Review: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 10’s

Who would have thought that I’d be writing about these babies years after I’ve had them?

To be honest, I reserved this set only for the special art projects. I knew that these were kind of hard to replace because I got them through special order only, I think back in 2012-13 (?).

With enough use, I can share my thoughts about them with you:

Pros

• Fine tips for small writing spaces
• Triangular body shape makes control easy
• Ink flows continuously!
• That being said, colors are pigmented and this is quite impressive too
• Case is multi-functional, it can stand on its own and give easy access to the pen colors you wish to use
• Dry Safe feature means the pens can be left uncapped for a number of days without drying up (but I haven’t done so yet)
• Slim and convenient, can be brought anywhere for those doodling activities

Cons 

• 10 colors only, can be limiting
• Not readily available here
• A bit pricey for me ($12.75)

I like that they can be packed in travel with no sweat, plus ten slim colors for writing on traveler’s notebooks can do wonders. Even if I’ve had this set for years, I can still use them up to many more because of their long-lasting ink and usability. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of these.

What are your favorite pen liners? Do you own a similar set? Share your thoughts in the comment box so that we can start a discussion, and I’ll post a series about my traveler’s notebooks soon.

Unboxing Déco Art X Crafts Delight Tara Viaje Kit

It’s been a while since I’ve done an unboxing of a stationery kit, but this is sure one way to break the monotony of my blog and you know me, anything travel is always worth turning a head to.

For this month, Deco Art and Crafts Delight decided to launch a vintage travel themed stationery and crafts kit and boy oh boy, did it arouse my curiosity. Another reason why I raised my hand to this edition is because I have another leisurely travel scheduled next month (hello, long weekend) and it’s definitely going to be very useful for me.

I always prep a traveler’s notebook every time I leave, whether it’s standard or pocket sized, what’s important to me is preserving the memories, writing down thoughts and experiences while in transit especially if they involve the significant people I’m traveling with.

So…. On to the unboxing….

Burnt edges of Chinese Newspaper add a nice touch to the package

The packaging alone is a nice surprise, the twine and burnt edges of the Chinese newspaper ties up  with the vintage travel theme nicely. 

What's inside the wrapped package

Onto the other additions in the kit are two washi tapes, a wooden stamp and a crystal pen in a beautiful copper-ish color. Mental note: test it out later. The washis are a constant in any Deco Art and Crafts Delight subscription kit but the pen and stamp are a new addition to this set. Still a welcome touch. 

Vintage travel themed washi

Here’s a close up look of the washis.

More paper goods

A peak into some more of the goodies in the kit, there are doilies, ephemera, stickers and journal cards.

Journal cards 

Looking at the journal cards, my favorites are the vintage map, Say Yes to New Adventures, and My Goal Is To Run Out Of Pages In My Passport. That’s not far from the truth, sista!

Sticker ephemera 

Now the ephemera stickers are small, so I didn’t take them out of their little plastic pouch because I’m afraid to lose some in case. This reduces the need to bring a good glue during travel next month so it’s easy to just write away all the thoughts and experiences. 

Loads of vintage travel stickers

Lastly, there are the functional stickers that come with almost every monthly kit. But I think the newer additions are the washi strips and larger boxes. I'm not really a fond of the icon stickers but I guess I can find some use for my daily planner at work. 

It’s the first time that Deco Art and Crafts Delight launched a full kit and with the unboxing of this one, I can say that so far, so good. I hope that they can continue the vintage theme, like café, or fashion. But in case a mermaid kit comes up, you can expect that I’ll be one of the first to also sign up for it.

Would you care to get a box of this kit too? Simply reach out through Insta! As of this publication, there are only 2 kits left so you better hurry!

Deco Art Instagram

Crafts Delight Instagram

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. All opinion are the blogger’s own. 

February’s Happy Mail: Vintage Washi and Glitter Pens

I couldn’t help myself and went on a splurge last week. Disappointing, I know but arts is life. So now I have to contain myself and also remind myself that March is for our Holy Week escape so there will be no more extra expenses.

Tim Holtz Cling Stamps

And I gave in.

I long wanted to add my Tim Holtz stamps, I currently have two: Freshly Brewed and Treats (see how I’m fond of good food…) and since I started school, I’ve long wanted Schoolhouse. Now I have it thanks to Berry’s Treats.

But with the arrival of my nephew, I’m tempted once more with Baby and Childhood. Of course, I can still aim for Travel and Vintage Things by the time my birthday rolls in.

Tim Holtz Washi

And there’s an addition to my Tim Holtz washi.

I did tell myself that I’ll only get the designs that are relevant to me. And I did. So that’s that for my Tim Holtz washi in the meantime…. 

Sakura Gelly Roll Pens

I love the colors in the Sakura Gelly Roll Galaxy set. There’s five: pink, lavender, green, blue and black. The ink gives off a gold shadow and it’s great for different paper varieties. It’s a perfect match for glitter washi and even galaxy washi. I like that it’s affordable at Php 250 per set. I’m now seriously thinking of getting the metallic set. No seriously, I am.

Deco Art Washi

I received my package with freebie stickers, (I love panda bears because I call C panda lol). But of course, I went ahead and got myself travel-inspired and vintage washis that I’ve been stalking for quite some time. So this is all going in my traveler's notebook and what's good about traveling by land is that I don't have to get in trouble with airport security confiscating a pair of tiny scissors for my crafts. 

All these new craft goodies make me want to look forward to some quiet time to write quietly in my corner and process my thoughts. It’s also my way of coping, unwinding and playing with colors for my art therapy.


Do you see something you like? You can get them at Berry's Treats and Deco Art respectively, drop them a message in Insta and they're going to definitely reply. =) 

Currently 02.11.18

School

I think school affairs have every reason to cause me my acne lol. They do appear when I’m stressed. 12 units is no joke, as I’m meeting the minimum for my school load.

I’ve finished my report in Urban Planning class yesterday. That leaves my report for Fiscal Policy and then the exam for Friday class which means I have to read everyone else’s input on the subject. So, add to that, here we go second quarter of the semester whoohooo! 

Writing

Well I managed to score a few online finds, in the like of new Tim Holtz washi and also Michaels stamp washi. I’m in love with the pink Gelly Roll pen, it’s Php 56 each and I can’t stop thinking about trying out a new set. I’m just really just fond of it.

I’ve thought of indulging in Bible journaling, maybe that can help me out?

My laptop needs a sleeve and I thought I should give Lazada one more try before I give it up. I’m still eyeing that Sakura Gelly Roll set…. I still can’t get over it lol. 

Trudy Lauren Diamond Pen in Rose Gold and Planner Charm Review

Because rose gold is the craze for planner girls this season, who can resist a rose gold Trudy Lauren Diamond pen and planner charm for a quick pick me up? Here’s my two cents on the diamond pen and charm that I got from Excelite Liwag.

The color is gorgeous! And yes, because it’s rose gold. The diamond detail is a bit flashy but isn’t that what lady bosses are after? LOL not that I am one, but it’s good for those insta-snapshots. The ink is on and off and made of the regular ballpoint pen and not gel ink pen. It’s a regular twist barrel with no clip holder on the side whatsoever. I thought that it will suit my Forever New Pearlised Blush Planner in A5 but I have to be careful that it does not slip off the pen holder. It does feel a little heavy to write with so it’s really more of a decorative pen rather than a functional one. 

The planner charm is another story. The charms included in this gold (yep, not rose gold chain) are an acrylic high heel shoe, (the other pair must be with Cinderella right now), a transparent heart gem and tiny gold coin with a stamped message that says live, laugh, love. The combination suits my planner because these charms are uber girly. But again, I thought that the chain would at least be rose gold to match the diamond pen.

And then there’s its durability. It’s gotten detached from the clasp midway in my bag twice. I just had to stop re-linking them together and something tells me that it should just stay at home on my desk. But it’s a planner charm and has to hold together!

Have you tried any of the Trudy Lauren stationery? They’re cute I must say, but you have to personally evaluate which ones are truly functional for your planning and desk activities. Don’t be shy to leave me a comment! 

A Writing Icon: The Fountain Pen

“I was thinking of getting you a fountain pen for a wedding present, but then I realized you already had one.”

That’s the scene in The Sound of Music with the very regal and fabulous Baroness Schraeder played by Eleanor Parker that reminds me of why the fountain pen is an icon.

It’s rare to spot a fountain pen in one’s desks these modern days, but it continues to be an icon of a writing instrument among those old-school pen and paper writers.

A close friend of mine still writes handwritten letters with a fountain pen on parchment paper in the age of computers and Facebook messenger.

A fountain pen comes in many different varieties such as capped or retractrable, fine or thick nibs, pocket-sized or the regular length. Basically and by definition, a fountain pen is a writing instrument with a reservoir or cartridge from which the ink flows continuously to the nib.

The list of masters who use the fountain pen in writing their works are Neil Gaiman, Simone de Beavoir, Stephen King, Dylan Thomas and Claire Messud.

Never have I expected to actually own a fountain pen because the ones I usually see are the posh ones which must cost a small fortune already. But thanks to my crazy friends A and M, I have a simple but meaningful fountain pen with my name engraved on it. It came as a surprise and these are the times when I feel so grateful to have thoughtful friends who know me so well.

I’ve used the pen mostly for signing cheques and policies as well as bank transactions. I received a box of refill cartridges with it and I’ve already consumed half of the cartridges. I like the cartridge system to minimize having to frequently dip into ink and also avoid any mess I might cause because honestly, my desk is far from very neat. Though I’m anticipating that I have to look for replacements pretty soon because I live and work far from town and the local and only bookstore might not carry it here LOL. Let’s just say fountain pens are not very popular in this city and only a handful of people actually use it.

But they do make very beautiful and thoughtful Christmas (or even wedding) gifts. 

So what do you think of the fountain pen? Would you consider acquiring one or are you going to stick to a good sign pen for your signature? Share your thoughts with me by leaving me a comment. Cheers!