FLAX PEN TO PAPER - Flax News/Announcements

Ring a ling, time for a Spring pen fling!

4/3/2021

Tired of feeling like the pandemic clipped your wings? Vaccines are here so what better time for a pen fling? Flax's semi-annual pen sale is back for spring, in advance of graduation, return to work, Mother's Day, Father's Day or whatever occasion(s) you have to enjoy some bling. No occasion? We think "20% off most pens" has a nice ring.

Flax is full of color and pens not here before including the Namiki Emperor, Sailor 2021 Pen Of The Year and the new Terra and Savannah Lamy Safaris. Limited editions are on order and we've stocked so many items that you might think we restored order - and that's before your eyes take a drink of many new colors of Sailor Manyo ink.

Even if you're not looking for pen (or ink), we think you'll love the new "on-the-go" items from Bellroy, including their Tokyo Tote, City Pouch and Sling. They come from Australia, are backed by a 3 year warranty and featured in the front right-side of the store. There are also lots of new and handcrafted cards, imported paper products, gift items and artisan works, so come take a tour! Social distancing and masks are required but won't it be nice to see us at Flax and feel free? You might even see our mascot, Wesley!

April 1!

4/1/2021

I can't believe it is April - or 85 degrees today. Maybe because we have ideas of "what was" or "what's supposed to be" and nothing seems "normal" anymore ... but we're here trying to pilot to the other side the pandemic. One of us isn't here today because of a vaccine reaction but so it goes. We want everyone vaccinated for the greater good and safety of the community.
I took a moment to arrange some of the Jellycat plushies we added - woodland bunnies, spring flowers, a watering can (you'll have to read about it, it isn't really a watering can), the "Amuseables" fruits and the flowerettes. I can't imagine any child wouldn't love them, so it heartens me to think that they might leave with a book, puzzle or game to brighten someone's day - or forget about the situation for the moment.
What can we do to brighten your day? We can show you the new pens, gifts, and other items we have or maybe show you the many pockets, stylings and benefits of the Bellroy collection of "on-the-go" items we put in the front of one side of the store. Bellroy products are made in Australia in substantial part with recycled materials and have had our affection for a while, so we recently added a whole fixture and second display to include the new City Pouch, slings and 2nd edition of the Tokyo Totes. Maybe having a new bag will make you smile? There's nothing like a little retail therapy. The "doctors are in" and waiting for you at Flax and you don't have to lie on a couch. You don't even have to come inside - but we're here to help.

We love our customers but ...

3/7/2021

Anyone who visits can sense that Flax is a passion. We'd like to think we're "more than a store," and have seen the light in people's eyes when they see something we've sourced and brought here, perhaps appreciating our tastes or the work we go through to ensure you find unique, artisan works you can "touch and feel."
We hope customers appreciate the time and effort we put into curating our selections but along with that goes the cost of renting and maintaining the store where Flax has been for more than 18 years.
Unfortunately, we've had people come in, take our time and our expertise, use our writing instruments, ink and paper, only to order online with another company. Sad but true.
We know customers might be able to save a few dollars (with others who don't have a retail store) but, when they do, they make it especially hard for us to stay in business. This means that maybe the next time, there won't be a brick and mortar store for you to enjoy ... because its value was taken for granted while people spent elsewhere.
I can't count the number of customers we've helped in the past 6 months or so who needed the kind of assistance only available from a physical store with experts, as we have at Flax. Unfortunately, it also getting to the point where I can't count the number who have taken advantage and told us they ordered from another company, but came in to "try" our stock while they wait for their order or took our time only to tell us "if you can't match or beat X, I'll order online." We hope this changes soon. We're doing everything we can to stay in business and offer our customers value, a personalized experience and a place to come to for help whether for custom stationery, announcements, writing instruments, cards, gifts or any of the other items or services we provide.
If you or anyone you know is opting to try us but buy elsewhere, please bend their ear ... otherwise, we can't stay here.
In the meantime, thank you for your help, for spreading the word and doing what you can to support us so we can be here for you.

Pen Of The Month: Pilot (with a hint of Namiki)

2/26/2021

For March, we will feature writing instruments from Pilot; most Pilot pens will be on sale.
With a heritage extending over 100 years, Pilot is one of the oldest fine writing instrument makers in the world. Pilot's fine writing collection embodies the essence of art, design and craftsmanship. In 1963, Pilot introduced a fountain pen unlike any other, featuring a fully retractable nib. Called the Capless, it was reintroduced as the Vanishing Point in 1972. Pilot's traditional elegance combines with innovative design to deliver an unsurpassed writing experience.

If you already have a Pilot, maybe a Namiki will get you flying!
Namiki Maki-e fountain pens represent the ultimate fusion of skill and spirit passed down through generations. To this day, Namiki is the top creator of Maki-e fountain pens; these hand-made artisan treasures showcase Japanese culture and are highly regarded worldwide. If you're unfamiliar with the Maki-e process, please read about it on our website or ask us - we'd love to see you writing with a Maki-e keepsake treasure.

During March, we will curate a selection of exquisite Namiki pens including the Chinkin Royal Rooster, Nippon Art Dragon and Cumulus, the Emperor Urushi and more. Most of these are "one-of-a-kind" artisan works not allowed to be discounted.

Is it your date to get organized?

2/17/2021

The pandemic has taken a toll - apart from the loss of friends and relatives, almost a year of being shut-in, eating constantly, binge-watching television, and otherwise forsaking what would be my ordinary routine left me feeling and looking like a mess.
I put on more than the "Pandemic 19" pounds others have so I've started making changes. I'm cutting back on trips through the kitchen, resuming walking (I used to walk 4-8 miles every other day) and making some visits to the gym (albeit what is really some old machines under a tent outdoors). I have a long way to go, but those small changes are already helping me feel better..
I also started my (new) assistant with a daily planner and could see the difference almost immediately. He can now record the "pearls of wisdom" I provide or at least keep track of tasks, messages and calls in a single place. I am always jotting notes on my calendar app, but haven't been using my tried-and-true Filofax or one of the Graphic Image planners we have - and I have no excuse - so it's my turn to put in the 2021 refill and get myself organized, too. There's something comforting about having things written on paper - and the ease with which those notes travel with you. There are so many organizers, though, that it can make it hard to choose.
At Flax, we have plenty of Filofax and a modest amount of stock left from Graphic Image (I like the Graphic Image Datebooks), Letts, Quo Vadis, Moleskin and Paperblanks -- but we won't be restocking dated material - so if you want to join me in feeling a little more organized and better about yourself - or doing the same for someone else, now's the time. Treat yourself, feel better about yourself, and put the pandemic procrastination in the past.

TEL: 310.208.3529
FAX: 310.208.6317

1078 Gayley Avenue
Los Angeles, California
90024

Tuesday - Friday
11:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturdays
11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
CLOSED - Sundays & Mondays

Content, including images, displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. Downloading, republication, re-transmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited.