Our Miniature Hobby Lifestyle
Writing tools that support thinking, planning, and creative work at the desk. This category focuses on pens, notebooks, and analog tools used for sketching ideas, journaling, outlining projects, and capturing thoughts before they disappear.
These articles approach writing tools from the perspective of makers, hobbyists, and creatives who value tactile processes. Reviews and reflections emphasize real-world use, build quality, and how a tool fits into daily creative practice—whether that’s planning a miniature project, sketching concepts, or keeping a working notebook you actually return to.
Writing by hand is better than typing! Is this you? You sit down with a plan. Prime the models. Pull paints. Set the water cup where it always goes. Then your brain tries to hold everything at once. A paint recipe. A basing idea. A note to reorder varnish. A half-formed thought that has nothing […]
The Science of Why I Keep a Notebook at My Hobby Desk Read More »
Ever pick up a pen and feel like it belongs in your creative space, not just in your pocket? That’s how I felt when I first started using the Leuchtturm1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 1. It’s a pen with heritage roots, modern reliability, and a design that makes even the most ordinary notes feel intentional. If you’re
The Leuchtturm 1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 1 Pen Review (My Favorite Everyday Pen) Read More »
Have you ever caught yourself relying a little too much on AI? Maybe it started small—using a tool to rewrite a sentence, generate an idea, or find the perfect phrasing. Before you knew it, though, you started wondering: am I still thinking as deeply as I used to? AI is everywhere, and while it’s an
AI Is Changing How I Think—And I’m Not Sure I Like It Read More »
Do you like expensive things? If you’re into scale modeling hobbies and miniatures, e.g., painting and assembling model kits, then you may be interested in what an extra hundred or more in your budget could buy. Over the years, I’ve shopped around for different tools and things that could give me a competitive edge, or
7 Luxury Hobby Things You Need to Want Read More »
I’ve learned to overcome procrastination a long time ago. While everyone is different, psychologically, I think there are some common issues that anyone can tackle if they want to overcome procrastination. Whether it comes to hobbies, e.g., painting miniatures, or work and adult life responsibilities, the single hurdle to overcoming procrastination learning that it is
The Art of Overcoming Procrastination Through List-Making Read More »
Ever balk at the idea of buying expensive hobby instruments? Premium quality paint brushes, costly airbrushes, and top-of-the-line acrylic paints all come with a hefty price tag that can make your wallet whimper. So why would any normal person want to spend so much money on what is essentially a bunch of plastic, dead animal
Why Expensive Hobby Tools Suck (and Why We Need Them) Read More »
I was doodling, drawing at the dinner table in the kitchen at 1 o’ clock in the morning. I’m on night watch for our twin baby sons, when my wife wakes up and walks by me to get a drink of water. If we are all hard-wired to think a certain way, can we change
“Drawing” Me Out of My Skull Read More »
Do you get bored? Is the daily routine becoming too “easy”? Everyone needs adventure in their life. There is a need to embrace meaning in life. Adventure is a way to see beyond the present into a hopeful, exciting future. Embracing hope for tomorrow is a key to happiness. But, it is a fight. Embracing
Do You Day Dream? Doodling Visions, Ideas, and Tips! Read More »
Do you wonder why people love to still write with fountain pens? Did you know that fountain pens are a way to help the environment? The best fountain pens are made of high quality materials that last forever! The most expensive pens have gold or platinum nibs and even carbon fiber barrels. But, even the
Save the Planet: Why Write with a Fountain Pen? Read More »
As some of you know, I write a lot with a real typewriter. I own several vintage typewriters that I bought at various antique shops and outdoor fairs. I’ve always loved toying with the odd doodad. I’m fidgety. The kid in me still kicks and screams for something, anything to do. Why do we enjoy
A Case Study: Why Write with a Real Typewriter? Read More »