I take reader requests from time to time, and the Zebra R-301 Stainless Steel Refillable Roller Ball was one such request. I first learned of this pen last year from Brian at Office Supply Geek and knowing the style of writing instrument I prefer I wasn’t too eager to give it a shot. Wide tipped liquid ink pens just aren’t my thing, but it obviously doesn’t take much to twist my arm. The first thing I noticed about this pen is that the design is based directly off the Zebra H-301 Highlighter. That is a good thing because the barrel design is great. I love the look of the stainless steel…
Pens
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Most Topular Stories
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Zebra R-301 Stainless Steel Refillable Roller Ball Review
The Pen Addict27 Jan 2012 | 8:21 am -
Awesome Chalk Art
Good Pens24 Jan 2012 | 8:20 pmGarden & Gun from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo. -
Reports of My Blog’s Demise Are Greatly Exaggerated
Richard's Pens18 Jan 2012 | 4:06 pmIf you've been wondering whether I was ever going to write on my blog anymore, the answer is yes. Apple is killing MobileMe, and I can no longer update my MobileMe site, so I've moved my blog to my own site, where Apple can't kill it. Sadly, it no longer supports search or comments, so if you have comments please email them to me. -
Certification Classes
I Like Markers27 Jan 2012 | 7:00 amNorth American Standard Papercrafting Certification classesWe have a lot of classes coming up in the next few months. All of our classes have been filling very quickly, so if you are interested in a class, and you get an e-mail for that location, register right away! Every time a class opens, we send out an e-mail. If you have not been getting the new class e-mails, please register with Nancy, nancy@copicmarker.comUpcoming Locations:Jan. 27th Anaheim CA, CHA Winter 2012 taught by Sherrie Siemens FULLFeb. 3 San Diego, CA taught by Lori Craig Open to PublicFeb. 17th Richmond, VA taught by… -
SPOTTED! Sharpie Snow Leopard DIY
Sharpie Markers Official Blog27 Jan 2012 | 4:03 pmEveryone needs to spruce up their space every once and awhile and Little Pink Monster has got the puuuuurfect remedy to take a piece of old furniture from drab to FAB! This sassy little print can be all yours! The DIY monster blog, Little Pink Monster shows you how to create this snow leopard cover and the best part- you can make it for anything you want! Just imagine; pillows, pouches, couches, chairs! An entire snow leopard lair! … Ok, that may have gotten a little carried away. BUT it does have the power to really spice up your space- take a look! Before... booooring After!! To see…
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The Pen Addict
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Zebra R-301 Stainless Steel Refillable Roller Ball Review
27 Jan 2012 | 8:21 amI take reader requests from time to time, and the Zebra R-301 Stainless Steel Refillable Roller Ball was one such request. I first learned of this pen last year from Brian at Office Supply Geek and knowing the style of writing instrument I prefer I wasn’t too eager to give it a shot. Wide tipped liquid ink pens just aren’t my thing, but it obviously doesn’t take much to twist my arm. The first thing I noticed about this pen is that the design is based directly off the Zebra H-301 Highlighter. That is a good thing because the barrel design is great. I love the look of the stainless steel… -
We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Programming
25 Jan 2012 | 8:00 amEnough - Episode 104 - The Pen Addict Patrick Rhone and Myke Hurley do an amazing job on the "Enough" podcast and I was honored to join them recently for a chat on two of my favorite topics - pens and paper. It was my maiden voyage into the world of podcasting and Pat and Myke made me feel right at home. Our topics run the gamut from when I first knew I was a pen addict to my favorite pens and paper. If you can't tell by the show notes, we crammed a lot into a 35 minute podcast! I had a blast doing it, and I would love to hear your thoughts. Download the audio file directly, or subscribe to… -
Pilot Hi-Tec-C Line Width Comparison Video
23 Jan 2012 | 11:42 amPilot Hi-Tec-C Line Width Comparison from dowdyism on Vimeo. I have to come clean. I completely FORGOT to schedule a post for today. I had an awesomely busy weekend, and Monday's are always packed on the work side of the ledger, so it slipped off the radar somehow. To rectify this, I am going to phone it in a bit. I recorded a video comparing the line widths of all the Pilot Hi-Tec-C sizes, but I'm not too thrilled with it. The intro is lacking and the overall vibe is somewhat dull. I am going to run with it though and I promise to keep improving my video skills. Enjoy! -
