Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Ink Shot Review: Blackstone Uluru Red @AndersonPens
Thanks to Anderson Pens for sending this ink for review!
Color: Red
Bottle: 1 oz/30 ml
Price: $8.50
Where to buy: Anderson Pens
PROS
CONS
It's hard to find a true red without pink or brown undertones, but I like this one. It's not too pink or garnet/ruby colored, so I think it still qualifies as a true red. Pretty attractive, and again, great bottle. Nice shading, pretty well behaved, not too hard to clean.
Use the new side-by-side Ink Comparison Tool over at Anderson Pens to compare up to five inks at a time, including discontinued/vintage inks. The database is ever growing, with over 800 inks. WOW.
I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. Some links are just referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!
ABOUT
Bottle: 1 oz/30 ml
Price: $8.50
Where to buy: Anderson Pens
PROS
- Great bottle.
- A pretty nice red.
- Shows some shading.
- Reds take some extra cleaning - not much, but I would be careful not to let it dry out.
It's hard to find a true red without pink or brown undertones, but I like this one. It's not too pink or garnet/ruby colored, so I think it still qualifies as a true red. Pretty attractive, and again, great bottle. Nice shading, pretty well behaved, not too hard to clean.
Use the new side-by-side Ink Comparison Tool over at Anderson Pens to compare up to five inks at a time, including discontinued/vintage inks. The database is ever growing, with over 800 inks. WOW.
I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. Some links are just referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Sunday Reads: August 28. 2016
Stuff I Looked At Elsewhere
- Almond and honey breakfast puffs - Deliciously Ella.
- Cold brewed coffee soda floats - How Sweet It Is.
- Banoffee tartlets - Brown Eyed Baker.
- Gallery walls as vibrating pools of liquid - Colossal.
- Antarctica's blue ice is gorgeous - Colossal.
- Anderson Pens shows off the Visconti Homo Sapiens London Fog fountain pen - I rather like this one, although I know there's mixed feelings about it!
- TWSBI Eco Dissasembly - SBREBrown. Remember: just because you can disassemble a pen doesn't mean you have to :)
- Go Pens Blog - a handwritten blurb.
- JetPens blog - Uni Style Fit guide.
- DIY pineapple crayons - Tell Love and Party.
- ICYMI: Anderson Pens - don't miss The Not To Be Missed Back To School Giveaway!
- Things a cat needs - BuzzFeed Animals.
- First steps in brush lettering - Lyssarts Handlettering.
- Want a Querkle?
- Sketchnotes - a guide to visual notetaking - JetPens blog.
Pen Stuff From Around The Web
- Anderson Pens - If you're going to have a ballpoint, it may as well be a Sailor Four Seasons!
- La Couronne du Comte - Caran d'Ache Léman Lilac Pen Case. So pretty.
- Casa della Stilografica - Pilot Capless Red Carbonesque.
- Pen Boutique - Retro 51 Tornado Snapper Dimples ballpoint pen.
- Pen Chalet - Aurora 88 demonstrator fountain pen. Sleek and cool.
- Appelboom - Have I mentioned I love Leuchtturm notebooks? I picked up the three copper limited editions! I couldn't help it. Couldn't pick.
- Fontoplumo - Visconti Divina Metropolitan Green - I love this green!
- JetPens - Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen gift set.
- Massdrop
- Allegory "Cap" fountain pen
- Italix Freshman's Notator fountain pen
- Urban Survival Gear TiScribe machined pens
- Clairefontaine French Ruled A5 notebooks
- Lamy AL-Star fountain pen
- Kaweco calligraphy set
- Schneider Xpress Fineliner Wallet Pack
- Levenger True Writer fountain pen
- rOtring 300 mechanical pencil pack
- Bull & Stash "The Stash" leather notebook
- Italix Churchman's Prescriptor fountain pen
- Buddha Board
- Moleskine large cahier journal pack
- Ogami spiral graph notebook pack
- Brause calligraphy bundle
Stuff I Apparently Did This Week
- Ink Shot Review: Blackstone Daintree Green
- Wordless Wednesday
- Graf Von Faber-Castell Tamition Rose Fountain Pen - Medium
- Whiskers & Paws: August 2016 Edition
- Stylograph by Orée Video Preview
Stuff I Read This Week
- Nothing. Haven't had time!
Please check out my sponsors, because they help make all this possible - I've selected some glittery items I have my eye on at each!
Thank you to everyone who supports my weirdness.
Thank you to everyone who supports my weirdness.
Some of these links are affiliate links, which provides me with a small commission but does not add any extra cost to your purchase. Some links are just referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Stylograph by Oreé Video Preview
The Stylograph by Oreé is a pure copper ballpoint pen with a leather cover refillable notebook that can capture your notes and sketches on paper. You can instantly share, edit, and sync them via your smartphone.
Full review will come after the video, but I wanted to show you a quick video, writing sample, and get your input!
I received this item/these items free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.
Full review will come after the video, but I wanted to show you a quick video, writing sample, and get your input!
