My week #9

Last week we had a lot of snow, in fact nearly everywhere in the UK had some but inside my planner it was the beginning of spring!

My week #9

I carried on my floral theme from last week with some really pretty washi tape and then matched the colours from it with my Trendy Page Dot reinforcements and inks.  

It was so nice when I was huddled up at home under layers of clothes and a blanket to look at my pages and imagine that the first days of spring were just around the corner even though they felt like a million miles away!

Close up

Close up

The snow is all thawed now and hopefully there wont be anymore until next winter, I am keeping my fingers crossed for warmer days, sunshine and flowers soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

My week #26

This was my first decorated week in my planner in ages so I used my absolute favourite new stickers to get me back into the swing of things.  If I see a set of cute Alice in Wonderland stickers then I just have to buy them so when I spotted these vintage style ones from Three Little Buhos on Etsy I couldn't resist them!  And as I was paying for the postage I threw in this lovely floral washi tape too.  I think they both go well together!

My week #26

It felt kind of weird to see my pages looking pretty again, I have been dirty planning for a while now but it was definitely nice to be greeted with such a cheerful spread when I looked inside my planner!  

Close up

Close up

Do you have a favourite theme when it comes to stamps and stickers?  I'm also a sucker for anything cute and coffee related!

Thanks for stopping by!

Signature Saturday - Sheaffer 100 rollerball pen review

Ok, so today is Signature Saturday and what do you need to write your signature?  A really nice pen!  Sheaffer are an official sponsor of National Stationery Week and I was given a couple of their Sheaffer 100 pens to use so today I am going to show you this beautiful rollerball one. 

Sheaffer 100 rollerball pen

The barrel of the pen is a stylish translucent red and coordinates nicely with the brushed chrome cap and nickle trim.  It is timeless and sophisticated and would look right at home in a briefcase, on a desk or in a handbag.  The pen comes in a luxury gift box making it a perfect present for any stationery fan.

In the gift box

Sheaffer have a long standing reputation for producing classic and timeless designs with the finest finishes and high quality inks.  In 1924 they introduced the White Dot to symbolise quality and excellence and today it is on every pen they produce making them instantly recognisable.  

Brushed chrome cap with the Sheaffer White Dot

I tested this pen out on Monday as part of my post for Pen and Pencil day and said that the rollerball ink skipped a little but once I had used it for a while longer it started to flow more freely and now it writes beautifully.  I love how pigmented the black ink is too, it really stands out against the white paper.

Black rollerball ink

Do you own a Sheaffer pen or have a favourite pen for signing your name?

I will be back tomorrow for the last day of National Stationery Week, how has it gone by so quickly?

*Disclaimer - This product given to me free of charge by Small Man Media for the purpose of National Stationery Week.  I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are honest and my own.

World Stationery Day - oh the possibilities!

Happy World Stationery Day!  Are you doing anything special today to celebrate?  I have been thinking this morning about why I have a serious stationery addiction and I have come to the following conclusion, it is because a single piece of paper and a pen can change the world.

Happy World Stationery Day!

You might think I am waxing lyrical but I'm not.  Nearly every great speech started off with an idea, a piece of paper and a pen and the desire to create a change.  I can't imagine a poet sitting at a typewriter or computer to get their thoughts on a page, I picture them with a dogeared notebook and a pencil.  Great pieces of art, love songs and stories have began with paper and something to make a mark on it!  

Each new sheet of paper has oh so many possibilities, all you need to do is grab a pen or pencil and start writing or drawing and make your mark.  Each new page is the chance to start again, a clean slate to do something different, to create something, to inspire yourself or someone else, to create some kind of change and I really think that is something pretty amazing!

If you make a mistake you can cross it out, rub it out, scribble over it, cover it in correction tape or with a post-it note or you can just screw up the paper and start again on a new piece.  There is always a way to fix your error!    

Plans and inspiration

So, you might be wondering why I have so much stationery if it only takes a pen and paper to change the world.  Well my answer to that is I just love it!  I love having pens with different inks, in different colours, that write differently on the page.  I like to have lots of notebooks with different papers in them, I like to have paper that is good for drawing on, paper for watercolours and paper that can handle fountain pen ink.  I like to have colouring pencils and drawing pencils so I create something from a blank page.  Stationery is the starting point to my creativity and it inspires me more than a blank computer screen ever could! 

