I love Diamine inks, so many amazing colours and really affordable. About swatching, I use a little plastic painter's pallette knife. Drip one drop on the paper with a syringe or dropper, and spread it with the knife.
I’m 30 minutes from Pittsburgh and an adorable shop downtown Birmingham Pen Company has a wonderful collection of inks and pens. Some of his ink names crack me up because they’re named after Pittsburgh things. I ordered years ago a Fred Rogers Red Cardigan ink, so pretty. But he also offers samples. ❤
@ oh my goodness I’m so embarrassed, I misspoke. I mixed myself up, my samples are from Goulet pens and my 30ml bottles are from Birmingham. Dang nabbit, I was excited to share another place for samples 🤦🏻♀️ I hope you do try them out. I haven’t ordered inks for some years so I hope he is still as kind as he was then. 💕
Goulet pens has a vial holder for ink samples for $18. I love mine! Sakae Iroful paper seems to be replacing Tomoe River Paper. It can even take a Sharpie.
Hello, from Greece!!! I also used to keep the boxes but I found a better way. I cut the best (in my opinion ) part of the box, Ι peel the back part of the paper , so it is not thick and I stick it in my journal, so I remember when It came. You also can make a special area in your journal to make it like "Inks of 2025/ or purchased this the year" ...etc. That combines my favorite hobbies all in one!!!! he he !!!! Also, I can see all the properties of the ink like sheening and shading ,on the " ENDLESS Regalia Paper-" (the regalia one, not the Endless in genaral) Excuse my English , and thank you for the longer vid . your voice calms my soul! 🙏❤ Rena
I keep my ink bottles in their boxes in a drawer. Easier for storage and keeps them away from light. Bought one of those shotgun shell holders (MTM S25D-41) to keep my sample vials. Found the idea off Reddit and it works for me.
I don’t keep the ink boxes because I like seeing the bottles on my ink shelf. It’s always hard to let them go, though, especially the Colorverse ones, because they add so much detail. Enjoyed seeing all your favorites and new storage ideas.
I have purchased the Twsbi Eco in the caffe bronze and an extra fine nib. I started with colorverse coffee break then went to Robert Oster Caffe Crema and I love it! It's stunning! I also did platinum lavender black and it looked cool in the twsbi
I'm also a fountain pen newbie but I'm so obsessed 😂. I've got my twsbi cafe bronze paired with KWZ cappuccino. Its a warmer brown than Robert outer but so soft and beautiful and the best part is it smells like coffee. Its a very subtle scent which I appreciate. I love the colours available in diamine ink, as well as how cheap they are, but I've found that they often lift up and smudge (even after drying) just by for instance having my hand rest on the page for a moment. I've noticed this only happens with diamine, not with my other inks. So they are a bit fickle. Still love my writers blood though, it's a gorgeous colour. I mentioned this in another video but don't know if you saw it, but my new fave at the moment is Hades by wearengeul. Its a dark purple black with a subtle blue shimmer. Its the first shimmer ink I've tried ans I really like it. I thought maybe you might like to check it out since you mentioned wanting to try a shimmer that isn't too shimmery.
Oh my gosh, your TWSBI Cafe Bronze and KWZ Cappuccino pairing sounds amazing. A warmer brown ink that smells like coffee? Uh..Yes, please! I totally get what you’re saying about Diamine inks. I love their colors, but I’ve noticed the smudging issue too, especially with my Hobonichi/TMR paper. Takes forever to dry! Wearingeul ink is on my list to try. While I'm not too crazy about shimmer or glittery inks, that Hades sounds interesting! May need to find a sample of that. Thanks so much for the suggestion!
I also paired the Twsbi eco bronze with Robert Oster and I found it so amazing. ❤😂 I will never change this. I have the smoke version with an ef nib and have diamine purple rain inked up….nice! The last one is the Creme version with maple syrup fwp….
It's so good, right! LOVE Robert Oster inks with the TWSBI pens. Ooooh.... that FWP Maple Syrup looks "delicious!" And no sparkles, yay! Might need to give this one a try - Thanks!
