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# Comfortable Shoes Studio

Musings about art and writing supplies.

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## Posts

- [Balance, Perimenopausal Musings, and Mental Wellness and Exercise](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/08/balance-perimenopausal-musings-and-mental-wellness-and-exercise/) - This is a bit of an unformed series of thoughts that I've been having. Last year my perimenopausal symptoms hit a tipping point- I couldn't sleep. I had a month where I got maybe 2 or 3 hours of sleep per night. My brain was one giant fog and my memory was shot. Let's not
- [Review-ish: Arrtx 24 color full pan Watercolor set](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/07/review-ish-arrtx-24-color-full-pan-watercolor-set/) - Youtube fed me a million and one videos about the Arrtx watercolors over the last month. I know this is because Arrtx is heavy into getting their products into the hands of influencers and youtubers. I am unsure what their review terms look like but given that the reviews and videos all premiered around the
- [Is Lightfastness Important?](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/08/is-lightfastness-important/) - I have this debate with myself on the regular and here are my current thoughts: ​Lightfastness is important in works that will get sold or be shown. Lightfastness is unimportant (to me) in my art journal and sketchbook. ​There are no absolutes when it comes to lightfastness and materials. Even professional paints have fugitive pigments.
- [Are These Materials Lightfast?](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/08/are-these-materials-lightfast/) - My vacation has ended in an unexpected yet somewhat expected manner. Our little dog, Flash, who was simultaneously the best and worst dog ever*, passed away. He was somewhere between 16 and 20 years old and I'd always suspected that he was older than the minimum age the rescue had suggested. Anyway, the last time
- [Review-ish: Seami Art Themed 12 Color Watercolor Sets](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/06/review-ish-seami-art-themed-12-color-watercolor-sets/) - The algorithm has me in it's clutches. It knows what I like. It knows what I'll impulse buy. EVERYTIME. I impulse bought then waited for almost 2 weeks for my package to arrive. Inside were 4 packages of SeamiArt thematic watercolor sets. each one unique- skin, morandi, candy, and ocean and forest. Each set has 12
- [Watercolor (and other paint) Classifications- Pro, Student and Beyond](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/06/watercolor-and-other-paint-classifications-pro-student-and-beyond/) - When I was a young beginner artist there were 3 classifications for watercolors and pretty much all other paints- children's, student or classroom, and professional. Professional were the best. Student was generally close to professional grade with more filler and less pigment. Children's was well, a crapshoot of non-toxic pigments and fillers. Then came the
- [My Stance on AI, with Nuance, I Hope](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/06/my-stance-on-ai/) - I am pretty vocal IRL that I'm Anti- AI, specifically generative AI from the mass learning model. The type that has been fed stolen content to teach it how to respond. I don't think AI is creative or even a creative tool when it's source is stolen work and words. I'm pro limited models- the
- [The Quest for the Perfect Art and Commute Bag](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/07/the-quest-for-the-perfect-art-and-commute-bag/) - I have been searching for the perfect commuting bag for awhile. When I was in grad school I happened upon the Osprey FlapJack version 1. At 21l it was great for my needs at the time. BUT as I have become more of a working artist I needed something a little bigger. Plus I had
- [Skipping a Day](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/07/skipping-a-day/) - One of the many things that has made this Unofficial Artist in Residence work has been that I do not go every day. I don't pressure myself to do the art thing every single day. I know that for myself, daily challenges that put pressure on me to do a thing EVERY single day lead
- [The Sunset Might Seem Like the Most Interesting Thing....](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/06/the-sunset-might-seem-like-the-most-interesting-thing/) - At the very end of my senior year of High School my English teacher invited a local artist in to speak to the class.* He was a local photographer, who I had seen around school events and around town. In 90s standards he was an odd fellow, not creepy just odd.** Anyway, he brought in
- [Art as Meditation](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/06/art-as-meditation/) - When I was in grad school learning how to be an art therapist, Kabat-Zinn's mediation methods were introduced to me. As someone who identifies as non-spiritual, I liked that it made meditation more approachable. His methods made a connection with the breathing and thought exercises I was introduced to when I was very young. I
- [Bigger Bolder Marks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/06/bigger-bolder-marks/) - I have been challenging myself to work with more expressive marks- really scribbling the colors in rather than careful application of watercolor pencils and neocolor 2. Wide brushes and generally looser marks. The marks are precise but also loose. It's hard to explain. One of the ways that I'm exploring the looser marks is to
- [The Process of Art](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/06/the-process-of-art/) - For a long time I did not think I had an art practice. I was also resistant to the idea of creating a practice. I had to learn HOW to create an art practice on my own. I wasted a lot of time being resistant. So let's talk about what an art practice is. It
- [3 Weeks of Nearly Daily Art Making](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/06/3-weeks-of-nearly-daily-art-making/) - I set out to reinvigorate my art process and the habit of regularly, nearly daily, drawing and making art outside. I have been successful. I'm not going out every day but nearly every day of the week where it is not raining, and mostly, not on weekends. In typical Massachusetts weather patterns weekends have been
- [Photo Walk/Art Walk](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/05/photo-walk-art-walk/) - I've been having a tough time getting inspired again. Loads of stuff online has been inspirational but not a lot in my own life. It's cold and wet here lately and when we do have a warm days it's raining. A few days ago it was predicted to be sunny but chilly. A group of
- [Recreating Low Friction En Plein Air Sketching Habit](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/05/recreating-low-friction-en-plein-air-sketching-habit/) - This past fall and winter were rough for a variety of reasons- cancer scares in my family, my own knee issues, actual cancer in my family, perimenopausal nonsense and then we had loads of snowfall and a bitter cold winter. The result- really really not wanting to go outside and sketch. My en plein air
- [Art Outside UPDATE](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/06/art-outside-update/) - For the last week I was able to get outside for almost every day, even a day that was gross and windy and cold, I went out and made a little art. It's been great. I've been able to record most of it so there are more YouTube videos. I'll put them below. The art
- [Budget Supplies for Making Art Outside](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/05/budget-supplies-for-making-art-outside/) - For the most part, I attempted to make my art outside kits from things I already had on hand. With one exception, I bought an Art Tool Kit Demi Palette. Empty of course. But I added a selection of pans to accompany it. When it arrived I realized it is a mini version of a business
- [Back into Sketching Outside](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/back-into-sketching-outside/) - Last summer I really developed a lot of the images I created while sketching outside into more finished images. I'd make the sketches on site, take a few photos and then come back home work on some thumbnails before setting up a watercolor block with some taped out edges. then I'd lay in a layer
- [Mixed Media En Plein Air, Arting Outside with a bunch of Stuff](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/92208/) - It has been unseasonable cold here in mass for the last week or so, frost warning long after there should be, but the trees are budding out and the first signs of pink and green are there. Seriously this time of year is magical. I love it. I'm also freezing my ass off when I
- [Lighten My Load](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/05/lighten-my-load/) - When I started to create the frictionless en plein air grab and go kits the big goal was to lighten my EDC load. My back pack was over filled and HEAVY. I went through my backpack and removed unused items. I had 2 EDC sets of silverware, which, realistically I could leave at work. But
- [An Art Practice](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/05/an-art-practice/) - Over the years I've mentored quite a few art therapists and teaching artists. One piece of advice I give all of them, but also struggle to follow myself, is to maintain an art practice. Life gets busy, work gets busy and teaching artists and art therapists stop making their own art. We all know that
- [Chine Collé for the First Time](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/chine-colle-for-the-first-time/) - I've done a lot of collage over the years. I've made a lot of prints over the years. I've never done any chine collé. It seems weird. So I set out to make some of my own paper with coffee filters, because why not. I used Dewent Inktense Watercolors and stuck to sunrise and sunset
- [Taking My Own Advice: Journaling and Slinging Some Paint](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/taking-my-own-advice-journaling-and-slinging-some-paint/) - I wrote here awhile ago about how I wanted to get back into written journaling and that I was feeling a bit of artistic inertia in my personal art making. So I took my own advice and I slung some paint around. But I also watched some videos about creativity and finally wrote in my
- [More Printing More Layers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/more-printing-more-layers/) - What is it about scraping and moving paint and ink around a piece of paper that feels so good? there is something tactile about it that I just connect with. Yesterday a coworker wanted to print a year on her work hoodie. So she came on down to the print shop and I got to
- [More Paint Scraping](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/more-paint-scraping/) - The last few mornings I've been granting (AKA forcing) myself to spend time in the studio. It's a simple process I have suggested to many over the years- when you don't know what to do with your art, sling some paint. I'm doing a few things in the studio. First off I'm experimenting with DIY.Eli's screen printing
- [Back to Basics: Cozy little Paint Scraping Session](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/back-to-basics-cozy-little-paint-scraping-session/) - Over the last few weeks I've been screen printing with middle school kids. When you set a kid up to print it's easier and better for them to have a little bit extra ink to print with. It makes it easier for them to succeed instead of needing to use the squeegee many times to
- [Patches and Alternative Screen Printing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/03/patches-and-alternative-screen-printing/) - Printing can be expensive so I always like to create and come up with alternative methods for printing. This method uses a few tools and materials from the recycle bin. Cardboard Wood glue, or other PVA glue OR even double sided tape Packing Tape Craft Knife Squeegee or Old Credit Card Scissors ​Silks Screen or
- [I Forgot My Sketchbook at Work](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/i-forgot-my-sketchbook-at-work/) - Last Friday I brought a bunch of supplies home for WFH, but decided to go into work to use the studio space. I took everything back to work in a tote bag*. I shoved my personal sketchbook into it. I have 2 going right now- a small watercolor sketchbook that is pocket sized and another
- [Replacing the Lost Tools](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/replacing-the-lost-tools/) - I have yet to find my lost box of intaglio tools. While I'm sad about the missing tools I can't just sit around and wait for them to reappear. Instead I've been seeking out things and making stuff to replace the missing tools. One of the things I have not been able to find a
- [Table Saws and Cardboard Saws](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/table-saws-and-cardboard-saws/) - Last year I had some budget left at my DayJob. I thought about all of the things I needed for my studio, and then I ordered a small cheap table saw. The response was interesting, you'd have thought I bought a guillotine. I didn't buy it for kids to use, I bought it as a
- [Epic Failure is Just Another Way to Learn](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/03/epic-failure-is-just-another-way-to-learn/) - I've been testing out a variety of glues to use for making my trash prints. I had a sweet little plate made out of an Ocean Spray Drink packet carton. These cartons are quite small and the card is stiff but soft enough to carve easily. The paint is nice and slick, but not overly
- [Printmaking is Physical](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/printmaking-is-physical/) - This past Friday was an oddly satisfying day but also more physical than I had imagined. Generally when an artist sets up a screen for screen printing it's one, maybe two or three screens at a time. With more modern screen printing equipment stretching a screen is more simple and easy than it used to
- [Whims of Manufacturing and Marketing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/whims-of-manufacturing-and-marketing/) - I've been creatively reusing packaging for a long long time. Every so many years companies will go through marketing and packaging overhauls. Sometimes packaging will look the same but some manufacturing process is changed somewhere and for reuse this can be a disaster. One might think that all drink stick packaging is the same or
- [I Never Really Thought About Sandpaper Like This](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/04/i-never-really-thought-about-sandpaper-like-this/) - When I was a kid I did a craft project at either Sunday School or at regular school where we drew with crayons on sandpaper and then ironed it onto plain white paper for this cool waxy semi transparent stained glass effect. It would have been the early 80s and I have no recollection of
- [Repetition- Trash Printmaking Edition](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/03/repetition-trash-printmaking-edition/) - One of the things I've learned through my various attempts at completing 30 day and 100 day projects is that repetition builds capability and most of all understanding of a method or a material. If you REALLY want to learn to use a material, sitting down and working with it 30 to 100 times is
- [The Pasta Roller Press- Alternative Presses](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/03/the-pasta-roller-press-alternative-presses/) - So just before COVID lockdowns I got into making pasta. I don't eat a lot of pasta anymore but I'll die on the hill that fresh homemade pasta tops any pasta you can buy. And that pasta is even better if you are using fresh local eggs. I got into pasta making specifically because my
- [Trash Printmaking: Basic Tools](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/03/trash-printmaking-basic-tools/) - I wanted to explore some basic tools for making prints with trash. You don't need a lot and many can be made with some simple materials. I'll do another post about DIY tools. I'm making a comprehensive list here, BUT at the most basic kit you'll need some sort of needle tool, a craft knife
- [Trash Printmaking: Preparing Plates from Packaging](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/03/trash-printmaking-preparing-plates-from-packaging/) - I have been saving a lot of tetrapak- milk and stock containers. Basically anything lined on the inside with plastic. I realized pretty early on in this journey that a lot of food has an exterior lining of plastic or foil. Which obscenely makes the package not recyclable in my area, and I suspect most
- [Operation Basement and Studio Clean Out](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/03/operation-basement-and-studio-clean-out/) - Last summer I started what I have been calling "Operation Basement and Studio Clean Out." All of this started because I was chatting with a friend about local studio spaces and how for much of my life having a studio outside of my house was a "life goal." The art association I belong to started
- [There are No Mistakes in Art, Just Ways to Learn](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/03/there-are-no-mistakes-in-art-just-ways-to-learn/) - My last post about tetrapak printing showed a REALLY successful print. I was super happy with how everything looked and how the colored came out. The lines were REALLY good. The ink got into places where I wanted it and wiped away well. Then I attempted another print. This time with a butter carton. I've
- [Affordable Brayers for Printmaking](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/01/affordable-brayers-for-printmaking/) - I've got rollers that are older than I am, I inherited a few, bought a few at yard sales and have bought some new. If you take care of them they last and last. Every year I tend to add a few new brayers to my collection at work, they get damaged, but more often
- [Tetrapak and Other Plastic Lined Trash for Printmaking](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/02/tetrapak-and-other-plastic-lined-trash-for-printmaking/) - Over the years I have experimented with a great deal of materials to create prints and I keep coming back to trash. I remember back in the 90s Tetrapak was held up as a future for sustainability and recyclability. At one point so many things were available in Tetrapak packaging. And then it was revealed
- [Commercially Made Gel Plate Storage](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/02/commercially-made-gel-plate-storage/) - I'm a big fan of gel plates, both homemade and retail. I've got a few of my own and A LOT of them at work. I try to have one per kid, as they get worn I can purchase new ones. I've written about how to take care of them but how to condition them
- [Casein, Again?](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/02/casein-again/) - A brief personal update before getting into the art stuff. Hopefully I have dealt with the scammers. Paypal was not helpful. Ko-fi found nothing scammy in their profiles. It seems that the old school instant refund worked in my favor. Though I did report all of the accounts to Paypal and Ko-Fi. Outside of that
- [Composition Book Round Up Back to School Sale 2022 Target](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/08/composition-book-round-up-back-to-school-sale-2022-target/) - Target had many of the usual offerings, Unison, Yoobi, and Up&Up; plus more poly covered Meads than you could ever want. This is the first year I’ve skipped Yoobi comps- the covers were thinner and all Marvel focused, and while my hand lingered over a Wonder Woman comp I passed on them. The price also
- [Walnut Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/10/walnut-ink/) - Walnut ink is a classic ink for many artists. We're introduced to it in high school or college. It's a deep warm brown color and available in liquid or crystalized form. It's considered staining but not waterproof and is considered to be pretty lightfast. That is to say that the color is resistant to fading
- [Recycling T-Shirts into Loom Knit Blankets](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/01/recycling-t-shirts-into-loom-knit-blankets/) - Every job I've ever had gave out t-shirts. Some jobs I had to purchase a t-shirt* to wear while at work but then also gave me shirts to wear. Currently I make shirts with kids and also make shirts for the org as a project with kids. I have dozens and dozens of shirts that
- [Materials and the Marks they Make](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/01/materials-and-the-marks-they-make/) - I'm a big fan of experimenting with a variety of materials in my sketchbooks and art journaling. For me, learning how a materials is expressive is part of the journey of making art. Every tool has it's own mark and how the artist uses that tool is how it can become an expressive tool. For
- [Making Charcoal for Art](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2026/01/making-charcoal-for-art/) - When it comes to making art, charcoal is a classic for many reasons. It's dark and black and feels pretty awesome to draw with. There are different types of charcoal- willow/vine, stick, compressed. Willow is exactly what it says, thin willow twigs are carbonized. It's the softest and grayest of the charcoal. It's used for
- [Papercrete, First Thoughts](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/12/papercrete-first-thoughts/) - Are solidly in the meh category. Unlike paper mâché clay it's less sticky and really does require a mold. It's less sculpt-able and more just mash it and forget it. I'm going to try the recipe that contains PVA (Elmer's) glue and see if that makes a difference in how I can sculpt it. All
- [Recycling and Paper Mâché Clay, Papercrete, and Paper Pulp](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/12/recycling-and-paper-mache-clay-papercrete-and-paper-pulp-2/) - Around 12 years ago I got sucked into the world of paper mâché clay and spent about a year delving deep into making pottery out of it. I made small pots, large pots, weird little organizer trays and assorted things out of it. It's great for display pieces but not great for anything that needs to hold
- [Recycling and Paper Mâché Clay, Papercrete, and Paper Pulp](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/01/recycling-and-paper-mache-clay-papercrete-and-paper-pulp/) - Around 12 years ago I got sucked into the world of paper mâché clay and spent about a year delving deep into making pottery out of it. I made small pots, large pots, weird little organizer trays and assorted things out of it. It's great for display pieces but not great for anything that needs to hold
- [A Few Words on AI and Art Therapy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/11/a-few-words-on-ai-and-art-therapy/) - This rant has been brewing for about a year, and it hit a boiling point last week when I attended a meeting where the first half was as advertised and the last half of the meeting was a pro-AI presentation from my alma mater. The presentation was not on the meeting invite and was required
- [Different Tools Different Marks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/11/different-tools-different-marks/) - Yes, I am continuing my obsession with marks and mark making. I've been diving back into printmaking as the kids I work with this year are open to the various manners of printing in a way they weren't last year.* So I'm back to trash printmaking- specifically tetrapak or the stuff that soy and nut
- [Mark Making Makes Interest in an Image](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/10/mark-making-makes-interest-in-an-image/) - I vividly remember seeing a real Van Gogh in person for the first time. The marks he made in his self portrait captured my attention. After that museum visit I did a deep dive into Van Gogh's drawings and paintings- the thing that really unifies his work in my mind is the quality and quantity of
- [Acorn Cap Ink- Part 2 This Time with Iron](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/10/86159/) - My first foray into acorn cap ink was a total success. It produced a lovely golden brown ink. I worked quickly and knew the caps had more tannins to leach out. I attempted a slightly longer extraction method- I put them into a jug with far more water than strictly necessary and let them sit
