name to another.  Compatibility issues between brands are often caused by varying lengths and tapered ends. Therefore, it’s best that you use a refill size from your pen’s manufacturer.  Shop Now: Pen refills from Dayspring Pens Frequently Asked Questions... How Do You Refill a Fountain Pen? This is a question we get all the time, and we've made an entire How To video for it. We hope that helps to answer the question! What's the Difference Between Ballpoint Pen Refills and Rollerball Refills? Simple answer: The ink types are different based primarily on the liquid used to distribute the ink dye.  Ballpoint pen ink is oil-based that dries really quickly and doesn't smudge. Rollerball pen ink is water-based that seeps a little deeper in the page and looks darker and bolder.  Conclusion Finding the right replacement refill for your pen doesn’t have to be frustrating anymore.  With this guide by your side, you can now go ahead and explore new combinations of writing instruments and refills that fit.  If you’re looking for an ink refill that will fit your Cross, Waterman, or Parker pens, Dayspring Pens has got you covered.  We have a wide range of generic pen refills compatible with your favorite rollerball, ballpoint, and fountain pen ink. Featured image: WikiMedia Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

There are different types of fountain pen ink, each with unique characteristics. There are some that seem to sheen, some with different shades on paper, and some that last for what seems like hundreds of years. Others have a fantastic shimmer that will leave both you and your readers dazzled. Ink has many uses. While some are great for calligraphy, others are excellent for administrative work that requires a high degree of permanence. Indeed, there are many different colors of ink. Are you a purist who wants the all-time classic and versatile black ink? Are you a creative who wants a more adventurous option? However, whatever your taste and intended use, there’s an inkpot out there for you. And if it doesn’t exist yet, you can mix a batch up for yourself. Saying ink is just ink is like saying that the One Ring is just an accessory for a Hobbit’s finger. This guide aims to teach you all you need to know about the different fountain pen ink types.  By the end, you'll be more informed when shopping for your next refill. Here's what you'll learn in this ultimate guide to the different types of fountain pen inks: The main types of fountain pen inks that are available in the market. The various factors that you should consider when deciding on the kind of ink to buy. Where you should purchase converters for your pens. What Are the Different Types of Fountain Pen Ink? Dye Inks Dye inks consist of chemical components dissolved in water. Dye-based inks are the most widely available of all the fountain pen inks. In comparison to other inks, dye-based inks are quite affordable. It's also easy to take care of your fountain pen when using water-soluble dye-based inks: Firstly, it's highly unlikely for dye-based pen inks to clog up your fountain pen elements. You see, colorants dissolve in water completely. This means there's no sediment left behind to clog up your ink fountain pen. Secondly, in the unlikely case that it does, all you need to do is flush your pen with water and voila! You've solved your clogging problem. Image Source: Goldspot Pens on YouTube Due to the soluble nature of dye inks, however, they are not waterproof. It's easy for your notes to run or smudge when they come in contact with water. Here are the pros and cons of dye-based pen inks:   Pigment Inks Pigment-based types of fountain pen ink consist of fine solid particles of colorants mixed with water. However, these colorants are not water-soluble, and they remain suspended in the water. This aspect of pigment-based inks is why they demand regular cleaning of your pen. However, if left unattended, these solid particles can clog up your fountain pen feed. This obstructs the ink’s flow to your nib. Because of the physical aspect of pigment inks, they offer more permanence. However, the solid particles sit on the paper and bond to the fibers over time. There's no fading on exposure to sunlight, as is the case with chemical dye inks. Here are the pros and cons of using pigment inks with your pen:   Iron-Gall Inks Iron-gall inks are made by reacting tannic acid and iron (II) ions. The tannic acids used in the inks are extracted from the galls of oak trees and other trees. Thus the 'gall' in iron gall ink. When applied on paper, the ink darkens to a deep purple-black color due to the oxidation of iron. It dries significantly darker in the wetter spots. Consequently, this quality gives the strokes on the paper an attractive shading effect. Another revered quality of iron-gall inks is their permanence. When oxidized, iron gall inks become water-insoluble. This insolubility makes them permanent. Permanence is favored for archival projects such as issuing birth certificates. Indeed, many a marriage certificate has been signed using iron-gall inks. If you have one lying around, go have a look at it. Old manuscripts written using iron gall inks have maintained their legibility for centuries. The Miniature Silhouettes at the National Archives are one example.  Cool fact #1: Leonardo da Vinci wrote many of his manuscripts using iron-gall ink. Cool fact #2: The Codex Sinaiticus, the oldest Bible known to man, was written using iron-gall.   