In episode 14, I get to welcome Jonathon Brooks of Carolina Pen Company to talk about how he has become one of the most well known names when it comes to pen materials in addition to the pens that he makes as part of the Carolina Pen Company. We talk about how he got started, and the path that followed in terms of teaching himself to make pens which quickly led to pouring his own blanks, and things just kept growing over time.

Jonathon shows a variety of pens made from his materials from brands such as Franklin-Cristoph, Leonardo, Delta and more. Jonathan talks about how he stumbled on his unique way of displaying his pens at shows, as well as getting into offering laser engraved nibs on his pens, as well as producing them for other makers as well.

Show Links

https://www.carolinapencompany.com

https://www.instagram.com/carolinapencompany/

https://www.thepenturns.com

https://www.fountaintelling.comhttps://www.edisonpen.com

https://www.pensbypasquale.com

https://www.papajstudio.comhttps://www.newtonpens.com

In this episode I am joined by pen maker and artist Matthew Martin who talks about how he got into making his machined pens. Matthew talks about how a side project of helping his dad with some knife making ended up becoming his full time job of making bespoke metal pens. Matthew talks about how he explored different anodization techniques, and how that moved into using anodized titanium as a form of artistic expression.

Show Links

https://www.matthewmartinmakes.com

https://www.instagram.com/matthewmartinmakes/

https://www.anodizedart.com

https://www.instagram.com/anodizedart/

https://www.anodizedart.com/gallery

https://artandlightgallery.com/artist/matthew-c-martin

Find Matthew at the Dallas Pen Show or the Empire Pen Show for 2026 and follow his website for 2027 details.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Matthew Martin's background

02:13 Starting in machining and transition to pen making

04:03 Materials used: Titanium, zirconium, Mokume Gane

07:02 Design philosophy behind OG1 and OG2 models

11:58 Finishing techniques: Anodizing, flame finishing, stratified coloration

20:01 The artistic evolution: From simple finishes to depictive art

34:07 The role of art in modern pen making and future projects

44:02 How to follow Matthew Martin and upcoming releases

In this episode, Derek interviews Diana from Moth and Maple who shares her journey into leather and stationery accessories, discusses her custom offerings, and explores her process of creating unique leather products and blanks for pens. Discover how her passion for leatherwork and stationery converges into a thriving small business, with insights into the latest trends and her upcoming projects.

There will be a website product drop on Saturday June 6, so be sure to check that out.

Show Links

https://www.mothandmaple.com

https://www.instagram.com/mothandmapledesigns/

Upcoming Pen Shows

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