Blog Post 10/10/2025
What exactly is a “custom pen”?
Hello, and thank you so much for visiting WRYT365 Custom Pens! I am Tamara Rowland, founder and Chief Penmaker. I’m frequently asked what’s the difference between a custom pen from WRYT365 and any off-the-shelf manufactured pen. After all, there are lots of really nice major manufacturers who make wonderfully smooth pens. Many for a lot less than what we charge at WRYT365. And to that I say – you’re right! Then I ask…
“What do you want your pen to mean to you?”
For many people, a pen is a simple utilitarian tool. An object to accomplish a task. Nothing more, nothing less. It is a handy piece of equipment that disappears when one needs it the most. But there are a number of reasons someone would want something a little more, something special, something with deeper meaning and connection to the writer. And that’s exactly the circumstance where the emotional connection to a “custom pen” will far exceed the value of a mass-produced pen. I like to break common reasons for getting a custom pen into the following categories, with some overlap between them: a routine gift, themed pens, commemorating an important event, and for that very special outlier: to have a pen that is an ethereal bond between the writer’s mind, heart and hand and their page. Let’s examine these a little further.
The Routine Gift Pen
We’ve all been there. A loved one’s birthday is coming up soon and they have everything on earth they could ever need. The holidays are fast approaching and you’re out of ideas. Or you know that your friend is an avid writer, maybe this would be the right special present. No matter the underlying urgency, giving an important person a pen is a way to make a statement about you and your relationship with them. Are they a sports fan? Get a pen in their team colors. Do they like calligraphy? Grab a hand made calligraphy dip pen and some ink. Do they collect fountain pens? We’ve got a ton to choose from.
We also offer personalization on our pens. We’ve done everything from laser engraving for the boss’s retirement to memorializing photos of beloved family pets. Custom colors, custom gift boxes, custom messaging – we can do it. We can turn that last minute “desperation gift” into something extra special.
Themed Pens
Do you have a theme that represents you? Maybe you’re looking for a pen with Pride colors, or perhaps your home state’s flag and colors. Perhaps you’re a cigar collector and smoker and want a pen that looks just like your favorite stogie. Have you ever wanted to reminisce about your college days? We’ve made pens from the bench seats of stadiums from around the country, and we can probably get your alma mater, too! Yankee Stadium wood and a piece of the Babe’s uniform? Absolutely.
Maybe you’re looking for a different theme. Your favorite flower. Your favorite semi-precious stone like turquoise, jade, or amethyst. Your favorite color that you just haven’t been able to find anywhere else. We can make that for you.
Commemorative Pens
Weddings are one of the most special and important times in someone's life. Sign your marriage license with a one-of-a-kind pen that you share, or get one for each of you. Have your guests use this special writer to leave their loving messages in your guest book.
Did you or a loved one serve in the Armed Forces? We take genuine issue dress uniform buttons and encase them in resin to make a pen with the button inside. Perhaps you’re a history buff? We’ve made pens out of the wood from famous war ships to famous theaters.
We’ve taken old (and new) photographs and turned them into living memories for daily use or just for show. Whether it’s your parents, children, grandchildren, your old home, an old childhood painting – we can turn it into your favorite writer.
The Special Pen – A Bond Between Writer and Paper
While I love to make pens that speak directly to me, there is a special feeling when I see a customer connect to that certain special pen and they know, in that instant, it’s theirs. This is the author, the journal or diary writer, the person who always sends precious hand written letters instead of an email.
This is the reason I make pens. This is the reason I turned WRYT365 into a business. I want to share this magical connection, this unique experience with others. I’m frequently writing in my journal. It’s a habit I started when I got sober, and it’s a topic that deserves its own blog post. Suffice to say, I found my inner voice by journaling. I waded through all the false narratives I’d created in my life and made that connection from mind to heart to hand and, ultimately, to the page. I found my truth. And I decided to write that truth…every day. And that’s how my company got its name:
Write Your Truth! Every Day … WRYT365
I have a lot more to write about, but I’ll leave things here for now. If you are looking for that extra special gift for that extra special person, or if you need some idea prompting and want to talk through a design, please feel free to reach out to me. The best way is to email me at admin@wryt365.com . You can also message me on social media. I hope to hear from some of you soon. Until then…
May your days be filled with love and joy and healing. All my best to you,
Tamara