A word of caution: Iron-gall inks are acidic. Acid is corrosive. If you decide to use iron-gall inks in your fountain pen, make sure it's the fountain pen you use regularly. Your daily driver. This is because iron gall inks will corrode your pen’s metallic innards if left too long inside there. Make sure to clean your pen using clean water regularly. Here are the pros and cons of using iron gall inks with your fountain pen:   Bulletproof Ink Bulletproof ink is a dye-based formulation. It combines the benefits of both pigment-based and dye-based inks. Bulletproof inks bind with the paper's cellulose fibers to achieve waterproofness. This gives them a high degree of permanence. Because Bulletproof pen ink is dye-based, it requires low maintenance. You don't have to regularly clean out your pen to wash away the solid particles left inside. Other permanent inks are either pigment-based or iron-gall based inks. Both of these have their downsides. For example, iron-gall is corrosive. Pigment inks require you to clean your pen regularly to prevent clogging. Here are the pros and cons of using bulletproof inks in your pen:   Shimmer Inks Most people have shimmer, sheen, and shading mixed up. Sheen is where ink exhibits two different colors when it dries on the surface of your paper. For example, a purple ink might have a golden sheen. A red one might have a purple sheen. How does sheening work? Sheening happens when the ink has not fully absorbed into the paper’s cellulose paper fibers. It sits on the surface of the paper and develops a sheen as it dries. To get the best sheening results, use a wet nib on smooth paper with low absorption. What is Shading? Shading is when ink seems to fade from one end of each of your strokes to the other. The saturation of ink is higher where your strokes begin and end. It will appear faded in the midsection of your strokes. Image by Roman Yakimovich on Pinterest Shading gives your writing a good deal of character. Applications of Shading and Sheening As is the case with sheening, use a low-absorption paper. This will allow your ink to sit on top of the paper's surface for some time. It'll then pool in different sections of your characters’ strokes. This will bring about the desired shading result. Some people love the shading effect. Others find the abrupt transitions in ink intensity very distracting. Shimmer inks are fountain pen inks that have been infused with glitter. Your writing glitters on paper when you use shimmering ink. In formal professional settings, shimmer inks might come off as inappropriate. Use shimmering inks when writing informal letters or jotting down the day's events in your journal. Image by Nick Stewart Ink Art on twitter.com You need to shake your ink bottle well before refilling your pen. This is because the glitter will settle at the bottom of the bottle after a while of stillness. Use a broad wet nib when you use shimmer pen inks to derive a better shimmering effect. A fine dry nib will spread out the glitter too much, and the shimmer effect won't be as noticeable on the paper. Here are the pros and cons of using shimmering inks with your pen: Experiment with shade, sheen, and shimmer to find what works best for you. Scented Inks  These are fountain pen inks that utilize fragrances to add character to your writing. Spice up your letters and journals by using fountain pens with the ink of different scents. Your readers will appreciate the effort. Factors to Consider When Picking Out Types of Fountain Pen Ink Drying Time Due to the high viscosity of fountain pen inks, fast-drying isn't their strongest suit. Depending on the type of pen and paper you're using, you might wait for more than a minute for ink to dry on the paper. If you are left-handed or take lots of notes with ink fountain pens, this may sound impractical. Look for pen inks that dry fast after being applied on paper. Is Ink Waterproof? That moment when you spill tea or some drinking water on your notes. Can you relate? However, you're going to use fountain pen ink regularly, you should take note of its waterproofness. Most inks have a degree of waterproofness. If you happen to get your notes wet when, or after, writing, they will still be legible, although smeared. Some inks are entirely waterproof when dry. These have a high degree of permanence. Color Saturation of the Ink How much colorant is in your bottle of ink? Is the color very concentrated? Is it very diluted? If your ink is colorant saturated, your writing will be dark and vibrant. Your notes will pop out more. If it is less saturated, your writing will have less vibrance. The color will look a bit faded because the water to colorant ratio is off-kilter. The Wetness of Your Ink The wetness of your ink refers to its level of viscosity. While wet inks flow quickly through to your pen nib, dry inks flow slowly through your pen. If your handwriting is small and your characters tight-knit, you should go for a dry ink. Wet ink will make your characters run into each other because they're close to one another. This will make for messy work. However, if you have big handwriting with bold letters, a wet ink will suit you best. The heavy flow will accentuate your large characters and strokes.  Related Reading: How to Choose Your Perfect Pen for Your Handwriting Style   Bottled Ink or Cartridges? Some fountain pen users swear by ink cartridges, and others by bottled ink. To help you decide which one to use with your pens, here are the pros and cons of each:     As mentioned above, some fountain pen companies have proprietary cartridges. This means you can only use their in-house ink cartridges. Cartridges by other companies won't work on your pen. Other companies, however, use Standard International cartridges. These enable you to swap inks between pens from different manufacturers. Some brands also allow you to swap between cartridges from different companies. Here's a guide showing you the type of cartridges used by the major brands: Pen Brand Type of Cartridge They Use • Waterman Standard International • Sailor Sailor • Pelikan Standard International • Monteverde Standard International • Parker Parker or Aurora • Aurora Aurora, Lamy, or Parker • Platinum Platinum • Montblanc Standard International • Lamy Lamy • Kaweco Standard International • Cross Cross • Pilot Pilot Does your pen's manufacturer limit you to only using their proprietary ink cartridges?  