Ink Links
21 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am-- Zebra SK - Sharbo + 1 2 Color 0.7 mm Ballpoint Multi Pen + 0.5 mm Pencil Black (Multi Pen Dimensions) -- Tech Pen Showdown (Keep on Truckin', Nattosoup) – Kaweco Sport Roller (The Intangible Blog) – Another one of the multiple multi pens: Zebra Surari 4-Color Emulsion Ink Multi Pen (0.7 mm) (From the Pen Cup) – Fountain Pen Friendly (Rhodia Drive) – Review: Uni-ball Signo Scents Gel Ink Pens (Gourmet Pens) – Los Angeles Barrio Calligraphy (Handselecta Blog) – Seven Year Pen by Seltzer (Pocket Blonde) – Pentel EnerGel-X .7 Violet (Economy Pens) – Uni-ball (Rugged Flair) –… -
Pentel EnerGel X 0.5 mm Blue Review
20 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am(This is a guest review by Brian Draghi. You can follow Brian on Twitter @sketchscape) I have been using the capped Pentel EnerGel Euro Needle version of this pen with some excellent results. I wanted to try out the retractable version for work to write down quick notes without having to worry about losing the cap. The Pentel EnerGel X retractable pen exceeded my expectations with it's comfortable grip and smooth, quick writing quality. Needle points make all the difference in the world, and this pen is no exception. At first glance, this pen looks very generic with its disposable plastic…
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Good Pens
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Awesome Chalk Art
24 Jan 2012 | 8:20 pmGarden & Gun from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo. -
Sweet!
17 Jan 2012 | 8:07 amOne of my drawings got picked up and is getting passed around. http://youngfolksociety.tumblr.com/Scroll down and on the right you might recognize the "Let me Down Easy" doodle. Word of warning....the site is sometimes a little NSFW but mostly tame.Seth -
Moleskine Destruction!
24 Dec 2011 | 1:17 pmI am working on an amazing Moleskine project that I can't post about until after tomorrow and it is killing me. So good.Have a great Holiday.Seth -
Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen
5 Dec 2011 | 12:02 pmKaweco might be one of those companies that even some real pen people don't know that much about. I have been a huge fan of their stuff for years and I really like what they do. In 1883 Kaweco started making pens. 1883! What's interesting is that they are still in business and that's the same year that Louis Waterman began doing experiments to create the fountain pen. I love when companies appreciate their history and do a decent job in presenting it. Kaweco does that here with a nice little wrap up. If you do not feel like clicking, the short story… -
Updates!
4 Dec 2011 | 4:36 pmIf you have noticed some changes...I thought that I should put up some new drapes and add some features. You might have noticed the Tabs being added up top and I added an official Facebook page for quick little updates when I can't do a full post. Bear with me as I clean things up and thanks again for reading.
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Richard's Pens
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Reports of My Blog’s Demise Are Greatly Exaggerated
18 Jan 2012 | 4:06 pmIf you've been wondering whether I was ever going to write on my blog anymore, the answer is yes. Apple is killing MobileMe, and I can no longer update my MobileMe site, so I've moved my blog to my own site, where Apple can't kill it. Sadly, it no longer supports search or comments, so if you have comments please email them to me. -
Ten Things I Learned from Fischler & Schneider’s Golden Age
8 Jan 2012 | 8:44 pmDon kicked off 2012 with another installment of his series on the best books every fountain pen collector should have in his or her library. -
Profile: Waterman’s Patrician
4 Jan 2012 | 8:52 pm"This Christmas there is something NEW — Waterman's Patrician, a fountain pen so fine, so beautiful, that it is really a piece of personal jewelry." Thus ran the introductory line of a Waterman advertisement in late 1929. Get the whole story… -
From the Reader’s Corner, Something Sneaky
1 Jan 2012 | 2:21 pmMandarin Yellow, by Steven M. Roth If you’re a mystery fan, you shouldn’t miss this novel that features a Parker Duofold (the eponymous Mandarin Yellow). This is prime mystery: well plotted and compellingly written. Roth weaves a taut storyine, paces it perfectly, and wraps it in twists and turns that make no sense until you get to the end (when everything clicks perfectly into place). Along the way, he slips in all the clues you need to solve the mystery right along with hero Socrates Cheng… -
