I Am Really Loving Curated Mystery Boxes

Ever since Joe from The Gentleman Stationer announced his first ever Patron mystery box, or as he describes it, Curated box, I knew that was something that I wanted to try out. I am a terrible person to try to get gifts for, as my wife can attest to, as if I see something that I want to get, I will research all of the options and get whatever version I feel like will be the right fit for me. The idea of receiving a box and having no idea what is in it, that is a way to bring back some of that mystery associated with opening up a gift.

I have now been a part of almost every box that Joe has offered aside from one on this last round, as he added it after I had already picked up the couple that I talked about in this latest video and I really can’t think of a single item that I have either not given an honest try, or in some cases, they have become staple items that I use all of the time. I have also found that items from past boxes really come to be useful for future boxes. A great example of that is the NJK long reach pencil sharpener from the very first box, I have used that to sharpen future wood case pencils that have come in later boxes.

These boxes are normally offered to Patrons first, so you might consider signing up for the Gentleman Stationer Patreon if you want to be able to get one of these when they next come available, but for the last few, there have been some left over that have been released to the general public as well.

Here are some of the past curated box videos to check out as well.

May 2026 Update

So updating the website seems to be one of the things that go to the bottom of the list, but I am trying to get things better updated. I have been creating pages for the various typewriters, and also working on both a typewriter and pen inventory that I will be putting here in various ways as time allows.

I have all of my inks up to date on Fountain Pen Companion, so that is available if you want to see what inks that I have in the collection.

I have still been actively sending letters and postcards, so if you would like to receive something, you can submit your address via the google form found here.

Be sure to check Youtube for weekly Livestream links for the Thursday night livestreams at 6PM CST.

Venturing Into My Next Level Analog

I recently released a video formally introducing one of my new favorite stationery categories which I found not that long ago in vintage typewriters. I have already found a variety of ways to use them in my stationery hobby and journey, and I imagine that will only continue to grow as I go forward. I have added a page to the site where I will link to some typewriter centric information in case you too have an interest in exploring this wonderful tool family.

I have already come across a variety of pen friends who either already owned and had been using typewriters, or once they had a chance to try one, they found themselves shopping for one before too much time had passed. As I tend to do with my hobbies, I jumped in head first, and have not only found a variety of typewriters, I have ventured into cleaning and repairing them as needed to be sure that I am able to use them in my normal rotation. All that being said, there are a couple in my collection that get used less than others, but over time, I am sure that those might end up finding new homes as I come across other typeface models, but that is also a fun part of the adventure.

Here is a link to the intro video, and I will add more reference material to the Typewriter page whose link is found at the top of the page.