Shop Now: Ink pen refills from Dayspring Pens   Get a Good Ink Converter Fountain pen ink converters give you the freedom to use bottled ink. This opens you up to a world of hundreds of ink colors. However, cartridges don't give you this wide a variety of colors. At Dayspring Pens, we specialize in personalized gifts suited for any occasion, and the ink refills that go with them. Buy ink converters that are the perfect pairing to your fountain pen. This grants you instant access to all the bottled ink colors in the world. Contact us for any assistance you may need in making your ink selection. We're happy to help. Featured image: flickr.com Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

Disclaimer: We are excited to share this guest article written by Brittany Hodak. Brittany Hodak is an international keynote speaker and award-winning business leader. Entrepreneur calls her an “expert at creating loyal fans for your brand,” and she is widely regarded as the “go-to source” on creating and retaining superfans. Dayspring Pens is not a paid affiliate. What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received? Think about it. Don’t worry, I’ll wait. 😉 Here’s two examples from my own experience: When I was seven years old, my grandma gave me a giant box filled with every art supply imaginable: paint, markers, crayons, construction paper, glitter, glue – you name it, it was in the box.  I'll never forget the happiness I felt digging through that seemingly bottomless box of goodies.  A decade later, for Valentine's Day my senior year, my then-boyfriend bought me a giant teddy bear and decked it out with a dozen or more gifts and trinkets for me to discover one by one: The teddy was wearing a cute green jacket from American Eagle, a trendy necklace, bracelets, and one of those 90s-style backpack purses filled with more fun surprises, like nail polish and candy and concert tees.  It was one of the most fun gifts ever — especially as I discovered that all of the items were my size.  What do both gifts have in common? They were creative, thoughtful, and centered around me.  That's why, decades later, I still remember every detail, long after the markers dried up and the backpack purse went out of style (although, to be honest, we should really think about bringing those back!).  They were more than gifts — they were the centerpieces of unforgettable experiences. I’m willing to bet the best gifts you've ever received share those same traits.   The Importance of Personalized Gifting  We all purchase gifts several times a year — whether it’s your partner’s birthday, a colleague’s retirement, or your cousin’s baby shower. And yet, even with so much practice, gift-giving stumps many of us.  Gifting is an art form that, when leveraged correctly, can elevate your relationships, referrals, and revenue. It’s a relationship-building skill that every executive should master.  No matter what type of present I’m buying – personal or professional, I always follow one rule: personalization. When you give a personalized gift, you’re showing that you understand the person’s interests and you appreciate and care about them as an individual.  Related Reading: Personalized Gift Ideas: Top 103 Gift Ideas     Gift giving is inherently personal. We are choosing an item or experience with someone very specific in mind.  When I learn new details about my clients, I capture these notes in my CRM so that when it’s time to send a gift, I’ll have plenty of ideas ready to go. I can’t tell you how many clients have said to me, “I can’t believe you remembered that!” when I surprise them with a gift that connects back to a conversation we had months prior. This technique will undoubtedly help you stand out to your customers. Plus, they’ll think of you every time they use the gift you got them, keeping you top of mind when a friend asks for a referral in your category.  You might be thinking, well, that’s great advice, but I haven’t written anything down in a CRM or anywhere else and I need a gift idea stat!  Try a Personalized Guestbook! My favorite go-to gift to get for a housewarming present, wedding, client appreciation, or just about any occasion is a personalized guestbook and pen, like this engraved journal and rollerball pen set from Dayspring Pens.  Why does a personalized guestbook make such a great gift?  1. It’s universal There’s a reason this is my go-to gift. It works for almost anyone in my life! I’ve gifted these as housewarming gifts for couples, a ‘thank you gift’ for a generous host, a personalized piece of home décor for clients, and even as an engagement present for couples to display at their wedding.  The journal is leather-bound, so it will last. Both the pen and the journal can be personalized with text, elevating it into that space of personalization.  And to be completely candid, I’m always losing pens. The fact that this journal has a built-in pen pocket makes it that much easier to keep the set together.  Finally, this is one of those gifts that I don’t have to worry about someone having already. 2. You can get creative with it Anyone can order a run-of-the-mill pen or notebook but when you take the time to send a personalized set, it shows the recipient that you went the extra mile (and with free engraving, why wouldn’t you?).  Just as their name or custom detail will be permanently etched onto the journal and pen forever, you will be top of mind whenever it’s used (which will be often, by the way!).  