Category Archives: PEN PALS

FOUND AROUND FRIDAY

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Another week in the books!

First thing’s first….the Winner of the Apica Notebooks is Pikamookie. I’ve already sent you an email.
Here’s what I’ve been reading this week.
Inkophile talks palettes this week.
FPQuest reviewed the Sheaffer 300.  I’m kind of meh on this design. What do you think?
Gourmet Pens reviewed Rhodia Ice. It’s good paper, it’s her handwriting that I love!
Ink Nouveau (Goulet Pen Company) talked about Noodler’s Black Swan in Australian Roses. Yikes! Most people don’t seem happy, but I actually like the look of the new.
MyCoffeePot reviewed a Bexley Tuck-Away. Even though I was raised right there in Ohio, I knew so little about this pen company before reading this review and watching the video. It’s a BEAUTIFUL pen.
Office Supply Geek had a close look at Caran d’Ache Ifinite Grey – totally need to get my hands on this.
That’s all I have for you today. Well, except this CRAZY swab that I posted on Instagram.  LOVE LOVE LOVE.  Stay tuned for a full review…

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FOUND AROUND FRIDAY

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A reminder that I’m giving away a couple of Apica Notebooks.  Go enter to win.

Here’s what I’ve been reading with interest this week . . .

Is your handwriting average?

Rita. Hayworth.

Pen Addict takes a quick look at the Parker Jotter 60th (!!) Anniversary Ballpoint Pen.

Dudek Modern Goods has a Summer Sale going on. Highly recommended.

PenINKcillin shows us how to disassemble a Lamy Z24 Converter. You’ll want to bookmark this post if you own a Lamy.

MyCoffeePot started a new pen blog.

I think Mr. Pentulant wants this pencil. He’s a mathlete, you know.

Finally, a couple of things from my Instagram.

Terrible little dog bumped my hand . . . .

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Celebrating IndePENdence Day . . .

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PAPER REVIEW and COMPARISONS: Apica Premium C. D. A5 Notebook

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Apica Premium C. D. A5 Notebook Review and Comparison to Clairefontaine
There is a plastic protective cover that doesn’t seem like it’s meant to stay on the book. You could leave it on there with no trouble, but taking it off (to remove the paper insert, for example) and replacing it later could cause the cover to tear because it’s super-thin. The book looks better without the plastic, too. 
The cover is heavyweight slightly textured paper.  The title is embossed and the word “premium” is stamped in gold foil.  
The pages are squared (rather than rounded) and binding is sewn (rather than stapled).  
Some people prefer rounded corners because they may show less wear and tear over time. I like the look of square corners, especially in thicker books. Sewn binding is more expensive to produce than other types of binding – it looks better and it helps the book lay-flat.
Choose the paper like you would a good pen.
This A5 notebook came to me via Goulet Pens.  They sent it to me in exchange for my honest review. Goulet has this notebook listed at $16.20. Apica makes other notebooks, too – they are not all made with the same “A. Silky 865 Premium” paper.
The Apica A5 has 96 sheets of paper. That’s 192 pages to write on if you write on the fronts and backs of pages.
The first page of the book is a gray title/index page. Definitely a premium touch that most other notebooks don’t have.
Nearly lay-flat binding.

But what you really want to know about is the paper itself, right?

The paper feels so smooth. It’s buttery, luxurious, and definitely, absolutely premium. The color is a very light ivory and the lines are gray. Very easy on the eyes. Ahhhh.
I compare it below to my everyday use paper – Clairefontaine 80gsm.

Apica . . .

Clairefontaine . . .

Apica . . .

Clairefontaine . . .

 Because the paper is so smooth and almost (but not quite) feels glossy, I was concerned that smearing would be a Major Issue. Here’s a comparison . . .

Apica . . . 

Clairefontaine . . .

Apica . . .

 Clairefontaine . . .