Thanks Michelle! Since I am old’er (and me and my Mom have accumulated a lot of stuff) I am going to look around the house for something to hold my ever growing ink collection and the stuff that goes with it. My grandmother had a samsonite green makeup case, (the one that was small but held makeup and stuff, not an overnight bag) I am not sure it is vintage yet, but it is that color of green that was popular in the 70s?! Now before everybody panics about this case (nobody is panicking Terri 😂) and possibly spilling ink in it, right now it is doing absolutely nothing but sitting under her bed. She was a feisty woman that was literally born before her time, the stories I could tell, but I don’t think she would mind at all if I used it, in fact I think that would make her happy in heaven? 🤔 Anyway, I do like the look of that glass case for samples, it looks so beautiful! I am not sure why I tell an entire story when I comment on your videos but here we all are?! 🤷🏼♀️ 😂
I love all these videos you’re putting out!! Have you ever tired Wearinguel inks? Beautiful inks. My favorite is Phantom of the Opera and For Whom the Bell Tolls
Thank you! No, I have not tried Wearinguel yet. However, the two you mentioned have certainly piqued my interest! May have to get some samples. Thanks!
For budget paper options: Try the Heavy Weight poly dot grid (I've also had success with the college lined) composition books by Pen + Gear at Walmart, or the Pen+Gear Personal Notebook, College Ruled, 30 Sheets. The Kokuyo KB Paper in A4 is $20 USD for 500 sheets that I fold in half to make A5 Paper. Lastly, the Kokuyo Campus Sarasara is great and comes lined, blank or dotted.
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m always looking for new paper options, especially on the budget. I've used the Pen & Gear before, and that paper is great! I'mm check out Kokuyo next. Thanks!
All those ink swatches are so so pretty!! May I ask where you purchased you twisbi brownish color pen that currently you have the cafe crème ink? I always admire it when you show it in your videos. ❤️
I saw someone on UA-cam using a really pretty glass stirring stick that they got from Amazon. I ordered some and it has helped me sooooo much on my swatching. Not too pricey either!!! Awesome video! I'm really new to the fountain pen community. I started my journey in October 2024. My favorite inks so far are Colorverse Gentle Terrier (lost my bostie in Sept 2024, so I HAD to get this ink), Diamine Autumn Oak, Journalize Hecate, Jacques Herbin Emreaude de Chivor, and Birmingham Pen Co Interstellar Bronze! I'm really looking forward to 2025. So far I have Twsbi Eco, Kaweco Sport, Lamy safari and Monteverde Dakota pens. I'm saving for a Benu Euphoria! Happy Writing! ❤
Ooh, I’ll definitely have to look into those glass stirring sticks. Thank you for the tip! I love how this community always shares the best hacks and tools. I’m so sorry to hear about your Boston Terrier 😢 Gentle Terrier sounds like such a beautiful way to honor their memory ❤️ And thanks for sharing your fav inks! Jacques Herbin Eméraude de Chivor and Birmingham Interstellar Bronze are both showstoppers! Wow. I’ve been eyeing Birmingham inks for a while now, and your recommendation might just be the nudge I needed 😅 Your pen collection is off to such a fantastic start! A Benu Euphoria will be such a dreamy addition. I'm sure you'll love it. Their nibs are a pleasant experience. I hope one finds its way to you soon. Happy writing, and thank you so much for watching and sharing your journey!
Regarding paper for fountain pens I think you have a lot of great options. I usually gravitate to notebooks from Leuchtturm, Hobonichi (for the Tomoe River paper) and Rhodia. All of them are always in stock where I shop. They are quite pricey though. Even more expensive: the Paperblanks notebooks. But they are incredibly beautiful and work perfectly for fountain pens.