Onoto’s New Sir Winston Churchill Pinstripe
1 Jan 2012 | 1:38 pmThe first in a range of official Sir Winston Churchill pens by Onoto, the Sir Winston Churchill Pinstripe features a single broad sterling silver band bearing a facsimile of Mr. Churchill’s signature; the cap crown has an inset sterling silver plaque made from a wax casting taken from Sir Winston’s signet ring. The pen’s body is a special fusion-bonded acrylic, in black with lengthwise bands of lustrous pearlized deep blue set off by white pinstripes…
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I Like Markers
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Certification Classes
27 Jan 2012 | 7:00 amNorth American Standard Papercrafting Certification classesWe have a lot of classes coming up in the next few months. All of our classes have been filling very quickly, so if you are interested in a class, and you get an e-mail for that location, register right away! Every time a class opens, we send out an e-mail. If you have not been getting the new class e-mails, please register with Nancy, nancy@copicmarker.comUpcoming Locations:Jan. 27th Anaheim CA, CHA Winter 2012 taught by Sherrie Siemens FULLFeb. 3 San Diego, CA taught by Lori Craig Open to PublicFeb. 17th Richmond, VA taught by… -
Drawing In Italy
26 Jan 2012 | 1:11 pmEver wanted to learn to draw? Ever wanted to go to Italy?Every two years, the President of Imagination International (Copic USA), Ken O'Connell takes a group of adults for two weeks to learn how to draw in the beautiful towns and countryside of Umbria.Most of his students are absolute beginners, adults who have always wanted to learn to draw and who have always wanted to go to Italy. If this sounds like you, then this is your chance!This year, Debbie Olson will be working with Ken to teach the drawing classes. You will be using Copic markers and supplies, traveling around the Italian… -
New Foam Tape
19 Jan 2012 | 1:30 pmToday I get the chance to talk about another new item we are bringing in for CHA. I am so excited! For the last few years I have been using X-Press It High Tack double-sided tape, and I love it. Now, Imagination International is going to start distributing X-Press It Foam Tape.What has me excited is that this tape is super strong, and comes in two economical sizes: 1/2" for larger things, and 1/4" for narrow objects.The narrow tape is for popping up a strip of ribbon, or something else really long and narrow. I also love it for popping up detailed embellishments that really need tiny pieces… -
New 12 colors artwork
10 Jan 2012 | 7:00 amI promised last week when I posted the new 12 colors that I would show the artwork I drew for the new colors. I just finished coloring it, so I figured I would share, before I forget which colors I used.Drawing the Marker SetFor this illustration, I was having a hard time getting the angles right on the marker set, so I created a guide in Adobe Illustrator to draw from. On something angular like a set of markers, this works well.I don't like using rulers when I draw, since the computer does it better anyways, so rather than sketching this by hand and messing with a ruler or straight edge, I… -
Keeping Portfolios, Part 3
8 Jan 2012 | 7:00 amThus far, I have talked about why you should keep a portfolio, how to be a good viewer, and things to consider when picking out a good portfolio. Today I want to discuss goals for choosing work to fill your portfolio. I think I will have one more post about portfolios, and then I think you'll be tired of hearing about my portfolios, and maybe you will be ready to start your own.Purpose of YOUR portfolioThe first portfolio I ever made was in college. I was trying to get into some art classes, and I needed to show a variety of work that I had done. We were having a formal portfolio review, so I…
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Sharpie Markers Official Blog
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SPOTTED! Sharpie Snow Leopard DIY
27 Jan 2012 | 4:03 pmEveryone needs to spruce up their space every once and awhile and Little Pink Monster has got the puuuuurfect remedy to take a piece of old furniture from drab to FAB! This sassy little print can be all yours! The DIY monster blog, Little Pink Monster shows you how to create this snow leopard cover and the best part- you can make it for anything you want! Just imagine; pillows, pouches, couches, chairs! An entire snow leopard lair! … Ok, that may have gotten a little carried away. BUT it does have the power to really spice up your space- take a look! Before... booooring After!! To see… -
Happy Australia Day!
