(Kimberly (she/her) took the express train down the fountain pen/stationery rabbit hole and doesn't want to be rescued. She can be found on Instagram @allthehobbies because there really are many, many hobbies!.)
During my trip to Southern California last weekend, I was able to stop by M Lovewell, a stationery store in Downtown Santa Ana, California. There is also another location in Orange, CA, which shares its space with a coffee shop. This writeup is for the DTSA location.
M. Lovewell opened its door in 2016 when two friends, Liz and Mel, fulfilled a dream to build a shop like the ones they’d visit when traveling to places like Portland, San Francisco, Boston and London.
This is the view that greets you once you step inside!
Notebooks, clips, and pencils are nicely displayed for you to check out.
The store is bright and airy, with tables full of products vying for your attention.
More notebooks, paper pads, pouches, pen cases, steel boxes.
Even though there were a lot of tables and products, it didn’t feel cluttered or overwhelming.
I love seeing all the Hobonichi notebook covers in person.
I was tempted by the stamps as well as Shachihata stamp pads. They also had sketchbooks and some art supplies too.
I love me a good sticker wall, and this one had stamps too!
Oh no, not washi tape! So hard for me to resist!!
There were some glass displays with fountain pens. One of them might have jumped into my basket.
Wall of fountain pen ink, along with fountain pen friendly paper.
I love seeing binders filled with ink swatches.
Lots of standard pens, markers and pencils to try and buy.
I avoided the front of the store when I walked in because that’s where I saw all the pens, lol. Instead, I made my way to the back room and found a treasure trove of art supplies, papers, and all kinds of books, and more!
Events and workshops are listed on the wall behind the register and also online.
Space dedicated for workshops and other events!
I love that they have an area in the back part of the shop where folks can take workshops and classes. Such a cute and inspiring place to learn and create, with lots of bright light and room to spread out!
I wasn’t able to get one of my notebooks monogrammed/personalized because the folks who usually do this were traveling in Japan during my visit. Guess I’ll have to come back!
My haul is in this cute bag!
I couldn’t resist the 2024 Hobonichi HON (which was on sale, yay!), Midori foil transfer stickers and some MU acrylic stamps.
I couldn’t resist this cute mini fountain pen from a company called Papier! It was only $22!
M. Lovewell is located at 305-103 E. 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA, and is open from Tuesday - Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. Their other location is at 115 N Orange Street, Orange, CO, and is open Tuesday - Sunday from 11am - 5pm.
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
