December 01, 2020

Ink Review #1316: Robert Oster Violet Dreams

December 01, 2020/ Kelli McCown

Robert Oster Violet Dreams is from the Shake ‘N’ Shimmy collection. I purchased my sample of ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Violet Dreams is a light heather purple.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has lots of shading 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: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Violet Dreams is a little more red than Robert Oster Violet Clouds. Click here to see the Robert Oster inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.

Longer writing:

I used an Esterbrook Estie Lilac with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is a lovely spring shimmer ink. It’s well-behaved and a pretty color, but it can be rather light in smaller nib sizes.

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

November 30, 2020

Ink Review #1315: Robert Oster Envy

November 30, 2020/ Kelli McCown

Robert Oster Envy is from the Shake ‘N’ Shimmy collection. I purchased my sample of ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Envy is a bright apple green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has plenty of shimmer 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: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Envy is darker than Diamine Golden Oasis but lighter than Organics Studio Frog Green. Click here to see the Robert Oster inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M600 Vibrant Green with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, it’s a lovely summery apple green with plenty of green shimmer. It’s a little unusual for a shimmer ink just based on the green shimmer instead of silver or gold, but that just makes it unique. It might make a good Christmas green ink as well.

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

November 29, 2020

Ink Review #1314: Monteverde Yosemite Green

November 29, 2020/ Kelli McCown

Monteverde Yosemite Green is from the Monteverde standard lineup. I purchased my sample of ink from Pen Chalet.

The color:

Yosemite Green is a dark Christmas green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a little bit of 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: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Yosemite Green is closest to Taccia Midori Green. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, I really enjoyed this ink. It’s a pretty color, flows well and is affordable too!

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

November 28, 2020

Ink Review #1313: Diamine Tropical Glow

November 28, 2020/ Kelli McCown

Diamine Tropical Glow is from the 2016 Shimmertastic collection. I purchased my sample of ink from Vanness Pens.

The color:

Tropical Glow is a bright medium teal.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a little bit of sheen and lots 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: 10 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes but very little bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Tropical Glow is closest to Organics Studio Alanine Aqua and Robert Oster Morning Shine. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the teal inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Lamy Safari Turquoise with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I enjoyed this ink. It’s a lovely color, has some pretty shading and shimmer and even a little bit of sheen. It did have a little bit of skipping in the smaller nib sizes due to the shimmer so I would stick to medium nibs and larger.

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

November 27, 2020

Ink Review #1312: Monteverde Valentine Red

November 27, 2020/ Kelli McCown

Monteverde Valentine Red is from their standard lineup. I purchased my sample of ink from Pen Chalet.

The color:

Valentine Red is a vivid medium red.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a tiny bit of bright yellow-green 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: low shading, tiny green sheen, and no shimmer.

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

Comparison Swabs:

Valentine Red is a little less orange than both Monteverde Ruby and Love. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, this is a lovely, well-behaved red ink. It’s just not my favorite tone of red-it’s still a bit orange for me on some papers.

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

November 25, 2020

Ink Review #1311: Sailor Manyo Ume

November 25, 2020/ Kelli McCown

Sailor is one of my favorite ink brands, so I’ve been excited to try more from their Manyo line; Ume is from the second Manyo collection. Thanks to Phidon Pens for sending this ink over for review!

The bottle:

Ume comes in a 50ml square glass bottle.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty green 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: 60 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Ume is a bit more brown than most of these other reds. Click here to see the Sailor inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pilot Custom 74 Merlot with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a wet flow.

Overall, this is another lovely Sailor ink. I was a little worried it might be too close to Sailor Oku-yama, but you can see from the comparison swabs above that they are actually pretty different.

Disclaimer: This ink was provided by Phidon Pens 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.

November 24, 2020

Ink Review #1310: Graf von Faber-Castell Garnet Red

November 24, 2020/ Kelli McCown

Yesterday we took a look at Graf Von Faber-Castell Moss Green, so let’s look at Graf Von Faber-Castell Garnet Red today. Thanks to Phidon Pens for sending this ink over for review!

The bottle:

Garnet Red comes in a gorgeous 75ml glass bottle.

The color:

Garnet Red is a dark unsaturated burgundy.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a little bit of 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: 60 seconds

Water resistance: Medium-this ink is advertised as water resistant, but mine isn’t fully water resistant.

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 all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Garnet Red is a little darker than Diamine Crimson, but a little lighter than Diamine Burgundy Royale. Click here to see the Faber-Castell inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M205 Star Ruby with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a dry flow.