- [Continuing with Marks and Mixed Media](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/11/continuing-with-marks-and-mixed-media/) - I have been attempting to keep my sketches with the walnut ink larger sized- 12x18 on that old Strathmore 400 drawing paper. Also, I just want to note that I still really love that 400 series drawing paper and will be sad when it runs out. I have been working through my photos that I took
- [Water Resistant Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/10/water-resistant-ink/) - Depending on the paper most of my ink experiments have been water soluble. They have a great lift-ability. Which is great for sketching and drawing in many cases. However my ability to layer the ink to create deeper darks is limited because the ink lifts up into itself and actually ends up lighter when the
- [Fodder for Creating](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/09/fodder-for-creating/) - I love to sketch on site, I don't think there is anything quite as nice as plein air painting. I find it relaxing and rewarding. that said, this winter I learned that a quick photo shoot can save my finger tips from painful cold. My philosophy of vibes over realism allows me to work from
- [Poke Berry Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/10/poke-berry-ink/) - Poke weed grows wildly across my area and is considered an annoying weed. All of the plant is quite poisonous- with the berries and roots being the most poisonous. The leaves when prepared properly are edible, but it requires work. That said, I've heard it's delicious. There are other native edibles that are easy to
- [Hectic Second Week Back at IT](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/10/hectic-second-week-back-at-it/) - This was first published on my Ko-Fi blog a month ago, if you want to read my writing in real time head over to Ko-Fi and follow me. Routines. I have written about routines endlessly over the years. I am someone who thrives with a similar routine for each day of the week, with a
- [Things I Don't Miss as I Get Older](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/09/things-i-dont-miss-as-i-get-older/) - When I first started out on YouTube there were a lot of folx who posted nasty comments. I've written about the comments about my weight, hair, teeth, and clothing that were unkind before so I won't go into them here. One of the things that I haven't written about before is the technique comments. Sometimes,
- [I MUST Confess](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/09/i-must-confess/) - Apparently when I was in Artist & Craftsman Supply a single Pentel Pocket Brush Pen (PPBP) in sepia fell into my basket. Okay it didn't fall, I put it into my grubby little hands. You may or may not know that these are one of my favorite sketching tools. The extra fine lines to fat
- [Acorn Cap Ink- A First Round](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/09/acorn-cap-ink-a-first-round/) - While I was at Zea Mays Printmaking for professional development I went camping. Specifically at the DAR Campground. My camp spot was ringed by a whole variety of trees but mainly by several tall straight oaks. During my third night there I could hear acorns dropping. I had looked for interesting rocks but neither my
- [Thumbnail to Study to Final Art Work](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/10/thumbnail-to-study-to-final-art-work/) - One of my goals for my vacation this past week* was to complete several finished art works. Which I'm happy to say I achieved**. I'm currently working to complete another but I thought I'd go deep on the process for this here blog. This is the first few steps in detail. The process for this
- [Vacationland](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/09/vacationland/) - This was published on my Ko-Fi a month ago. to get the most current posts follow me on Ko-Fi. My wife and I are currently on vacation in Maine. We're visiting my family and it's cold. It feels like fall has set in already and on the highway here I saw trees already starting to
- [Master Wood Cut Work Shop](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/09/master-wood-cut-work-shop/) - Imposter syndrome is real and this past week I really struggled with it. I signed myself up for some professional development at Zea Mays Print Making in western Mass. The workshop was call something like Woodcut Masters Workshop. I had a moment of like, "Damn right, I'm a master at this." then as the day
- [Fixative for Mixed Media](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/08/fixative-for-mixed-media/) - Since I started including chalk pastels and colored pencils into my mixed media journey I have been in the market for a fixative. In my sketchbook I used some very inexpensive hairspray. For me this hearkens back to high school and the use of AquaNet to fix my drawings. We ONLY used fancy fixative outside
- [From Sketch to Finished Piece](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/09/from-sketch-to-finished-piece/) - The thing that I really love about en plein air or urban sketching is how it captures the feel of a place and of a moment. It's immediate. It's about sensation not just the view. I posted a few sketches I did while I was out for a bike ride. It was my longest ride
- [Studio Clean Up](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/08/studio-clean-up/) - I've been posting about this on Threads and BlueSky, but it needs a whole post. We bought our house almost 20 years ago. One of the things I decided I wanted in any place we'd buy was a studio space. We fell in love with this house and a section of the basement was divided
- [I'm in Charge Here](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/08/im-in-charge-here/) - Vibes not realism is a mantra I take very seriously with my art. I want to capture the feel and the essence of a place. A ting I have realized is that part of that capture is moving bits and pieces around so that the feel of the image is right for how I felt
- [Pre-Work Sketching Sessions](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/08/pre-work-sketching-sessions/) - When I first started my health and wellness journey, I walked. I walked around my city. I walked around parks. I walked at the mall. But pretty often I stopped at Salem Willows. Frequently just called "The Willows" around here. I'd stop there and walk from the free parking lot around the Willows and sometimes
- [Brown Paper or Chipboard and Drawing on Trash](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/07/brown-paper-or-chipboard-and-drawing-on-trash/) - I really delight in drawing on things that are worthless. One of my favorite surfaces for drawing is the kraft paper that many companies use for packaging. Amazon's kraft paper is wonderful for drawing on. It's thin and rough and holds a LOT of charcoal or graphite or whatever else I throw at it. That
- [Microburst](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/07/microburst/) - We had severe thunderstorm warnings for my area last Sunday. I had been getting the alerts on my weather app for the whole day. We felt the wind pick up and my phone started to buzz with warning about wind and lightening. I ran around the house closing windows and was closing the window on
- [More Studio Clean Up](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/08/more-studio-clean-up/) - The studio clean up stalled last week because of my knee situation.* But I'm moving better and was back at it today. I have lost count of the number of trash bags I have taken out of the basement. A lot, we'll go with that. Many. I have been able to keep track of the
- [The Pochade Box](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/08/the-pochade-box/) - I recently inherited a lovely little 6x8inch pochade box. It was hand built in 2014 by a dude named Douglas Smith. The box is compact and has been used sparingly. The artist tended to work much larger than 5x8, but if you've been here a minute you know I LOVE working around that size. The
- [Thumbnails and Studies](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/08/thumbnails-and-studies/) - During one of my last few videos I mentioned thumbnail sketches and how they are useful for developing a final art piece. Today I went to the beach and since my knee is still in a brace and I am hobbling around* I decided to park my butt on a beach blanket** and make some
- [Values Journaling Check In](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/07/values-journaling-check-in/) - My values journaling session at the end of 2024 led me to really think about what I want and need from life. I realized through that session that I wanted to put a focus on my own art making and art career. As a result of this I started to look for artist residencies and
- [Rust](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/07/rust/) - During my last foraging walk on the beach I found a large chunk of what I thought was a nice brown rock, I am always looking for brown rocks. Burnt umber is one of my favorite colors. It turns out the brown rock was a chunk of steel coated in a thick rocky coating of
- [Making Pigments for Paints](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/06/making-pigments-for-paints/) - I started watching videos about primitive pottery making years ago. There is something very soothing about watching someone dig up mud, strain and sift it to make a pliable clay, then turning that clay into pottery. I suspect that if I lived in a more rural location I'd have a kiln in my backyard and
- [Stalled](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/06/stalled/) - I'm stalled on the 300 Vehicles project. I lost steam on it over the last few weeks due to work being pretty nutso. Work has pretty much evened out but I'm still stalled out. The work issue is compounded by the fact that I still have not heard back from the gallery about getting the
- [Making My Own Pigments- Carbon Black Paint- Lamp Black](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/06/making-my-own-pigments-carbon-black-paint-lamp-black/) - Carbon black paints deserve posts of their own so I'm writing a post with some details. I read an artist bloviating that lamp black is an inferior black for ink and paint, and honestly I couldn't disagree more. I'm starting this off by writing about lamp black. If you are familiar with sumi or India
- [Still Learning](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/05/still-learning/) - May has been a doozy. I had to take an unscheduled break from videos and writing due to a family member being in the hospital. I have necessarily made that person a priority but whew, it really threw a wrench into my life and various plans. So a quick recap: I had planned on applying
- [Balance and Chaos](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/05/balance-and-chaos/) - I talk about balance on my Less is More Healthy vlog often. For much of my life, my life has been out of balance, and it wasn't until my late 30s that I realized just how out of balance my life really was. I had this moment in my HR office where I was listing
- [Artist, Capital A](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/05/artist-capital-a/) - About a month ago I wrote about the results of my values journaling session being that I REALLY want to focus on my making my own art and building an art making practice and being an Artist, capital A. I had a convo not long after I finished my values journaling and arrived at this
- [One Hundred and Two](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/05/one-hundred-and-two/) - I've completed a few hundred things challenges over the last few years. I've always done them in my own way. I know that I can't and won't complete a daily challenge or mostly ever be able to complete a monthly challenge. But when I do a challenge in my own way, I can get it
- [Hot Takes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/05/hot-takes/) - This was originally posted to my Ko-Fi page a month early for followers and supporters. If you would like to read these posts a month early, head over to my ko-fi account to follow me there. A question about drawing portraits and getting better at drawing portraits popped up on my threads feed. Appropriate right?
- [The THING Doesn't Bring YOU to the Paper](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/04/the-thing-doesnt-bring-you-to-the-paper/) - The expensive pen or specialty distraction free writing tablet thingie is not going to make you a writer. Buying Golden brand acrylic paints isn't going to make you a painter. Buying Blackwing pencils isn't going to make you a draughts* person. We have all at one point in time or another spent far too much
- [Keep drawing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/05/keep-drawing/) - I had a great Thursday. Please refer to my previous post wherein I pissed and moaned about how much my Thursdays usually suck. I started my day off with a meeting, and against my better judgement I brough my sketchbook with me. I also bought my koh-i-noor Versatil magic pencil with me. I didn't know
- [Sketchbook VS Sketchbook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/05/sketchbook-vs-sketchbook/) - One of the things I really love about sketchbooks (and art journals) is that they can really encompass anything and everything. It's also a point of contention. Part of me wants to take all the sketchbook videos and categorize them into neat little containers that explain exactly what they are: a finished art sketchbook- an
- [Car Portraits?](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/04/car-portraits/) - I've been doing these car* drawings for a few months now. It started out as a way to get better at drawing cars in my urban sketches. I hated drawing them and realized because I hate drawing cars I was leaving them out of my urban sketches. It made a lot of the images seem
- [Prep is Necessary](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/04/prep-is-necessary/) - Rolling* gesso onto a panel. Taping off watercolor paper. ​Measuring off working area on paper. Cutting sheets of paper down to size. All of this is prep work. It sets the stage for what our actual art sits on. Without the prep the work suffers. A solid amount of gesso gives paint, pastels, and other
- [It's Important to Update Knowledge](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/04/its-important-to-update-knowledge/) - Knowing history is a good thing. But knowing you are history is another. I don't generally feel old, occasionally the kids I work with with make a joke about how I don't get something because I'm OLD, but more often than not I feel pretty okay and not old. But then I dive into research
- [Results of Values Journaling](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/03/results-of-values-journaling/) - One of the main goals I mined from my values journaling session was that I really want to focus on making my own art for 2025. Somewhere in my research for values journaling someone suggested (I really should do better at keeping notes) that you ask yourself the question, "When was I the most happy?"
- [Then VS Now- ugly middle](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/04/then-vs-now-ugly-middle/) - Recently, at my DayJob, we've started to get emails about how far children are behind compared to themselves, or others, pre-pandemic. Test scores are being compared, and conclusions drawn. Meanwhile, I'm left wondering, what about the adults? Those in the lives of these kids, but also the rest of the world *waves about* who went
- [Writing About Art is HARD](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/04/writing-about-art-is-hard/) - I have written about art and creativity since 2001. Twenty four years is a long time to do anything. You might think that after 24 years of writing about art and creativity that I might find it a tad bit easier. To a point I do, when it is about my own creativity, but not
- [Over and Over Again](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/04/over-and-over-again/) - I recently uploaded this video: In it I explore making almost 20 images with different materials of the same scene. Since that video I have returned to a similar exercise. I have take quite a few images of the sunset over Lynn as I wait for the train. The late winter and early spring sunsets
- [Disappearing Act](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/04/disappearing-act/) - I have mentioned here several times that I'm working on this DIY Artist residency and applying for grants. I'm also gathering information about artist residencies that I can apply for to do next summer. I'm trying NOT to get too deep into the research rabbit hole but I find avoiding deep research hard. My current
- [The Space Between Winter and Spring](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/03/the-space-between-winter-and-spring/) - I love spring but I hate the transition from winter to spring. Here in Mass it's full of mud, trash emerging from gray brown snow piles, and dog poop. Seriously so many bags of dog poop, and unbagged. Walking anywhere, is a slalom of avoiding stepping in and on dog poo. It's also the season
- [Koh-I-Noor Magic FX](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/03/koh-i-noor-magic-fx/) - Not long after I moved to Massachusetts I made my way to the best art supply store to ever exist- Charette. Sadly Charette folded 15 or so years ago. It was a very sad day. I hit their clearance sales with intense sadness in my heart. Not long after my first visit to Charette I
- [Practicing Blobs Makes them Perfectly Imperfect](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/02/practicing-blobs-makes-them-perfectly-imperfect/) - I don't know about all of you but the news has me both distracted and discouraged. Combine that with my recent sinus infections and norovirus and well, I've been feeling a whole lot of, "Why bother?" ​Despite this I'm making art. In times of crisis, I stay calm and get through it, then retreat into
- [Getting Back To IT](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/03/getting-back-to-it/) - Having norovirus sapped my strength for a lot longer than I expected. For a week post... acute symptoms, i felt tired and lethargic. Generally crappy. I got behind on everything. I came home from work and crashed. This past long weekend (I saw the Monday off weeks ago and decided to take the previous Friday
- [New Videos On a Mini Watercolor Palette Live on Youtube](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/02/new-videos-on-a-mini-watercolor-palette-live-on-youtube/) - I've recently posted a few new videos about the mini watercolor palettes that you can find on Amazon and Aliexpress for not too much money. My first video was a rather harsh critique- At this point I'd kind of fallen for the little palette and found another that came bundled with a sketchbook and a
- [Experiments with Cheapie Paint Markers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/03/experiments-with-cheapie-paint-markers/) - (Editor's note: This was posted to my ko-fi account a month ago, if you would like to see these posts in real time head over to Ko-fi and follow me there.) I had hoped that I would have spent the last 2 or 3 days making art and recording videos of myself making art. Instead
- [Comparison is the Thief of Joy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/01/comparison-is-the-thief-of-joy/) - Comparison is the thief of joy. Apparently this quote can't be fully attributed to anyone I previously was told it should be, though many have said the same with more or less words. Even if Teddy Roosevelt didn't say it, the sentiment stands important. When I apply this to art it has several meanings: Comparing my art
- [The Right Tool for the Job](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/02/the-right-tool-for-the-job/) - I am a proponent of using the best materials that you can afford at that moment. Sometimes the best materials for the current job are an inexpensive sketchbook (CHEAP) from 5 Below. Sometimes it's buying a single tube of Holbein watercolors or gouache at a time to build up a collection of the right materials
- [Start Art Journaling- End your White Page Fear](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/01/start-art-journaling-end-your-white-page-fear/) - One of the key ways you can dissolve white page fear is to deliberately mess up the page with scribbles and smears of paint or ink. IN this video I use water soluble crayons and brushes to create thin light colored washed to put a bunch of color onto my page and get me loosened
- [Values Studies and Ink Wash](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/01/values-studies-and-ink-wash/) - I recently took part in Ohn Mar Win's Patreon hangout. She puts up photos and everyone draws and paints. Really kind of fun and something I want to challenge myself to do more of in the new year. But I need to find balance*. Anyway, it made me realize that my landscapes are stiff and
- [Getting Better at Art](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/01/getting-better-at-art/) - I mentioned in a previous post that I'd explore the topic of what it means to "get better at art." Each of us has a different definition of what better means. I believe it helps to define what better means. If I look at the art I'm making and I'm thinking, "I can do that
- [Technical Skills and Style and Mixed Media](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/02/technical-skills-and-style-and-mixed-media/) - I consider myself a mixed media artist. I went to school to be an art teacher and an art therapist. The skilled learned were broad spectrum and about all media. I didn't have to be super skilled in all of them, but I needed to understand them well enough. I missed out on pottery. In
- [Messy Materials](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/02/messy-materials/) - When I was young I loved chalk and oil pastels. There was something about the dusty blend of chalk that I loved working with. Oil pastels left chunky lumps on the pages but smoothed out with a finger into lovely layers. I didn't use them often in college but when I was teaching I used
- [Love a Gesture Drawing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/02/love-a-gesture-drawing/) - I love gesture drawing. I also love thumbnails. As an artist these are areas where the rules of art are all about the vibes. The whole point of gesture drawing is to capture the feeling, weight, movement, value, and idea of a a person. Now granted a gesture drawing is meant to be a means
- [Don't Meet Your Heroes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/02/dont-meet-your-heroes/) - CW: Discussion of Celebrity Bad Behaviors including SA and Coercion My various social media apps and sites and things have been blowing up because of N3il G4iman and Am4nda P4lmer. (NG and AP following). I was a fan* of them both, not a huge fan but enough that I've read a bunch of his books
- [Values Journaling Series](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/01/values-journaling-series/) - My Values Journaling series of videos is currently finished and loaded to YouTube. I might try to edit them down for the TikTokers out there, but for now I see value (ahem) in keeping them long. This way you see the process. Here they are:
- [When the Internet Began](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/12/when-the-internet-began/) - Remember when the internet was a collection of people doing interesting things and sharing them? It was always a little weird and fun. Now I sometimes feel like the internet is a bit of a cesspool of hate and fear mongering. In an effort of rejuvinating the weird and fun I present to you these
- [Protecting my Peace](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/12/protecting-my-peace/) - I recently got sucked into a clickbait title on YouTube. It was about community, well the title was about community. The actual video was a rebuttal about some toxic video a bully posted about another creator. Part of me is relieved that this occurs in other online communities and not just the art journaling community.
