Creative Summer Hobbies with Fine Writing Instruments

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy quiet moments, and try creative hobbies that help you unwind and express yourself. One simple and satisfying way to do that? Pick up a fine writing instrument and let your thoughts flow onto paper. Whether you're 18 or 65, fountain pens and quality paper offer a tactile, thoughtful break from our screens.

At Dromgoole’s, we’ve been helping people put ink on paper for over 60 years. Here's how you can turn your summer into a season of creativity.

Why Summer Is Ideal for Creative Hobbies

Longer days, relaxed schedules, and time outdoors make summer the best season for new hobbies. Writing helps reduce stress, strengthen memory, and improve focus. With a pen in hand, the act of writing becomes more intentional. Unlike typing, writing forces you to slow down and think.

We've seen people across generations use fountain pens as tools for mindfulness and creativity. Our Top Picks for the Summer collection includes smooth writers, vivid inks, and reliable paper. Every item is great for anyone starting or expanding their collection.

1. Journal Your Summer Days

Journaling gives you a place to reflect. It can be five minutes in the morning or a recap before bed. Keep it simple. Use prompts like:

• What did I notice today?

• What made me smile?

• What do I want to remember?

Using a quality pen like the TWSBI Diamond 580ALR makes writing smooth and comfortable. Pair it with a Rhodia or Leuchtturm1917 notebook for a crisp surface that shows off your ink.

Add Color to Your Entries

Try colorful ink to match your mood or season. Pilot Iroshizuku Kon Peki Ink brings the brightness of a summer day to any page and is perfect for warm summer themes.

2. Try Hand-Lettering and Calligraphy

Calligraphy is an art form you can learn at your own pace. You don’t need fancy tools to start—a reliable pen with a stub or flex nib will do. The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen is a great option for beginners who want consistent ink flow and comfortable grip.

Set up your writing kit in the backyard or at a park. Bring a small pad, a bottle of ink, and your favorite pen. Focus on simple strokes and build muscle memory. Even ten minutes a day builds skill and confidence.

3. Start a Summer Letter-Writing Habit

Email is quick, but handwritten letters are personal. Send a note to a friend, a thank-you card to a teacher, or a letter to someone you haven’t seen in a while. It feels good to write and even better to receive.

Use the Platinum Preppy for crisp lines and low-maintenance writing. Add your favorite ink color and let the words speak for themselves.

4. Sketch, Doodle, or Create an Art Journal

Fountain pens aren’t just for words. Many artists use them for quick sketches or illustrated journals. The Kaweco Sport is small enough to fit in a pocket but delivers a solid line and easy flow.

Try:

• Drawing what you see on your walk

• Sketching your lunch

• Recording textures, patterns, or plants

Use waterproof ink if you plan to add watercolor over your drawings.

5. Create a Summer Memory Book

Combine photos, writings, and mementos into a cohesive memory book. Include:

• Short journal entries

• Photos or ticket stubs

• Doodles or ink swatches

This is a great family or solo project. Choose a durable notebook and pens you love. The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen offers ergonomic comfort for extended writing sessions.

Use it with the Hobonichi A6 Techo Graph Notebook - Naoki Ishikawa: Denali in the Midnight Sun #1. This will help you document your summer adventures.

6. Start a Travel Sketch Journal

If you're traveling this summer, carry a compact pen and sketchbook to record quick drawings of your destinations. This is a good idea for spending quality time reflecting on your surroundings and enjoying the fresh air. Choose tools like the Kaweco Sport and a small-format notebook like the Traveler’s Company Passport version for easy mobility.

7. Join a Book Club and Annotate as You Read

Summer is the perfect time to join a book club. Use a fountain pen to make thoughtful notes in the margins or write reflections in a reading journal. Consider keeping a running reading list and using colorful inks to highlight your thoughts on characters, themes, and plot developments.

8. Host a Creative Dinner Party

Plan a summer dinner party and design handwritten menus, place cards, and thank-you notes. Dinners can be a creative way to spend time with friends and family while making the evening feel special. Use bright inks and smooth paper for a personal touch.

9. Take a Cooking Class and Write Your Recipes

After attending a cooking class, record the recipes and your thoughts in a dedicated recipe journal in one of Midori’s notebooks . Writing by hand helps you retain information and gives you a lasting collection of favorite dishes. Use a waterproof ink like Platinum Carbon Black to prevent smudging and spill in the kitchen. In addition, Diamine has just released their Forever Inks that offer great permanent inks in a broad range of beautiful colors.

10. Design Personalized Stationery

Spend time designing your own stationery sets using hand-lettering and decorative borders. You can use this stationery for future correspondence or as gifts. Personalization is a creative way to enjoy your summer and share your style with others. Tom’s Studio Lumos Collection provides an extensive selection of tips and can use your favorite fountain pen ink.

11. Track Your Wellness and Spa Days

Keep a self-care journal that includes spa day plans, wellness goals, and reflections. Writing these by hand can encourage mindfulness and help you stay consistent. Fountain pens provide a smooth writing experience, making your wellness log something to look forward to.

12. Plan and Document Outdoor Adventures

Write out your hiking, camping, or biking plans, then reflect on the experience in your journal afterward. This helps you stay active and connected to the great outdoors. Use weather-resistant inks and durable notebooks for adventures. A great option to take with you is one of the ever popular Field Notes that provide weather/waterproof notebooks that are compact and meant to withstand the elements of nature.

13. Write Postcards from Your Staycations

Even if you're staying local, sending postcards adds excitement to your routine. Use a fine writing instrument to create messages that brighten someone’s day. Postcards are a quick way to connect with friends and family.

14. Create an Ice Cream Flavor Journal

Summer is the perfect time for ice cream! Try new flavors throughout the season and rate them in a dedicated journal. This kind of journal is a fun, low-pressure writing hobby that helps you savor sweet moments.

15. Start a Nature Observation Notebook

Use your fountain pen to jot down observations from walks in the park or time spent in your garden. Note the changing colors, birdsong, or weather patterns. This helps you to slow down and appreciate the fresh air and beauty around you.

16. Ink Swatching for Creative Exploration

Use the summer months to explore your ink collection through ink swatching. Create color charts, test paper textures, and discover how different nibs interact with each ink. Swatching is a mindful and satisfying way to spend time with your tools.

17. Sketching and Watercolor Mix

Enhance your pen sketches by adding watercolors. Use waterproof ink for outlines and layer in color washes for visual interest. This hybrid hobby lets you combine precision and expression while enjoying the fresh air outdoors.

18. Organize Your Craft Storage

Use slower summer days to tidy up your creative supplies. Label your inks, pens, and paper types, and document your inventory in a dedicated logbook. This hobby brings order to your space, helping you spend more quality time creating.

Tools to Get Started

To start your creative summer hobby, all you need is a pen, ink, and paper. Here are a few staff favorites:

• TWSBI Diamond 580ALR – a sturdy, reliable pen with a clear barrel and piston fill.

• Kaweco Sport – compact and ideal for on-the-go writing.

• Diamine Inks – bright and playful colors perfect for summer.

• Monteverde Ritma – bold style and smooth writing.

• Lamy Safari – ideal for students and casual writers.

Ready to Get Creative?

Creative summer hobbies don’t need to be complicated. Writing with a fountain pen adds meaning to your thoughts, helps you stay present, and gives you something to look back on. Whether you're journaling, drawing, or writing to a friend, the tools you use can shape the experience.

Explore Dromgoole’s Top Picks for the Summer and find the pen, ink, or notebook that fits your summer mood. We've been helping people enjoy creative summer hobbies for over 60 years and are ready to help you start, too!