Ink Line Review: Van Dieman’s Seasons

Ink Line Review: Van Dieman’s Seasons

By Jessica Coles Van Dieman’s ink line. Wow. Australia seems to have some amazing inks recently and Van Dieman’s is no exception. One thing I have noticed about these Australian ink makers is the huge number of inks they create, so I have been forced to believe that Australia is just a more colorful place…

Ink Review: Papier Plume Iron Lace (New Orleans Collection)

Ink Review: Papier Plume Iron Lace (New Orleans Collection)

When Papier Plume sent me the newest edition to their New Orleans Collection of ink, Iron Lace ($10 for 30ml bottle), (“a not-so-basic black”, it says on the bottle), they included a note that it was a “subversive black alternative”. Yes, please. Like all Papier Plume inks, the bottle is topped with the melted red…

Ink Review: Robert Oster Frankly Fifth (Federalist Pens 5th Anniversary Ed)

Ink Review: Robert Oster Frankly Fifth (Federalist Pens 5th Anniversary Ed)

I’ve gone around over the years about my feelings regarding the size and shape of the Robert Oster 50ml ink bottles and, while they are not the most romantic, elegant bottles, they really are pretty easy to use once you get the hang of them. The plastic is a standard #2 plastic making them recyclable…

Ink Review: Jacques Herbin Essential Inks

Ink Review: Jacques Herbin Essential Inks

Back in 2018, J. Herbin released a new line of inks and other stationery items under a Jacques Herbin branding. At the time, the line was exclusive to Le Bon Marche/ Boisnard (Paris), Itoya (Tokyo), and Milligram (Australia). Recently, it was brought to my attention that the inks are now being sold at a variety…

Ink Overview: Cross Inks

Ink Overview: Cross Inks

Cross Inks are one of the classic “staple inks” that are often recommended. Over the years, the “archival” attributes of the ink have often mistakenly been assumed to also be waterproof. “Archival” simply means that the inks have been formulated to resist fading over time and have a pH level that is neutral and acid-free.…