Extra Staples #0015

Extra Staples is a series of posts where I share various links I find interesting. It is not on any regular schedule, and the links can be old or new.
 

Stationery-related

Field Notes Colors: Shenandoah — M B S-P-B
Mike Bates reviews the latest Field Notes COLORS, with plenty of gorgeous shots in natural settings. I wholeheartedly agree, Shenandoah is a classic in the making!

Field Notes Notebook Review | Pens! Paper! Pencils!
Great review of the Original kraft Field Notes. Come to the dark side, Ian! *waves* *but also claims no responsibility* ;)

Whether you feel there are too many special editions these days or not, here are some more Field Notes updates for those who might have missed them. Don’t shoot the messenger!

Nixon Field Notes | Misc Accessories | Nixon Watches and Premium Accessories
Still available as I write this. Unfortunately, US-shipping only. I wonder how much Nixon will benefit from the onslaught of new customers. What about Field Notes Brand? Interesting thoughts for another time, perhaps. Yes, I bought a few packs, as I love the colors.

Landland — Landland x Field Notes “Dead Print” Memo Books
This went on sale on Oct 20th and sold out within minutes. I had no chance. Please, please read the shop’s notes on this edition if you’re interested, because they will have a lot more available at a later date. Good luck to me, and good luck to you. And I think $15 seems reasonable for an art edition like this one. What do you think?

First Look: Pen Type-B from CW&T — The Pen Addict
A much talked-about Kickstarter pen that is absolutely mouth-watering. But alas, it’s designed for Hi-Tec-C refills, and that is a deal-breaker for me. But I’m free to drool, no?

Why Pencils? | pencils and other things
Why, indeed? It's one of those things I can't quite put into words, until someone does, and it all makes sense. And Sola does it well, concisely. Happy blog anniversary, Sola!

Erasable: A Podcast On The Craftsmanship Of The Wooden Pencil | WYPR
w00t! The Erasable guys (sans Tim) were interviewed on the radio! Congrats and job well done on spreading the pencil love.

Wishlist

Will mt ever slow down churning out special editions? Of course not but that’s ok; I get to pick and choose the ones I truly want. I plan on getting some of the Kanazawa editions and some from this year's Christmas collection:

mt ex KANAZAWA | イベント | マスキングテープ「mt」- masking tape -

(watch out for the auto-play on the video)
Christmas2015 | マスキングテープ「mt」- masking tape -
 

Things I tried recently (and liked)

Palomino Blackwing Vol. 211
I like natural finish AND the color brown, so this gets thumbs up from me. Oh, and it writes beautifully. Not as soft as the Pearl but just as pleasant. Maybe very close to the 602?

Fun

Inch x Inch: Shop
Attention Draplin fans: the monthly button club Inch x Inch recently launched an online store! The Draplin buttons are already sold-out but you can still check out his horizon posters, as well as Allan Peters heart posters and some of the past buttons. Tempted!

The Best Way to Type ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ - The Atlantic
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

San Francisco / Bay Area

Victory Point Cafe | Coffee, Beer, and Board Games in Berkeley, CA
Board games + cafe! What an awesome idea + awesome name. Their selection of games looks insane.

A 20th Anniversary Celebration of Toy Story | SFFS
A special presentation by the likes of John Lasseter and Ed Catmull, plus a screening of Toy Story? Oh boy, am I tempted. But I did spend a lot of money on Field Notes lately... Still can’t believe it’s been 20 years since Toy Story came out.

Brendan Monroe - Boiler Room at Heath Ceramics SF
You know the artist whose work was printed on the XOXO 2015 Field Notes? His solo show Morphology is being exhibited at Boiler Room. Only a few days left. (Hat tip to Lowell on Twitter!) Be sure to check Brendan Monroe’s website, too, if you haven't. Amazing.

I'd like to end with this beautiful, uplifting hand-lettering by Traci at Drinkcitra:
“Today is a good day for a good day”

Have a good day,
Jinnie (◍•ᴗ•◍)

Extra Staples #0014

Extra Staples is a series of posts where I share various links I find interesting. It is not on any regular schedule, and the links can be old or new.