- [The importance of Support and NOW](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2025/01/the-importance-of-support-and-now/) - My grandfather told me he'd always wanted to be an artist, specifically an oil painter, but as a poor kid from a poor family he joined the Coast Guard. Mostly because it was the only branch of the military where he could guarantee that he would never get on a plane. This was back in
- [Drawing from Life Informs the Imagination](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/12/drawing-from-life-informs-the-imagination/) - I don't design my pages. It has never been a thing that I do. I just draw and fit it to the page, occasionally I'll put some text into a bare area and call it good. In a way the lack of design is design. As I was working on a video about drawing cartoon
- [Vacation Planning](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/vacation-planning/) - Some of you may know that for years I worked a retail gig, and even when I had worked my way up into the admin office and eventually the regional office, I still worked the holidays. Expectation in retail is that all hands are on deck. Part of my reason for going to grad school
- [Difficult Times Sometimes Require Doubling Down](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/difficult-times-sometimes-require-doubling-down/) - Honestly I had hoped against my better judgement that this election would turn out differently. As soon as the dems announced Kamala I told my wife, "We're screwed. If Hilary couldn't get elected why do they think we can get a black woman elected?" But still I hoped that things would be different. I always
- [What Do I NEED to Create?](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/what-do-i-need-to-create/) - Back in the day I used to soak up videos and blog posts about art making gear. Everyone's equipment fascinated me. Part of this was curiosity about processes but also wanting to know HOW to use that equipment. And when I write equipment I mean everything from paint to brushes to paper to cameras and
- [Gear or Supply Guys](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/gear-or-supply-guys/) - A type of dream dumper that I especially loathe is the Gear Guy. (It goes without saying that the Gear Guy is a gendered joke and the GUY can of course be a GAL or just person.) The Gear Guy is that person who asks you what you are using and then smirks and tells
- [7AM Construction](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/7am-construction/) - My street is currently being torn up so that gas lines can be replaced. The guys arrive at 7 AM. hey start moving stuff around the street at 7:15 AM. Digging, jack hammering, and large vehicles start up at 8am. Work goes until 4pm. I often start recording an art video at 8am. Thank goodness
- [The Video Making Process and Upload](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/the-video-making-process-and-upload/) - My video making process is pretty straight forward, and there are 2 styles when it comes to my art videos- talk while I art and voice over. I prefer the talk while I art despite it being a little more garbled and often make a little less sense. The voice over is a lot more
- [Blog Updates](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/blog-updates/) - I just spent some time performing a lot of behind the scenes updates to the blog. a lot of things were broken and frankly I did not have time this spring or summer to do these updates.* I decided to buckle down and do those updates today. So apologies for the many posts in one
- [Always Someone There to Remind Me](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/always-someone-there-to-remind-me/) - When I was a pre-teen my Dad bought a beat up Ford Ranger. It had a tape deck that the previous owner claimed had a tape stuck in it. That tape was a copy of Naked Eyes Burning Bridges. I managed to get it out of the tape deck and then proceeded to listen to
- [Figuring Out This Balance Thing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/figuring-out-this-balance-thing/) - It's been a hot minute between posts here. It seems i Have trouble balancing my life. Every summer it is the same thing, it gets warm and I have fewer work days with kids and time off, so I ride my bike. Which, excuse the drama, has saved my life in the same way journaling
- [Inspiration Arrives in MANY Forms](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/inspiration-arrives-in-many-forms/) - every now and then I discover something ridiculous that grabs ahold of my brain and won't let go. I've tried, but Chicken San still holds a piece of my brain. Part of what makes Chicken San great is that he takes familiar tunes and matches the singing up with a rubber chicken. I don't care who you are, but
- [When Other Artists Inspire](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/when-other-artists-inspire/) - I've been watching Drewscape_Art on youtube for a few years. I started watching him because he was making some sweet pens by hand. He doesn't do that anymore but his illustration career took off. His art style is really cool and deceptively simple. Think Ivan Brunetti or my hero, Linda Barry. He also does great
- [New Youtube Videos](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/11/new-youtube-videos/) - I posted a few new videos to my YouTube channel. There is one longer video where I draw teabags from life in 4 different materials and test out 2 different types of non-photo blue pencil. It was a lot of fun to draw. Another is about repairing a stretched out elastic on and old Molekskine.
- [Urban Sketching Practice: Drawing Vehicles with Vibes Not Realism](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/04/urban-sketching-practice-drawing-vehicles-with-vibes-not-realism/) - I have been doing more en plein air sketching, what seems to be more commonly known now as Urban Sketching, even when it's not in an urban environment... this irritates me a bit, as the name change is driven by the algorithm not need or actual use. AS I sketched more locations I noticed that
- [Budget Watercolor Sets for Art Journaling and Urban Sketching](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/04/budget-watercolor-sets-for-art-journaling-and-urban-sketching/) - I have long had a fascination with budget friendly art materials. I have always liked getting the best bang for my buck. I reviewed the Royal & Langnickel FlipKit. Which I now and forever will call the flippy floppy watercolors. The Flippy Floppy is a set that I continue to reach for despite the fact
- [Moving into a New Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/04/74430/) - I have a mere 15 pages left to my current Every Thing Every Where Journal. This is crunch time for finalizing the prep for the new journal. Luckily I started the prep when I had 100 pages left. I wrote about that already. What I want to explore today is the final stages of a
- [Review: Ackerman Piston Filling Fountain Pen with a Zebra Comic G Nib](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/03/review-ackerman-piston-filling-fountain-pen-with-a-zebra-comic-g-nib-2/) - A note on this video review: I purchased this pen with my own money, Ackerman didn't sponsor this video, and I doubt they would like this video. This pen is not for someone who does not like to tinker with their pen. In order to reset the pen you must take it apart and use
- [Ink Wash](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/04/ink-wash/) - I don't know where I first learned of making ink wash images. High school probably. We did a lot of work with pen and ink, it seems directly up Ms. F's alley to use an inexpensive and yet extremely satisfying method to teach us about shadows. It lends itself to portrait, landscapes and urban sketching.
- [Setting Up a New Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/03/setting-up-a-new-journal/) - When I'm about 1/3rd to 1/2 way through a sketchbook or journal I start to set up my next one. This gives me time to think about decorations and what journal type I want to use. Do I want blank or ruled pages? Dot grid? Hard or flexy covers? I grab a journal and start
- [It's Not So Commonplace](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2024/01/its-not-so-commonplace/) - I'm not sure when I first learned of a Commonplace Book. College maybe? I know my first serious girlfriend had a journal she jammed quotes from books and movies into. I don't know that she ever called it a Commonplace Book, but it was. Carefully copying over sections of text seemed painful to me. I
- [Working with Budget Art Journaling Supplies](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/12/working-with-budget-art-journaling-supplies/) - It doesn't make a lot of sense to buy all kinds of budget art journaling supplies if I don't use them? Or show them in use. I've made a series of follow up videos using all the supplies I've picked up at Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target and 5 Below. NOt all the videos are live
- [Budget Art Journaling Series](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/12/budget-art-journaling-series/) - I've been working on my creative YouTube channel, attempting, seemingly in vain to remonetize it. One of the thing that was asked of me repeatedly and often before I stopped making videos, was, "How do I get started with art journaling without spending a lot?" I always answered this with the idea of buying one
- [Like I Thought I was Going to be a Famous Artist](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/12/like-i-thought-i-was-going-to-be-a-famous-artist/) - A friend of the blog wrote a few things to me awhile back. She wanted to divest herself of some supplies and I always accept supplies for myself or work. If they are supplies I'll use, I use them, but I always let people know that anything I can't or don't use I will then
- [Composite Images with the Thermal Instant Print Camera](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/12/70234/) - I have written here on multiple occasions about my love for David Hockney's work. I've been fortunately to see a couple of his shows when they've come to the east coast. One that stands out was when my friend Jane and I met up in Portland, Maine for an artist's date and decided on a
- [Cyber Monday Deals on Thermal Instant Printing Cameras](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/11/cyber-monday-deals-on-thermal-instant-printing-cameras/) - I decided to talk a look at the 'zon to see if any of the brands of thermal instant print cameras had any cyber Monday deals. A few did. Some of these are about $10 off. Others have a 20% off coupon. I've said it in my videos and I'll write here again, when looking
- [Budget Thermal Printers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/11/budget-thermal-printers/) - At the start of lock down I had asked for a thermal printer for Christmas. I used it a bit but really didn't have the same use for it I would have had a year previous. We waited until Black Friday then purchased the Phomemo M02 in a bundle with 9 rolls of paper and
- [New Video on Thermal Instant Print Cameras](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/11/new-video-on-thermal-instant-print-cameras/) - In this video I explore some of the cameras in my collection. I look at the different body types, different operating systems and how they print. I'll be shooting another episode going deeper into print settings and why I like using them. Here are links to all the cameras in the video, these are affiliate
- [Alcohol Inks on Thermal Prints](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/11/69657/) - Alcohol fades and somewhat whites out any images on a thermal print. I found that this happened on many papers, but not all and not on thermal print sticker papers. So let’s dig into this. You might think, as I did, that Sharpies and other alcohol inks would be the perfect tool for adding color
- [Adding Color with Gel Plates](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/11/adding-color-with-gel-plates/) - I wanted to see if my two favorites could be combined. Can I combine thermal prints with a gel plate? Will acrylic paint react with the thermal coating and turn my images black? Or will this work?Short answer is: yes, it will work, but you need to finesse it. Use transparent colors. Use thin coats.
- [Dry and Semi-Dry Media for adding Color to Thermal Prints from Instant Print Cameras and Thermal Printerss](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/11/dry-and-semi-dry-media-for-adding-color-to-thermal-prints-from-instant-print-cameras-and-thermal-printerss/) - One of the things I knew I wanted to do immediately with these cameras and prints was add spot color and colorize the entire image. To do this, I tried several things. Let's start with the dry and semi dry media. Like colored pencils, markers, pens and highlighters. I started with a range of prints
- [Black and White Images and Wonder and Awe](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/11/black-and-white-images-and-wonder-and-awe/) - When I was a kid my parents pinched pennies and used a benefit at my Dad's school to get an Apple iiC. In today's standards, it was little more than a word processor with some BASIC capabilities. My brother's and I spent hours playing with a program called PrintShop that mimicked a print shop. We
- [Review: 2023 Unison Composition Notebook- Target](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/09/review-2023-unison-composition-notebook-target/) - The Unison composition notebook has been a steady companion over the years. It featured excellent smooth paper that responded well to fountain pens of all sorts and had enough tooth for pencils. It almost always won out the composition book roundups as the go to budget choice. Sadly, those days are over. Most of the
- [Review: Up+ Up Journal Target Back To School Sale](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/09/review-up-up-journal-target-back-to-school-sale/) - Back in early August I headed to Target, not for Back to School Supplies and Sales, but for their Market Pantry Dark Chocolate Almond Butter*. I found myself wandering the store, you know as you do. I finally found myself in the back to school section. I had no intent of purchasing anything, because I'm
- [6 Months Later...](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/08/6-months-later/) - Well, shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit. It's been just under 6 months since I last posted anything here. Between work and working on my health and wellness (more about that over at LessISMoreHealthy on YouTube.) I haven't had time to make art other than for work and certainly not to write up dedicated posts about it. I've learned a
- [Another Month Goes By](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/02/another-month-goes-by/) - It seems I update this here blog once a month or so. I used to be so good at updating all my social media and cross promotion, now I get a video uploaded and I forget to announce it anywhere and everywhere. Go figure. I have been uploading nearly Daily Vlogs to my new Channel
- [A Month of Videos](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/02/a-month-of-videos/) - I have loaded up a bunch of new videos this past month. It's wild to think that it's already February. I hope y'all are staying warm out there!!! In a bit of news, I have moved my health and wellness content over to it's own channel. I found that anytime I mentioned my health on
- [New Year, New Videos](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2023/01/new-year-new-videos/) - Here's a list of videos, with links this time! I realize I didn't post one of these over the holidays so this is going to be a LONG list of videos. https://youtu.be/kXTLatLEytw Art Journaling 005 https://youtu.be/7J81PHLTmJ8 VLOG 021 https://youtu.be/W1Y5_tnofIo AJ 006 https://youtu.be/dBwstzzHET8 Aj007 https://youtu.be/dqAn0zxln8k AJ008 https://youtu.be/_HdS4ar1nHU VLOG 022 https://youtu.be/MoOvD4ezJnI Review https://youtu.be/rXBmeA6NorE VLOG 023 https://youtu.be/MvcMiAV4H78 AJ011
- [Values Journaling Worksheet](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/12/values-journaling-worksheet/) - I have been working on a video about values journaling. This is the blog post for that video. Start your values journaling with this worksheet: values list Circle all the things on the list that are important to you. EVERYTHING. Then organize them into similar linked lists, try to get it to 10. Write about
- [New Videos!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/12/new-videos/) - The post with the new videos for the week!
- [This Week's New Videos](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/12/this-weeks-new-videos-2/) - I think I'm going to do a weekly post here about all the videos I've loaded that week. So this post is this week's installment of YouTube videos!
- [More New Videos](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/12/more-new-videos/) - I've published a few new videos since my last update here. I am making a plan to be sure to announce them here as well as everywhere else.
- [Art Journaling Video](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/12/65124/) - I posted a new art journaling video. This one using a ton of personal ephemera from my life. Just things I've amassed over the last few weeks. If you've seen any of my VLOGS you'll recognize some of the stuff.
- [Terrible Life Advice](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/terrible-life-advice/) - A short video musing on planning and thinking about pages before working on them.
