Ink Review #1285: Papier Plume Iron Lace

I’ve been a big fan of the Papier Plume New Orleans collection for years now, I especially love Garden District Azalea and Sazerac. Recently they added a new ink to the collection called Iron Lace. Thanks to Papier Plume for sending this ink over for review!

The color:

Iron Lace is a dark green-black. It’s not quite black, green or grey but somewhere in the middle.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks more grey.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 40 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: low shading, tiny bronze sheen, and no shimmer. The sheen is only visible in large swabs on Tomoe River Paper.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Iron Lace has more green in it than Sailor Jentle Black, but less green than Lamy Obsidian. Click here to see the Papier Plume inks together, and click here to see the black inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M805 Stresemann with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I enjoyed this ink; it’s such an interesting color while still being well behaved. It’s a great addition to the New Orleans collection.

Disclaimer: This ink was provided by Papier Plume for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1284: Diamine Enchanted Ocean

Someday I’ll get through all of the Diamine shimmer inks. Let’s take a look at Diamine Enchanted Ocean, from the 2016 Shimmertastic collection. I purchased my sample of ink from Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Enchanted Ocean is a dark blue with a strong green undertone, almost a teal.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks gorgeous with plenty of sheen and shimmer.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: low shading, low red sheen, and silver shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Enchanted Ocean is closest to Birmingham Southshore Luster. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Sailor Pro Gear Lighthouse with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is a gorgeous ink-some shading, sheen and lots of silver shimmer. It’s perfect for the winter season.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1283: Monteverde Rose Pink

Monteverde Rose Pink is a light bubblegum pink. You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Rose Pink is a light bubblegum pink.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty shading.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes but no bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Rose Pink is closest to Tono & Lims Nagasaki: Passion. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the pink inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Lamy Safari Pastel Pink with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this ink is pretty well behaved and is a lovely spring pink color, but it can be rather pale in the smaller nib sizes, so I would stick to broad or flex nibs with this ink.

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1282: Diamine Blue Lightning

I finished this review a few months ago, but other inks keep taking precedence so it’s time to finally publish it: Diamine Blue Lightning, from the original 2015 Shimmertastic collection. I purchased my sample of ink from Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Blue Lighting is a sky blue ink with silver shimmer.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty sheen and plenty of silver shimmer.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: low shading, tiny pink sheen, and silver shimmer. The sheen is only visible in very large swabs on Tomoe River paper.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Blue Lightning is a little bit lighter than Robert Oster Blue Moon. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Montegrappa Elmo with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is a lovely holiday/winter shimmer ink. It’s pretty well behaved and a beautiful color.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1281: Monteverde Red Velvet

Monteverde Red Velvet is a dark maroon red, perfect for fall and winter. You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Red Velvet is a dark maroon red.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks much less saturated.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: low shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes but no bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Red Velvet is closest to Ferris Wheel Press Candy Marsala. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Lamy Al-star Purple with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a slightly dry flow.

Overall, this is not my favorite Monteverde ink. Normally I really enjoy Monteverde inks, but this one falls a bit flat for me. It’s a little too unsaturated and a little too dry.

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1280: Diamine Terracotta

Diamine Terracotta is part of the 150th Anniversary collection released in 2014. I purchased my sample of ink from Pen Chalet.

The color:

Terracotta is a medium red-brown.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a tiny bit of black sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, tiny black sheen, and no shimmer. The sheen is only visible in large swabs on Tomoe River Paper.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes, but no bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Terracotta is just a little bit lighter than Diamine Cherry Sunburst. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the brown inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pilot Vanishing Point Copper with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is a lovely medium brown. It’s a great addition to the 150th Anniversary collection.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1279: Ink Institute Jade Vine

Ink Institute is known mostly for their Taipei Metro ink collection, but they also have a Botanical Series ink collection. Jade Vine from the Botanical Series is an interesting unsaturated blue. Thanks to Shigure Inks for sending this ink over for review!

The color:

Jade Vine is a light, unsaturated blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty shading. It almost turns pink where pooled.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 40 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 20 lb copy paper there was feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Jade Vine is a little bit darker and less green than Papier Plume Lake Michigan Winter. Click here to see the Ink Institute inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pilot Vanishing Point Tropical Turquoise with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a dry flow.

Overall, I love the color of this ink, but the flow is a bit dry for me. It can also be pretty pale in the smaller nib sizes, so I would stick to broader wetter pens for this ink.

Disclaimer: This ink was provided by Shigure Inks for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1278: Ink Institute Bannan Line

We’ve made it to the end of the Taipei Metro series so let’s take a look at the last one-Ink Institute Bannan Line. Thanks to Shigure Inks for sending this ink over for review!

The color:

Bannan Line is a medium bright blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: medium shading, medium pink sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 20 lb copy paper there was feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Bannan Line is similar to Blackstone Barrier Reef Blue and Diamine Asa Blue. Click here to see the Ink Institute inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Transparent Blue with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this ink is a lovely color and pretty well behaved, but there are a lot of other inks out there similar to this one.

Disclaimer: This ink was provided by Shigure Inks for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1277: Ink Institute Songshan-xindian Line

There are so many pretty green inks out there! Let’s try out Ink Institute Songshan-xindian Line from the Taipei Metro series. Thanks to Shigure Inks for sending this ink over for review!

The color:

Songshan-xindian Line is a medium green that leans just a little bit toward blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks more blue than it does in writing.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 30 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, low pink sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 20 lb copy paper there was feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Songshan-xindian is just a little big lighter than Robert Oster Peppermint. Click here to see the Ink Institute inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Sailor Pro Gear Shamrock with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is a lovely green ink. It’s a good option if you are looking for an ink just a little bit lighter than Robert Oster Peppermint.

Disclaimer: This ink was provided by Shigure Inks for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1276: Ink Institute Circular Line

We have a few more Ink Institue inks to get through, so today let’s take a look at Ink Institute Circular Line from the Taipei Metro series. Thanks to Shigure Inks for sending this ink over for review!

The color:

Circular Line is a bright sunny yellow.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some shading but no sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 50 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: no shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 20 lb copy paper there was feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Circular Line is similar to Private Reserve Buttercup and Sailor Ink Studio 770. Click here to see the Ink Institute inks together, and click here to see the yellow inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Yellow with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a slightly dry flow.

Overall, this is a lovely basic yellow ink-no shading or sheen in writing, but a bright sunny color. This ink would be great for summer.

Disclaimer: This ink was provided by Shigure Inks for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored in any way.