The 849 ballpoint pen has been a staple of the Caran d’Ache line since 1969 and is based on the Ecridor and Fixpencil that preceded it. It’s an aesthetically classic design that has become the basis for color experiments as well as graphics by artists and designers en vogue. I recently picked up the Rose…
Review by Tina Koyama When I first saw photos of Uni Pericia colored pencils and their prices, my immediate reaction was skepticism (OK, lust – then skepticism). $74.50 for a set of 24 pencils? Certainly, it’s not the only professional-quality, colored pencil that costs $3 each or more (Caran d’Ache’s premium lines come to mind).…
Back in July, in a newsy post, Ana highlighted that a knitting pattern designer and an illustrator had teamed up to develop a planner for knitters, the Strickplaner (€ 18.90). I had intended to order one, but then the designer was kind enough to send a copy of the planner to Ana, and she handed…
Review by Laura Cameron (and Ana Reinert) Since both Laura and I have ended up purchasing or acquiring several of the same products, we have decided to do some “tag team” reviews where we provide two points of view. Since our pen experience levels differ and our tastes differ, sometimes our opinions will be similar…
When I’m at the San Francisco Pen Show, I make a point to check out the the Peyton Street Pens table. They carry some of the most unusual items, particularly pens from the Indian manufacturer Ranga as well as many amazing restored vintage pens. This year, I picked up an ebonite Bamboo Slim model made…
Review by Tina Koyama While urban sketching, I occasionally have need for an opaque white pen with a tip fine enough to make small highlights or write the lettering on a street sign. I’ve tried quite a few white pens, and many are either not opaque enough or not fine enough. Lately I’ve been using…
I have loved Red/Blue editing pencils for ages. Every time I find a new one, I buy a few more. I have been delighted to see that many of my favorite online stationery shops continue to find new sources for red/blue pencils. There are several theories surrounding the original uses for red/blue pencils and I…