A lot has happened while I was gone, and going through my various feeds was a bit overwhelming to say the least. But it’s also exciting! It looks like there are several interesting Kickstarter pens, and much Field Notes news to keep up with... I am truly grateful I get to enjoy such things.
 

Stationery-related

San Francisco Pen Show 2015 | Owl Ink
Who knew there was a pen show in San Francisco? Elaine’s write-up on her day at the show, along with gorgeous pictures, let me experience it vicariously.

LIFE Bank Paper | pencils and other things
As usual, Sola provides us interesting nuggets of information on Japanese stationery, particularly this “bank paper” produced by LIFE, made with Mitsubishi Paper Mills paper. (And yes! A PSA worth repeating: Mitsubishi Pencil Company is unrelated to the Mitsubishi Group!) I enjoy using pads of paper as much as bound notebooks, so I think next time I spot this, I’ll give it a try. Big fan of LIFE here. :)

Stationery Shopping in NYC & New York Stationery Haul — The Finer Point
Looking at others’ shopping hauls is fun, not just to drool, but to learn their thinking process behind their purchases. And Jenny’s post was of particular interest to me, as my interest in pencils has been on the rise lately.

Picking the Perfect Pencil Hardness Grade - JetPens.com
Another comprehensive guide from JetPens!

The Beginner’s Guide to Fountain Pens (By a True Beginner) by Adam Di Stefano at The Pen Addict
I guess I’m no longer a novice to fountain pens, but reading this guide was still useful to me as a reminder to have fun and assess what I want to do next with my pen hobby. I wonder if I’ll ever reach the fishing vest level?

You Think This Comes Along Every Day? by Jon Bemis at The Pen Addict
How sweet! Another personal pen story from Jon Bemis that made me smile. :)
 

Things I tried recently (and liked)

Blackwing Pearl
I’m still road-testing the different Palomino Blackwings but I think I can safely say I like the Pearl better than the black Blackwing.

Mitsubishi 9852EW Master Writing Pencil HB
Smooth and light. And I love the dark purple ferrule + black eraser combo.

Sharpie Magnum
OMG, where have you been all my life. Perfect for crossing stuff off package labels before I toss them.
 

Adding to my wishlist

Midori MD Notebook Diary 1Page Per Day
I can’t believe it’ll be 2016 soon, and I realize I have to make an important decision. Do I continue using Hobonichi or try a different planner? Should it be a planner, a diary or a hybrid? Whatever it is, this Midori MD notebook (new to me!) is looking very tempting, as I want to try using non-Tomoe River paper next.

Yamahon Gacha Bookcharms
How cute are these book charms that come with tiny books? I don’t know much about this bookworm character called “Yamahon” but I find him endearing and wouldn’t mind getting the pink (coffee) and the blue (black cat) charms. Not that I have a choice though (or in Japan to have a chance.. ha!); these are gachapon items, meaning they’re a “blind purchase.”

Blackwing Volume 211
I didn’t get the first set (Volume 725) but I am definitely buying the second volume for the natural with clear coat finish.

Uni Style Fit Sesame Street
In mid-October, in Japan, Uni Style Fit is releasing another set of limited edition pen bodies and refills, this time with the Sesame Street characters. Cookie monster!! What more can I say?
 

Fun

Batman Ipsum (via Present & Correct)
’Cause Lorem Ipsum isn’t cool enough.

Fine Art Focus: Koo Seong Youn | Design*Sponge
Wow, I can’t say I’ve seen botanical sculptures made from candies and popcorns. Stunning.
 

Not San Francisco

Ramen Adventures: Ramen Burger at Smorasburg, New York
Mmm...

Kioskafé
A new coffee bar/newstand in London by the founders of Monocle. I love its concept and branding.

Tsutaya Electrics
Another cool store to add to my next(?) Tokyo itinerary.

 

Hope you all have a good rest of the week!
♥ Jinnie