I received this item/these items free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Whiskers & Paws: August 2016 Edition
You smell funny.
An older picture, but she's too cute here to ignore.
Again, in this spot.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Review: Graf Von Faber-Castell Tamitio Fountain Pen @PenBoutique
Thank you Pen Boutique for sending this pink pen over for review!
ABOUT
Body Material: Metal, lacquer
Trim: Chrome
Nib material: Rhodium plated steel
Cap: Snap
Posts: Yes, friction
Length (capped): 134.2 mm/5.28"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 116.7 mm/4.59"
Length (posted): 155.0 mm/6.10"
Barrel Diameter: 11.2 mm/0.44"
Section Diameter: 10.0 - 11.2 mm/0.39" - 0.44"
Weight (all): 46 g
Weight (cap): 16 g
Weight (body): 30 g
Fill type: International cartridge/converter
Price: $ 180.00USD (sale!)
Where to buy: Pen Boutique
Find Pen Boutique: Facebook | Twitter
PACKAGING
The Graf Von Faber-Castell Tamitio is packaged in a slim box with a white cardboard sleeve. The box is quite elegant, in Graf Von Faber-Castell style. The lid is removable and is off white with little grey squiggles, with Graf Von Faber-Castell and the logo on top. The base is a whiskey brown, and holds a felt lined tray, the plastic wrapped pen, and a GvFC notebook/pamphlet. Lovely packaging. There is little extra space, a box base that is actually attractive and useful - because the top lid can be removed entirely and the base has a three pen holding slot in it. The lid can be inverted then used to hold various smaller items - ink cartridges, a converter, a small bottle of ink, etc.
Approved!
APPEARANCE
I was expecting something like the Faber-Castell Ambition, but this Graf Von Faber-Castell is much nicer than the Ambition. I like the Ambition, but the overall look and feel of this pen is an improvement.
The cap is short and round, in a gleaming polished chrome. The cap widens towards the top, and has a rounded top. The finial dips in, like a small fingerprint. The middle of the finial valley has a black Graf Von Faber-Castell logo set in the chrome top. The ring around the black plug is engraved with: Graf Von Faber-Castell. The small, plain spring-loaded clip is attached internally through the cap. It is a very clean, snug connection, and it looks well made. The base of the cap ends in a blunt end, and is engraved with "Handmade in Germany".
The front and back of the barrel has two chrome plugs that flank the barrel. The front plug is sort of a section, but we'll get to that later. The end plug has a little dip in it as well, which matches the finial. These little dips are so cute. I have always loved Graf Von Faber-Castell for that - the finial and end plugs are cute and satisfying to pet.
The barrel is round with fine flutings on it. The barrel is metal and is lacquered to create the matte surface. The soft, rose pink barrel is beautifully complemented by the highly polished cap and end pieces. A huge step up in elegance from the very cute and humble Faber-Castell Ambition OpArt. I really love the super shiny polished chrome cap, but it picks up grease and looks grimy if it's not wiped regularly.
NIB & PERFORMANCE
This medium nib is a steel nib, but it is rhodium plated so that it matches the polished metal of the pen. It's a pretty good looking nib, too - it has a single slit and no breather hole. It is engraved with the Graf Von Faber-Castell logo, the nib size (M), and some lines that resemble a mini nib shape. The rhodium plating really adds to the appearance, making the nib bright and shiny. It's a beautiful package.
This is a smooth, very pleasant writer. It is not very wet, and drying times are pretty fast. It does not skip or hard start, and it keeps up well with fast writing. It also passes the free weight test, putting down a line of ink with no pressure, just based on the weight of the pen in hand. With normal writing, the nib is on the firm side, but it does not feel like a nail. With moderate pressure, you can squeeze out some broader liners as well, but it's not that great. Works well as a fast writer, and it doesn't dry out during use.
This nib reminds me of the Faber-Castell eMotion pen, which has the smoothest broad steel nib I have ever used. This one is smooth, has almost no feedback, and is something that is very enjoyable to write with.
The international converter in the pen works just fine as a filling system, especially since the nib is not a gusher. Easy to clean and easy to fill. No fuss.
IN HAND
Another Graf Von Faber-Castell feature to love - the really easy to use spring loaded clips! The clip is small, but is snug, and it can easily be slid on to and off pages, pockets, and pouches. The pen is fairly heavy, but the clip is snug enough to keep it secure.
Ah, the section. A beautiful pen with a somewhat confusing section. The little polished piece between the nib and barrel is presumably a design element, and one is intended to grip the lower part of the barrel. That little piece is quite slippery, even if you do hold it. The section comfort ties in with actually holding the pen, and if the weight and balance works for you.
Unposted, the pen feels solid, robust, and is fairly heavy. It a little short if you grip the lower barrel, and not the metal piece. The cap can be posted, but it does not feel very secure. It's snug enough to write with but if you move suddenly or drop the pen, it can fall off. However, posting it evens out the length and balance enough to allow one to more easily grip the barrel as the section, especially those with larger hands. This works well enough, but requires some attention to posting the cap so you don't cause it to fly off. Strange. I had similar issues with the Faber-Castell Ambition OpArt, but this pen is heavier so it feels more comfortable and balanced.