Love this information Michelle 👧Hoping this will be the year I can get a nice fountain pen 🖊I am really drawn to the Heart of Darkness🖤 but the Honey Bee 🐝and Snow Storm caught my eye too. Sending lots of warm love always 💕
I am OBSESSED with my Lavender Tetra and have all but used my P. de Lune (generous!!) sample. ;-) I am SO ready for another pen and want a TWSBI based on your reviews. I can not decide which one, please help! I'm leaning towards the Diamond 580AL Silver so I can see my inks. But not sure of nib size. Fine or Med? I hate scratchy feedback and have a writing style/size similar to yours. (my husband would like to send his sincere gratitude to you, for my pen & ink obsession. I officially have 37 sample inks from Goulet on my desk!) HaHaHa!!
cosmo air light paper: I really have mixed feelings with this paper. On one side it has superb properties to showcase sheining inks. On the other side it has the problem that every ink comes out much darker than on other papers plus all fountain pens write much wider than they really are…. So I just skipped that paper and moved back to To.River again….
Twsbi extra fine and Kaweko extra fine both write smoothly and are affordable. Also you can swap the nibs yourself in both Twsbi and kaweko pens so if you don’t like the nib you can purchase just a new nib. Also remember that European extra fines are broader than those from places such as Japan.
I love Diamine inks, so many amazing colours and really affordable. About swatching, I use a little plastic painter's pallette knife. Drip one drop on the paper with a syringe or dropper, and spread it with the knife.
Ooh! What a great and creative idea. Thanks for the tip. Going to use that!
it's so expensive in turkey🥲🥲
I’m 30 minutes from Pittsburgh and an adorable shop downtown Birmingham Pen Company has a wonderful collection of inks and pens. Some of his ink names crack me up because they’re named after Pittsburgh things. I ordered years ago a Fred Rogers Red Cardigan ink, so pretty. But he also offers samples. ❤
Birmingham's ink is next on my list to try. Can you share how I can order their ink samples? I didn't see that option anywhere on their website.
@ oh my goodness I’m so embarrassed, I misspoke. I mixed myself up, my samples are from Goulet pens and my 30ml bottles are from Birmingham. Dang nabbit, I was excited to share another place for samples 🤦🏻♀️ I hope you do try them out. I haven’t ordered inks for some years so I hope he is still as kind as he was then. 💕
I’m in Pennsylvania too! I love their inks! I bought too many 😂
Goulet pens has a vial holder for ink samples for $18. I love mine! Sakae Iroful paper seems to be replacing Tomoe River Paper. It can even take a Sharpie.
Yes a new video!❤
thanks for being here!🥰
Hello, from Greece!!! I also used to keep the boxes but I found a better way. I cut the best (in my opinion ) part of the box, Ι peel the back part of the paper , so it is not thick and I stick it in my journal, so I remember when It came. You also can make a special area in your journal to make it like "Inks of 2025/ or purchased this the year" ...etc. That combines my favorite hobbies all in one!!!! he he !!!! Also, I can see all the properties of the ink like sheening and shading ,on the " ENDLESS Regalia Paper-" (the regalia one, not the Endless in genaral) Excuse my English , and thank you for the longer vid . your voice calms my soul! 🙏❤ Rena
I keep my ink bottles in their boxes in a drawer. Easier for storage and keeps them away from light.
Bought one of those shotgun shell holders (MTM S25D-41) to keep my sample vials. Found the idea off Reddit and it works for me.
That's a good idea! Thanks for sharing
I don’t keep the ink boxes because I like seeing the bottles on my ink shelf. It’s always hard to let them go, though, especially the Colorverse ones, because they add so much detail.
Enjoyed seeing all your favorites and new storage ideas.
I have purchased the Twsbi Eco in the caffe bronze and an extra fine nib. I started with colorverse coffee break then went to Robert Oster Caffe Crema and I love it! It's stunning! I also did platinum lavender black and it looked cool in the twsbi
I've seen both 3 & 5 ml ink samples of Lennon Tool Bar online at Yoseka Stationary.
I love your ink log so much. I’m trying not to spend money so I got samples. And I fell IN LOVE with a few inks. So now I feel I have to buy them. 🤣
I'm also a fountain pen newbie but I'm so obsessed 😂.
