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."
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av PEN WORLD.
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Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av PEN WORLD.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Remembering Ward Dunham (October 11, 1941 - August 24, 2024)
On August 24, 2024, calligrapher Ward Dunham passed away.
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).
Stationery Fest: This Is Not a Pen Show
Daisy and Neil Ni's twist on the traditional pen show is about community, not commerce.
"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.
GW Pens Scores a Critical Hit
With new collections inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and Fender guitars, artisan John Greco is tapping into cultural trends.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