This might be a try before you buy, unless you intend to use this for shorter writing sessions, as I do.
PROS & CONS
OVERALL
What a gorgeous, elegant pen with some great qualities - awesome finial, beautiful colors and finish, well made, great nib... but odd section. If this will be your only pen, see if you can try it first to make sure it works in hand for you, or buy it knowing it may be for shorter writing sessions.
What do you think? Have you used these pens?
I received this pen free of charge for the purposes of this review. Although Pen Boutique is a sponsor of this blog, I was not compensated monetarily for this review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. There are no affiliate links in this review.
ABOUT
Body Material: Metal, lacquer
Trim: Chrome
Nib material: Rhodium plated steel
Cap: Snap
Posts: Yes, friction
Length (capped): 134.2 mm/5.28"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 116.7 mm/4.59"
Length (posted): 155.0 mm/6.10"
Barrel Diameter: 11.2 mm/0.44"
Section Diameter: 10.0 - 11.2 mm/0.39" - 0.44"
Weight (all): 46 g
Weight (cap): 16 g
Weight (body): 30 g
Fill type: International cartridge/converter
Price: $ 180.00USD (sale!)
Where to buy: Pen Boutique
Find Pen Boutique: Facebook | Twitter
DISCOUNT CODE: 9LIVES2016 for 5% off
PACKAGING
The Graf Von Faber-Castell Tamitio is packaged in a slim box with a white cardboard sleeve. The box is quite elegant, in Graf Von Faber-Castell style. The lid is removable and is off white with little grey squiggles, with Graf Von Faber-Castell and the logo on top. The base is a whiskey brown, and holds a felt lined tray, the plastic wrapped pen, and a GvFC notebook/pamphlet. Lovely packaging. There is little extra space, a box base that is actually attractive and useful - because the top lid can be removed entirely and the base has a three pen holding slot in it. The lid can be inverted then used to hold various smaller items - ink cartridges, a converter, a small bottle of ink, etc.
APPEARANCE
I was expecting something like the Faber-Castell Ambition, but this Graf Von Faber-Castell is much nicer than the Ambition. I like the Ambition, but the overall look and feel of this pen is an improvement.
The front and back of the barrel has two chrome plugs that flank the barrel. The front plug is sort of a section, but we'll get to that later. The end plug has a little dip in it as well, which matches the finial. These little dips are so cute. I have always loved Graf Von Faber-Castell for that - the finial and end plugs are cute and satisfying to pet.
NIB & PERFORMANCE
This medium nib is a steel nib, but it is rhodium plated so that it matches the polished metal of the pen. It's a pretty good looking nib, too - it has a single slit and no breather hole. It is engraved with the Graf Von Faber-Castell logo, the nib size (M), and some lines that resemble a mini nib shape. The rhodium plating really adds to the appearance, making the nib bright and shiny. It's a beautiful package.
IN HAND
Another Graf Von Faber-Castell feature to love - the really easy to use spring loaded clips! The clip is small, but is snug, and it can easily be slid on to and off pages, pockets, and pouches. The pen is fairly heavy, but the clip is snug enough to keep it secure.
PROS & CONS
What a gorgeous, elegant pen with some great qualities - awesome finial, beautiful colors and finish, well made, great nib... but odd section. If this will be your only pen, see if you can try it first to make sure it works in hand for you, or buy it knowing it may be for shorter writing sessions.
What do you think? Have you used these pens?
I received this pen free of charge for the purposes of this review. Although Pen Boutique is a sponsor of this blog, I was not compensated monetarily for this review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. There are no affiliate links in this review.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Ink Shot Review: Blackstone Daintree Green @AndersonPens
Thanks to Anderson Pens for sending this ink for review!
ABOUT
Color: Green
Bottle: 1 oz/30 ml
Price: $8.50
Where to buy: Anderson Pens
PROS
CONS
Although I love green, I don't have that many true greens in my ink collection. This one makes the cut, because I just like the color.
Use the new side-by-side Ink Comparison Tool over at Anderson Pens to compare up to five inks at a time, including discontinued/vintage inks. The database is ever growing, with over 800 inks. WOW.
I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. Some links are just referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!
Bottle: 1 oz/30 ml
Price: $8.50
Where to buy: Anderson Pens
Sorry this is so blue. I had to use different light to show the bleed through.
PROS
- Pretty green - deep and definitely green, but not too dark.
- Shades well.
- Easy to clean.
- Pretty well behaved. (The feathering seen in the title is just because the flex pen was just inked and was too wet.)
- No water resistance.
- Bleeds a bit.
Although I love green, I don't have that many true greens in my ink collection. This one makes the cut, because I just like the color.
Use the new side-by-side Ink Comparison Tool over at Anderson Pens to compare up to five inks at a time, including discontinued/vintage inks. The database is ever growing, with over 800 inks. WOW.
I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. Some links are just referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!
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