If there was ever a time for you to pick up a pen or pencil and make your own mark it just has to be on World Stationery Day!  Write a letter, send a card or draw a picture and enjoy the feel of the pen or pencil in your hand as you create something from nothing!  As William Wordsworth said

"Fill your paper with the

breathings of your

heart."

I hope to see you again for Thank You Thursday!

Pen and Pencil Day - a plethora of pens!

Yes!  It's finally National Stationery Week!  I'm so excited, I can't wait to get online and celebrate my love of all things stationery!  Make sure you are following the National Stationery Week Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts so you don't miss out on any of the fun and if you aren't already following me you can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too!

Today is Pen and Pencil day so I want to show you some of the pens that I was given by Small Man Media.  They sent me a lovely parcel of stationery to use during NatStatWeek which included lots of fab new pens, an Nu Elite notebook and some fun bits and pieces from Mustard, including the cute doggie page marker you can see poking out from the top of my notebook.

Pen and Pencil Day

Whenever I get new pens I like to try them out to see how well they write and what the ink colours are like so I cracked open the notebook and got to work testing them all.  I didn't just want to write my name or hello over and over again to try the pens so I thought it would be fun to do a kind of Bullet Journal spread with them.

Sheaffer pen test

On the first page I used a Stabilo pastel highlighter to write Pen and pencil day and then went over the top of it with a black PointMax felt tip writing pen (also by Stabilo).  Then I was ready to try out the pens!  The first two I tested were both Sheaffer 100s, I have a ballpoint and a rollerball in this model.  The ballpoint is a stylish black and chrome pen that is well balanced and a pleasure to write with.  The ink flows freely and I found the pen comfortable to hold.  The ballpoint has a twist action to draw down the tip which means I wont lose the lid while I am using it, that is always a plus point for me!

The rollerball pen is red and chrome and looks very similar to the ballpoint, but they are the same model just with different inks so that is to be expected.  The rollerball does have a separate pen lid though to stop it from drying out and it feels slightly heavier than the ballpoint to me.  It is still a comfortable pen to write with though.  The rollerball ink did skip a little while I was using it but I think that was my fault for not scribbling enough with it first to get the ink flowing.  You can see both pens in the photo below along with the Stabilo PointMax.  

Stabilo and Edding pen tests

On the next page I used lots of Stabilo pens, the pastel highlighters are a particular new favourite of mine.  The Sensor fineliners are nice and bright and they have a patented micro-cushion tip making them a precise pen to write and draw with.  The last set of Stabilo pens I tried were the Pointmax, these pens have a nylon tip and look like felt tip colouring pens when you take the lids off them but they are actually really nice to write with!  The 0.8mm tip is a good size, it's not too big or too small and the pens are available in a variety of colours.

Pens, pens, pens

I also received some Edding pens, their metallic colours in silver and gold caught my eye so I tried those out first.  The silver 1200 metallic is a fibrepen that is perfect for writing on dark coloured paper and the vibrant ink dries quickly reducing the chance of smudges.  The gold 751 creative is a gloss paint marker which is actually made for writing on smooth surfaces like glass and once applied it is water, abrasion, light and heat resistant.  I can't wait to get crafting with these two pens soon!  There was also a pink gel roller pen I thought looked rather nice so I tested that too.  It has a comfortable rubber grip giving you greater control when you use it and the ink was really bright and fun.

Okay, so I think we have covered the pen part of Pen and Pencil Day quite well, what about the pencils I hear you ask!  Well keep an eye out for my second post later today where I will be introducing you to Write Size pencils!

Thanks for stopping by!

*Disclaimer - all products mentioned in this post were given to me free of charge by Small Man Media for the purpose of National Stationery Week.  I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are honest and my own.

World Stationery Day! Why writing matters to me...

Happy World Stationery Day!  I love the fact that there are people all over the world celebrating their love of stationery today, it is fantastic!    Are you doing anything special to mark the day?  I wrote a letter using my favourite pen and ink, decorated the envelope with washi tape and popped it into the postbox this morning and later on I will be testing some pens for reviews which is always fun.

World Stationery Day 2016

I wanted to spend some time today to tell you why I think writing matters, why it is important to me to encourage people to pick up a pen and use it, to make their mark.  When I was at school we learned how to write using a pencil, once that was mastered we moved onto cursive handwriting and then when our writing was neat enough we graduated onto a pen.  The day you got your pen was a big thing, it was an achievement and you felt proud.  I think the day I was given a pen at school was the day I fell in love with stationery a little and that love has grown over the years.  

