Merlins Tower

Fountain Pen TV Ad

Posted on December 8th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Art, Communication, Gadgets, Journaling.

I just saw an interesting commercial on TV: it was for a Christmas Gift Pen Set – The only information I found on it was from Woolworth.UK website:

Description:

The classic pen set is an outstanding gift with six beautifully designed writing instruments, ideal for all occasions.

The classic fountain pen nib contains one of the toughest metals, Iridium, making it virtually indestructible.

The refill flow system ensures an even supply of ink whilst writing and eliminates blotting. As well as the fountain pen, a further five high quality writing instruments are included in the classic pen set.

All are suitable for left and right handed users.

Contents:
  Fountain Pen – Ball Pen – Roller Pen – Tow Colour Pen – Micro Pen – Propelling Pencil – 66 Piece Refill Set

 I just thought it interesting that in the ad they show throwing a fountain pen at a dart board (And Hitting a Bulls Eye none the less) and the pen still writes - Then they used the pen to stab a soda can and the pen still writes again.

My take of this ad is it is showing that fountain pens are not a flimsy pen but a sturdy rugged pen. They also show the pen being used for some "Fancy" writing. My take is that they noticed that people are starting to use fountain pens again and here is a quick way to get a quick buck from the people that don't know what to purchase. Now mind you I have not seen these pens and I am not against low cost fountain pens (I have several and love using them) I just hope these are somewhat reliable and nice to use as I feel this will be a easy way to introduce many people to the use of a "Fancy" fountain pen.  

The Ads here in Pittsburgh show this is available in Giant Eagle, Altmyers, Eckered Drugs, & CVS 

So whats your take? if any one can find a Google or YouTube Version of this ad let me know I will add it to the site.

Would you give this as a gift? 

Merlin – DigitalAlan 

TAGS: Fountain Pen Set Fountain+Pen inexpensive adult gift

13 comments.

Tips on Cutting the Risk of getting the Cold / Flu bug » « Free Printable Rulers

Fountain Pen Storage

Posted on November 15th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Art, Gadgets, Hack, Leather.

Now that I am becoming more of a collector of fountain pens I have been looking for a nice way to store my pen that will keep them save and neat. I had a few spare moments to stop at the local art store near me. Prizm Art Store on McKnight Road in Pittsburgh.

Well I found a nice neat way to store my pens. A Leather Zippered Pencil Case. Here is what I found at Jerry's Artarama. The only different I can see it that the local store has these much cheaper. I only paid $12 for a case that would hold 48 pencils or about 24 fountain pens. The case is dual zippered each half hold 24 colored pencils or 12 fountain pens. The way the case fold and closes keeps the pens from falling out and there are elastic straps to slip the fountain pens into to keep them from bouncing around once they are placed in their new home.  I am so happy to have spotted this and makes the desk a little neater and clears up the olde pen cup.

0 comments.

My Love of Sudoku » « Wedding Help

Composition Notebook Leather Covers

Posted on September 26th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Art, Craft, Journaling, Leather, Moleskine.

Since it is back to school time and many take notes in the standard Composition Notebooks.

Here is a nice leather cover from Ple Designs and they are at a very nice price only $45 compared to the Levenger Notabilia Notebook with Leather Cover which will cost you $74.

With this Composition Notebook Cover you can now add some style to your backpack or briefcase. The nice thing about these covers is that they are available in quite a few styles and leather color choices as well as one done in pig skin with a croc pattern.

These are made to fit the Mead, Avery (National Brand) and Generic Composition Notebooks. You can also get optional imprinting in 9 styles and 3 colors. This is one fully customizable notebook cover.

I used to use the composition notebooks quite a bit before switching to the Miquelrius Notebooks. I would love to get one of these as I would have no issue carrying around a grid lined composition notebook in this classy looking cover.

I really like the Wrap Version as it almost compleatly covers the notebook including the front edge so I can store some papers and items with out fear of it falling out.

Here is a photo of the various type of wraps:

Be sure to check out their page for more details.

Additional Resources: PLE Design Page

Tags: analog, Design, elegant, Journal, Leather, Leather Journal, Levenger, notebook, Office Supply Porn, Organizer, paper, Composition, Moleskine

0 comments.

Fountain Pen Alert: Ohto Tasche Fountain Pen » « Tiny – Extreemly Small 1 GB USB Drive

Cool, a bit quirky site – Little People Street Art Project

Posted on September 16th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Art, Communication, Photography, Weird Stuff.