I've got my twsbi cafe bronze paired with KWZ cappuccino. Its a warmer brown than Robert outer but so soft and beautiful and the best part is it smells like coffee. Its a very subtle scent which I appreciate.
I love the colours available in diamine ink, as well as how cheap they are, but I've found that they often lift up and smudge (even after drying) just by for instance having my hand rest on the page for a moment. I've noticed this only happens with diamine, not with my other inks. So they are a bit fickle. Still love my writers blood though, it's a gorgeous colour.
I mentioned this in another video but don't know if you saw it, but my new fave at the moment is Hades by wearengeul. Its a dark purple black with a subtle blue shimmer. Its the first shimmer ink I've tried ans I really like it. I thought maybe you might like to check it out since you mentioned wanting to try a shimmer that isn't too shimmery.
Oh my gosh, your TWSBI Cafe Bronze and KWZ Cappuccino pairing sounds amazing. A warmer brown ink that smells like coffee? Uh..Yes, please! I totally get what you’re saying about Diamine inks. I love their colors, but I’ve noticed the smudging issue too, especially with my Hobonichi/TMR paper. Takes forever to dry! Wearingeul ink is on my list to try. While I'm not too crazy about shimmer or glittery inks, that Hades sounds interesting! May need to find a sample of that. Thanks so much for the suggestion!
I also paired the Twsbi eco bronze with Robert Oster and I found it so amazing. ❤😂 I will never change this. I have the smoke version with an ef nib and have diamine purple rain inked up….nice! The last one is the Creme version with maple syrup fwp….
It's so good, right! LOVE Robert Oster inks with the TWSBI pens. Ooooh.... that FWP Maple Syrup looks "delicious!" And no sparkles, yay! Might need to give this one a try - Thanks!
Thanks Michelle! Since I am old’er (and me and my Mom have accumulated a lot of stuff) I am going to look around the house for something to hold my ever growing ink collection and the stuff that goes with it. My grandmother had a samsonite green makeup case, (the one that was small but held makeup and stuff, not an overnight bag) I am not sure it is vintage yet, but it is that color of green that was popular in the 70s?! Now before everybody panics about this case (nobody is panicking Terri 😂) and possibly spilling ink in it, right now it is doing absolutely nothing but sitting under her bed. She was a feisty woman that was literally born before her time, the stories I could tell, but I don’t think she would mind at all if I used it, in fact I think that would make her happy in heaven? 🤔 Anyway, I do like the look of that glass case for samples, it looks so beautiful! I am not sure why I tell an entire story when I comment on your videos but here we all are?! 🤷🏼♀️ 😂
I love all these videos you’re putting out!! Have you ever tired Wearinguel inks? Beautiful inks. My favorite is Phantom of the Opera and For Whom the Bell Tolls
Thank you! No, I have not tried Wearinguel yet. However, the two you mentioned have certainly piqued my interest! May have to get some samples. Thanks!
For budget paper options: Try the Heavy Weight poly dot grid (I've also had success with the college lined) composition books by Pen + Gear at Walmart, or the Pen+Gear Personal Notebook, College Ruled, 30 Sheets. The Kokuyo KB Paper in A4 is $20 USD for 500 sheets that I fold in half to make A5 Paper. Lastly, the Kokuyo Campus Sarasara is great and comes lined, blank or dotted.
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m always looking for new paper options, especially on the budget. I've used the Pen & Gear before, and that paper is great! I'mm check out Kokuyo next. Thanks!