Pen and paper

I think that one of the problems we have now is that more and more parts of our lives have become digital, work and play both involve computers, tablets and mobile phones.  There seems to be an app for everything and we don't even have to sign our names when we pay by card any more, it is all chip and pin or contactless payments.  I want people to pick up a pen and feel the joy of writing again!    

The right tools for the job

Nothing I can do on my iPad can compare with putting pen to paper when it comes to organising my life or recording memories.  Things just feel more permanent to me when they on paper instead of in an app or computer file. 

Finding a smooth writing pen, a pretty coloured ink or the perfect paper ignites a spark of creativity inside me that sitting in front of a computer never has, that is why I always plan my blog posts on paper before I start to write them on my laptop.  Holding a pen in my hand is the first step I take in many of my endeavours, the pen and paper inspire my imagination whether I am trying to create something or problem solving.  They are the tools I use, the foundation I start with and so far they have always gotten the job done!  

Why does writing matter to you?

My favourites - 2015

A few days ago I read a post by Janet from This Bug's Life about some of her favourite products from 2015 and I felt inspired to create my own list to share with you.

Favourite pen

I have been using my Sheaffer VFM since 2014 but it is still my favourite ballpoint pen.  I tend to use lots of different coloured pens on my diary pages but the VFM is the one I keep in my pen loop and I use it all the time.  I love that it matches the interior of my planner perfectly but it also writes so smoothly and is very comfortable to hold.

My favourite pen for 2015 - Sheaffer VFM in ultra mint

Favourite planner/binder

At the start of 2015 my favourite planner was my fluoro pink Original Filofax, I stayed in it for about 5 or 6 months which is the longest I have used one binder since I started this blog.  However since I received my custom Van der Spek planner it has stolen my heart!  Getting to design my own binder and deciding on the colours and leathers meant I now own the perfect planner for me and I have not been interested in any others since I moved into it.  Plus having large 30mm rings is amazing, I can fit everything I need to in here!

My favourite planner for 2015 - Van der Spek 30mm custom
organiser

2nd place

2nd place - fluoro pink Original Filofax

My favourite planner stamps

Before I started using stamps in my planner I hated trying to draw the check boxes for my to do lists.  They were always a bit wonky and never matched each other which would drive me mad!  Thankfully I was given these Check It Off stamps which have a whole range of different check boxes and shapes to choose from and now I have lovely, uniform boxes for my lists! 

Favourite planner stamps - Annie's Paper Boutique Check
It Off stamp set

My favourite notebook

I have a weakness for notebooks but my favourite for 2015 was this pink Nu Notebook.  I love the colour and the matching elastic closure and page marker ribbon.  The paper inside is also great quality, it's nice and smooth and handles all my pens well.

My favourite notebook - Nu Era Pop

Do you have a stand out favourite product from 2015?  I'd love to know!

Thanks for stopping by!

My week #32

I will be honest with you, I hate the taste of watermelon and anything watermelon flavoured is even worse (Jolly Rancher I'm looking at you!) but I thought this washi tape looked cute so it fell into my basket.

My week #32

This week has been a bit crazy for me, I was listed as one of the 12 Instagram planning gurus to follow for organisation inspo by Reyna Cazares from Brit + Co!  I was so shocked!  And very, very pleased of course!  I have been walking around with a big smile on my face all week!

Close up

Close up

I didn't have any watermelon stamps or stickers to use with this week's theme so I just cut out some of the slices from the washi tape and used them instead.  I think it worked better than if I had tried to draw them myself. 

Products used this week:

Van der Spek custom made organiser - 30mm Standard size (personal)
Webster's Pages week on two page inserts

Lorabailora washi tape - watermelons

Lorabailora summer 2015 clear stamps

Annie's Paper Boutique Check It Off Planner Stamp Set

Annie's Paper Boutique At Home Planner Stamp Set

Annie's Paper Boutique Drinks & More Planner Stamp Set
Annie's Paper Boutique Foodies Planner Stamp Set

Annie's Paper Boutique trendy Page Dots circle reinforcements
Annie's Paper Boutique Feeling Funny Planner Stamp Set

Kawaii Studios planner charm
Papermate Inkjoy pens

How was your week?