Aside from engraving a friend’s name or address, you can get really fun and clever with it, too. I’ve used inside jokes, nicknames, and even fantasy sports team names as inspiration for inscriptions.  If you’re buying a pen as a gift for a client, you could really wow them by engraving their business name on the front of the book (Pro tip: Never send a gift with YOUR logo on it. That’s not a gift, it’s an ad! Swag is not a gift) I have a lot of friends who are published authors, and when I know they’re starting to write another book, I always send them a new personalized pen with a motivational quote or the new title engraved.  I make sure they know they’re ONLY to use that pen when they’re working on the book — it’s a special pen to get them into the right (and write) mindset!  In fact, I just finished the first draft of a book called Creating Superfans, and every time I was writing instead of typing (which was often!), I used a gorgeous pen from my sister-in-law, Dawn, and a notebook from my Aunt Vicki that I reserved for only that purpose. When I busted out that notebook and pen, it was a cue to my brain that it was time to get in writing mode!  Learn More: Personalized Gifts and Superfans - A Conversation with Brittany Hodak     I’ve even gifted custom pens with friends’ favorite song lyrics or personal mantras, which is another way to show that I care about their interests. Have fun with it! The sky’s the limit when you’re making an effort to let people know you care. 3. It’s timeless and memorable The best part about gifting someone a personalized guestbook and pen is that you’re helping them capture memories.  My husband and I have had a journal in our guest room since we moved from New York City to Franklin, TN five years ago. When we have our out-of-town friends and family stay over, I always have them sign our guestbook. Guests often write about the time we spent together, including all of the activities we did and the stories we laughed about.  In today’s digital world, how often do we get handwritten memories from our loved ones?  It’s amazing to go back and read some of the entries from when I first moved to Tennessee, or when one of my closest friends came to visit and met my son for the first time. In fact, whenever someone stays at my house, they’ll often tell me they stayed up late just reading through all of the pages in the guestbook! My journal has truly become a time capsule for my family.  The best part? Everyone else wrote it for me! How’s that for crowd-sourcing something that I probably never would have taken the time to do myself?   Last summer, when a business associate generously invited me to stay at his home, I noticed he didn't have a guestbook in his spare bedroom. Since he often invites guests to stay in his home, I knew a personalized guestbook and pen would make the perfect thank you gift. And, instead of simply engraving it with his name, I called back to a funny term he kept using to refer to his guest suite.  I authored the first entry to set the tone for the book (and included a card talking about how much I love my own guestbook!) and sent it off. He loved it! A few months later, I got a message from another friend: a picture of my page in the guest book!  Turns out, he was staying with my friend — whom I didn’t even know he knew. This has happened several times with multiple friends. It’s always fun to be reminded that the world is even smaller than we think!  The next time you’re looking for a gift that’s the perfect blend of customized, practical, and memorable, why not try a personalized guestbook and pen set? I’m willing to bet that it will soon become a favorite go-to gift for just about everyone on your list!  Shop Now: Dayspring Rollerball Pen & Journal Gift Set   Conclusion Gift-giving is all about making someone feel appreciated at a moment that matters. Never be afraid to use personalization and creativity to transform a seemingly-standard gift into a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Be sure to check out other gifting options in the Dayspring Pens collection! To read more from Brittany, check out her blog. Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

We had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Brittany Hodak. Brittany offered us her groundbreaking perspective on customer engagement and retention, so we wanted to share it with everyone. Who Is Brittany Hodak? Brittany Hodak is an international keynote speaker and award-winning business leader. Entrepreneur calls her an “expert at creating loyal fans for your brand,” and she is widely regarded as the “go-to source” on creating and retaining superfans. An accomplished speaker, she has been invited to speak to audiences and organizations across the world, including American Express, WeWork, Compassion International, Sony Music, Inc., and the United Nations, just to name a few. Brittany co-founded, scaled, and successfully exited The Superfan Company, a fan engagement company whose roster included Walmart, Disney, Amazon, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and more under her eight-year leadership. In 2015, she was offered deals from four of the five Sharks on ABC’s Shark Tank at a valuation of more than $4 million. Brittany’s goal is to help businesses create “superfans”.  