The Apica paper in this notebook feels better (more silky smoothness) than Clairefontaine and that made the writing experience better than on Clairefontaine. I love it and will definitely use the notebook I received.

Inks look brighter on the white white paper of Clairefontaine, but they look richer on Apica. 

There was very little ghosting and no bleed through with either paper. 

Dry times seem comparable, too.

Here’s the complete Apica test sheet.  Click here for the huge full-size image . . .


And here is the complete Clairefontaine test sheet.  Click here for the huge full-size image . . . 





Clairefontaine in the A-5 clothbound version comes in at $9.50 for the same number of pages. The cover isn’t as fancy, and the paper may not feel quite as smooth, but if you’re looking for bang for your buck, I’d tell you to get Clairefontaine.

If you’re looking for a very special notebook, though, get the Apica Premium. You really and truly will not be disappointed. The silky paper is like no other paper I’ve used.

Last week, I asked on Instagram which papers people love – and which they use.  If I’ve managed to embed this link correctly, you should be able to clicky click and be taken directly to that post to see the responses. (And if I didn’t embed it correctly, you’ll know that I’m not a perfect person.)

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And finally, let me ask you . . . which paper do you most love? which paper do you use most? Do you prefer clothbound or wire binding?

I’ll be back on Wednesday with a Giveaway. Stay tuned . . .

xoxo

Found Around Friday

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Happy Independence Day!

Here’s where I’ve been reading this week . . .

The Pen Addict reviewed Organics Studio Blue Merle Ink. I have some samples of Organics Inks – but haven’t used them. They had some problems a couple of years ago and I’m a little shy about them as a brand.

PenInkcillin reviewed Salior Jentle Apricot ink. Totally going to miss that ink!

Haha…look at what Inktronics did.

Inkdependence talked about the Pilot Petit 1.  I have this pen. Somewhere.

Whoa. Gourmet Pens get her hands on two Edison Pen Co. pens.

Fountain Pen Physicist looked at Pilot Iroshizuku’s Yu-yake. Is it bright enough?

And Ed Jelley managed to convince me that I need Rhodia Ice.

I talked about sending bits of color out into the world over on Instagram. I’m glad to send you one, too – just email your address to me.  I’m christine (at) christinewitt (dot com).

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Finally, July is Sarcoma Awareness Month (a rare sort of cancer). I’m a proud volunteer for Sarcoma Alliance and believe strongly in their mission to improve the lives of those affected by sarcoma.

Have a happy and healthy holiday!

Found Around Friday

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Ever wonder how much that converter will hold? Apparently, someone measured and you can read about it here.

Fountain Pen Quest reviews NockCo’s Pen Cases. These cases have received so much attention from the fountain pen community – I may need to check them out myself.

The Missive Maven posted about Postcard Happiness Project. I’m in!

Pens! Paper! Pencil! reviewed Sailor Jentle Apricot – a favorite ink of mine. Don’t get too attached, though – it’s being discontinued.

FP Geeks talks about taking care in how you store your pens.

I’m going to have this pen.

I’m thirsty. Really thirsty.

Have a good weekend! I’ll be back next week with a great new review!

xox

Toucan Group Buy

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I hadn’t heard of Toucan inks before I saw the news of a group buy over on FPN, but I was definitely intrigued.  Ink in a bag instead of a bottle? Say what?

First, I’ll apologize for the quality of some of these images – not my best work. Maybe my hands were shaking with excitement 😉

I ordered 16 different ink colors, 30 ml each, for a grand total of around $52 + $13 for shipping. The inks came from Australia and the seller was offering to ship the bulk order to a member of FPN who would then split the orders and ship from her home (that was the $13 part). Minimalist packaging for the win!

The whole thing could not have gone more beautifully from my perspective. My inks arrived sealed (from the seller) in a big bag. Each individual ink had tape placed around the screw top and was in it own individual baggy.  I have no drips, spills, or other damages to report.

I have no idea what the kind of seal below is called, but it was a “break-the-seal” deal to open.

