Tag: Diamine

Pen of the Day: Aurora Optima 365

LauraLeave a comment

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Aurora Optima 365 with medium nib. Yes, this was Pen of the Day two weeks ago, too. It’s so worth the repeat.

But it has a new ink this time. My friend sent me a sample of Conway Stewart Kingsand, which I think is a really lovely ink, perfect for the pen and for the time of year.

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Conway Stewart is out of business, unfortunately, but a number of stores still have the inks in stock. Moreover, Conway Stewart inks were made by Diamine, and to me, Kingsand looks very much like Diamine Ochre. I hope to put on my ink detective hat and investigate it. That hat? It’s a deerstalker. Of course.

Fall Color Inks

Laura1 Comment

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These sunny October days and cool nights have put me in the mood for my first fall ink colors.

To my new favorite orange, Caran d’Ache Electric Orange, I’m adding two longtime favorites. These are Stipula Verde Muschiato, a muddy green that I adore, and J. Herbin Ambre de Birmanie, which brings the warmth in a wider nib.

Two newer inks round out the selection: Diamine Carnival, which struck me as my most autumnal red, and Stipula Sepia, a warm brown ink.

All of the pens are old favorites: two Pelikans, two Lamys and a custom Edison.

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Pen of the Day: Pelikan M101N Lizard

Laura6 Comments

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Pelikan M101N Lizard with medium nib. This pen is a special edition that I think doesn’t get enough attention. It has two tortoise brethren, which are also quite nice. But this is the one for me. I mean, lizard! And a sleek black. And a few sparkly bits in the binde.

Always remember that I am a complete sucker for “ooh shiny.”

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It’s a gorgeous design, a modern updating of the 101N brown lizard models from the 1930s. Look at the beautiful curves of the clip, and the Pelikan Germany engraving on the cap top — those and other details quote the original 101N.

The original models were all quite small, compared to most modern pens, and the M101N Lizard is as well. That’s the only thing that I would mention as a caution, though the pen can be used posted. The nib is wonderful and has a bit of softness, unlike most modern Pelikan nibs.

The ink is Diamine Shimmering Shadows. As my friend said, I’m sort of cheating with this Pen of the Day: I used it last week and have kept it inked. But can you blame me? Fantastic pen, fantastic ink. Plus, ooh, shiny.

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Shimmertastic Sample Winners

LauraLeave a comment

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Thanks to Random.org, here are the winners of the Diamine Shimmertastic samples.

Blue Pearl: Daniel

Sparkling Shadows: plume145

Magical Forest: rhyming is fun

Night Sky: Dronak

Thank you to everyone who commented.  If you are one of the winners, please use the Contact form to email me your name and mailing address.