Related Reading: 3 Reasons a Personalized Guestbook Makes a Great Housewarming Gift | Guest Article by Brittany Hodak What is a Superfan? Superfans are customers who use your product or service and who advocate for it within the natural flow of life. They value your brand enough to spend their free time talking about it with others. In Brittany’s words, “A superfan is a customer or collaborator who over-indexes in their affinity for a brand, company, person, or service, thereby increasing the chance they will advocate on its behalf as part of everyday life.” Her method for growing a network of superfans is clear and simple: S.U.P.E.R. S - START WITH YOUR STORY U - UNDERSTAND YOUR CUSTOMER'S STORY P - PERSONALIZE & CONNECT E - EXCEED EXPECTATIONS R - REPEAT! Be sure to check out Brittany’s website for more. Her book is set to release in October 2022. Until then, you can catch her on numerous other podcasts. Be sure to also check out her list of 20 Super Gifting Ideas To Wow Every Client. Here's some other related articles from us: “4 Reasons Why Corporate Gifting is Crucial to Growth (2021)”  “Should I Buy My Boss a Gift?: Rules For Buying Gifts for Bosses (2021)”   “The Ultimate Guide to Professional Gifting Etiquette (2021)”  If you found this video helpful and interesting, be sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more! Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

It's really hard to know what custom engraving to get on a personalized gift for a loved one. I've written another article on the subject that gives some strategies for coming up with your own engraving verbiage.  In this article, however, I've compiled a list here of easy, short, custom engraving go-to's that can help you narrow down the right engraving ideas for your gift recipient. In this article, you'll see my full list of suggestions along with 50 famous quotes about writing, books, pens, and more! After that, I've gathered 10 hilarious pen puns just for laughs to go along with your engraved gift. Before I jump in, two preliminary remarks to relieve any potential stress about engraving choices: You can never go wrong by simply getting their name engraved on the pen. It's simple and still super meaningful. At Dayspring Pens, you can get your pen engraved with two lines of personalized engraving to double the possibilities for quotes. This just gives you more wiggle room. (If you're interested in engraved gift pens, be sure to check out our list of best sellers.) There's no end to the meaningful phrases and powerful quotes you can say to a loved one. 277 suggestions is just NOT enough. So, these gifting ideas are really just meant to help get your gears turning as far as the possibilities. You don't have to just copy and paste from the list below. Add your own spin! So without further delay... 277 things to engrave on your gift pen I've organized all my suggestions by occasion, relationships, and occupations. Let's take it case-by-case. Engraving ideas for the Christmas season 1.) Merry Christmas! 2.) Happy Holidays! 3.) You're the best Christmas gift! 4.) From Santa 5.) Gift of the Year! 6.) You made the Nice List! 7.) Write and be merry! 8.) Joyful, Joyful 9.) In the true spirit of Christmas! 10.) Blessings this Christmas! 11.) Words are not enough 12.) With all the Christmas cheer! Engraving ideas for friends 13.) For my best friend forever 14.) You've got a friend in me. 15.) To my funny friend. 16.) My ride or die 17.) For the real one 18.) Partners in crime 19.) May your dreams come true! 20.) True friends give pens. 21.) You inspire me. 22.) Double trouble 23.) To my best pen pal 24.) Chill, dude. 25.) Friends are other selves. 26.) Friends for life 27.) Friends 28.) I'm glad we're friends 29.) The one friend I go to 30.) You help me find my keys 31.) The gifts of friendship 32.) My great friend Engraving ideas for family members 33.) My dearest 34.) I love you forever! 35.) From Dad 36.) From Mom 37.) To my favorite child 38.) To my wonderful [father/mother/son/daughter/brother/sister] 39.) I'm proud of you! 40.) I support you! 41.) You make me happy! 42.) I'm so happy to be your [father/mother/son/daughter/brother/sister] 43.) I'll always be your [father/mother/son/daughter/brother/sister] 44.) Mom wanted to get you a puppy. 45.) Rebel child 46.) The special child 47.) First in family 48.) Jen's first pen 49.) Love you Engraving ideas for birthdays 50.) Happy Birthday! 51.) It is your birthday. 52.) You're getting so old. 53.) For John/Jane, on his/her #th birthday. 54.) 105 years young! 55.) You're still 24 in my heart. 56.) In memoriam to your twenties. 57.) Thanks for existing! 58.) You're a gift! 59.) Birthday pen. 60.) A very special birthday! 61.) It's a big life to celebrate! 62.) Have the time of your life Engraving ideas for Valentine's Day and Anniversaries 63.) Love you to the moon and back! 64.) My diamond forever 65.) True love 66.) Our love is the best gift I have. 67.) You're my sweetheart 68.) My sunshine 69.) My person 70.) You are special to me 71.) Apple of my eye 72.) My forever 73.) My heart and soul 74.) Engraved on my heart 75.) Soul mate 76.) Happy Valentine's Day 77.) My favorite valentine 78.) Happy anniversary! 79.) Every year with you is perfect 80.) First in my life 81.) engraved on my soul 82.) my heart of hearts 83.) I heart you 84.) Because I can't afford jewelry 85.) my special friend 86.) our love is strong 87.) I love spending my life with you 88.) Take all my time 89.) I want a life with you 90.) I want forever with you 91.) The only one for me 92.) The one who has my heart 93.) I find myself in you 94.) First love 95.) You are loved 96.) You are everything to me Engraving ideas for Father's Day 97.) World's best dad! 98.) Thanks for being my dad! 99.) To my favorite dad 100.) To write down your dad jokes 101.) Proud to be your [son/daughter]! 102.) Best advice giver 103.) My wisened and wild dad 104.) Love you forever, Dad! 105 .) Lucky to have you as my dad 106.) You inspire me to be better! 107.) For having my back every day 108.) Your jokes are terrible. 109.) Happy Father's Day! 110.) Life advice coordinator 111.) Oil changer of the century 112.) Thanks for life Engraving ideas for Mother's Day 113.) I love you, mom! 114.) Forever the best madre! 