- [A Love Letter to Coffee and my Ko-Fi Supporters](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/a-love-letter-to-coffee-and-my-ko-fi-supporters/) - I like to think of this as an artsy fartsy DIY little vid about my love of coffee, ko-fi and my patrons on Ko-Fi. Y'all buy me koffees and I get to do cool stuff. Now I need to remember to turn the camera on when I do it!!!
- [Deeper Thoughts on Studio Philosophies](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/deeper-thoughts-on-studio-philosophies/) - I go deeper on my studio philosophies.
- [Studio Philosophies- Youtube Video](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/studio-philosophies-youtube-video/) - Announcing another youtube video- this one the start of a series about my art making philosophies. I'll go into each one more in depth in Vlogs, but this is the first.
- [VLOG 006 Why I left YouTube 10 Years Ago](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/vlog-006-why-i-left-youtube-10-years-ago/) - I answered a few questions about my reasons for leaving youtube 10 years ago. The video should be live now that you see this. :)
- [Make it Mine 004](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/make-it-mine-004/) - I scuff up and decorate another chapstick tube with an eggplant drawing.
- [VLOG 004 Camera Freak Out](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/vlog-004-camera-freak-out/) - My camera has a little freak out and I like it. 004 CA
- [Make Stuff 001](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/make-stuff-001/) - Make Stuff my new youtube video series is starting. I'm trying to turn the camera on when I make stuff. In this video I take apart a tripod and use the legs to make a selfie stick and a couple of mono pods. I may make a few other things, we'll see. (I think I
- [Make it Mine 003](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/make-it-mine-003/) - New Make it Mine video up.
- [New Things](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/11/new-things/) - I've written and rewritten this post a hundred times. Quite a long time ago I deleted twitter and facebook off my phone. I've slowly weaned myself off Facebook, without many regrets. I use marketplace to buy bikes and bike parts but mostly, I don't interact. I do have this blog and my new iteration of
- [Review: Talens Art Creations Sketchbooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/09/review-talens-art-creations-sketchbooks/) - I really thought I’d written a review of the Talens Art Creations sketchbook quite a while ago, but a search showed me I was wrong. It’s too bad because this sketchbook is a sleeper hit. The Talens Art Creations sketchbooks (TACS) are available in a variety of sizes- from a cute lil’ pocket sized, up
- [Composition Book Round Up Back to School Sale 2022 Dollar Tree](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/08/composition-book-round-up-back-to-school-sale-2022-dollar-tree/) - Well folx, Back to School Sale season is already upon us. With the last 2 years of subpar sales I decided I wanted to really take a deeper dive into the sales available around me. I’ll break this up to the various stores I visit, then finally compare and contrast the cost and quality of
- [Review: Zebra Sarasa dryX20](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/08/review-zebra-sarasa-dryx20/) - I was surprised to see a few name brand items at Dollar Tree, and they had a nice display of Zebra pens. I’m going to head back and see if they have additional types. At $1.25 for a single pen this isn’t the cheapest I’ve found but it’s not overpriced either. This pen uses the
- [Review: Mondo Llama Sketchbook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/09/review-mondo-llama-sketchbook/) - I’m always on the lookout for low priced sketchbooks. While I like to have my young artists make their own, there is a certain amount of seriousness and implied meaning to gifting a young artist with a big ole sketchbook of their own. When I saw the hardcover Mondo Llama sketchbooks on display at Target’s
- [Review: Uniball One Gel Ink Pen 0.7mm](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/09/review-uniball-one-gel-ink-pen-0-7mm/) - Uniball introduced these white Apple-esque pens last year. The exterior of the pen looks nice, if you like white and for your stuff to look filthy as soon as you touch it. The white matte plastic feels pretty nice. The slightly rubberized grip is comfortable to hold. It’s slightly narrower than other pens in the
- [Review: Pilot Acroball Ballpoint Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/09/review-pilot-acroball-ballpoint-pen/) - I picked up this 3-pack of pens at Target for $2.99 during back to school sale season. It was a 2+1 bonus pack. I purchased it because the package made some recycled claims and I’m a sucker for greenwashing. The pens are made out of 77% recycled plastic. It points out that they are refillable
- [Composition Book Round Up Back to School Sale 2022 Walmart](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/08/composition-book-round-up-back-to-school-sale-2022-walmart/) - Walmart was a sea of poly covers. Again I had to pass over all the Mead comps, not a single on with a card cover. Boo. But the majority of the Pen + Gear and other brands had poly covers. I did manage to find three card covered comp books, a Pen +Gear, Mintgreen, and
- [Make Your Own Gel Plates](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/07/make-your-own-gel-plates/) - I finally made my own gel plate with gelatin, glycerin, rubbing alcohol and water. I used a microwave method, which seems to be the best method for me. Most of the instructions I found use a double boiler set up. It's too hot for that in my house. Keep in mind that this is an
- [Love and Hate Collage](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/07/love-and-hate-collage/) - If you've been following this blog for any period of time, you'll know about my love and hate of collage. I love a lot about collage but I'll also tell you how much I hate collage. One of my favorite artists from Dada worked primarily in collage (Hannah Hoch.) I don't know that I've ever
- [Inspirational Videos](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/06/inspirational-videos/) - Every now and then I make a deep dive into youtube's art instructional videos. Why? I find some inspiration and often some new techniques in them. I was going to embed a bunch of videos but apparently Youtube makes that harder than they used to. *GRUMBLES* I'm going to start with the lovely Yeates Makes.
- [Making Images with Tracing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/06/making-images-with-tracing/) - One of my favorite ways of making self portraits is with tracing. I use self portraits in my art journals as a manner of self reflection but also as a way to work on my portraiture skills. Though I doubt anyone would want me to explore them as thoroughly as I explore my own self
- [DIY Foam Tip for True Wireless IEM or Ear Buds](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/04/diy-foam-tip-for-true-wireless-iem-or-ear-buds/) - I want to start this off by stating that I'm not an audiophile, I just want my true wireless in ear buds to stay in my ears, which they just don't with the typical silicone tips that are packaged with most entry level buds. My search for tips that stay in my ears began when
- [State of the Art: Open Minded Curiosity](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/06/state-of-the-art-open-minded-curiosity/) - It is important if you are an artist to have an open minded curiosity about the world, people, places, and especially your art. The minute you stop being curious is the moment you start to stagnate. My curiosity leads me down many paths. I like to learn about things unrelated to art and creativity but
- [State of the Art: Filling a Sketchbook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/05/state-of-the-art-filling-a-sketchbook/) - This weekend I realized that I'm about 10 pages away from filling my current sketchbook. I knew I was nearing the end but I've had a flurry of ideas to record and noodle out, each time I've made sure that my sketchbook is within easy reach. With a mere 10 pages left, my first thought
- [State of the Art: Blog Readers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/05/state-of-the-art-blog-readers/) - I miss Google Reader- the OG epitome of blog readers. I used to start my day with a cup of coffee and Google Reader. It let me catch up on my news and all the blogs I used to read quickly and without following all sorts of links and bookmarks. IT was easy. Sadly Google
- [Review: TWSBI Swipe Coral](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/05/review-twsbi-swipe-coral/) - I am starting this review with this disclaimer, this review is full of my opinions on a number of matters, which include a review of the pen in question but also the company's behavior in recent months. Let me start with this, I've historically really liked TWSBI. Their pens, like Diamond, the VAC and Micarta
- [State of the Art: Creating a Place to Work](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/04/state-of-the-art-creating-a-place-to-work/) - One of the key items in my art making and creative arsenal are my headphones. With these I can create a place to work, make art and be creative, just about anywhere. By extension music helps too. I've used headphones as a way to tune out and tune in since I was in elementary school.
- [State of the Art: Product Labels](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/04/state-of-the-art-product-labels/) - I can't believe I've never posted here about my various product labels that I create. I was pretty sure I had posted about them but not even the g00gles can find those posts. I have posted about them on insta, so maybe I'm just confused. When I make or cook certain things I make goofy
- [Keeping a Notebook PERFECTLY](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/04/keeping-a-notebook-perfectly/) - There is no way to keep a notebook that is perfect for every person. There is only the perfect way for each person. That is to say, keeping a notebook is highly personalized. My method of a pocket notebook and 3x5 cards alongside a sketchbook (currently also functioning as my ETEW Journal) and a separate
- [The Perfect...](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/04/the-perfect/) - I've spent much of my life looking for the perfect pen, pencil, brush, sketchbook, and journal. I read reviews of the items I'm seeking and things I'm not. If a new article starts with "The Best..." I read it. Part of this is that I want all the information before I make a purchase, but
- [Process: From Spark to Art](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/03/process-from-spark-to-art/) - My brain works in mysterious ways, well not really, I know how my brain works but sometimes it puts 2 things together in a way I didn't expect. Case in point: I work with someone who loves fried chicken. I, also love fried chicken. We talk about all the different fried chicken places in the
- [State of the Art: Getting Derailed](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/03/state-of-the-art-getting-derailed/) - I've written here and on Ko-fi about how I like my routines and how they feed into my ability to make art and get a lot done. Usually, those routines are a good buffer between myself and chaos. But sometimes things happen and they completely derail my routines and it always takes a bit to
- [RSVP: Use the Good Stuff](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/03/rsvp-use-the-good-stuff/) - I announced a reboot of my podcast RSVP Stationery Podcast awhile ago. The first of the new season's episodes is out, and I have to say it's a banger. The idea behind the reboot is that I take a topic, in this case, Using the Good Stuff and I interview and discuss the topic with
- [State of the Art: Notifications](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/03/state-of-the-art-notifications/) - I've turned almost all of the notifications on my phone off, and I never agree to them on my laptop. Why? The little dots fill me with anxiety, dread, and a constant urge to tap them open to deal with them. I've been a proponent of "Inbox Zero" for years. I used to go into
- [State of the Art: Getting to It](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/02/state-of-the-art-getting-to-it/) - After all my posts about material snobbery, I had myself a little pep talk about just getting to it. When it comes to visual art I'm pretty easily able to just get to it, but when it comes to writing, well, not so much. I cleaned out my reading nook, an area in the house,
- [State of the Art: Material Snobbery is Perfectionism](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/02/state-of-the-art-material-snobbery-is-perfectionism/) - I've been having a series of great conversations about using the good stuff as I reboot RSVP as a solo project. I've been able to have in depth conversations with people I wouldn't have these conversations with otherwise. It's pretty special to me. As I have these conversations ideas and thoughts come up. I try
- [State of the Art: Battling Material Snobbery](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/02/state-of-the-art-battling-material-snobbery/) - Now that material snobbery has taken hold of my brain I battle it in the best way I know how- by focusing on the art. Last week I had a moment where my entrenched material snobbery hit me head ON. I was taking part in an art prompt with my coworkers when I realized that
- [State of the Art: Material Snobbery](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/02/state-of-the-art-material-snobbery/) - Material snobbery is an occasional problem for me. I grew up with access to a lot of materials, but not in quantity. I was occasionally gifted art materials, but in gift set size, which ran out quickly. I remember as a kid running out of one color and asking my Mom if we could get
- [State of the Art: Allowing for Flexibility](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/01/state-of-the-art-allowing-for-flexibility/) - I have not always been the most flexible of people, but allowing for flexibility in life helps avoid burn out and anxious thoughts. I'm a person that thrive and loves routine. I get up in the morning at the same time every weekday and only allow myself to sleep in by about an hour on
- [State of the Art: Talking Myself Out of Things](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/01/state-of-the-art-talking-myself-out-of-things/) - It's not often you find me talking myself out of things, but here I am telling you I've talked myself out of a free photocopier. If you're scratching your head right now, let me explain. I've wanted a photocopier for years. They are incredibly useful tools and when I was in college we had to
- [Reflection: Journaling for Clarity](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/01/reflection-journaling-for-clarity/) - Last year we were entering into our second of a pandemic and my workplace stopped hiring. I've worked in enough locations to know that when a company stops actively recruiting a hiring for a location it mean one thing- they are planning to close it. I spent a lot of time journaling for clarity. Some
- [State of the Art: Working on Useful Journaling V2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/01/state-of-the-art-working-on-useful-journaling-v2/) - Working on a Zine, like Useful Journaling V2 can start in many ways, but for me it starts with my pocket notebook and a pen or pencil. Here I record ideas and thoughts I have about making the zine. Ideas for content are quickly jotted down and then if deemed useful are expanded upon in
- [A State of Reflection](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2022/01/a-state-of-reflection/) - The end of the year as we roll into the new is often used as a moment of reflection. A place where we look back on the bad and good and use that to set goals and intentions for the new year. WOW! What a year we had. A second of a global pandemic, which
- [Reflection: Mourning and Processing through Art](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/12/reflection-mourning-and-processing-through-art/) - As an artist and art therapist I'm keenly aware of my own use of art as a tool for processing and working through my emotions. The death of bell hooks has left me deeply saddened. I first read her work in my undergrad, likely introduced to me by my ex. I continued to read her
- [State of the Art: Necessary Tools](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/11/state-of-the-art-necessary-tools/) - I wrote about the idea of paring down my necessary tools for holiday travel on my Ko-fi page. I took with me a sketchbook (always), a selection of recycled trash printmaking plates, a pencil, a sharpie, an etching needle and a craft knife. With this selection of tools I created a few plates to work
- [Reflection: The Use of an Art Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/11/reflection-the-use-of-an-art-journal/) - I've been working in a few different journals and pondering the use of art journals as a tool for making art but also mental wellness. My art journals have never been pretty. They have always straddled the line between sketchbook and reflective journal, I like them this way. I heard the disturbing news of the
- [State of the Art: When Weird Stuff Enters](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/11/state-of-the-art-when-weird-stuff-enters/) - The DayJob studio is now fully functional and all that remains is all the weird little stuff that happens in any studio that holds classes on a daily basis. There will always be consolidating inks and paints, and cataloguing papers and the archive. I'm not going to lie here, I'm incredibly proud of the work
- [State of the Art: Discoveries in Viscosity and Resistance](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/11/state-of-the-art-discoveries-in-viscosity-and-resistance/) - The last few weeks have been packed full of the good stuff, including some trash printmaking discoveries concerning viscosity and resistance in different packaging. Let's start with the viscosity and resistance discovery. I started working on a small series of images using coffee bags and packaging. The packaging had ideas of mental health and substances
- [State of the Art: Failing Happily](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/11/state-of-the-art-failing-happily/) - I set out to work on NaNoWriMo again this year. Last year I failed miserably, this year I'm failing happily. The print shop is set up and other than a deep clean of the floor and picking up a few final items, it's ready to go. It was an enormous amount of really good work.
- [Reflection: Organizing Chaos](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/10/reflection-organizing-chaos/) - Organizing chaos might be my new band name. I've spent a great deal of time over the last 2 weeks in a print shops that was "put to sleep" at the very start of the pandemic. You really can't do letterpress via zoom. Then over the pandemic the space was unused, and like all basement
- [Reflection: Falling Back into Pocket Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/10/reflection-falling-back-into-pocket-notebooks/) - When I first started my new job I had won a Instagram giveaway from Maruman USA for a pair of their lovely Septcouleur notebooks. I still need to review them but I'll start with the fact that they are lovely. I immediately decided the mustard colored book was my new work notebook. And it's worked
- [State of the Art: Reviving a Printshop](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/10/state-of-the-art-reviving-a-printshop/) - I'm a lucky perrson. I'm getting to take part in reviving a slumbered printshop. In the shop we've got a large etching press, 2 working Vandercook presses (An SP20, be jealous), a small 5x7 card press, 2 baby presses, 8 cases (or more) of lead type, and a case of wooden type. That doesn't include
- [Published: The Pen Post No 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/10/published-the-pen-post-no-2/) - Jonny has published issue number 2 of The Pen Post. I gushed about it over here. It feels a little odd to gush about it again, especially since I wrote an article for this issue. I write about my love affair with cheap pens. You can grab a copy for yourself over on etsy, here.