I just love some projects some people do – The Little People Site is one of them. The Official Name is “Little People – A Tiny Street Art Project” It is about very tiny possibly HO size figures that are hand painted and put into the street in very cool action scenes. 

Here is an example of a Person going on a lift (elevator for us americans) set at the bottom of a real lift in London I believe. This is truly Art imitating Life.

I have been looking for quirky – cool sites – I am helping a friend get his new site (To be revieled in about a week or so) – We are looking for Cool Site – Cool Videos – Strange Things that are found on the web – So if you have any email them to me   (Alan  (at)  MerlinsTower (dot) Com) – You know the drill Remove the space and replace the words with the correct symbol – Sorry to do it this way but I hate spam and email hordes….  And if you submit any cool sites to us – We will be sure to mention your name and or blog on the new site.

Technorati Tags: art, project, minitures, life, ho, london

0 comments.

Gas Prices – Where to get the best price. » « Pimp My Office – How to make it FUN

Hand Made Leather Journals

Posted on September 3rd, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Art, Craft, Journaling, Leather.

Today while perusing the web, checking out my emails, having a cup of coffee I stumbled upon OberonDesign.com and their Beautiful Hand Made Leather Journals. Unlike many leather journals these journals are refillable and take a nice 4.25 x 6.25 sketch book journal unlined. Actually Oberon Design has several sizes of their Leather Journal Small (4.25 x 6.25) – Large (5.5 x 8.5) & Extra Large (8.5 x 11). Each book with 212  Smythe Sewn Heavy Bond acid Free pages for the XL and 220 Pages for the Large and Small Journals. The Leather covers range in price from $54 – $69 or up to $124. This really is not that bad of a deal as I mentioned this cover is easily refilled. Plus I am sure as you use your journal this leather will wear and begin to take a life of its own. These leather journals are crafted from custom tanned cowhide and paired with decorative pewter buttons. They look like they would be wonderful to hold and work in.

Hint Hint Wink Wink Nudge Nudge : (If you want to send me a sample on so I can do in indepth review feel free to email me  “Alan  (at)  MerlinsTower (dot) Com”  That goes for any company that want a unbiased review of their products.

So, Take a look at them if you are interested in a nice Travel Journal, Sketch Book, Dream Diary, General Writing or Just a plain old Diary. These seem they would be a nice addition to any backpack or nightstand.

Merlin (Alan)     -=#:-)

Technorati Tags: Leather, Journal, Sketchbook, Diary, Notebook, Analog, Dreams, Writing

0 comments.

Arcade on a keychain – Real Atari 2600 Games and Playable » « Notetaking and Organization – How I got sucked in.

Dust Art

Posted on August 27th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Art, Craft, Sketching, Weird Stuff.

Yes you  read that right – This beautifully painted artwork was done on the back of a car.

Scott Wade using a very different canvas Automobile Windows covered in dust and road grime.
He creates them using fingers, paint brushes, chewed popsicle sticks, and more.

I love trying to sketch and these sketches/drawing/paintings by Scott Wade are amazing. This type of art is unbelievable for the amount of time put into this, and  that once the rain comes or these people take their car to the wash these works of are gone forever.

Technorati Tags: skeching, art, design, dust, painting

0 comments.

Notetaking and Organization – How I got sucked in. » « My Parker “51″ Special

MiquelRius Journals on Sale: 20% off

Posted on August 3rd, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Art, Journaling, Miquelrius, Sketching.

Ok – You heard it right – You can order your MiquelRius Journals and Books Tomorrow Aug 4th for 20%. Here is the Info that was sent out today talking about this sale and they said we could share this coupon code. So all you MiquelRius Fans Aug 4th is the day to do some shopping. Time to replace all your Moleskine Journals with a nice Miquelrius Journal. :-)

Save 20% ONE DAY ONLY! August 4th!
It's hot, sizzling hot here! Why not spend some
extra time inside in the cool air by shopping online!
One day only – 20% off at ShopMiquelRius.com. You
MUST enter the COUPON CODE: HOTT (that is Two
T's!)

Tags: analog, Journal, Miquelrius, Moleskine, notebook, notetaking, Office Supply Porn

1 comment.

Miquelrius Journal – How to use for Organization » « PROMO: Cross Verve Pen Movie Premiere

« Previous Page — Older » « Newer — Next Page »