115.) Mom of the year! 116.) Mom of the century! 117.) Thanks for giving me life 118.) My greatest inspiration 119.) You make me proud 120.) Proud to be your [son/daughter]! 121.) I love you and I like you 122.) I'll always be your [son/daughter]! 123.) Happy Mother's Day! 124.) I'll never forget your love 125.) Best mom in the world! 126.) In my heart always 127.) Have the best time! 128.) Your love is my hiding place 129.) Love gives life Engraving ideas for coworkers 130.) I wish you every success 131.) To get through Monday 132.) Thanks for having my back 133.) Best cubicle buddy 134.) King of the Water Cooler 135.) World's Best Coworker 136.) World's Best Boss 137.) Welcome to the team! 138.) Office Queen 139.) Desk Jockey of the Year 140.) For all your hard work 141.) Paperwork Pioneer Engraving ideas for work promotions and new hires 142.) Welcome to the team! 143.) To go with the new office 144.) Team Member 145.) For stepping up 146.) Hard work pays off 147.) Success is yours 148.) I wish you all the best! 149.) For your future endeavors 150.) Good job, man! 151.) Good luck in your new position! Engraving ideas for graduations 152.) You did it! 153.) Congratulations! 154.) Class of 2021! 155.) Congratulations, Dr. [John Smith]! 156.) You're done with school! 157.) To the best graduate! 158.) To my favorite scholar! 159.) University of [Cambridge] 2021! 159.) Future world changer 160.) You survived! 161.) Make it count! 162.) To sign the checks 163.) Word magician, PhD 164.) Success awaits 165.) The world is your oyster 166.) Have the time of your life Engraving ideas for award recipients 167.) Congratulations! 168.) Salesman/Saleswoman of the Year! 169.) Team MVP 170.) Company Success Story 171.) Thank you for your effort 172.) Team Player 173.) Morale booster 174.) All heart Engraving ideas for writers 175.) A writer's best friend 176.) Write every day down 177.) The write pen 178.) Make every word count 179.) For when the words come 180.) Find the write words 181.) The write life 182.) Great writers need great pens 183.) For the inspiration 184.) Focus, the words will come 185.) Poet 186.) Great poets steal 187.) Get back to your novel 188.) For your memoirs 189.) Engrave your life in history Engraving ideas for doctors and other medical professionals 190.) Best Doctor Forever Award 191.) RN of the Year 192.) Always my favorite PA 193.) Thank you for everything! 194.) I'll always remember your care 195.) Doctor's pen 196.) Your handwriting is bad 197.) But you're still a good MD Engraving ideas for lawyers 198.) Your handwriting is a crime 199.) JD of the century 200.) Underwriter's Pen 201.) Partner of the Year 202.) Partner in crime, sort of 203.) Deposition Master 204.) To go with your law suit 205.) Your lawyer is present 206.) Lawyer present 207.) Bickers & Bickers 208.) Know the law, know the judge 209.) Paralegal: the real lawyer here 210.) Where there's a will there's a lawsuit. Engraving ideas for psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists 211.) Mental health professional 212.) My favorite therapist 213.) Oedipal expert 214.) Forever my Freudian friend 215.) Absolutely mental 216.) How am I feeling today? 217.) I wonder what that was all about. 218.) World's least creepy psychoanalyst 219.) Piaget's Pen Engraving ideas for philosophers 220.) For the time being... 221.) Socratic Society Founder 222.) World's best philosopher 223.) World's worst philosopher 224.) Stoic of the Century 225.) platofan1994 226.) Derrida's Bane 227.) Continental philosophy forever 228.) What is wisdom, Socrates? 229.) Lover of wisdom 230.) Cogito ergo sum 231.) I think therefore I am 232.) A friend is another self 233.) For cheating the ethics exam. 234.) Anti-capitalist gang 235.) Wittgenstein's Pen Engraving ideas for clergy 236.) Pastor of the year 237.) Resident theology guy 238.) Because nuns can have fun too 239.) Preacher's pen 240.) Methodist magic 241.) Bishop Barron for the Papacy 242.) Calvinist gang rise up 243.) Always reforming 244.) Trinitarians for life Engraving ideas for inspiration 245.) The whole world's a stage 246.) Inspiration machine 247.) Live your dreams always 248.) Great things are coming 249.) Your outlook is important 250.) Good things come to those who wait 251.) Do what you want 252.) Hold onto every moment 253.) Inspiration flows in silence 254.) Apply your mind 255.) There is a way Engraving ideas for encouragement 256.) Never give up! 257.) Keep up the good work! 258.) You can do this! 259.) You've got the biggest heart 260.) Do today, tomorrow will come later. 261.) May all your dreams come true 262.) The world is so big, write it down. 263.)Every day is a new day. 264.) Take it slow 265.) Thanks for all you do 266.) Give thanks always 267.) Way to go! Engraving ideas for laughs 268.) In lieu of a PS5... 269.) Dad? 270.) Feeling stabby? 271.) Answer the phone. 272.) Momma needs a coke 273.) Breakfast: cigarettes and coffee 274.) A pen, again. 275.) #1 biscuit 276.) You guys made me ink. and FINALLY... 277.) OBGYN, at your cervix. There are a ton of other lists of engraving ideas out there as well if you need more. Check out the list from Thoughtful Impressions here, and another comprehensive list from Love, Georgie. 49 famous sayings about pens, books, and writing! Here's 49 famous quotes about all things writing to go with the gifts you engrave. Some of the quotes in here can also be boiled down to short meaningful phrases that you can get on your personalized pen, but I also suggest you use these for ideas of gift notes to give alongside the pen! 1.) "The pen is mightier than the sword." 