Shachihata Daily Log Stamp Review

(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Twitter. And her latest book, The Atropine Tree, is now available for pre-order!)

You may already know this about me, but I sure do like books. My job is books. My hobby is books. And when I'm not busy with books, I like to relax with a good book. So when my love for books and my love of stationery combine, it is pure joy.

As an avid reader and multi-book club participant, I keep a reading journal to track what books I read and when. Mine is very simple--just a printed image of the book, the date I started and finished, the format, and a star rating. Sometimes I jot a note, if I feel it's necessary, but usually not. In the past, I've printed out a star graphic that I paste into my journal and write in the info I need. But now? LOOK AT THIS STAMP!

The Shachihata Daily Log Stamp does all the work for me! It has the stars, an adjustable date line, and room for a format note. All in one quick press, so I can get back to reading faster!

The stamp itself is made out of rubber with a tall plastic handle that makes it easy to hold. It takes up more space than a flat wooden-rubber stamp, but inside the handle are the mechanisms for rotating the dates that appear on the stamp. Each number has its own turning wheel with toothlike gears that make it easy to turn. You can also retract the date part of the stamp if you don't want to include it at all.

The image is nice and clear when stamped. You'll need an ink pad (this stamp does not store its own ink), but that opens up a lot of options for colors and formulas. I could see my reading log with a bit of glitter ink, at some point.

Maybe your hobby isn't reading (what???) or you have a different entry in your journal that could use some stamp help. They also have versions of this stamp for the weather, sleep log, exercise log, menu, to do lists, etc. Really, you could lay out a whole planner with these stamps in a blank book. The stamp faces are about 2.7cm square, so fairly small.

They're a bit pricey, as far as stamps go. The adjustable dates likely add most of this cost, but each stamp runs around $26.50. It's a bit more than I'd expect to pay, but at least it's something that can be reused indefinitely. Which is good, because I've got a lot of reading to do.

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Posted on June 27, 2024 by Sarah Read and filed under Shachihata, Stamp.

SHEdesigns Pen Wrap Review

(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)

It's not every day that we get the pleasure of writing about a company that exists because of a non-profit program that teaches under-privileged people a skill from which they can earn a living, so that's why I'm really excited to tell you about SHEdesigns out of Nepal. The pen wrap that I've been using is actually from HelloTello — a custom pen maker out of Ohio who includes a pen wrap from SHEdesigns with every pen purchase. Here's a description of SHEdesigns' history and mission from their website:

The vision for SHEdesigns began in 2015 when a cross cultural worker from the US moved to a remote village of Nepal. It was a region that was known for staggering poverty and human trafficking. An initial survey revealed multiple risk factors that perpetuated the issues villagers were facing. Partnering with a local non-profit, they established a sewing program which grew into the business that SHEDesigns is today. This small initiative has had a huge impact – not only for the ten women who have been empowered through employment there but for the entire community surrounding them who have been affected in ways that will benefit generations to come!

This is the kind of inspiring and uplifting that I can get behind all day long. According to their website, they haven't quite launched to the public, but they're obviously hard at work making beautiful hand-sewn products. Purchasing a beautiful pen from HelloTello is a great way to get one of these pen wraps.

The pen wrap I have in front of me is a mostly medium red/gold color scheme that includes lots of shiny/reflective bits in the fabric and string. It's a thing of beauty that is both functional and a piece of art.

The pen wrap design is a pouch and flap that closes with a string. Simple but effective design! There's plenty of room for a single pen, and I'm sure you could stuff a couple more in if you wanted to. I prefer the idea that this wrap is meant for a single pen that has specific meaning or sentimental value over a more utilitarian case that's purpose is to hold as much stuff as possible. The exterior fabric is a lovely pattern with lots of right angles and rectangles of different shades of red and gold. Some of the thread is sparkly, which adds so much visual interest to the wrap.

Inside the wrap, the fabric is a velvet-like dark red or maroon that is really soft. The pouch that holds your pen actually has some stitching at either end of the opening to make it more secure. Instead of a large envelope opening, there's a a half inch pocket on each end of the pouch that the pen can slide into for some extra security. It's a thoughtful design that works great in practice.

Once your pen is in the sleeve, closing it and securing it a simple matter. Just wrap the string around the ca a couple times and tuck the string under itself with the help of the bead at the end. No need for any knots or double-tucks — the string stays secure with the friction created by one tuck, and that also means it's still easy to unwrap. After a little practice, the act of opening or closing the wrap takes just a second.

This is such a simple product that looks amazing and functions perfectly, but knowing where it came from makes it even more special. I'll enjoy telling the story to people that inevitably comment or compliment the wrap (happens often due to the eye-catching fabric), and I'll also look forward to supporting their shop directly when they open.

You can keep an eye on their website and their Instagram account for any news!

Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Jeff Abbott and filed under SHEdesigns, Pen Case.

Pentel Orenz Mechanical Pencil - Metal Grip - 0.5 mm - Matte Beige - 10th Anniversary Limited Edition Giveaway

Writers, if you ever need to extend your word count, just go take a look at Japanese stationery names. For example, this week’s giveaway item, the Pentel Orenz Mechanical Pencil - Metal Grip - 0.5 mm - Matte Beige - 10th Anniversary Limited Edition. Yes, it’s a great pencil, but the name makes it even more spectacular. I have one to give away this week, so read the rules below and enter away!

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Brad Dowdy and filed under Giveaways.