5 Mental Health Benefits of Drawing

This month, we’re continuing to spotlight mental health in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. As our lives become increasingly digital and online, we believe that’s it essential to maintain a healthy balance by setting aside…

Introducing Blackwing x Grovemade

We worked closely with the team at Grovemade to bring together the best of form and function. From the expertly crafted American Black Walnut base and cork bottom to the carefully machined housings, each part of the Blackwing x Grovemade Desktop…

5 Mental Health Benefits of Writing

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. At Blackwing, we believe that taking time to slow down and unplug from our fast-paced digital lives is beneficial to not just your mental health but can also improve your overall well-being. Simple habits…

Blackwing x Independent Bookstore Day 2022 – Retailer Locator

Celebrate independent bookstores across the country with limited-edition Independent Bookstore Day 2022 pencils! These pencils are only available on Independent Book Store Day on April, 30th 2022 exclusively at participating bookstores. Please…

Moving to a Different Beat – Coffeehouses and the Beat Generation

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In 1952, John Clellon Holmes published an article in the New York Times Magazine titled, “This is the Beat Generation.” The story introduced the mainstream public to the philosophies and lifestyle of a new generation of young people in…

When Bob Dylan Played Caffe Lena

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In the summer of 1961, just months after moving to New York, Bob Dylan was set to play his first out-of-town gig at Caffe Lena. With only a small repertoire of songs and little experience, by many accounts, Bob’s first performance at Caffe Lena was unremarkable. Despite a lackluster debut, Lena invited Bob Dylan back to the Caffe Lena stage in January of 1962 just a few months before the release of his debut album.

Blackwing Vol. 200 – Behind the Design

Our Blackwing Vol. 200 is a tribute to coffeehouses and the creative culture they help cultivate. Each pencil features a metallic copper design inspired by classic copper coffee roasting machines found in many coffeehouses during the 1950s and 60s.

Good Folk: The Story of Caffè Lena

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“What Lena did over a long period of time was just one of the many little modern miracles which may save the world.” - Pete Seeger In 1958, Lena Spencer moved with her husband Bill to Saratoga Springs, NY. The Spencers, originally from…

Introducing Blackwing Vol. 200 – The Coffeehouse Pencil

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The Blackwing 200 is a tribute to coffeehouses like Caffè Lena and the creative culture they help cultivate. Each pencil features a metallic copper design inspired by classic copper coffee roasting machines found in many coffeehouses during the ’50s and ’60s. The roasting process begins when the internal temperature of a coffee berry seed reaches 200 degrees Celsius, transforming it into the familiar coffee bean. These pencils also feature our firm graphite core that is perfect for finding inspiration in a local coffeehouse.