2.) “Anyone who thinks the pen is mightier than the sword has not been stabbed with both.” ― Lemony Snicket 3.) “I cannot sleep unless I am surrounded by books.” ― Jorge Luis Borges 4.) “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” ― Jorge Luis Borges 5.) "And all the sweet serenity of books.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 6.) “My library is an archive of longings.” ― Susan Sontag 7.) “She read books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.” ― Annie Dillard 8.) "[To] the library, and step on it.” — David Foster Wallace 9.) “The world was hers for the reading.” — Betty Smith 10.) “I cannot live without books.” ― Thomas Jefferson 11.) “Books are the mirrors of the soul.” -Virginia Woolf 12.) “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ― St. Augustine 13.) “′Classic′ - a book which people praise and don't read.” ― Mark Twain 14.) “Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” ― Lemony Snicket 15.) “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ― C.S. Lewis 16.) “Into the ash I dripped my pen and came out with fire.” ― Jazz Feylynn 17.) "Every moment is a fresh beginning." – T.S Eliot 18.) “Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers.” ― T.S. Eliot 19.) "Whatever you do, do it well." – Walt Disney 20.) "What we think, we become." – Buddha 21.) "If I’m gonna tell a real story, I’m gonna start with my name." – Kendrick Lamar 22.) "Reality is wrong, dreams are for real." – Tupac 23.) "Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud." – Maya Angelou 24.) "And still, I rise." – Maya Angelou 26.) "The time is always right to do what is right." – Martin Luther King Jr. 27.) "The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” — Sylvia Plath 28.) “Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences” ― Sylvia Plath 29.) "I can never read all the books I want." -Sylvia Plath 30.) “Books were safer than other people anyway.” ― Neil Gaiman 31.) “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” ― Douglas Adams 32.) “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” ― Ernest Hemingway 33.) “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” ― Ernest Hemingway 34.) “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” ― Ray Bradbury 35.) “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” ― Anne Frank 36.) “Tears are words that need to be written.” ― Paulo Coelho 37.) “Always be a poet, even in prose.” ― Charles Baudelaire 38.) “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” ― Albert Camus 39.) “Write what should not be forgotten.” ― Isabel Allende 40.) “A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity." ― Franz Kafka 41.) “Writing is utter solitude, the descent into the cold abyss of oneself.” ― Franz Kafka 42.) “I write for the same reason I breathe.” ― Isaac Asimov 43.) “You can fix anything but a blank page.” ― Nora Roberts 44.) “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” ― Martin Luther 45.) “To write well, express yourself like the common people, but think like a wise man.” ― Aristotle 46.) “Poems are never finished - just abandoned” ― Paul Valery 47.) “What cannot be said above all must not be silenced but written.” ― Jacques Derrida 48.) “Fiction is the truth inside the lie.” ― Stephen King 49.) “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” ― Stephen King 50.) “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” ― Pericles I hope these quotes give your gifts that extra touch of personal inspiration! 10 Pen puns to make writers laugh! I love puns. Every time a customer orders a pen from me with a punny engraving, I celebrate! That's why I've added some of my favorite pen puns here for your enjoyment. "The best pen ever made will be the second to last ever made... Because it would be the penultimate." "I bought a pen that can write underwater. It can write other words too." "What do Mike and Sulley fill their pens with? Monsters Ink." "I got into an argument with a friend about whether pens were better than pencils... I’ll admit, they had a point, but I still think the argument will be erased in time." "I decided to make a fortune with a new invention: a vending machine for writing tools! The patent is 'pending'" "Somebody stole my pen. That’s just not write." "I need some help fixing my new pen. Anyone have any tips?" "All my pens are sick. It's a pen-demic." "I wrote a bad word in my english paper, and instead of getting a bad grade, my professor just took all my writing instruments away. That was my PENalty." "Don't try to repair a broken pen. It's pointless." Conclusion I hope you found the right engraving for you! Before you go, if you're looking for affordable engraved gifts, be sure to check out our list of the best Cross pens.  Now it's your turn! Let me know your favorite engraving in the comments! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

Oh! Is it Christmas? Lots of bonding time and exchanging of gifts? Or are you and your spouse soon celebrating your anniversary? Maybe you just want to gift your employees during that end-of-year party. Or your mom’s birthday is just around the corner. Such occasions require you to get a gift. And not just any gift, a memorable one. It’s easy to get stumped over what gift you could give that’ll make a lasting impression. The solution - custom engraved pens. That’s right! But first, a fun fact: Did you know that the President of the United States signs vital documents with a different pen every time? He never uses the same pen twice. He then offers the pen as a gift to the staff who assisted him in creating that document. These presidential pens are engraved by the White House beforehand. Pretty cool, right? Today, custom engraved pens are often given out at: Occasions such as anniversaries, Christmas, graduation, weddings, funerals, christenings Promotional events, exhibitions Deal-signing ceremonies, business meetings, and much more! Personalized gift items allow your recipient to know that they are valued and unique. Engraved pens take this to the next level. They convey sophistication and classic elegance. Giving your employee an engraved pen as a gift for their team effort or good conduct is an excellent way to have them feel respected and valued. Most people have an array of pens on their desks. Are they engraved? Probably not. A personalized pen is a gift someone will treasure even when the ink dries out. The pen ceases to be just a pen but becomes a memory. And a cherished memory at that. Now, let’s help you make that unforgettable impression with custom engraved pens.  