- [State of the Art: Gel Window Clings](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/09/state-of-the-art-gel-window-clings/) - You might be wondering why I have a post about gel window clings. Well if you've read my blog or visited my instagram, you know I'm interested in printing with trash and weird stuff. I had a moment of genius where I realized that gel window clings are made of similar if not the same
- [State of the Art: More Gelatin Printmaking](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/09/state-of-the-art-more-gelatin-printmaking/) - Fall is upon us, the days are shorter and mornings crisp, which means it’s time for pumpkin spice and more gelatin or gelli printmaking! For ease of writing I’m going to refer to this printing method as gelatin printing throughout this post. I’ve put the supplies I need for a printing session into a small
- [State of the Art: Gelatin Printmaking, Gelli Prints](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/09/state-of-the-art-gelatin-printmaking-gelli-prints/) - I’ve been planning on making more gelatin plates for, well, years. Gelli plates have always seemed very expensive, and they are, they always seemed slightly out of my range. Whereas making my own gelatin plates is cheaper, but fraught with mold issues. Given that my studio is in a basement, well, I worried about my
- [State of the Art: Art Journaling, Again](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/09/state-of-the-art-art-journaling-again/) - Art journaling is something I return to again and again. It’s the best form of expression I know and soothes my mind in even the worst situations. Yet, these last few years when I could have used it the most, I wasn’t using an art journal in its most effective way. I was using a
- [State of the Art: Transition](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/09/state-of-the-art-transition/) - Transition is never easy. And wow, am I doing a lot of it these days. In the time between my old job closing, then the temp job, and finally the new job, I started the trash printmaking projects. In part because I NEEDED art in some way, and also as a distraction from the stress
- [Review: U.S.A. Gold Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/09/review-u-s-a-gold-pencil/) - The U.S.A. Gold pencil has changed ownership so much I’ve lost track of ownership, luckily for me RoseArt has their name discreetly slapped on the back of the packages. For awhile I couldn’t find them on shelves at my various big box stores. This year I found this pack of 20 pencils at Staples for
- [Composition Book Round Up: Part 3 Walmart](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/09/composition-book-round-up-part-3-walmart/) - I didn’t think I was going to make it into Walmart this year, and frankly I wish I hadn’t. That’s a whole other story. When I did finally make it to Wally World, well, it was nearly empty of school supplies. Generally this Walmart has a lot of stuff left over and has clearance shopping
- [Composition Book Round Up: Part 2 Staples](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/09/composition-book-round-up-part-2-staples/) - Staples has often had composition notebooks that were stellar for fountain pens at 50 cents each. In years past you looked for those marked “Made in Brasil.” This year I looked through the stacks and stacks of books and found only “Made in Egypt.” In keeping with my usual purchases I only bought college ruled.
- [Review: Yoobi X Marvel HB Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/08/review-yoobi-x-marvel-hb-pencils/) - Yoobi HB pencil packs have been a solid Back to School Sale purchase for the last few years. They also have the distinction to have fun designs on them. This year’s batch of Yoobi goods have the usual fun patterns but also a fun Marvel lineup of child friendly Marvel Character imagery. I decided to
- [Review: Dabble Writing App](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/08/review-dabble-writing-app/) - There’s a lot to like about Dabble. And very little to dislike. Let me start with what I like. Dabble has an app that works offline and stores copies of your project locally, which automatically saves to the Dabble servers/cloud. It works pretty well too. I noticed very little functionality drop off when I wrote
- [Composition Book Round Up 2021: Part 1 Target](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/08/composition-book-round-up-2021-part-1-target/) - I gave myself some rules for composition book round up 2021- NO POLY Covers. I struggled with it in the last few round ups. I hate poly covers. With a comp book there is little need for them. The card covers survive in a bag and take a beating, and look great as they get
- [Review: The Pen Post](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/08/review-the-pen-post/) - If you’ve been enjoying the blog for any period of time you know how much I enjoy zines. What isn’t to like? Someone writes about something they are passionate about, so passionate about it that they then compile it into a booklet and self publish and sell it, often at a loss. Friend of the
- [Techniques: Tools and the Marks They Make](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/07/techniques-tools-and-the-marks-they-make/) - An aspect of learning any new art process it learning about your new tools and the marks they make. Each tool in a new material makes a different mark, add in something new and it alters the mark made. Learning these marks is a whole new visual language. Enter in my exploration of drypoint via
- [Trash Printmaking More Coffee Bag Process](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/07/trash-printmaking-more-coffee-bag-process/) - My previous post utilized coffee bags stuck to stiff card, from soda cartons and cereal boxes. I found a bunch of old soft binder board and decided to try that with my next batch. We got more coffee and as soon as I emptied the bags I was delighted to find that they were made
- [Trash Print Making: Coffee Bags](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/07/trash-print-making-coffee-bags/) - My next experiment with printing with trash utilizes coffee bags. If you haven't guessed from my art depicting coffee, I drink a lot of it. So I always have a variety of empty bags around the house. I had the vague idea of gluing coffee bags to a backing then printing for a few days,
- [State of the Art: Trash Printmaking and Plastic Coated Everything](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/07/state-of-the-art-trash-printmaking-and-plastic-coated-everything/) - The great thing about trash printmaking is that you become hyper aware of plastic coatings on everything. I mean, okay, that's not great. So many things in our world are coated in a thin film of plastic and that means they can be used for making prints. At least I can reuse many of the
- [State of the Art: Success and Failures](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/07/state-of-the-art-success-and-failures/) - I think it's important to share both my success and my failures on my blog, so that readers can see that everything doesn't turn out as expected all of the time. I was really excited about this plate. It's a bit bigger than some of my others and it's a subject that I enjoy exploring-
- [State of the Art: More Recycled Printmaking](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/07/state-of-the-art-more-recycled-printmaking/) - We try not to buy a lot of things in plastic packages that are already in plastic packages. But sometimes it happens. Now I have a way to reuse that packaging that will never get recycled. Plastic makes a great matrix for dry point. Many people use thin acetate sheets, like the stuff that was
- [State of the Art: Recycling in Printmaking](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/07/state-of-the-art-recycling-in-printmaking/) - Most folx know that I'm devoted to recycling. I started to explore recycled items as part of my printmaking process with the use of heavy card packages- like cereal, frozen pizza, and seltzer can boxes. As I was flattening the boxes in our bathroom recycling bin, I realized that most of the boxes had a
- [State of the Art: Return of the Mini Press](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/07/state-of-the-art-return-of-the-mini-press/) - Yesterday marks the Return of the Mini Press! As much as getting the press was a pain in the rear, the customer service person who I dealt with was lovely. Now that I know more about the press, and I'm checking pressure with EVERY plate change, it's working great. I spent a few hours and
- [State of the Art: Printmaking Woes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/07/state-of-the-art-printmaking-woes/) - I had a grand idea- and it has given me some printmaking woes! The idea was simple- combine my bad brains relief blocks with dendritic monoprints. The look is AMAZING. The process works okay. I kinda like how the texture of the thick acrylic paint breaks up the thick black of the relief print. Next
- [State of the Art: Alternative Presses for Printmaking](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/06/state-of-the-art-alternative-presses-for-printmaking/) - leslie A few posts back I mentioned my deep dive into YouTube and how it woke in me my interest in alternative presses for printmaking.
- [Review: Narwhal Yellow Tang Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/06/review-narwhal-yellow-tang-fountain-pen/) - Narwhal Yellow Tang fountain pens popped up on my radar towards the end of 2020, and like many things in 2020, they stayed there on the edges of my vision, not being capitalized upon. Though they were in the running as a celebratory pen for purchase when I snagged my new job. When Goldspot reached
- [State of the Art: Relief Prints](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/06/state-of-the-art-relief-prints/) - Welp, all good things come to an end, and I managed to overwhelm the mini press and 2 teeth on one of the gears sheered off, one pretty cleanly, the other... is half there. If I can find a gear it's a pretty straight forward repair. I have an email out to the company to
- [State of the Art: Alternative Plates for Printmaking](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/06/state-of-the-art-alternative-plates/) - Of the many things I've been exploring in my studio is the idea of alternative plates. This might be why I really like collagraph. Everything about collagraph is the use of alternative plates. Certainly there are some folx that always use plexi plates as their surface but many other artists use built up surfaces of
- [State of the Art: Printmaking Play](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/06/state-of-the-art-printmaking-play/) - I've been deep in art play mode lately. I apologize for the lack of pen posts and overwhelm of printmaking play posts. I do have a review partially completed for a great pen that I should be posting soon. Printmaking has been a passion of mine for a long time but lack of a press
- [State of the Art: Collagraph Test Plates](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/05/state-of-the-art-collagraph-test-plates/) - One of the things that I really like about making prints is that you can test out how things are going to print on a smaller scale. I decided to make collagraph test plates. I pulled every acrylic medium that I own out and blended it in some manner with 3 grades of sand- extra
- [State of the Art: Updates](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/05/state-of-the-art-updates/) - I have made slow but steady progress on my studio space. Each night I peck away at it a bit more. This is of course complicated by the fact that this is also planting season. I only have so much time and I have to split that between all of my things. I have removed
- [State of the Art: Printmaking and Cleaning](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/05/state-of-the-art-printmaking-and-cleaning/) - I'm not going to lie, the state of the art is a mess of printmaking and cleaning my studio. Also my workplace office and a lot of the facility. I've had to sort through the art studio at work and decide what was trash, what could be sent off, and what would be sent to
- [State of the Art: Print Making](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/05/state-of-the-art-print-making/) - One of my art loves is print making, it combines well with bookbinding and allows the artist to make many copies of the art work. What isn’t to love? A few years back my friend Jane and I spent a weekend setting up and making gelatin plates, and shortly after I read Linda Germain’s post
- [Maker: Moving into a New Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/04/maker-moving-into-a-new-journal/) - Moving into a new journal is an important moment in every journaler's life. Without a new journal my life is prone to... disorder. So I always have a new one ready to go when I have 20 or so pages left. What do I do to prepare? I grab my current journal and assess what
- [Review: Muryō Bullet Journal Indexing System](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/review-muryo-bullet-journal-indexing-system/) - Muryō is a very personalized and interesting bullet journal indexing system. Muryō is the brainchild of Jessie Friedman and reflects his bullet journaling methods. Consider Muryō to be an add on for your bullet journal. In the Three Month Pack of Muryō you get 3 folded cards. They designed these to fit well in a
- [State of the Art: When Shit Falls Apart](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/04/state-of-the-art-when-shit-falls-apart/) - I started a pogo-print-a-day project back in October 2020, and looking back that was not the world's greatest time to start a project. But I was hopeful. I can't write about much of the falling apart here, but things got stressful. I will not go into the impact of covid and the, then impending holiday
- [Maker: Worn in Tools](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/maker-worn-in-tools/) - I posted a review of the Doms Fusion pencil. It's a nifty little pencil with a grippy matte finish printed with loads of little foil starbursts and silver words. I love everything about its weird little design choices. Why red, blue and green foil with a silver imprint? Why not have all the printing be
- [State of the Art: Zines](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/state-of-the-art-zines/) - Lately the art I've been making has been written and mostly in the form of letters and journals and nonfiction writing. Someone once told me that writing nonfiction was easy because it wasn't creating anything. Envision a long pause as I take in what she said... LOL not creating. LOL. Looking back it is laugh
- [Review: Markings Bulleting Log Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/review-markings-bulleting-log-notebook/) - Y'all know I love an inexpensive notebook, and the Markings Bulleting Log Notebook fit's the bill. This one qualifies because it was in the clearance bin which brought it down to well below $10. It's usual price is around $15. Imagine my surprise when I was in Walgreens* to get my kombucha** and I saw
- [Review: Updates to NovelPad](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/review-updates-to-novelpad/) - NovelPad recently made some big updates which addressed a few of the things I wanted to see from them. I've cut and pasted this directly from their email, as I couldn't find a good link to it online. The last time I sent one of these was over two months ago, but for good reason.
- [Maker: Zine Friends Edition](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/maker-zine-friends-edition/) - I'm sitting here toasty warm after a weekend long warm snap wherein I began building raised beds that will take up the entire back half of my city sized backyard. The rough part of this is that I am now in allergy hell. Leaking nose, watery eyes, and sinuses so stuffed I'm surprised my nose
- [State of the Art: Shop Local](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/state-of-the-art-shop-local/) - AKA Screw you Paper Source. Where's my middle finger image when I need it? Here's a nice podcast about the Paper Source Scandal. Ana of Well Appointed Desk writes about it. Crain's Chicago Business writes about it. Obviously I'm with Ana on this one, Support your small local favorites as much as you can and
- [Maker: The Maker in Me Appreciates the Maker in You](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/maker-the-maker-in-me-appreciates-the-maker-in-you/) - I have to admit that other than collating, stapling, folding, and cutting aka MAKING Useful Journaling 1.3 I haven't done as much making lately. I have been engaged in starting seeds and getting my hands into small amounts of potting soil. But I appreciate other makers. As I put together my posts for the Doms
- [Review: Apsara Matte Magic 2.0 Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/review-apsara-matte-magic-2-0-pencil/) - The Apsara Matte Magic 2.0 pencil is pure fun. It hits all the buttons for me for an enjoyable pencil experience. First, the pencil is painted black. Black pencils are my jam and I always want more of them. The imprint is silver foil on black- classic and awesome. The end dips are colorful and have
- [Review: Doms Fusion Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/review-doms-fusion-pencil/) - There is a lot to like about the Doms Fusion pencil. It's a rounded triangular pencil with black paint and metallic accents. You all know I'm a sucker for black pencils. This pencil is matte black with a rubberized grippy finish. It feels really great in my hand. I've spent a lot of time with it
- [Review: NovelPad Cloud-Based Writing Part 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/review-novelpad-cloud-based-writing-part-2/) - For part 2 of this review I want to look at some of the parts of NovelPad that I don't use as much. NovelPad is a cloud-based writing app, that lets you draft your novel using any browser. Plot is a tool to assist you in plotting out your novel. Here you can add scenes
- [Review: Jinhao Candy Fountain Pen Bright and Fun](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/review-jinhao-candy-fountain-pen-bright-and-fun/) - I ordered this pen on a whim, specifically for the neon green plastic pen body. At $4.50 it's not the cheapest but it's certainly not expensive. It took a very long time to arrive from China and was tied up in customs for months. (It's currently not available on that link, but keep an eye
- [Week Links](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/03/week-links-3/) - Lisa led me down the rabbit hole of Raul Pacheco-Vega, Phd. website and his version of the Every Thing Every Where journal which he calls his Everything Journal. His notetaking methods and interaction with materials is NEXT level. Here's a link to his Everything Journal. He goes deep on the differences between bullet journals and
- [Review: NovelPad Cloud-Based Writing Tool Part 1](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/02/review-novelpad-part-1/) - In depth review of the cloud-based writing tool, NovelPad. In depth review of the cloud-based writing tool, NovelPad.
- [Week Links 202102](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/02/week-links-202102/) - Jestine wrote about running tasks lists in bullet journals at Rediscovering Analog. It's a great way to keep a week's worth of tasks organized and would blend seamlessly with an Every Thing Every Where Journal. I've been thinking about rubber stamps, mainly because I've gotten a bunch of them for my Every Thing Every Where
- [Review: ScribbleSheets Orange Opal Edge Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/01/review-scribblesheets-orange-opal-edge-journal/) - Comprehensive review of the ScribblSheets Orange Opal journal for bullet journaling and journaling.
- [State of the Art: Coffee Bag Wallets](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/01/state-of-the-art-coffee-bag-wallets/) - I've been making recycled coffee bag wallets for years. I used them extensively throughout grad school and sold them. I haven't had time to make them recently. Many of the coffee companies I've been getting coffee from have changed the bags they use- they've gone from the tube style to a style that has 4
- [Maker: Setting Up My Every Thing Every Where Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/01/maker-setting-up-my-every-thing-every-where-journal/) - I mentioned on instagram that I had decided to retire my 2020 Every Thing Every Where Journal (ETEWJ) and start a fresh one for 2021. I never do this. The whole POINT of the ETEWJ is that it is flexible and not retrained by dates or years, rather it flows undated with my needs and
- [Review: Wing Sung 3013  Vacuum Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/01/review-wing-sung-3013-vacuum-fountain-pen/) - The Wing Sung 3013 vacuum filling fountain pen is 100% copy of a TWSBI Vac 700. I won't lie, I purchased the Wing Sung because the price of the Vac 700 is out of my reach right now especially for a pen that I wasn't sure I would like. For $7.42, the 3013 is a
- [Week Links 2021-01](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2021/01/week-links-2021-01/) - I've been thinking about index cards again. I just picked up a new to me but VERY vintage steel card box to match my other vintage steel card box and just wow are they pretty. But it got me thinking about using index cards again. Here are some links to pictures that I spent time
- [Review: Peter Pauper Metal Stencil Bookmark for Bullet Journals](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/review-peter-pauper-metal-stencil-bookmark-for-bullet-journals/) - A review of the Peter Pauper Bullet Journal Stencil Bookmark.