My week #31

This post is very late!  I received my Van der Spek custom organiser on the Tuesday of this week and moved into it straight away, then I didn't want to show you my pages in it until I had written a separate post to share my love for my new, perfect planner which delayed my usual schedule.

My week #31

I used my Lorabailora summer stamps again this week with matching pineapple washi tape, I love how tropical they look together.  This pineapple stamp comes in two parts so I could use a green ink for the leaves and then a yellow one for the main part of the fruit and join them together into one image.  I've been having a lot of fun using decorative stamps in my planner instead of stickers for a change.  The flamingo stamp I used in my week 30 pages came from this set too, I was very lucky to find a collection that had two of my favourite things in it! 

Close up

Close up

Products used this week:
Van der Spek custom made organiser - 30mm Standard size (personal)

Filofax Week On Two Pages Diary

Lorabailora washi tape - pineapples

Lorabailora summer 2015 clear stamps

Annie's Paper Boutique Check It Off Planner Stamp Set

Annie's Paper Boutique At Home Planner Stamp Set

Annie's Paper Boutique trendy Page Dots circle reinforcements

Kawaii Studios planner charm
Papermate Inkjoy pens

I was interviewed by the lovely Beth from Live Love Planners recently, you can read our post here and I will be back tomorrow to share my week 32 pages with you.

Introducing... The Pen Company & a review of the Sheaffer VFM ballpoint in ultra mint

In my last post I mentioned I would be starting a couple of new features on this blog.  Today I am revealing the first!  During National Stationery Week I found some new companies so I thought I would write a series of posts introducing them and review some products I have either won or purchased from them.

Introducing...

The first retailer I am writing about is The Pen Company.  They are a family run online retailer based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire UK but they do ship internationally too.  

I won a Sheaffer VFM ballpoint pen from The Pen Company in a competition held through their Twitter account.  They also have a Facebook page and are readily available through both.  I like being able to tweet or post a message and get a quick response on social media.  They are also very active online and post interesting links and reviews so it is worth giving them a follow or a like.     

Sheaffer VFM ballpoint pen from The Pen Company

I was emailed by James at The Pen Company the day after I was announced as a winner (very quick customer service!) and I gave him my address details.  A couple of days later I received a second email which was a dispatch notice for my "order", again great service.  I do like a company who lets me know when my goods are on the way so I can start stalking my postman until they arrive.

The review

VFM stands for Vibrant, Fun and Modern and I think this sums up the range perfectly.  I love the simple but stylish design of the pen and the colour I received, ultra mint, is stunning!  

I decided to put the pen through it's paces by writing a quick review of it.  I found it to be comfortable to use and the ink flowed smoothly which is great, I can't stand a scratchy pen!   

Handwritten review

The pen is made from metal with a smooth lacquered finish and nickel plated trim.  It looks and feels a lot more expensive than it actually is.  I said in the handwritten review that the price is $19 (USD) but I forgot to deduct the VAT so it is approx $15 (USD) depending on the exchange rate and £10.95 here in the UK.  The website has a gadget at the top of the page to select the country you are in so you will get all the prices in the correct currency.

The VFM range is available in ballpoint, rollerball and fountain pens and comes in ten cool and contemporary colours:

• Matte black
• Neon blue
• Ultra mint
• Chilled blue
• Strobe silver
• Extreme purple
• Excessive red
• Radiant ruby
• Ultimate plum
• Maximum orange

  Pros

• smooth writing experience 
• looks great, stylish and expensive
• sits well in hand
• nice reassuring click on the push button mechanism 
• comes in a gift box
• has a one year warranty 

Cons

• Doesn't fit in the leather pen loops of my Filofaxes.

I feel like I am being a bit unfair with the con, the VFM wasn't designed with skinny pen loops in mind and it does fit in the elasticated loops but as most of you are Filofax users I did think I should mention it.  

In the gift box

Overall I really like this pen, it is easy to use and easy on the eye!  I would be happy to give one as a gift and just as happy to receive another one myself, I have the ultimate plum on my wishlist at the moment.

Thanks for reading!

*Disclaimer - the pen was given to me as a prize so I did not pay for it.  I was not paid to write this review and as always all opinions are honest and my own.  I am not affiliated with The Pen Company and will not receive any commission on any orders placed using the links on this post.