26 Jan 2012 | 2:57 pmG’day and happy Australia day to our AHHHH-MAzing fans from down under!! Be sure to check out the brand NEW Sharpie ANZ page on Facebook- all that awesome Sharpie content but with an accent! BONUS! (Kangaroo inspired by depositphotos.com) -
YoungJerks’ Dan Cassaro Shows Off His Sharpie Stuff
20 Jan 2012 | 2:42 pmNew Yorkers are just cool; especially when they can list designer, animator and illustrator on their resume, work from a camper while travelling across the country with their main squeeze and oh yeah, paint a mural in a New York hotel using none other than Sharpie Paint Markers. Oh, so maybe it’s not ALL New Yorkers (althoughhhhhh it is one sweet city) but Dan Cassaro is definitely one of the coolest guys I have had the chance to interview for this humble blog. Keep on scrollin’ to see what Dan has to say about his life in the design world and his AWESOME Sharpie chart…( it may… -
A Stencil for A Stellar Stain: An Interview with Ed Roth
10 Jan 2012 | 12:10 pmEd Roth has been Sharpie’s partner in crime for a LONG time and we LOVE him for it–not to mention the exclusive stencils he made JUST for us a few years ago–and couldn’t believe we hadn’t already interviewed this Sharpie stenciling genius! Ed recently got his hands on some of our new Stained by Sharpie fabric markers for the launch of his NEWEST book; Stencil 201 and he even made us a little video …( keep on scrolling to check it out!) So without further ado, allow me the immense pleasure of introducing you to Mr. Ed Roth, the man behind Stencil1 and… -
The World Through Trent Schmick’s Eyes
4 Jan 2012 | 5:03 pmIf the eyes are the windows to the soul then Trent Schmick is putting his on display! Through his expressive and abstract Sharpie art he ”sees” the world through his art and it shows; his unique style of “humanizing” the characters in his art act like reflecting pools of Trent’s expressive and caring personality. As an art teacher from Evansville, Wisconsin and a life-long creator, Trent is making his mark and we are thrilled to have the chance to hang out with budding Sharpie rockstar! Trent Schmick, artist and teacher extraordinare Tell me about…
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Angela Booth's Writing Blog
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Around the Blogs This Week: Self-Publishing, Ebooks, Write a Book
21 Jan 2012 | 2:29 pmHere’s what we discussed on the blogs this week… Write a Book Today: Just Start Writing There’s never been a better time to write a book. You can write AND SELL your book profitably, because the Amazon Kindle platform makes... -
Around the Blogs This Week: Writing, Kindle Publishing, Make Money
14 Jan 2012 | 1:26 pmHere’s what we discussed on the blogs this week… Writing Made Easy: Access the Deep Power of Your Mind You’re much smarter than you think you are. To access all that buried wisdom, you need to do one simple thing:... -
Around the Blogs This Week: New Year's Resolutions, Writing in 2012
7 Jan 2012 | 12:43 pmHere’s what we discussed on the blogs this week… My Top 3 New Year’s Resolutions for My Writing New Year, new diary, new calendar… I’ve chosen my top 3 New Year’s resolutions for my writing this year. Top Opportunities for... -
Giggle of the Day: Writer? Fight Back Against Reviewers
5 Jan 2012 | 4:04 pmYour book's on Amazon. You've just received a review. You want to throw things and grind your teeth, but you're too mature to do that. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition -- you get to fight back, on THANK... -
Giggle of the Day: "I'd Like to Buy Your Novel"
4 Jan 2012 | 5:44 pmLove this... McSweeney’s Internet Tendency: I’d Like to Buy Your Novel, Good Sir!: "Now I must ask, what is your piece about? I’ve only been able to gather so much from peeking over your shoulder. You say it’s a story...
