Semi-Wordless Wedensday

Writing related rubber stamps.

PHX-1: Design Tool Set

Then Pen Addict introduced me to the PHX-1 Design Tool Set when he mentioned the PHX-1 Campaign back in November 2011.  The campaign is over but I was lucky enough to become one of the backers before the campaigned ended.  I received the tool yesterday which was like Christmas all over again.

This is truly a design tool.  The Bamboo case is simple and elegant as is the tool itself. The case is covered by a sliding seven (7) measurement ruler. I can probably only undstertand about 3 of them.  But it doesn't matter.  I love the tool. It is a hollow, stainless body that houses Hi-Tec-C and Signo DX refills in the writing instrument end and a hobby knife at the other end.  You have to supply your own refill and hobby knife. Both ends screw on securely when not in use.  

 It is almost too nice to use in my line of work but I fully intend to whip it at my next meeting.  I plan to dramatically unveil it from its case at the very start of the meeting to the admiration of all in attendance Can't wait!!  I'm such a geek.  I'm thrilled to have in my collection.  Here are some photographs of the tool which do not do the tool justice.  I used a Hi-Tec-C .4mm refill in the pictures. I'll try the Signo refill next time.



The link found through Pen Addict has much better pictures.

Black Barrel Post-it Flag + Highlighter & Pen via AMAZON Locker



A few weeks ago, I walked to my local Rite-Aid and noticed this large, grey contraption near the entrance, bearing the words “Amazon Locker”.  There was a little television screen in the middle of the structure.  As soon as I got home, I jumped on the internet to figure out what the heck it was.  Turns out, it’s a new delivery method for receiving your Amazon.com orders.  Amazon has been testing it out in various parts of the country and NYC is the next area.

Now, it may seem like a rather pointless idea when you can just have your goods shipped to your home.  However, if you live in an apartment building in NYC and you don’t happen to have doorman, receiving deliveries can be somewhat of a pain.  I try not to receive too many packages at work so I’m often stuck having to wait until the weekend to retrieve my package from the post office.  So for me, it’s useful.  Sort of a free post office box with hours to fit my work schedule.

I decided to test the service by ordering Post-it Flag + Highlighter & Pen with the new black barrels.  This version is very similar to other versions of the Post-it Flag + Highlighter & Pen models.  The only real difference is in the aesthetics.  Instead of a barrel with sparkles or squiggly lines, the barrel is black with small silver dots.  Then pen is a much more modern looking pen than the others and is far more appealing to me.  I use them at work on a regular basis.

The pen performs like similar pens.  The ink is nice and black and the highlighter works well.  I like larger Post-it tabs but these will do in a pinch.

If the Amazon Locker comes to you area, you should check it out.  And if you like the Post-it Flag + Highlighter & Pen, check out the new design.  Thus far, I’ve only seen the pens on Amazon.



Holiday Journal Donations

Holiday Journal Donations

Journaling has been an important part of my life since at least the 6^th grade.  It was my best friend when I mistakenly thought I had no friends. I could cry into my journal and still appear strong to the outside world.  Mostly, it helped me work through emotional issues when professional help was unavailable to me.  Whenever I encounter a troubled youth, I suggest journaling and professional help. I'm sure some of you have had similar experiences.  Maybe that’s why I collect (hoard) so many journals.

For years, I have wanted to donate my unused journals but could not find the avenue for donating them. Thank goodness for Fresh Air Fund Holiday Drive in New York.   Among the gifts on their "wish list" are writing journals and diaries.  Well, that’s right up my alley.

I picked 10 black journals and decorated them with silver ribbon and added a disposable fountain pen. I will remove my fingerprints before gifting them. :)



I added a label to each of the journals which reads “This Journal Belongs To ______________”.  I used a rubber stamp of a fountain pen at the top of the label.  I have to work on centering the rubber stamp for the inside label. 

I hope they like them.

Staples Coupon - Free Eco-Easy Bag and 15% Off - Valid through 11/23/2011

Great pre-Thanksgiving deal.

I took advantage of this deal back in June.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday - 11/16/2011 - Storage Box #3 (Purple Pens)

New Bic Disposable Fountain Pens



Armed with a new $1 off Bic coupon, I trekked through the slush and sleet this weekend and visited my local Staples to browse their selection of Bic pens.  I was delighted to discover a new Bic product.  Bic has come out with disposable fountain pens in a 2 pack of black pens and a 3 pack of blue, black and red pens.  I have a few Varsity disposable fountain pens so I looked forward to trying Bic’s version. 

The Bic fountain pens are larger than the Varsity fountain pens  The larger barrels make the Bic fountain pens slightly more comfortable to use.  The Bic fountain pens appear to hold more ink so I should be able to use them longer.  Overall, I prefer the look of the Bic fountain pens.

In terms of performance, I have to give the edge to the Bic fountain pens because the Bic nibs have a slightly finer point.  My one complaint about the Bic fountain pens has to do with the red pen.  In person, the ink comes out as a very watery red that almost looks pink.  However, I would certainly buy the black and blue versions again.

If you happen to visit Staples and like disposable fountain pens, you should check out Bic’s new offering.  Make sure to print off a coupon from Bic’s Facebook page before you purchase the pens.  Just sign into you Facebook account and click this link.