Crafting the Divine
PEN WORLD|February 2024
What's in a name? Paradise, when the name is Divine Pens Plus.
-  BARRY GABAY
Crafting the Divine

A location is more than a geographical point, more than a dot on a map. A place and its name contain a world of associations. There are special feelings evoked by the mention of place names. The Florida Keys is one such place. Its name suggests sun, tropics, chill lifestyle, and exquisite natural beauty.

The Keys are a divine place. Braxton and Erica Frankenbery vacationed there many times from their home in Ohio. On a whim, they relocated to the Keys after their 20th anniversary. Now they are situated farther north in Florida, but the feeling of paradise remains with them. They embrace it, live it, and proudly carry it as their business name: Divine Pens Plus (DPP).

Braxton's background was in manufacturing, and Erica was a microbiologist. After Braxton began making pens from kits, he soon switched to more satisfying models of his own design.

Erica describes her husband's rapid success as a pen turner: "With Braxton's experience as a drafter and machinist, we believed that we could make pens that are functional pieces of art." Custom pens led to a brick-and-mortar store, which closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, DPP pens are offered on the company website and at select pen shows.

Braxton is self-reflective but frank about his pens. The customer is always on his mind, whether considering cost or writing comfort: "When designing and making a pen, our goal is high quality and functionality, meaning it is a consistently good writer for many years."

この蚘事は PEN WORLD の February 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は PEN WORLD の February 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

PEN WORLDのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
Remembering Ward Dunham (October 11, 1941 - August 24, 2024)
PEN WORLD

Remembering Ward Dunham (October 11, 1941 - August 24, 2024)

On August 24, 2024, calligrapher Ward Dunham passed away.

time-read
2 分  |
October 2024
The Black Pen Society and the D.C. Pen Show: Poobah in a Flower Pot
PEN WORLD

The Black Pen Society and the D.C. Pen Show: Poobah in a Flower Pot

Do you like black pens? If so, you are probably already familiar with the fun, frivolity, and fellowship associated with the Black Pen Society (BPS).

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Stationery Fest: This Is Not a Pen Show
PEN WORLD

Stationery Fest: This Is Not a Pen Show

Daisy and Neil Ni's twist on the traditional pen show is about community, not commerce.

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024
"It Has Style:" A History of the Aurora Hastil (1969-1970)
PEN WORLD

"It Has Style:" A History of the Aurora Hastil (1969-1970)

The Italian pen company's experiment in modernism led to a revolution in late 20th century pen design. A two-part series.

time-read
5 分  |
October 2024
GW Pens Scores a Critical Hit
PEN WORLD

GW Pens Scores a Critical Hit

With new collections inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and Fender guitars, artisan John Greco is tapping into cultural trends.

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024
Roterfaden's "Pocket Companion' "
PEN WORLD

Roterfaden's "Pocket Companion' "

The Taschenbegleiter hand-made planner system from German artisan cooperative Roterfaden features a modular organizational system that grows with the user's ambitions.

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024
S.T. Dupont Takes the Iron Throne
PEN WORLD

S.T. Dupont Takes the Iron Throne

The French atelier continues its forays into popular culture with a new, officially licensed Game of Thrones collection.

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024
More Mail, More Dip-Less
PEN WORLD

More Mail, More Dip-Less

The six-part series on dip-less (or one-dip) fountain pens garnered some major attention through its run from October 2023 through August 2024 (Vol. 36 No. 6 Vol. 37 No. 5).

time-read
2 分  |
October 2024
David Oscarson: A Reflection
PEN WORLD

David Oscarson: A Reflection

The artisan pen maker celebrates 25 years of luxury writing instruments with a new collection that harkens to his Art Nouveau roots.

time-read
7 分  |
October 2024
The Parkette Hopalong Cassidy Ballpoint Pen
PEN WORLD

The Parkette Hopalong Cassidy Ballpoint Pen

The Jotter was advertised as Parker's first ballpoint pen, but a novelty item that played on the Hopalong Cassidy culture craze predated it.

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024