- [State of the Art: Making it Work](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/state-of-the-art-making-it-work/) - A thing that happens a lot among artists is that we find a tool we like, use the hell out of it and realize that it doesn’t just work the way it is so we start to need to adapt our tools. This can be done simply with a knife or scissors. Or with the
- [Maker: Demise of Small Companies](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/maker-demise-of-small-companies/) - Way back in 2009 or even further back I picked up a copy of Make the Cut a fabulous software that let me control my Cricut craft cutter. I was able to cut anything I wanted and items of my own designs. Awesome. Well that was fun, until Provocraft decided they didn't want third party
- [some cricut hacks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2010/11/some-cricut-hacks/) - Way back in 2009 or even further back I picked up a copy of Make the Cut a fabulous software that let me control my Cricut craft cutter. I was able to cut anything I wanted and items of my own designs. Awesome. Well that was fun, until Provocraft decided they didn't want third party
- [More Cricut Hacks (aka eff you ProvoCrap)](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2011/11/more-cricut-hacks-aka-eff-you-provocrap/) - Way back in 2009 or even further back I picked up a copy of Make the Cut a fabulous software that let me control my Cricut craft cutter. I was able to cut anything I wanted and items of my own designs. Awesome. Well that was fun, until Provocraft decided they didn't want third party
- [Week Links](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/week-links-2/) - In this week's links I dive down a few rabbit holes. Gelatin printing is the predecessor of the gelli printing plates. Linda Germain has a great blog and website dedicated to make plates out of gelatin. If you sign up for her newsletter you can get a very easy recipe for a partially plasticized version
- [Maker: Writer Processes- Using Docs](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/maker-writer-processes-using-docs/) - A slightly different port today. If you’ve been reading for awhile you know that I write novels (4 years winning NaNoWriMo) and I’ve been using Google Docs for this since, well, what seems like forever. I adopted it early on as a way to work on the go and on my breaks at the DayJob,
- [Review: Midori Caliper](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/review-midori-caliper/) - I have an inexpensive pair of Vernier Calipers they include a depth gauge. The pair I have are shiny chromed steel. They reflect a blinding glint of light. I find them pleasing on a number of levels. They photograph poorly. All that reflective chrome just buggers up every photo I’ve taken with them. My camera’s
- [Maker: Plans for Supporters](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/maker-plans-for-supporters/) - A unique feature that Ko-Fi offers is that I can designate certain posts for supporters only, so anyone who has supported within the last 30 days can unlock certain benefits. I'm currently figuring out how I can utilize this in the best way possible. I don't necessarily want to create a subscription model, yet. Though
- [Review: AmazonBasics Mechanical Drafting Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/review-amazonbasics-mechanical-drafting-pencil/) - You might ask yourself, “Less didn’t you learn your lesson from the AmazonBasics fountain pen?” I did, but I ordered these on the same day. The fountain pen was much easier to review since well, it was not great. The pencil on the other hand was more difficult. Why? Because it’s unusually good. No really.
- [State of the Art: Photo a Day](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/state-of-the-art-photo-a-day/) - Waaaayyyyyy back in 2009 Polaroid introduced the Zink Pogo printer. A cute little printer that spits out 2x3 inch prints on sticker paper. Sweet little journaling tool. I of course immediately asked for one for the holidays. And my lovely partner managed to get a good deal on one and I loved it, for 50
- [State of the Art: Writing Posts and Other Stuff](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/state-of-the-art-writing-posts-and-other-stuff/) - I’m surprised that I’ve never written about my digital writing tools on this blog. I’ll link to the tools and apps you’ll need to recreate my set up. First I have a low end Lenovo laptop that I use as my main machine when I’m at home and at my desk. I had for a
- [Review: Notegeist Pencilog](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/12/review-notegeist-pencilog/) - I have a sheet that I developed to log and track all of my pencils. I have a small collection of over 300 unique pencils! I use my sheet to record each new pencil that comes into my hands. I buy pencils in 2s or 3s and always use one and store one. My collection
- [Review: Amazon Basics Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/review-amazon-basics-fountain-pen/) - This popped up into my suggested items based on my searches and I had a good chuckle. Then I did a search for other reviews and found that they were all over the map in terms of experience, so I had to get one. Like many Amazon items this fluctuates in price from the base
- [Review: Wing Sung 601 Vacuumatic](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/review-jinhao-601-vacuumatic/) - The 601 is a classic knock off pen- it’s a direct rip off of the Parker 51 with a vacummatic filler from the 40s. This doesn’t make it bad, it simply is. Since it is a direct translation it’s not a bad look at all. We have discussed at length my love and adoration of
- [Maker: Pencil Sharpeners in Jars](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/maker-pencil-sharpeners-in-jars/) - A friend of the blog (Lisa S.) sent me a cute little Zebra pencil sharpener in a glass jar. It wasn’t working well and she wondered if I could fix it. Well, yes and no. The lid was cracked and the sharpener was a short point. I tossed the lid and pulled the screws from
- [State of the Art: Making the Zine](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/state-of-the-art-making-the-zine-2/) - The physical act of making a zine is usually a pretty easy endeavor. After you write up the contents, do your layout and print and bind. Most of the time it goes smoothly. Not this time. I’m not sure what happened to my head when I was collating the covers and sheaf of paper that
- [Review: Baronfig Letters to the Future](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/review-baronfig-letters-to-the-future/) - For those of us who straddle the cultural divide between the 80s and 90s the move from 2020 to 2021 stationery fashions has been very very kind to us. We have the TWSBI rainbow plated eco/diamond, the emergence of teal as a fashionable color, and hot damn Baronfig has brought us all the Holofoil of
- [Week Links](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/week-links/) - Johnny has again, encapsulated my feelings about the tool being tools. This podcast is recordings of things, they call it field recordings. Loosely people stand in a field and record the noise, except it's not all fields. One of the most recent is a recording of a train going by the recorder. Neat. Field Recordings.
- [State of the Art: Making the Zine](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/state-of-the-art-making-the-zine/) - Making a zine is usually a pretty easy endeavor. You write up the contents, do your layout and print and bind. And most of the time it goes smoothly. Not this time. I’m not sure what happened to my head when I was collating the covers and sheaf of paper that makes the single signature
- [Review: Higgins Black Magic Fiber Tip Marker](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/review-higgins-black-magic-fiber-tip-marker/) - I have fond memories of working with Higgins inks throughout my childhood. My high school kept large quantities of Black Magic on hand. When I went to college I bought jars of it. I used it with dip pens and even *GASP* Look away if you are faint of heart, put it into fountain pens.
- [Show Your Work: Bizness of Zines](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/show-your-work-bizness-of-zines/) - Zines are rarely profitable. This is a truth and can be false. Zines are a multitude of truth and fiction. In disclosure and transparency I decided to explore the (un)profitability of Useful Journaling. I chose to use the Ko-Fi sales platform, on a year long subscription of Ko-Fi Gold. This way Ko-Fi does not take
- [Review: Bic Gelocity 0.5mm Gel Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/review-bic-gelocity-0-5mm-gel-pen/) - I’m going to start with this rather bold statement, I wanted to hate this pen from the moment I opened it’s blister package. But I don’t, not entirely. The Gelocity is an inexpensive pen, a 4-pack costs $3 at Walgreen’s and less if you look for a sale. They are sold in a blister pack
- [Review: Baronfig Guardian Pro for Confidant Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/review-baronfig-guardian-pro-for-confidant-notebooks/) - I regularly use an A5 Lihit Labs Bag-in-Bag to contain my notebook and journaling supplies. I also use a large sized to contain my laptop and cords and cables. I love the simple slim packaging of these cases and how I can look into my bag, select the right case with the right stuff. The
- [Review: Zebra Sarasa, A Pen for Doodling](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2013/07/review-zebra-sarasa-a-pen-for-doodling/) - I’ve been doing a lot of doodling. One of my all time favorite cheap-o pens for doodling is the Uni-ball Vision Fine Point. It’s smooth, dark black ink flows well and doesn’t bleed when wet. So I can flood a wash of watercolor over it when I’m done sketching and doodling. It’s a great pen.
- [Review: Pencil Revolution The Zine](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/review-pencil-revolution-the-zine/) - I love zines. I’ve loved them for years and years. I’ve made many of my own and collected a lot of them. Sadly I’ve lost the couple of hundred that I had collected. So when Johnny of Pencil revolution, the blog told me he was starting a zine, I got excited. I had no idea
- [Week o' Links](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/week-o-links/) - One of the many things I left behind when I stopped blogging as much was my link love posts. Since I've been doing more reading of blogs (yay for more time?) I have stuff I want to share again. Don't expect this to be regular, nah week links will be totally irregular. I was on
- [On Making Things: Return to Roots](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/on-making-things-return-to-roots/) - If you’ve been reading CSS for more than the last few years, you realize this blog didn’t start out as a review site. I started out blogging about a break up and my attempts to find my footing in my new single life. It quickly morphed into an exploration of art, journaling, and bookbinding. Soon
- [On Making Things: Tearing Down to Repair](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/11/on-making-things-tearing-down-to-repair/) - Last Friday I told you about the Printer, in passing. I was gifted a 10 year old Samsung ColorXpressions laser printer. It’s a 4 color printer and on the outside in great shape. I remember my Mom buying it for herself way back when and being super jealous of it. New, it made amazing prints,
- [Review: Staedtler Metallic Norica HB Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/review-staedtler-metallic-norica-hb-pencil/) - Staples had these up with a limited time exclusive sign. I’m not sure if that means that these pencils will only be available at only Staples for a limited period of time or if it means they’ll be available like some of the other exclusives I’ve seen from Ticonderoga where they are available at Target
- [How To: Fitting an Energel Refill into a Baronfig Squire](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/how-to-fitting-an-energel-refill-into-a-baronfig-squire/) - I read once that the older Baronfig Squire pens accepted some gel ink refills. Imagine my surprise when mine did not. Apparently somewhere along the way things were redesigned and the Squire lost the ability to accept a standard gel ink refill. It is non-reversible, but the pen will accept the old refill once the
- [Useful Journaling Issue 1](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/useful-journaling-issue-1/) - It has been awhile since I've made a zine. I decided it was time to take the manuscript that I wrote about journaling and work it into something. I've taken that old manuscript, torn it apart, lumped pieces of it into themes, and I'm putting those themed chunks and making pocket notebook sized 16 page
- [Review: Pentel EnerGel Pro 0.7](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/review-pentel-energel-pro-0-7/) - I like Pentel EnerGel pens. We’ve got a box of the needle tip 0.5 at work and quite a few of them find their way into my desk after a trip to the supply cabinet.* I should do a full review of those too, since I’ve never done it This is a good bold pen.
- [Review: Musgrave Harvest Professional 320 No. 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/review-musgrave-harvest-professional-320-no-2/) - Musgrave has two versions of the Harvest pencil, the standard and the Professional. The numbering is the same- they are both labeled the 320. The standard is available in numbers 1 and 2, while the Professional is only available in number 2. They both feature a sharp hex, golden yellow paint, and a gold foil
- [Review: Moonman T1 Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/review-moonman-t1-fountain-pen/) - I’m revisiting my reviews of inexpensive pens from China. Now the Moonman T1 is much more expensive than some of the other inexpensive brands from China- namely Jinhao and Wing Sung, which have made some of my favorite cheapies. Moonman seems to up the design aesthetic and improve materials. This is my second Moonman and
- [Review: Baronfig LE Squire Liberty](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/review-baronfig-le-squire-liberty/) - Dade and I discussed this pen on the last episode of RSVP. We both questioned why it is made of brass and not copper like Lady Liberty herself. While I think a true tribute to Lady Liberty would be copper, this pen is not just about Lady Liberty but the entire concept of Liberty. We
- [How Much of a Pencil Point Do We Use?](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/how-much-of-a-pencil-point-do-we-use/) - Subtitled: How much does collaring impact the writing experience? Throughout this post I use the term “collared” from the David Rees book How to Sharpen a Pencil. While I find the book… silly, it is the easiest way to describe this effect and likely language than many people into pencils will understand.* About a month
- [Friends: Pencil Revolution Goes Zine-y](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/friends-pencil-revolution-goes-zine-y/) - I love to boost friends of the blog, Johnny Gamber of Erasable and Pencil Revolution has started to putout a mini zine of Pencil Revolution! It's all new content and images and I'm excited to get my copies in the mail soon! Check out Johnny's announcement over here!
- [Review: Musgrave Pencil Sleeve](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/review-musgrave-pencil-sleeve/) - This is an amazingly simple product that is simply genius. At its most basic it is a folded up sheet of printed cardstock that holds 2 or 3 pencils. It doesn’t really get more complicated than that. They offer it in a simple tan cardstock in a set of 4 for $3. If you are
- [Musings: Using Up Collectables](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/musings-using-up-collectables/) - I’ve written about using collectable pencils, pens, and paper in the past. I’m a combined collector and user of materials. I see the real value of a tool in its eventual use, and what it was used to make. My Field Notes have little value to me until I fill them with my thoughts. My
- [Review: Musgrave News 600 Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-musgrave-news-600-pencil/) - I’m not gonna lie, the News 600 is a favorite of mine. If you’ve had a chance to use a Eberhard Faber Ebony pencil before they were purchased and ruined by Rubbermaid, well this is as good if not better. A bold claim, but buy a pack and be impressed. Let’s start with packaging. It’s
- [Review: Musgrave Tennessee Red Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/10/review-musgrave-tennessee-red-pencils/) - I love everything about these pencils, their imperfections in wood and centered-ness mean that I don’t feel precious with them. I want to sharpen them up. At $9 a dozen they aren’t cheap but they aren’t $30 a box either. I don’t feel guilt in chewing through these. These are pencil lover’s pencils not pencils for collectors.
- [Making the Blackwing One Step Long (ish) Point Sharpener Better](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/making-the-blackwing-one-step-long-ish-point-sharpener-better/) - The Blackwing One Step Durable Point Sharpener does an okay job, but if you want to carry it as pocket bling, well, you have to understand that it is a lot like carting around a salt shaker full of graphite dust in your pocket. It turned everything in that pocket a lovely shade of silver
- [Review: Seed Clear Radar Eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-seed-clear-radar-eraser/) - It has been quite a long time since I reviewed an eraser. The standard to which I hold ALL erasers to are the Sakura Foam and Sumo. These two soft sticky erasers work so well that I rarely reach for another brand or style. Remember when I say sticky, I mean that the dust is
- [Review: Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener/) - This is a sharpener I never felt I needed to order. Yes, it’s pretty. Can anyone really argue that it isn’t? Hex and knurled and machined it's all the things I love in a pencil or pen. It’s solid feeling and weighty in hand. The matte black finish looks great. It is desktop or pocket
- [Review: Pen+Gear Heavyweight Ruled Index Cards](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-pengear-heavyweight-ruled-index-cards/) - This package of 100 cards cost a whole 78 cents. In the past the P+G regular cards were great with a whole variety of materials. How do these stack up? (ugggghhhhh) Surprisingly, or not, well. Let’s start with the good. These cards are thick. They are card not thick paper! WOW. It’s been years since
- [Review: Crayola Graphite No.2/HB Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-crayola-graphite-no-2-hb-pencils/) - I had never seen Crayola graphite pencils so when these popped up on my Amazon suggested items page, I hit buy. For $4.99 I received 12 round pencils in a decent cardstock box. The pencils are round and painted bright yellow with green lettering, a black ferrule and a colored plastic eraser. The lacquer is
- [Review: Pen+Gear No.2 Wood Pencils 12-Pack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-pengear-no-2-wood-pencils-12-pack/) - Year after year walmart does great things with their line of wooden pencils. Most of this has to do with contracting with Hindustan to make them. This year is no different. Look for the cardboard packages with Made in India for some pencil happiness. I like that the P+G has a nice cardboard package with
- [Review: Reny’s Creative Colors Composition Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-renys-creative-colors-composition-notebook/) - If you are from Maine, you know Reny’s, if you are not from Maine, you probably don’t. Unless you’ve spent a vacation in Maine. For those not in the know, Reny’s is a small chain of department stores in Maine. They deal in an odd assortment of name brand and cheap off brand stuff. Some
- [Review: Leuchtturm1917 Der Drehgriffel](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-leuchtturm1917-der-drehgriffel/) - My friend told me she was ordering from L1917 and that she was getting a pen, asking me if I’d seen them yet. I had not and wow did I want one. I had the last $25 from recent Ko-Fi coffees and I decided that the Der Drehgriffel would be mine. The big question with
- [Review: Blackwing Volumes Number 10](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/07/review-blackwing-volumes-number-10/) - I’ve been struggling with how to review the special editions and pencils made for other companies by Blackwing aka Palomino. How does one review a pencil that has a topnotch core that is one of 4 different grades (extra firm, firms, balanced, and soft) wrapped in perfect cedar and then coated in a thick coat
- [Reflection as I Prepare for 2020](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/02/reflection-as-i-prepare-for-2020/) - Future planning for the blog and a bit about life and its difficulties.
