The Pen Addict 659: We Love This Stuff
Apr 2, 2025
Anabelle Hiller is a talented goldsmith specializing in handcrafted fountain pen nibs, and she's taken the stationery world by storm. In this conversation, she shares her journey from Austria to self-employment, highlighting her passion for pen craftsmanship. Anabelle discusses the intricacies of creating custom nibs, her love for vintage pens, and the delight of attending pen shows. She also touches on the community support within the pen-making niche and the thrill of documenting her experiences through stationery journaling, blending her love for F1 with artistry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
First Fountain Pen
- Annabelle Hiller received her first fountain pen, a Pelikan Pelicano Junior, at age seven for cursive writing.
- She continued using fountain pens due to left-handed fatigue from the pressure required for other pen types.
Montblanc with a Glass Nib
- For her 18th birthday, Annabelle received a vintage Montblanc with a glass nib instead of gold.
- The pen shop advised against a gold nib due to her left-handedness, fearing she'd damage it.
Goldsmithing Journey
- Annabelle's interest in fountain pens led her to pursue goldsmithing to learn metal manipulation.
- She aimed to combine her understanding of nibs with the ability to work with metal.