Enthusiastically, Dawn

I was contacted this month by a representative from Ellington Pens about the possibility of receiving and reviewing one of their fountain pens. Today, I am sharing my thoughts about the pen I received, my experience so far as I’ve interacted via e-mail with the company, and a few bonus thoughts! So read on, and I will tell you all the things about my latest writing adventure and how I may have serendipitously discovered my new favorite writing tool.

Most of you know I love to write. Many of you have participated in my Planner Boot Camps and Journaling Journeys. You have followed and often joined in as I’ve explored and experimented with many tools (and toys) available to the planner and journaling communities. I’ve reviewed many planners and journals, but for as many pens as I’ve loved, shared, and favorited over time, I realize I have never written a review on something I use daily to get my work done, my words on paper, and out to the world. So I am thrilled to be able to make room in my life and on this website for a writing instrument that I think is worth using and sharing. Enter Ellington Pens.

The pen I received for this review is called the Alpine Rose Fountain Pen. I received a medium nib (the kind rep who gifted me this pen from EP actually let me choose my preference). The style and color pen I received were a surprise. I have to confess it is stunning, and I was thrilled when I first laid eyes on the pen. The Alpine Rose Fountain Pen is made of steel, the trim and clip are brass- the combination I have features a gorgeous rose-gold detail. Some details for you on the nib- it says on the website the medium nib is 0.5-0.7. I think this is a good description because I feel the nib’s writing experience was between my Lamy (All Star) medium nibs and my Pilot Explorer fine-tip nib. I prefer to write with my pen posted (which means the cap on the pen while writing), and I feel like the pen is well-balanced, not heavy for my hand, but comfortable in the grip and how it sits as I write. The top has an attractive octagon shape. The clip is functional. Some fountain pen clips are too tight to be functional. Elegance meets practicality in this pen.

About the Writing…

I actually bought myself some new ink in anticipation of receiving my new pen. I had done a bit of research and watched some reviews, so I knew the pen would come with a converter. I wanted to have something special to pair with this wonderful New Year’s gift! I chose Diamine Writer’s Blood, inked up the pen, and pulled my inky journal from the shelf to experiment. So the way the ink flows is dreamy. I felt like the pen glided over the paper (I used an Archer and Olive for the original test as shown below). It was smooth, like watching a figure skater flawlessly glide over ice, or how you frost a cake, and it just makes all those buttery, layered waves. I could go on with my writerly self, but I’ll refrain.

I have been writing with this pen for a full week now, as I wanted to spend enough time with it before sharing my thoughts. I have to confess, I am impressed with this pen’s performance. The converter is a removable twist-action piston and worked seamlessly. The pen’s aesthetic is well… you can see for yourself. I am quite smitten. I have already added the Rosy Flair Fountain Pen to my Wish List.

I have the Chic Sparrow 10th Anniversary Fountain Pen, a favorite for me, and I believe it is the closest in writing experience to my Ellington Pens model. I have tried a few more expensive pens, but let’s just say, those experiences were disappointing at best, and at worst, I had two big-name pens behave badly, and one I sent back and swore off ever purchasing a pen beyond a certain price.

This beautiful Alpine Rose pen is also available in Ballpoint (1.0 mm), Rollerball (0.5 mm), and Mechanical Pencil (lead 0.7 mm). I am a big fan of using different pens for different jobs. I love using a ballpoint pen for my planning and planner. I use a rollerball as the mood strikes. So I will be very interested in experiencing some of the other pen options. I also enjoy using pencils occasionally for work. All that to say, there is something at Ellington Pens for every writing preference from what I can see. I have been perusing the website and find it to be a pleasure.

What To Know Before You Go

• My communication with Ellington Pens deserves to be noted. There was never a time when a delay in response occurred. I have found (so far) them to be a highly responsive customer service-oriented company in the short time I have been communicating with them.
• The website is a journaler’s dream. I have been perusing the site to get a feel for product details and to see what is available. They have wonderful à la carte pens but also some great bundles and gift combinations. It is well organized, user-friendly, and easy to navigate.
• There are short video instructions available for those new to fountain pens.
• The fountain pen comes with a converter (yay) and three ink cartridges (also yay- especially for newbies!).
• They have journals, a line of ink, refills, and replacement nibs.
• I love the Writer’s Bundle, which makes for a great starter kit or thoughtful gift. You get to choose a pen, journal, ink bottle, and fountain pen cleaner.

Concluding Thoughts and Affiliate Links for Discount

I was skeptical at first about receiving this pen, but I have been won over. I am not a girl who is doling out hundreds of dollars for a pen. It’s just not for me. However, to have the writing experience of a luxury pen for a cost I don’t regret is something I can wrap around, encourage, and share.

If you have questions, would you put them in the comments or e-mail me directly? I will be happy to answer or do my best to get an answer for you if I do not know!

So now, I am excited to share my approval for these products and the affiliate links. Those of you who know me know I rarely do this! If you do decide to make a purchase, could you please use one of the links below or in the article above?

Dawn’s Affiliate Link: Visit Ellington Pens NOW

My coupon code is DAWN (20% off) – However, the winter sale is 25% and will be applied automatically in your cart until the end of January.

The Pen in my Review: Alpine Rose Fountain Pen

Full Disclosure/Disclaimer: I think I clearly communicated the fact that I received this pen as a gift from Ellington Pens, through a rep, and furthermore, if you do purchase from them using my affiliate link, I will receive a small compensation. Thank you!

Thank you, Ellington Pens, for sending this pen!

I hope you enjoyed this, and I do hope you consider gifting yourself or a friend something special. If you do so, let me know what you think. My enthusiasm for this pen is sky high!

Let’s write together soon!

Enthusiastically, Dawn