- [Review: Baronfig LE Squire Adrift](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/05/review-baronfig-le-squire-adrift/) - Since I've switched over to a "use the good stuff" mindset I've been burning through my pencils and pen refills. I've also stopped buying stuff. When Baronfig approached me about reviewing another limited edition squire, I wasn't going to, then I saw the pics. And if you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know
- [Composition Book Round Up Target Part 1: The New Kids](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/composition-book-round-up-target-part-3-the-new-kids/) - This is the last Target round up, I’ll be tackling the Walmart offerings in my next few posts. These are the two new options available from Target. One is good, one is trash. Let’s start with the positive review. I’ve read a lot about Top Flight composition notebooks being great. I’ve had a variety of
- [Composition Book Round Up 2020: Target Part 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/composition-book-round-up-2020-target-part-1/) - Target had a lot of options for comp books this season. I left the store with 9. Some are old favorites and some are new brands. I’m dividing this round up into several parts because, well 9 books are a lot to write about. I will also include here that my “local” Target was a
- [Composition Book Round Up: Target Part 3](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/composition-book-round-up-target-part-2/) - In this section we’re going to examine all the Mead books I was able to find at my local Target. In the past Mead books have ranged from down right awful to amazing. When you venture into 5 Star territory the Mead comps are downright nice. The standard Mead offerings I’ve found outside of Back-to-School
- [Composition Book Round Up: Walmart](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/composition-book-round-up-walmart/) - This year my local Walmart was less of a mess than usual. Their Back to School display was downright organized. Color me shocked, every year until now it’s been an awful mess. This year we have four Pen+Gear offerings and an Exceed; an added bonus is a “junior” sized composition book from Pen+Gear. Let’s start
- [Apsara Long Point Sharpener Hack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/apsara-long-point-sharpener-hack/) - I'm a fan of long point sharpeners. The Apsara version is inexpensive and creates an extremely long collared point that is serviceable but too short. This hack takes a good sharpener and makes it great. You need: post it notes, scissors or a craft knife, a screw driver, a ruler, q-tips or tissue, and of
- [Review: Up&Up Ruled Index Cards](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-upup-ruled-index-cards/) - These are a favorite of mine. I buy a few packs every back to school season. They are cheap at 49 cents a pack of 100 and are available in lined, graph, and blank. Plus I’ve seen neon and pastel shades. These are no where near the best, but they are serviceable. So what do
- [Review: Myndology Index Card Pad](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-myndology-index-card-pad/) - It is well established how much I love an index card. I love cheap and expensive alike. I also love a dot grid card. I’ve printed my own with middling success. When I saw the Myndology cards at Walmart, I had to get a pack. These are also made in the USA. These cards are
- [Review: Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil 0.5](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/review-pentel-sharp-kerry-mechanical-pencil-0-5/) - I love a good mechanical pencil. Really I do. I tend to take care of them and have quite a few around and about, but I REALLY love the idea of one with a cap. You see I keep my Rotring and Koh-i-noor tips in shape with Bic Crystal caps, no really, they slide on
- [Review: Ticonderoga Neon Erasers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-ticonderoga-neon-erasers/) - Back to School sale 2020 is upon us. I shall not debate if it is wise or not for all school locations to send their kids back to school or send their teachers into the Covidzone, let it be known that as a former teacher, a sister to a teacher; and the child of teachers,
- [Review: Steadtler essentials HB Graphite Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/review-steadtler-essentials-hb-graphite-pencils/) - I’ve seen some whispering around the stationery groups regarding these pencils. Staedtler’s new offering for the American Back-to-School crowd. These look like a riff on their Yellow Pencil 134 HB, only not. These were priced at $1.88 at Walmart for an 8-pack. The packaging of these is my least favorite type- a plastic bag. The
- [Review: Pilot FRIXION Fineliner](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/review-pilot-frixion-fineliner/) - You know that feeling when you pick you pick up a nice pen or mechanical pencil and it just feels good in your hand? Like when you pick up something like the Pentel Kerry or the BAronfig Squire? The idea that this will be a nice writing experience? Yeah, that feeling. Perhaps comparing the Frixion
- [Review: Sharpie 0.5 Roller](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/09/review-sharpie-0-5-roller/) - This pen has liquid ink and flows as such. Ink flow is good and the ink doesn’t seem to feather or cause issues on many papers. Which is an issue for roller ball pens. The liquid ink is not always well behaved. This ink is smooth and flows well. It is smooth and feels good.
- [Composition Book Round Up: Walgreens](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/composition-book-round-up-walgreens/) - The local drug stores have been a bust. CVS only had wide ruled Caliber brand and nothing else in the Composition Book category save Moleskine giant Cahiers, which were tempting but VERY expensive.* Walgreens had meager offerings this season as well- not a single Mead book in sight, None of the cute Studio C books**.
- [Review: Sharpie S Gel 0.7 Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/review-sharpie-s-gel-0-7-pen/) - My partner saw a pack of these and decided to score a few points with me and bought them for me. Wise choice partner, wise choice. I enjoyed the porous point of the original Sharpie pen but I was not in love with the longevity or lack thereof. The narrow grip left me wanting. The
- [Review: Rotring Visuclick 0.7 Mechanical Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/review-rotring-visuclick-0-7-mechanical-pencil/) - I’m not gonna lie, if these had been available when I was a teenager my heart would have exploded. A Rotring with a sliding pipe? At $4.99 a 4-pack? Yes please. Sure they are bright jewel-like colors but, still Rotrings! I will also admit that my adult heart had an increase in heart rate as
- [Composition Book Round Up: Staples 2020](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/composition-book-round-up-staples-2020/) - It’s been a few years since I did a proper round up of composition book reviews. I had a bunch of readers smash my Ko-Fi button and buy me a few coffees which means, REVIEWS. I have the best readers! Y’all rock. This year Staples has 4 standard offerings when it comes to composition books-
- [Review: Pencils.com Custom Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/review-pencils-com-custom-pencils/) - I’m not sure if Pencils.com has historically had custom pencils available, but for a long time they had Blackwings available with their Pearl (balanced) core available in black or white with a custom imprint. Not long ago they announced a full range of custom pencils in a range of prices. They range from round screen
- [Review: PaperMate EverSharp](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/review-papermate-eversharp/) - I picked these up for a variety of reasons, first I’d ever seen them in any store. Which is not a difficult task. I haven’t been looking at pencils in stores in a long time. At $2.99 for 12 these are priced in line with many other school pencils, though it seems clear that these
- [Composition Book Round Up: Which to Stock Up](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/08/composition-book-round-up-which-to-stock-up/) - If I had to stock up on one of the options which would I chose? It's a tough question. We've got Walmart, Target, and Staples as places to shop. We've got plastic covered and card covered. Then we've got made all over the world or made in the USA. Then we've got books that are
- [In Defense of Plastic Covered Composition Books](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/07/in-defense-of-plastic-covered-composition-books/) - If you’ve been a reader of this blog for any period of time, you may know how much I love the humble composition notebook. My journey from hate to love was many years long but I have embraced them as not only an object of aesthetic appreciation but a useful workhorse tool. During these times
- [Review: Pencil of the Week Zine](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/07/review-pencil-of-the-week-zine/) - Ed Kemp writes the pencil review zine Pencil of the Week (PotW) with a wry and often laugh out loud sense of humor. The premise of the zine is easy, he picks a pencil at the start of the week and uses it while at work and seemingly also outside of work. He then writes
- [Work from Home Resources, Lighting](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/05/work-from-home-resources-lighting/) - As part 2 of this post series, I figured I'd link to a few of the things I use to record audio and video. Your mileage may vary and you can adapt a great deal of the things you have around you for better audio and video. My favorite lighting tool is daylight bulbs, at
- [Work from Home Resources, Sound](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/05/work-from-home-resources-sound/) - Getting better sound doesn't have to cost a lot, but it can be incredibly expensive. I did a posting the RSVP Stationery Podcast group awhile back about tests I did with a bunch of stuff that I had on hand- headphone, mics, lav mics, and my phone. The results were interesting. The biggest and most
- [Work from Home Resources](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/05/work-from-home-resources/) - One of the very difficult aspects of working from home is getting accustomed to using video conferencing tools or suddenly being thrust into making instructional videos for your students. It's scary to do at first but with a little bit of help you can do it and do these things well. Lighting, audio, and video
- [Weirdo Patches](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2020/04/weirdo-patches/) - You may or may not know that I'm into fiber or fabric arts. I love quilts and fabric of all sorts. Back when I made books on a regular basis, I had the opportunity to buy loads of fabric. I went through tons of it. I still love it. I started hand appliqueing fabric to
- [Review: Baron Fig NYC Vanguard](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/12/review-baron-fig-nyc-vanguard/) - Before I get into the nitty-gritty of this review, Dade and I sat down and recorded an episode of RSVP about the use of stationery in support of our other hobbies and activities. This has always been a core component of how I review but is especially important in this particular review. I’ll start with
- [Review: Pen + Gear No. 2 Wood Pencils 12-pack Black](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/10/review-pen-gear-no-2-wood-pencils-12-pack-black/) - I write the bones of my review with the item in whatever journal I’m using at the time. It felt a little weird to write with this review in the Baron Fig Clear Plus journal. It’s a 5 cent pencil being reviewed in a nearly $30 journal. But this pencil performs more like a 50
- [Review: Baron Fig Clear: Habit Journal Confidant Plus](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/09/review-baron-fig-clear-habit-journal-confidant-plus/) - When the Clear Journal was first introduced by Baron Fig I passed on it, thinking that I really didn’t need a purpose-built journal for bullet journaling. I’m in the camp that believes any journal can be turned into a bullet journal. I still believe that but when I was offered the Confidant Plus size (aka
- [Review: Baron Fig LE The Editor Squire Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/07/review-baron-fig-le-the-editor-squire-pen/) - A review of the latest Baron Fig limited edition Squire pen- The Editor.
- [Review: Muji Mini Utility Knife](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/07/review-muji-mini-utility-knife/) - A review of the Muji mini utility knife.
- [Review: Baron Fig Gather LE Review Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/05/review-baron-fig-gather-le-review-journal/) - If you are trying to get away from reviewing anything online, or maybe you need to take some notes for your online review the LE Gather is a perfect option. The packaging for Gather is light olive colored with and an assortment of illustrations scattered across its surface. These are rendered in traditional Baron Fig
- [Review: Baron Fig Fortress LE Squire Click](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/05/review-baron-fig-fortress-le-squire-click/) - Purple. Blue-ish purple, not the normal burgundy shade of purple Baron Fig often uses, nope, true purple on the violet side of the spectrum. If this were an ink shade it would be referred to a blurple. The shade of purple hit me straight away when I browsed the Baron Fig site checking out their
- [Review: Wing Sung 5502 Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/04/review-wing-sung-5502-fountain-pen/) - This pen was ordered from a seller on eBay and arrived in my mailbox 22 days after payment. It was shipped in a zipper bag and a bubble envelope. I paid $5.69 for this pen. This is another of those pens where it feels like some designers at Wing Sung got really stoned and dumped
- [Review: Baron Fig Limited Edition Pencil Oracle](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/03/review-baron-fig-limited-edition-pencil-oracle/) - With most limited edition (LE) pencils I review the outside and direct you to a review of the core. Given the variability of the Baron Fig pencil’s cores in the past, I’m going to tell you about the core on this pencil. The variability of the core of these pencils is almost legendary. The first
- [Review Sailor Jentle Sky High Fountain Pen Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/03/review-sailor-jentle-sky-high-ink/) - Sailor Jentle Sky High is a bright cheerful blue ink that is available in 50ml bottles for roughly $25.* the Jentle bottles have a reservoir in them to assist in filling your pen. The reservoir works really well at assisting to get every last drop of ink out of a bottle. I find the short
- [Review: Sailor Jentle Yama-Dori Fountain Pen Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/03/review-sailor-jentle-yama-dori-ink/) - I picked this ink up ages ago via a sale on Amazon. It is a favorite ink of mine, and leans too green and teal for it to be considered professional. That is to say, that I don’t think that I can get away with signing paperwork with this lovely ink. That said, I think
- [Review: Wing Sung 618 Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/03/review-wing-sung-618/) - A review of the inexpensive Wing Sung piston filling fountain pen.
- [Winners!!!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/winners/) - Congratulations to the winners of my ink giveaway! You have all been sent emails with a request for your address. Please get back to me in 48 hours so I can send these packages!!! a Rafflecopter giveaway
- [Review: Diamine Chopin Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-diamine-chopin-ink/) - Diamine Chopin was first introduced as part of the Diamine Music boxed set. The set had ten colors of ink in 30 ml bottles. In this case, the bottles are short squat squares rather than Diamine’s usual taller rectangular 30 ml plastic or 80ml glass round shouldered bottles. When sold individually the 30 ml bottle
- [Review: Pen Addict X Spoke Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-pen-addict-x-spoke-pen/) - I’ve been testing out the orange Spoke pen for the last few weeks. When I write testing, I really mean abusing. I’ve been carrying it with me everywhere. I’ve used it at work, on the bus, outside, and at home. Right now you can sign up to buy your own via Kickstarter. The kickstarter campaign
- [Review: Wing Sung 6118 Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-wing-sung-6118-fountain-pen/) - I ordered this pen on eBay for $7.12 and it arrived from China 15 days later. It was packaged in an inexpensive black gift box, of the sort that inexpensive necklaces might be packaged. Inside a velvet drawstring pouch held the pen within a thin plastic sleeve. The cheap pouch (available from the same seller
- [Review: Birmingham Pen Company Tarnished Nickel Fountain Pen Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/04/review-birmingham-pen-company-tarnished-nickel-fountain-pen-ink/) - The Birmingham Pen Company puts out an extraordinary amount of shades of blue, blue-black, grey, and black. They seem to focus on professional shades with their inexpensive inks. Tarnished Nickel is grey with a hint of warm blue. The ink is well behaved on most paper. I really liked it on the cheap paper at
- [Review: Montblanc JFK Limited Edition Fountain Pen Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/03/review-montblanc-jfk-limited-edition-fountain-pen-ink/) - Montblanc JFK is a limited edition ink released in conjunction with a limited edition pen. It can be found in a variety of places ranging in price from $16 to $30 with an average price seems to hover around $25 for 30ml. The ink is navy blue and doesn't lean green or too purple. Rather
- [Review: Hero 98 Sponge Head Brush Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/04/review-hero-98-sponge-head-brush-pen/) - The Hero 98 is a basic looking metal bodied pen. It features a metallic paint job with black plastic accents and a silver clip. There is some writing on the side of the cap in presumably Chinese. (Google translate indicates that it says “Hero” and “Do.”) The pen is very light weight. It looks and
- [Review: Artfan Dot Grid Journal Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/03/review-artfan-dot-grid-journal-notebook/) - Review of the inexpensive Artfan journal for bullet journaling.
- [Review: Poluma Dotted Grid Journal Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/03/review-poluma-dotted-grid-journal-notebook/) - A review of the inexpensive classic black covered Poluma dot grid bullet journal.
- [Review: Minimalism Art Classic Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/03/review-minimalism-art-classic-notebook/) - This notebook pops up in every search I've made for dot grid notebooks and journals. At $9.95 it fits my criteria for cheap. Like many of the Amazon selling brands you can find that certain colors are less expensive than others, the chrome yellow was $9.95 though other colors are slightly more expensive. This brand
- [Review: Pen Addict X Robert Oster Fire on Fire Fountain Pen Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-pen-addict-x-robert-oster-fire-on-fire-fountain-pen-ink/) - Brad graciously sent me a bottle of this ink for review. When he contacted me I was so excited. Having a good orange or red ink is vital for editing, for me anyway. I need something with some pop against the borning black. I also want something that I can read with ease. The color
- [Review: Jinhao 51A Tiger Sandalwood](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-jinhao-51a-tiger-sandalwood/) - This pen took 21 days to arrive on my doorstep after ordering via a seller in China on eBay. The 51A cost $3.98 with free shipping. Packaging was a simple plastic sleeve over the pen and a thin lightweight bubble wrap envelope. I was surprised it arrived in one piece. Inside the envelope and sleeve
- [Review: Color It Dot Grid Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-color-it-dot-grid-journal/) - My gold standard notebooks for bullet journaling are Baron Fig Confidants. The combination of heavy covers and near perfect paper make them a notebook I reach for every time I need a notebook. That said, they lack some features that most bullet journalers look for when selecting a journal. The gold standard for most other
- [Review: Hero 616 Big Size or Doctor Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-hero-616-big-size-or-doctor-fountain-pen/) - Bobby is a seller on eBay who focuses on inexpensive fountain pens and other office supplies. He sells under the name Office_Supplies_Pen. This pen cost $2.35. It took 15 days from date of purchase to arrive on my doorstep. Compared to the standard sized 616, externally I notice little difference. The cap and body are
- [Review: Taotree Dot Grid Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-taotree-dot-grid-notebook/) - My gold standard notebooks for bullet journaling are Baron Fig Confidants. The combination of heavy covers and near perfect paper make them a notebook I reach for every time I need a notebook. That said, they lack some features that most bullet journalers look for when selecting a journal. The gold standard for most other
- [Review: Hero 616 Standard "Bobby Launch"](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-hero-616-standard-bobby-launch/) - Bobby is an eBay seller who seems to primarily focus on fountain pens and other office supplies. Shipping took 15 days from the date I ordered. The cost of this little pen was a whole $1.39. The pen arrived swaddled in bubble wrap and inside a yellow bubble envelope. The pen was inside a plastic
- [Review: Wing Sung 601A](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/01/review-wing-sung-601a/) - The Wing Sung 601A is yet another riff on the venerable Parker 51 or 21 pen. The design is classic and often reproduced. The 601A takes the classic pen and mashes it up with another classic, the Schaefer Triumph. The effect is a bit off-putting at first, but in the end, I like the look.