Shop Now: Luxury Customized Pens From Dayspring Pens   Factors to Consider Before You Give Someone an Engraved Pen as a Gift Production Time How fast do you require your custom engraved pens? Standard engraving is normally done within 4-5 business days. However, if you’re racing against time and you need one quickly, you can shop from the Dayspring Pens Rush Page. These pens have an engraving 1-day upgrade option available. They are shipped within 1 business day using the shipping method you have selected. It’s advisable to keep your choice of pen simple and avoid complex designs that may make the production process longer. It’s important to note that the production time isn’t inclusive of shipping transit time. Logo Engraving Information Font The message or name engraving should always be legible. This means that the font you choose plays a big role in legibility. Using the right font ensures that all the text is engraved as sharp as possible. Issues with the ink blending during engraving are minimized as well. At Dayspring Pens the standard engraving fonts that we use are Script, Block, and Times fonts. These fonts are used for all Parker, Waterman, Cross, and Woodmark items. On the Woodmark Deluxe Pen and Pencil Set, the standard font is Deluxe. For large order quantities, corporate orders, and orders with a logo, a custom font type is used to maintain the standards of your brands. “My recent experience with your organization exceeded our expectations in every way. Your website is informative and makes for easy ordering.  The Cross pens were of the quality and appearance that I expected.  The engraving was correct, flawless, and beautifully done. The attractive packaging was a welcome surprise. Shipping and receipt of the order were much faster than promised. All in all, we couldn’t be more pleased with our experience with Dayspring Pens.”- Peter, Wisconsin Imprint Color The imprint area can affect the information you choose to engrave on the new pen. So you’ll need to be cautious because too much information makes the area look messy and cluttered. Engraving comes out better when the design of the pen is one color. Because the area is small, many colors tend to become illegible. When you settle on a design we recommend that you go for the easy-to-see colors for the engraving. Colors such as orange, purple, or red might be difficult to see when compared with colors such as white or black. You need to ensure that whichever color you choose, your information or logo pops. Pen Engrave Positions Based on the shape and size of the new pen, the engraving is done on either the barrel or the cap. The standard engraving position for Dayspring Pens is on the broad side of the cap. It’s visible when held by a right-handed person. Is your recipient left-handed? You don’t need to fret. We’ve got you covered. You can request to get a customized one fit for a left-handed person. What to Engrave on a Pen Now that you’ve chosen your perfect pen for your recipient, what’s next? What message will you engrave? Here are a few ideas to set the ball rolling. You can engrave: Text. Think phone number, company name, website, and inspirational quotes. You can include a sentimental message such as “Best Mom In The World”. If the pen is a wedding gift you can have it engraved “Father of the Bride” or “Lynn Weds Sam 2020”. Names, Initials, Dates, slogan or tagline, and such.  To help create a pleasant tone for your brand, a statement such as “Thanks For Your Business” goes a long way. The text could also be specific to an occasion like “The Jackson’s Family Reunion 2021”. Or business-specific like, “Play By The Rules, But Be Ferocious”. Logo. Keep it simple when using custom engraved pens. If your logo is too detailed, you’d rather opt for text-only or clip emblems. Custom Signatures - Want to make your gift even more special? Engraving a signature is a sure way to achieve this. You can simply get a copy of your recipient’s signature and have it engraved on the cap. Cross Century II, Waterman Expert, and Cross Townsend are popular with signature engraving. “I cannot say enough about their customer service. We had pens get lost in the mail, and it wasn't discovered until 13 hours before an event was to be held. I was able to get Customer Service on the phone quickly. Dayspring Pens was able to engrave the pens I needed and immediately hand them to their UPS driver. I strongly recommend them! - Gabriela, New York  Learn More: What Can Be Engraved?   Get Your Engraved Pen Today Whether it’s for a political campaign, company, loved one, or special event, custom engraved pens are bound to make an unforgettable impression. At Dayspring Pens, we understand the significance of using a customized pen during special moments and everyday occasions. We know that everyone deserves a high-quality pen whichever the occasion and use. Writing is an art and it should be treated as such with the ‘write’ instruments (get it?). That's why we offer you a wide range of elegant, meaningful, and customized pens. Buy the perfect gift today. Featured image: pxfuel.com Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.