Colfer Imperial Inks – Concentrated – Variable Intensity Fountain Pen Inks


Posted on December 15th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Art, Communication, Craft, Journaling.

There is a new fountain pen ink company just starting up. It is the Colfer Imperial Inks - But this company is very different from any of the other ink companies out there. As Colfer Sells his inks in Concentrated Form and you get to mix them yourself with distilled water. This is called the worlds only adjustable ink. Which means you get to select how much color you use. The inks can be made in a ratio of 4:1 to 6:1 (That is 4 parts water to one part ink concentrate – This gives you the stongest color) The 6:1 will be the lightest color. I like this Idea as I get to control the color and not the manufacture / producer of the ink.

Colfer Ink - Color Chart Colfer Imperial Inks - Color Chart
Colfer Imperial Ink Color Chart – Links to Fountain Pen Network Page

Using these inks from what I read there are just a few rules to follow – First only use after mixing them with distilled water and second only mix the colors after mixing them with distilled water. Yes you can play chemist and mix the colors to make your own trademark color for your favorite fountain pen. I really like the colors that are available and I think it would be nice to have an economical ink that works as well as it is described. (I am going to have to save my pennies up and purchase a few of this inks) From the charts my favorites are Signat Red – Cotes de Nuits – New York Central Jade – Blue Spruce and Soveriegn Blue.

BTW – once I do get my hands on some of this ink I will be writing out a full review for all to read. 

Addtional Notes – You can purchase these pre mixed or in several various options from small EZTrav vial or the EZUze or the complete kit 1oz of concentrate and a 2oz mixing bottle.

I have to admit I love trains and I just love Colfer's Logo: Wow one Great Train: The Pennslyvania T1 Steam Engine Streamlined.

Colfer Imperial Ink LOGO
Link to Order Inks from Colfer's Page

Additional Info can be found at the following pages:

FPN – A First Look
The Pear Tree Blog on Colfers Inks

TAGS: Fountain Pen Fountain+Pen Ink Color Colfer Imperial Inks variable concentrated mixable


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Fountain Pen TV Ad


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

JML Fountain Pen SetI 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


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Free Printable Rulers


Posted on December 4th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Craft, Gadgets, GTD, Hack, Journaling, Miquelrius, Moleskine, Toy, Web Service, Weird Stuff.

Paper RulerHow many times have you been out and don’t have a Ruler to measure something you saw at the store or to see if it will fit an application you are working on at home.

Well I have found an easy solution for you. What you need to do is to keep with you is a paper ruler in your wallet/organizer. And Mitchell Charity’s Site he has placed several different versions that you can print out on your printer (as long as you don’t allow the printer software to resize it) that you can cut out and keep with you in your organizer.

I printed out the Metric and Inch Ruler. Hey you really never know when you need an exact measurement (well a pretty darn close measurement). I put these up against my nice metal ruler that I keep on my desk and these are really close.

This is a nice cheap  inexpensive way to add a measurement device to your organizer.

Here is the Link to Print out the Free Printable Rulers: FREE Printable Rulers

You Need to click on the PDF version and Download it to your Computer and Use Adobe PDF Viewer to print these to your InkJet or Laser Printer. The PS Version is the PostScript Version that can be used to edit. But not easy to do. The Following Rulers are available on Vendian.or:

One Foot – Metric – centimeter – Multiple on one page – etc…
Remember to Print these click on the above link and use ADOBE PDF Viewer to print to your own inkjet or laser printer.

 

 

UPDATE - – Check out this new Post on Top Free Productive Tools

 

 

TAGS: Analog paper ruler organizer hack gtd


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New Levengers Product – Wallet Writers


Posted on November 19th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Communication, Gadgets, GTD, Journaling, Leather, Notetaking.

Wallet Writer from Levenger'sThey have done it again – Another innovative product from Levengers. The Wallet Writer – It gives your wallet a place for you to write on. Basically it look like it is a mini version of the International Shirt Pocket Briefcase that now fits in your back pocket.

I really like this idea as there are times I don't carry my International Shirt Pocket Briefcase with me. It is rare but there are times that it is just not necessary to have with me. But then I need to take a few notes – Too hard to do on a napkin and way too easy to loose, Can't write on my business card as they are double sided and full color glossy. Now this products comes to the rescue. You are now guaranteed a place and means to write down the notes you needed to remember – Such as a book you wanted to read, a persons name and email, a street address or what ever strikes you at the moment of revelation. I know I find it much easier to use this analog way – Pencil / Pen and paper then taking notes or tidbits of info and putting it into an electronic device.

From what I read the cards are the same stock as their cards for the Shirt Pocket Briefcase – Which in my humble opinion are really nice quality and I use them all the time. These cards have a grid design on one side and rule lines on the other. I would prefer they were grid design on both sides. – The wallet comes with 50 cards and the refills are 300 cards for $18 dollars – again not a bad price for the quality of the cards.

Levenger's makes the wallet in three different styles – Billfod style for men, a compact snap style for women, and a business card holder for unisex. Of course these are made of their high quality soft full-grain leather in a range of different colors (Black, Red and Toffee). The prices for these range from $42 to $58 – $42 for the Card Wallet Writer, and $58 for either of the men's or women's wallet version. The Photo above is of the Card Wallet Writer.

If anyone is using one of these please use the comment section as I would love to hear what you think of yours.  Or if you have any other suggestions or ideas on this let me know.

Merlin

Tags:  Levenger wallet briefcase business+card Index+Card index card business note notetaking portable analog


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Custom Leather Moleskine Cover


Posted on October 24th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Anything Else, Communication, Craft, Hack, Journaling, Leather, Miquelrius, Moleskine.

Morningbreeze Blog has a beautiful leather cover that was custom made for their moleskines that they use. As you can see from the photo to the left that this cover compliments the moleskine. It seems to be the nice high gloss leather surface. There is also a place for a pen to call home at the top of the moleskine. Very nice indeed as you have it all in one location. This seems to be fairly similar to the leather cover that I made for my Miguelrius Notebook. I would assume this will protect the moleskine as much as the leather cover I made. This will keep everything nice and neat.

Great Job MorningBreeze!

 Link to Morning Breeze:  Blog Entry

Tags:

Moleskine Miguelrius Journal Notebook cover Leather Fountain Pen Custom

 


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Fountain Pen Alert: Ohto Tasche Fountain Pen


Posted on September 28th, 2006 by Merlin.
Categories: Journaling.

Tasche ohto silverI thought I would share this interesting pen I stumbled upon while looking up some other info the other day. This Fountain Pen is the Ohto Tasche Fountain Pen. Ohto has been making pens and various products in Japan for quite some time – 1929 to be exact. This seems to be a very nice pen and from the online reviews it seems this will be a Fountain Pen I would like to add to my growing collection of pens – mostly for the small size. (Note: I have a Pen Problem if you have not noticed yet) This pen can be purchased at Jetpens.com – Jet Pens is an importer of pens that are normally only available in Japan.

The Ohto Tasche Fountain Pen: available in Silver, Blue, Pink and Black.

The Pen is just a hair larger then 4 inches when closed, 4 inches when using the pen uncapped and is 5.8 Inches when using the pen capped.

This Fountain Pen is really very stylish and nice looking – It is only available in one nib size which is between fine and med point size. This pen takes a standard small international cartridge which will give you a nice choice of different inks.

Additional Resources:
KenBroman.com – Review of Ohto Tasche Fountain Pen
Fountain Pen Network: Review

 

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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:

ple designs leather Composition Cover

Be sure to check out their page for more details.

Additional Resources: PLE Design Page

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