Overall, this ink is a lovely wintery red color and comes in a gorgeous bottle, but the dry time is a little longer than I’d like, the flow is dry and it isn’t as water-resistant as it’s advertised.

November 23, 2020

Ink Review #1309: Graf von Faber-Castell Moss Green

November 23, 2020/ Kelli McCown

I’m stuck on red and green this week since Christmas is coming up, so let’s take a look at Graf Von Faber-Castell Moss Green. Thanks to Phidon Pens for sending this ink over for review!

The bottle:

Moss Green comes in a gorgeous 75ml glass bottle.

The color:

Moss Green is a dark grass green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a little 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: 30 seconds

Water resistance: Medium-this ink is advertised as water resistant, but mine isn’t fully water resistant.

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Moss Green has more yellow in it than PenBBS Zi, but less yellow than Diamine Sherwood Green. Click here to see the Faber-Castell inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M600 Vibrant Green with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a dry flow.

Overall, I enjoyed the color of this ink, and it behaves well in a wet broad nib. The bottle is pretty, but it was a little less water resistant than expected.

November 22, 2020

Holiday 2020 Inks

November 22, 2020/ Kelli McCown

Yesterday we covered my current favorites and an inky gift guide, today let’s talk about inks that are great for the coming holidays!

These metallic inks are perfect for any holiday from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. No matter what the occasion, these inks always add the “wow” factor.

While our Thanksgiving is going to look very different this year, I still reach for specific inks each November (this one is KWZ Honey).

Browns and reds are my favorites this season, especially those with fabulous shading like Colorverse String and Taccia Tuchi Golden Wheat.

You can’t go wrong with oranges and yellows in November.

Christmas is my favorite holiday! There are so many great Christmas greens and reds that I couldn’t limit myself to just a few.

Dark green inks are perfect for Christmas.

Not only do I love the dark greens for Christmas, but there’s always room for some lighter brighter greens and of course some shimmer inks as well.

I have a love/hate relationship with red inks. I’m always on the lookout for my perfect red, so far the closest I’ve found is Sailor Jentle Irori, but it’s still a bit too bright for me.

I posted my favorite Christmas inks last year, and had a lot of requests to include Hanukkah inks this year.

I wanted to include a range from black to silver even though I know the traditional colors are only blue and white. White inks are almost impossible in fountain pens (yes, I know some actually exist I just haven’t tried them yet).

What are your favorite holiday inks? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: all photos and opinions are my own. There are no affiliate links on this page, and this post is not sponsored in any way.

November 21, 2020

1300 Inks!

November 21, 2020/ Kelli McCown

We’ve passed 1300 inks so it’s time for another favorites post! Since we are so close to the holidays I decided to make this not only my current favorites but also a gift guide of sorts, based on ink properties.

This year has been really difficult, especially for small retailers. When you are doing your holiday shopping please remember to support small businesses! I did a blog post awhile back about my favorite small businesses and another post about custom pen makers if you are looking for more pen people to support.

Water-resistant Inks:

Water-resistant inks are perfect for the journaler who wants their writing to last, the klutzy friend who always spills their coffee or the artist who loves to mix fountain pens and watercolors.

Copy Paper Inks:

These inks perform well on cheap paper so these inks are perfect for the penny pincher friend who doesn’t want to buy nice paper, the office-dweller who doesn’t get to pick their paper or the student stuck with school papers.

Wet Inks:

Wet inks are great for the writer who loves big juicy broad nibs or the calligrapher who uses flex and stub nibs.

Dry Inks:

Dry inks are great when you have a nib that’s too wet and needs a little taming.

Iron Gall Inks:

Iron Gall inks are great for the archive journaler, artist or historian.

Non-shading Inks:

Non-shading inks are great for the office-dweller when shading isn’t appropriate, the boring friend who wants their writing to look like “normal” or the perfectionist who hates variation.

Shading Inks:

Shading inks are a great gift for 99% of pen users, especially when they are as pretty as these ones!

Crazy Shading Inks:

Dual shaders, chromo shaders, multi shaders-whatever you call them, they are fabulous for the artist in your life. They are rather pale in writing so I stick to broad and flex nibs to see the gorgeous shading.

Sheeny Inks:

While I love a good sheeny ink, I hate ones that smear. I tend to stay in the medium to high sheeners, where Sailor and Colorverse perform well.

Shimmer Inks:

Shimmer inks are great for those in your life that want a bit of sparkle and shine in their writing.

So now that we’ve covered the first 1300 inks, on to the next ones! What’s your number one ink to penable a friend? Let me know in the comments below!

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

Mountain of Ink

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Mountain of Ink

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