In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Michael Gutberlet, CEO of Kaweco, about the rich history and evolution of the iconic pen brand. They discuss the challenges faced by the pen industry, the innovative DIY experience offered by Kaweco, and the future of writing instruments in a digital age. Michael shares personal anecdotes and insights into the craftsmanship behind Kaweco pens, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection to traditional writing methods.
Find out more: Kaweco wesbite | @kaweco.germany and Studiopens @Kaweco.distributor.uk on Instagram.
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https://www.studiopens.com/store/location
https://www.kaweco-pen.com/
To find out about Kaweco collectables, they can find it here:
https://www.kaweco-pen.com/accessoires/collectibles/
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If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you!
☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here.
Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes.
✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.
Chapters
(00:01:05) - The History of Kaweco: Origins and Early Innovations(00:09:27) - Challenges and Transformations: The Impact of World Events(00:17:09) - The Evolution of Pen Manufacturing: From Traditional to Modern Techniques(00:22:16) - Reviving Kaweco: The Journey of Restoration and Innovation(00:25:43) - The Evolution of Kaweco Pens(00:34:01) - DIY Experience and Customer Engagement(00:39:02) - Future of the Pen Industry
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50:41
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50:41
A History (and Future) of Engrossers script with David Grimes
In this engaging conversation, host Laura Edralin speaks with David Grimes, an American master penman with a deep passion for the art of calligraphy, particularly Engrosser's script. They explore David's journey into penmanship, the history and techniques of Engrosser's script, and the challenges and joys of mastering calligraphy. David shares insights into his notable projects, innovations in calligraphy tools, and the importance of understanding terminology in the field. The discussion culminates in personal reflections on favourite letters and the ongoing journey of learning in the art of writing.
To find out more about David visit https://masgrimes.com or connect with him on Instagram @masgrimes.
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If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you!
☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here.
Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes.
✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.
Chapters
(00:00:47) - David Grimes: A Journey into Penmanship(00:04:21) - The Art of Engrosser's Script(00:12:09) - The Historical Context of Engrosser's Script(00:15:24) - Understanding the Differences in Calligraphy(00:23:14) - The Nuances of Terminology in Calligraphy(00:26:57) - The Complexity of Commissioned Work(00:34:48) - Innovative Framing Techniques(00:43:37) - David's Favourite Letters
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52:55
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52:55
Series 4 Trailer: Explore the theme of 'Rediscovery'
In this SERIES FOUR trailer, producer, Heidi Cullip and host, Laura Edralin, introduce the upcoming series focused on calligraphy, penmanship, and the art of letters. They discuss the exciting guests lined up, including experts in various aspects of letter writing and history. The conversation highlights the importance of rediscovering lost techniques and the community surrounding the love for letters. The host expresses gratitude for the support received and share their enthusiasm for future episodes.
Highlights:
The series features a variety of guests from the world of calligraphy.
David Grimes discusses the history of penmanship and Ingros's script.
Michael, the CEO of Kaweko, shares the story of a revived pen brand.
Nina Tran dives into Spencerian script and more.
Ellie Haywood offers tips on black letters and her journey.
Liz McGuire talks about the lost art of letter writing.
Dr. George Gazis shares academic knowledge of ancient Greece and extinct scripts.
The podcast has received over 7,000 listens from 29 countries.
Exciting plans are in store for future episodes in 2026.
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If you’re enjoying The Life of Letters Podcast, it would mean the world if you could follow or subscribe, leave a quick review, or share the episode with a friend. Every little action helps more people discover the calming, creative world of calligraphy and lettering.️
Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes.
To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.
✍️ ✨ Want to bring a little calm and creativity into your own life? Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.
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5:14
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5:14
Synaesthesia: Seeing Letters as Colours with Maike Preißing
In this episode, host Laura Edralin speaks with Maike Preissing, a psychologist and synesthesia artist, about the fascinating world of synesthesia.
They explore the different forms of synesthesia, particularly grapheme-color synesthesia, and how it influences both artistic expression and personal experiences.
The conversation delves into the emotional connections people have with colors and letters, the impact of handwriting, and the historical context of synesthesia.
Maike shares her aspirations for raising awareness and creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals, emphasising the importance of understanding and celebrating the diversity of sensory experiences.
To find out more about Maike, visit https://www.maikepreissing.com/, listen to the podcast 'Lets Talk Synaesthesia', or connect with Maike on Instagram @maikepreissing.
To find out more about Synaesthesia:
The Synaesthesia Tree
UK Synaesthesia Association
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If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you!
☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here.
Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes.
✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Introduction to Synesthesia and Podcast Setup(00:01:52) - Understanding Synesthesia: A Deep Dive(00:04:48) - The Artistic Expression of Synesthesia(00:07:59) - Personal Experiences with Synesthesia(00:10:56) - Naming and Colour Associations(00:13:36) - The Influence of Synesthesia on Daily Life(00:14:25) - Writing and Handwriting in Synesthesia(00:16:58) - Artistic Integration of Letters and Colours(00:17:52) - Understanding Synesthesia and Personal Expression(00:20:11) - Exploring Ticker Tape Synesthesia(00:27:08) - The Intersection of Synesthesia and Art(00:30:59) - Future of Synesthesia Awareness and Community Engagement
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39:12
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39:12
Expressive Calligraphy with Rachel Yallop
In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with British calligraphy and lettering designer Rachel Yallop. They explore Rachel's journey in the world of calligraphy, discussing her education, the evolution of expressive calligraphy, and the tools she uses to create her art. Rachel shares insights into the creative process behind branding and calligraphy, the importance of discipline in expressive styles, and her hopes for the future of calligraphy as a craft. The conversation highlights the beauty and complexity of lettering as an art form, emphasising the balance between tradition and innovation.
To find out more about Rachel visit https://rachelyallop.co.uk/, or connect with her on Instagram @rachelyallop.
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If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you!
☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here.
Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes.
✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Introduction to guest Rachel Yallop(00:01:24) - Rachel's Journey into Calligraphy(00:05:30) - Understanding Expressive Calligraphy(00:07:50) - The Process of Creating Calligraphy(00:09:33) - Tools of the Trade(00:11:47) - Colour Choices in Calligraphy(00:13:30) - Notable Projects and Collaborations(00:14:56) - The Art of Calligraphy and Illustration(00:16:20) - Exploring Favourite Calligraphy Scripts(00:19:29) - Innovations in Calligraphy Tools(00:21:25) - The Evolution of Calligraphy Styles(00:24:42) - Legacy and Future of Calligraphy
A podcast on the history (and future) of calligraphy, penmanship, hand writing, lettering and much more. Hosted by me, Laura Edralin!
I am on a journey to fill the gaps in my knowledge as a calligrapher, having light-hearted conversations with historians, artists, and stationery experts to discover the stories behind the pen and beneath the ink.
This is for people who love the scratch of a nib on paper, who collect notebooks they’re too afraid to use, and who wonder what our writing says about us—past, present, and future.
So, whether you're a calligraphy enthusiast, a history lover, or just curious about the stories behind the letters we write, join me for The Life of Letters.
I’m not in this alone! This new podcast is produced by fellow calligraphy lover, Heidi Cullip.
Follow us on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast
Find Laura @lauraletterslife | lauraletterslife.com
UK