All those ink swatches are so so pretty!! May I ask where you purchased you twisbi brownish color pen that currently you have the cafe crème ink? I always admire it when you show it in your videos. ❤️
I love Diamine inks! ❤
Yay! They're popular for a reason!🥰
I saw someone on UA-cam using a really pretty glass stirring stick that they got from Amazon. I ordered some and it has helped me sooooo much on my swatching. Not too pricey either!!! Awesome video! I'm really new to the fountain pen community. I started my journey in October 2024. My favorite inks so far are Colorverse Gentle Terrier (lost my bostie in Sept 2024, so I HAD to get this ink), Diamine Autumn Oak, Journalize Hecate, Jacques Herbin Emreaude de Chivor, and Birmingham Pen Co Interstellar Bronze! I'm really looking forward to 2025. So far I have Twsbi Eco, Kaweco Sport, Lamy safari and Monteverde Dakota pens. I'm saving for a Benu Euphoria! Happy Writing! ❤
Ooh, I’ll definitely have to look into those glass stirring sticks. Thank you for the tip! I love how this community always shares the best hacks and tools.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Boston Terrier 😢 Gentle Terrier sounds like such a beautiful way to honor their memory ❤️ And thanks for sharing your fav inks! Jacques Herbin Eméraude de Chivor and Birmingham Interstellar Bronze are both showstoppers! Wow. I’ve been eyeing Birmingham inks for a while now, and your recommendation might just be the nudge I needed 😅 Your pen collection is off to such a fantastic start! A Benu Euphoria will be such a dreamy addition. I'm sure you'll love it. Their nibs are a pleasant experience. I hope one finds its way to you soon. Happy writing, and thank you so much for watching and sharing your journey!
Regarding paper for fountain pens I think you have a lot of great options. I usually gravitate to notebooks from Leuchtturm, Hobonichi (for the Tomoe River paper) and Rhodia. All of them are always in stock where I shop. They are quite pricey though. Even more expensive: the Paperblanks notebooks. But they are incredibly beautiful and work perfectly for fountain pens.
apica is great too!!
Thank you for the suggestion!
Thanks for sharing!!
Love this information Michelle 👧Hoping this will be the year I can get a nice fountain pen 🖊I am really drawn to the Heart of Darkness🖤 but the Honey Bee 🐝and Snow Storm caught my eye too. Sending lots of warm love always 💕
If you do get your hands on a new fountain pen, you'll have to let me know!!
i heard some inks react with metal so idk if that has an impact (also thanks for the beginner video, it’s refreshing)
Have you tried TCMC x Robert Oster inks? The Coffee Monster brown ink is really creamy and rich with caramel tones, I think you would like it ❤
I am OBSESSED with my Lavender Tetra and have all but used my P. de Lune (generous!!) sample. ;-) I am SO ready for another pen and want a TWSBI based on your reviews. I can not decide which one, please help! I'm leaning towards the Diamond 580AL Silver so I can see my inks. But not sure of nib size. Fine or Med? I hate scratchy feedback and have a writing style/size similar to yours. (my husband would like to send his sincere gratitude to you, for my pen & ink obsession. I officially have 37 sample inks from Goulet on my desk!) HaHaHa!!
Try Diamine's Bilbery
Ok! Will do, thanks!
Top Flight crushes Hobonichi!!!
It would be helpful if you provided links to where you purchased the inks. Where is the link for the ink tubes?
I wasn’t a fan of the lamy safari. It felt cheap :/
Yeah, I felt the same way😅
Have you
Ever tried Mont Blanc pens? 🖊️ I love your channel. I am using Lamy but I am learning and don’t know what should I get next (affordable)
No, I have not tried any Mont Blank pens. For your next affordable fountain pen, I highly recommend a TWSBI or any Pilot
cosmo air light paper: I really have mixed feelings with this paper. On one side it has superb properties to showcase sheining inks. On the other side it has the problem that every ink comes out much darker than on other papers plus all fountain pens write much wider than they really are…. So I just skipped that paper and moved back to To.River again….
Totally get it. There's a reason why TMR paper is so popular.🥰
I am looking for an extra fine fountain that doesn't feel like it's scratching the paper. Anyone have suggestions?
I enjoy my TWSBI EF nibs. Not scratchy at all. Try to pair with a Robert Oster ink, if possible🥰
Twsbi extra fine and Kaweko extra fine both write smoothly and are affordable. Also you can swap the nibs yourself in both Twsbi and kaweko pens so if you don’t like the nib you can purchase just a new nib. Also remember that European extra fines are broader than those from places such as Japan.
Noodler's Ink is notoriously anti-semitic. Google please and buy a different ink. Such a terrible company.
I had no idea.