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vintagepens.com: new items
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Aurora 88: classic Nizzoli-designed Italian piston-filler, bl
18 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am10259: classic Nizzoli-designed Italian piston-filler, black with gold filled cap, 13.7 cm long, nickel plated barrel trim rings, hard rubber hood and turning knob; excellent ink window transparency, piston seal has been replaced, cap excellent with only light marks, one pinhead pockmark to side of barrel; nib opens up with light pressure, provides considerable line width variation; fine-exc condition, fine flex nib; $275 -
Fairchild dip pen: gold filled ferrule with detachable ebonized wood
18 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am10183: gold filled ferrule with detachable ebonized wood taper, 14.7 cm long excluding #6 ventless gold Fairchild nib; holder is marked "6", nib is in excellent condition, very precise and responsive; fine-exc condition, extra-fine flex nib; SOLD -
Parker Vacumatic Major: green pearl laminate, 13.2 cm long, gold filled tr
17 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am10200: green pearl laminate, 13.2 cm long, gold filled trim, striped jewels and section, strong barrel imprint with 3rd quarter date code; first Speedline series, uncommon model, excellent transparency, two-tone nib plating excellent as well; plating wear to edges of cap band; exc condition, medium fine rigid nib; $350 -
Waterman 554 LEC Gothic: black hard rubber lever-filler, 14K solid gold ove
13 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am10268: black hard rubber lever-filler, 14K solid gold overlay, 13.8 cm long, long-tined #4 nib opens up wide but requires some pressure to do so; minimal wear, but some shallow bumps to the ends, mostly to the cap top; a large pen of considerable heft and presence; fine-exc condition, extra-fine flex nib; SOLD -
Parker 4-color Flighter ballpoint: brushed stainless steel cap and barrel, 12.9 cm lo
13 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am10266: brushed stainless steel cap and barrel, 12.9 cm long with tip out, 13.2 with tip in, gold plated trim, 45-style clip; uncommon model, made in Germany, color selected by holding pen level with matching colored arrow upwards when operating cap mechanism; uses standard mini refills, condition a bit rough with bumps and tool marks at ends, mechanism works fine though a bit sticky if colored arrow not lined up precisely to vertical; G-VG* condition, $120
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OfficeSupplyGeek
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Outlets to Go Portable Extension Cord Expander and USB Charger
27 Jan 2012 | 2:00 amOutlets to Go Unwrapped Showing 2 of 3 Outlets I’ve had the unfortunate situation of being in various offices, and public places like airports and coffee shops where there is only one outlet with two plugs and both are taken. This Portable Extension Cord with USB Charger is the perfect solution to that problem. Outlets to Go Sized Up with a Ruler At about 7″ long and 2″ thick at its thickest point when wrapped up, this is a fairly compact unit considering it acts as an extension cord with 3 extra outlets and a USB port for charging. When the cord is unwrapped, the length… -
Dumb Things to do with Office Supplies and a Giveaway
25 Jan 2012 | 2:00 amA Dentist Using Paper Clips in a Patient?? So this is probably the most disturbing story I’ve ever seen regarding office supplies. A dentist in Boston actually plead guilty to using paper clips in his patients root canals. When I first read this today, I actually felt a pain in my jaw and I was horrified…but then it reminded me of a book that I bought that I was going to review. Since I already have about 6 books that I’m behind on I’ve decided to give away my copy of Who Took All the Paper Clips by Rachel Rifat Who Took All the Paper Clips by Rachel Rifat As the… -
Palomino Blackwing 602 Pencil
23 Jan 2012 | 2:00 amPalomino Blackwing 602 Full body The original version of this classic pencil has a cult-like following, and if you feel like shelling out upwards of $30 you can usually buy ONE, yes ONE pencil for that price on eBay. Recently though, the Palomino Blackwing 602 has been reinvented and can be purchased for a much more reasonable price. For full disclosure, this review sample was sent over to me by Brad and all of the great folks at Jetpens. Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed Everything from the paint to the eraser has been duplicated on this revived version of the Palomino… -
Capacitive iPad / Touchscreen Stylus with Pen by AYL
19 Jan 2012 | 2:00 amCapacitive iPad and Touchscreen Stylus with Pen by AYL and Kindle Fire I’ve had a few requests for a review of a capacitive stylus for use on a touchscreen such as an Kindle Fire, Android Tablet, or iPad. This particular capacitive stylus by AYL seemed like the best available on Amazon when I started reading reviews and doing my research so I thought I’d give it a try. The AYL Capacitive iPad and Touchscreen Stylus with Pen and Refill This capacitive stylus by AYL caught my attention because of the great reviews and nice looks, but also because it contains a pen as well. I was… -
Moss Terrarium in a Recycled Wine Bottle for your Desk
18 Jan 2012 | 2:00 amMoss Terrarium in a Recycled Wine Bottle This time of year can be pretty dark and dreary, so when I saw this Moss Terrarium made from a recycled wine bottle over on Uncommon Goods, I thought it might be a good way to “green up” the place even if this is not technically an “office supply” I still think its a great decorative touch for any desk. For full disclosure, this was one of those complimentary items that we sometimes receive from vendors, so thanks to the folks at Uncommon Goods for sending it over. Moss Terrarium Components Everything in the Moss Terrarium…