I was definitely a little nervous to start pouring into the bottle.  (This is an empty Noodler’s 30ml bottle.)

Someone on Instagram said that milk and wine come packaged like this in Canada.  I’m thinking I need to travel more.

Not a single drop spilled! Yaay!

I’ve been asked a good number of questions about these bags . . .

…The opening is too small to dip a pen – and even if it wasn’t, you’d have to be mighty brave to try it
…I think it would be possible to draw the ink out with a syringe or pipette if you’re super-careful
…The cap can be placed back on the bag – I have no idea how well it seals
…I’d buy like this all.the.time – the savings on shipping and packaging make it an easy decision for me
…the group buy is over, but you can find these inks from JustWrite in Australia

I’ll be back with reviews of some of the inks soon!

Found Around Friday

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I have a Major Big Post planned next week to discuss the picture above. Spoiler Alert . . . I love Dudek Modern Goods and you should, too.

On to this week’s finds . . .

Check out this cool pen that My Supply Room found on Kickstarter.

Lots of us have pen pals. Is it ok to have a pen pal of the opposite sex if you’re married? FPN members attempt to answer this question in three pages of posts.

The Unroyal Warrant takes a close look at the newest Montblanc ink. I have a bottle (or two) of this ink, but haven’t had the time to dive into it yet. Ditto for the Field Notes Arts and Sciences edition.

Fountain Pen Physicist scribbles with her new Noodler’s Ebonite Konrad.

Fountain Pen Quest reviews an oldie – the Waterman Edson in Sapphire Blue. This is a pen that is very near and dear to my heart.

Franklin-Christoph pen cases are the best!

I may have reached the tipping point with these Kaweco Sport pens.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Instagram Love

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I wish you’d follow me on Instagram.  Let me tempt you a bit by showing you some of what you’ve missed.

Some white pens . . .

 Fun with Sakura pens . . .

A great quote even if the picture is a little (a lot) blurry.

 Lamy 2000 with BB nib. Dude.

I’ve started doodling more . . .

Amazing sale on Copic Markers at my local Michael’s . . .

I can’t get over this pen. . .

This ink color is wow – but it was so dry that I had to pass.

And if all that isn’t enough, check out these great feeds . . .

MyCoffeePot
Kataish
Kevin Keller
YogaLarva
Faustine2012
Fpail
Seth Carber
Kristin Nohe
MrMikeDudek

Hope to see you there.

I’ll be back later this week with a super-special review of four amazing blue inks. Stay tuned!

FOUND AROUND FRIDAY

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Woooo..it’s Friday!

Mr. Pentulant is totally digging his new gig and we’re adjusting well to our new schedules. The dogs are doing the best they can, too. Ha.

Here’s where I’ve been reading this week . . .

Fountain Pen Quest reviewed Franklin-Christoph Black Magic Ink. I just received this ink and was looking forward to trying it, too. Yikes.

FP Geeks gave us a sneak peek at the Montblanc 2014 Writers Edition. It’s a no for me.

May as well face it, I’m addicted to Backpocket Journals. (I’m getting watermelon!)

LadyDandelion got a new (to her) Montblanc. I’m green with envy.  😉

Mr. Mike over at ClickyPost talked about the Pilot Falcon.

The Pen Addict showed off the Kaweco Dia2 – a pen I’d never seen. I love the way it looks!

I’m hungry. Really hungry.

Have a good weekend!

xo

FOUND AROUND FRIDAY

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After I posted about my anniversary gift from Mr. Pentulant, I came across this book of colors that has apparently been making the rounds and this digitally produced book of colors.

The Pen Addict reviewed Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-Kai ink. Look at how bright the color looks in the cap, but deepens quite a bit on the paper.

FP Physicist has a sweet giveaway going on until the end of the month.

Pens! Paper! Pencils! shows off Diamine Cerise. I’m going to have to dig through my samples and see if I have this one.