- [Review: Akkerman Binnenhof Blues](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/01/review-akkerman-binnenhof-blues/) - My new DayJob allows for blue or black ink* and I’m in search of inks that work well in my various pens, look good on nice as well as crap paper, and photocopies well. I’m looking for professional looking black and blue inks. My RSVP Co-host, Lenore, sent me a package with a bunch of
- [Review: Robert Oster Fire and Ice](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/01/review-robert-oster-fire-and-ice/) - This is another ink a lovely stationery friend sent me a sample of, and I don't remember who sent the ink. Lesson learned. All new samples are getting labeled. This ink is similar to Oster's other sheening inks- highly saturated, loads of sheen, lots of color. It's well lubricated and has a great flow- so
- [Review: Kaco Green Retro Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/01/review-kaco-green-retro-fountain-pen/) - Kaco is a new player in the eBay cheap fountain pen market. Their pens tend to be slightly more expensive than the Jinhao and Wingsung that are more often found. The added price comes with a better presentation. The black plastic envelope is full of foam. Shipping took longer than typical, about 21 days due
- [Review: Lamy Blue-Black Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/03/review-lamy-blue-black-ink/) - Lamy blue-black is a classic blue black ink. It is readily available from almost any place that sells pens- from Amazon to Goulet to brick and mortar shops. Pricing is affordable and around $13 to $15 for 50ml. On the page it looks like a blue gray, sort of stormy sky like. It is smooth
- [Review: Leuchtturm 1917 Dots Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/02/review-leuchtturm-1917-dots-notebook/) - I picked up this Leuchtturm 1917 (L1917) years ago at my local Artist and Craftsman. The sky blue color called my name. Initially I purchased it to practice calligraphy. I found that I didn't like the grid size or the paper as much as I had hoped. Soon it was abandoned in my bin of
- [SSS: Shut Your Monkey](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/09/sss-shut-your-monkey/) - This week’s SSS is the amazingly fun book “Shut Your Monkey” by the entertaining Danny Gregory. If you aren’t familiar with Danny Gregory, quickly run over here and check out his blog. He’s the guy behind the book Everyday Matters and The Creative License, and Sketchbook Skool. This 160 page volume is designed in a wonderfully
- [SSS: How to Make a Journal of Your Life](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/11/sss-how-to-make-a-journal-of-your-life/) - I’ve written on here about How to Make a Journal of Your Life (HtMaJoYL) in the past, I’m a fan of the simple stripped down journaling style Price promotes, as well as his anything goes attitude toward journaling. Boiling it all down to one line- if it moves you, put it in your journal. In
- [Review: Zebra Sarasa Grand](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/10/review-zebra-sarasa-grand/) - The Grand is a refillable pen body made for Zebra's Sarasa gel ink refills. It will hold almost any gel ink refill- from Pentel to Pilot to Uniball. The Grand is available in 5 colors, black, navy silver, copper, and gold. The clip on all colors is chrome. The lower half of the pen is
- [Review: Pilot Frixion Color Stick](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/11/review-pilot-frixion-color-stick/) - I picked these up on a whim from the post back-to-school sale clearance section at my local Walgreens. The 4-pack of orange, pink, green, and blue are regularly priced at $7. I saw the price and did a double take and said out loud, "LOL, whut?" I'll start with the good. The ink in these
- [Review:Sakura Sumo Grip Retractable Eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/12/reviewsakura-sumo-grip-retractable-eraser/) - I’m a big fan of the Sakura Foam eraser. I’ve been a fan of it for a long time. When I make an order from JetPens, I add a few onto my order. I use them in trades, swaps, and often give them away. When I was at my local Artist and Craftsman I picked
- [Review: CaliArts Ego Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/12/review-caliarts-ego-fountain-pen/) - The CaliArts Ego is available on eBay for about $10USD. The pen is available with fine and extra fine nibs. I ordered the fine nib. The pen arrives in a bubble mailer roughly 2 weeks after ordering. Inside the mailer was a silver colored box. Within that box is a silver tin. The tin has
- [Review: Parker Jotter Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/12/review-parket-jotter-fountain-pen/) - The Parkr Jotter is a classic in the pen world. Both the ballpoint and fountain pen version has been around forever. Where the ballpoint is a timeless classic the fountain pen version is… not. The brushed stainless steel exterior is lightweight and feels pretty nice. The section is made of cheap plastic and has visible
- [Review: Organics Studio Santiago Bay Blue](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/01/review-organics-studio-santiago-bay-blue/) - My friend and RSVP Co-host Lenore sent me this bottle as it didn't flow well for her. I have not diluted this ink or added anything to it. I don't know that Lenore added anything to this ink. This shade of blue reminds me of well washed and broken in denim. It's a standard shade
- [Review: De Atramentis Deepwater Obsession Black](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/01/review-de-atramentis-deepwater-obsession-black/) - I picked up a bottle of this from Jetpens well over a year ago. The 30ml bottle cost $15. The price is neither the highest or lowest I've ever paid for a bottle of black ink. The ink comes in a squat cylindrical bottle with a flair at the base and the top. The lid
- [Review: Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite Cartridges](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/01/review-pelikan-edelstein-tanzanite-cartridges/) - This ink is a great dark blue black that is a nice cool grey. It reminds me of Payne's Grey watercolors, which for me is a very very good thing. Payne's Grey is a favorite convenience color of mine. I've had the opportunity to use this ink in several fountain pens and it has had
- [Review: Organics Studio Nitrogen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2019/01/review-organics-studio-nitrogen/) - I was gifted a sample of this ink from a friend. I should have labeled the tube when it arrived but I thought I would be able to remember who sent it. I can't remember which of my wonderful stationery friends sent this ink. Organic Studio inks come in 55 ml bottle for $14. The
- [Continued Change and Growth](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/12/continued-change-and-growth/) - 2018 has been many things- for me, it has been a year of change. This blog has remained a constant in my ever-changing and evolving life. It is my touchstone. I return to it as a source of comfort, continuing self-expression and learning. I’ve been blogging so long that I cannot imagine my life without
- [Review: Wing Sung 3008 Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/12/review-wing-sung-3008-fountain-pen/) - This is another eBay purchase. I found this pen for a mere $2.60USD. I ordered the blue anodized demonstrator version. It is available in many other colors. Prices on this pen flucuates, $2.60 is the lowest price I could find, with $15 or so at the highest. After ordering I waited about 3 weeks for
- [Review: Nock Co X One Star Leather Fodderstack XL](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/12/review-nock-co-x-one-star-leather-fodderstack-xl/) - The leather version of the Fodderstack XL (LFXL) has all of the great attributes of the nylon version- it carries 1 or 2 pocket notebooks safely along with one or two pens. It can slide effortlessly into a back pocket or into a jacket pocket. The form factor is a tad different than the nylon
- [Review: Uniball Signo 207 Multicolor 8-pack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/11/review-uniball-signo-207-multicolor-8-pack/) - The Uniball Signo 207 is a staple pen. You can pick one up at any office, box, drug, or grocery store in the US. The multicolored sets are available at office supply stores across the US. A standard multicolor pack includes red, blue, and black. There are a total of 8 colors. 5 of those
- [Review: Pentalic Traveler](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/11/review-pentalic-traveler/) - Let's just cut to the chase, the Pentalic Traveler is a fabulous sketchbook or journal. Let me tell you why. The cover is made of soft touch vinyl. It feels really nice for vinyl. I purchased a softcover version. The covers are held shut when in transit by a sturdy elastic the same color as
- [Review: Sharpie Clear view Highlighter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/11/review-sharpie-clear-view-highlighter/) - I've been wanting to review a highlighter with a view window tip for ages. I picked up a 2 pack of the Sharpie version during the BTSS clearance for super cheap. The highlighter is classic neon yellow, my least favorite of the highlighter colors, but a classic shade. The ink lays down wet and even.
- [Review: Zebra Mildliners](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/11/review-zebra-mildliners/) - If you follow bullet journaling on any social media you are likely familiar with Zebra Mildliners. I admit my FOMO was so strong on these that when I saw a set at Target priced well above my budget I almost put everything in my cart back to spend $20 on a handful of not-highlighters. I'll
- [Review: Story Supply Company Morning LE](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/11/review-story-supply-company-morning-le/) - I reviewed the standard Story Supply Company (SSC) pocket notebook and pencils over here. Plus I've picked up and reviewed their collab with CW Pencil Enterprise called "the Pencil Pusher" over here. They began as a Kickstarter and have evolved into a small but growing company that makes their own notebooks in a small shop
- [Review: Pilot G2 mini](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/11/review-pilot-g2-mini/) - I picked up a 4 pack of the G2 Mini pens on a whim. The 4-pack was affordably priced and held regular blue, bright blue, red, and purple. The G2 minis perform just like their full sized counterparts- smooth most of the time and best on junky paper. On nice paper (Studio C, Tomoe River)
- [Review: Uniball Signo DX 0.38 Capped](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/11/review-uniball-signo-dx-0-38-capped/) - The Uniball Signo DX is often replicated but never quite repeated. In the past you could only find the DX on import sites like JetPens (You can still get them and refills there) last year (2017) Uniball started to bring the DX to the US! You can't get singles but you can an eight color
- [Review: Pilot Precise V5 RT](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/10/review-pilot-precise-v5-rt/) - The Pilot Precise V5 has been around since the dawn of my stationery awakening and is a favorite of mine. I like it for just about every task- writing, notes, sketching and doodles. It is a great pen. Until I saw these on the shelf I've always bought the capped version. I don't know if
- [Review: Capped Gel InkJoy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/10/review-capped-gel-inkjoy/) - Paperhate released the capped version of their lovely InkJoy gel ink pen during the 2018 Back-to-School season. The packages of the capped are similar to the retractable with the same assortment of colors. The refills are interchangeable between pens. Which is, I guess, a useful piece of information. I noticed it so I share with
- [Review: Pen+Gear Gel Ink Stick Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/10/review-pengear-gel-ink-stick-pen/) - Pen+Gear might be Walmart's house brand but it has contained some surprising quality. I snagged the Pen+Gear Gel Stick Pens (GSP) n a whim from the clearance section post Back-to-School season. Cost in clearance was around 50 cents. Regular price is a few dollars. They are made in China. In the package are eight 0.7mm
- [Interesting Things 20180928](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/interesting-things-20180928/) - Eyeballs Anxiety over the use of an exclamation point? It's real. Ear Holes https://www.kameronhurley.com/episode-one-get-work-hurley/If you aren't listening to Kameron Hurley you are missing out. NSFW, lot's of cursing not sexual content. You like Tori? You like Florence +The Machine? Boy are you in luck.
- [Interesting Things 20180914](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/interesting-things-20180914/) - Eyeballs Some interesting advice from Jeanette Winterson on writing. Frankenstein is 200 years old this year. Check out some of Mary Shelley's notes on the novel. If you aren't checking out Leigh Reyes you really should start out here with her post about cultural appropriation, Earholes Bullying has real consequences and this ep of IRL is
- [Review: Yoobi 3x5 Index Cards and Case](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/10/review-yoobi-3x5-index-cards-and-case/) - The Yoobi Back to School sale display at my local Target included a 3x5 card case with 100 index cards, dividers, and labels. The hard poly case with elastic closure is great. At $2.99 they aren’t a steal but they aren’t a bad deal either. The cards are paper thin and floppy. There is no
- [Review: Composition Notebooks at Walmart](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/review-composition-notebooks-at-walmart/) - The Walmart near me is out of my way so getting to it is a bit of a pain in the arse. I finally had a reason to go that was more pressing than just picking up a few notebooks. School started over a week ago and there were still parents and kids in there
- [Review: Baron Fig Dateless Confidant Planner](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/review-baron-fig-dateless-confidant-planner/) - We all know I’m a huge fan of the Baron Fig Confidants, and if you read my review of the 2018 planner you know I love their planner too. When BF asked if I wanted to review their dateless version, I immediately responded, “YES!” To start the Dateless features all the same goodness of their
- [Review: Moonman Pocket Mini Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/10/review-moonman-pocket-mini-fountain-pen/) - My Instagram feed has been full of pics of Moonman fountain pens for ages. I pushed down the FOMO for months, finally I found a version of the pocket mini on eBay for less than $13 and I pulled the trigger, and almost a month later it arrived. The packaging is a simple white box
- [Review: Zebra Delguard Mechanical Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/10/review-zebra-delguard-mechanical-pencil/) - Let’s start this review with this fact, the Zebra Delguard is a budget-friendly mechanical pencil. It is no way competes with great mechs like the Rotring 600 or TWSBI Precision. If you are looking for a wallet-friendly upgrade from your Bic Mechanical, this is a good choice. The pencil comes packaged with a 12-pack of
- [Review : Baron Fig Dateless Pocket Vanguard Planner](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/review-baron-fig-dateless-pocket-vanguard-planner/) - We all know that I love Baron Fig’s paper and dot grid ruling. I’ve used their dated 2018 planner as my go-to for the last year and I love that too. I’ll tell you about their Dateless Confidant in another review. The Dateless Vanguard is available in pocket size only with the Confidant available in
- [Thinking: Washing Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/thinking-washing-notebooks/) - A few months ago, hell maybe it was a year ago now, I washed one of my Field Notes. It was an orange Unexposed. Unexposed is one of my favorite editions. The bright colors and reticle grid make me happy. Sadly the Unexposed covers are garbage when it comes to water resistance. The notebook was
- [Review: Baron Fig LE Confidant Wander Dream Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/review-baron-fig-le-confidant-wander-dream-journal/) - I’ll get this part of the reviw out of the way- the Wander journal is a Confidant with a few tweaks that make it even more lovely. The base the Wander is built off of has lovely paper, a great binding, and sturdy covers. The book’s Smythe stitching lays flat on a table for easy
- [Thinking: Blue Inks That Photocopy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/thinking-blue-inks-that-photocopy/) - There is no legal reason to not use any color of ink, but it’s a well worn bit of professional etiquette that blue and black inks are considered professional. A former boss at my DayJob insisted on us using black ink for everything. She attempted to tell us that it was for legal reasons, then
- [Review: Cognitive Surplus “The Hypothesis” Hardcover Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/review-cognitive-surplus-the-hypothesis-hardcover-notebook/) - Cognitive surplus designated this a notebook but it functions quite well as a journal. The nitty gritty: 7x9 inchesHardcover, with a waterproof coating192 pages of 80 gsm paperPale gray ruling, graph on the left, lines on right; available in different ruling onlineFountain pen friendly paper, with medium or smaller nibsDesigned in Portland, OR made in
- [Interesting Things 20180831](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/interesting-things-20180831/) - Eyeballs Digging into my silly obsession with productivity information. This is an interesting take on logging your ideas and ideas. All it takes is a pen and a notebook. I was wondering what Big Dick Energy meant, so I looked it up. This is probably the least... explicit article I could find about BDE. I
- [Review: Yoobi Mini Gel Pen 12-pack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/09/review-yoobi-mini-gel-pen-12-pack/) - The Yoobi display filled up with loads of different gel pen packages. The full sized multicolor package was outside of my budget, so I picked up the 12-pack of mini pens for $4.99, which is still way over priced. While back-to-school sales can net us some great deals this is not one of them. For
- [Review: Baron Fig Squire LE Bolt](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/review-baron-fig-squire-le-bolt/) - Anyone who reads this blog knows that I love the Baron Fig Squire. It’s a solidly built pen that performs well and feels great in my hand. The lightweight aluminum body isn't so light that you don’t know that it is there but not so heavy as to tire your hand. Overall if you are
- [Review: Composition Books at CVS 2018](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/review-composition-books-at-cvs-2018/) - I decided to change up how I’m doing my review roundups of the comp books this year. Instead of big mass roundups, I’m dividing them into the stores where they were purchased. This should mean I’ll have a large grouping of reviews (Staples, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc…) instead of 2 or 3 large unwieldy slow
- [Review: Composition Notebooks at Staples 2018](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/review-composition-notebooks-at-staples-2018/) - Staples comp notebooks are the venerable OG when it comes to cheap composition notebooks. So they rate a look despite disappointing performance in the last few comp book roundups. I picked up 2 of the 50 cent comp books, one made in Egypt and another from Brazil. Like in past years, the books made in
- [Interesting Things 20180817](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/interesting-things-20180817/) - Eyeballs Warren Ellis does the author mailing list right. Sort of like getting an accumulation of interesting things in my email once a week. Perfect. Man the 70s and 80s were a rough time for paternity. Also, Jobs was a shit heel. Ear holes Truth in advertising. People are hungry for truth. Starting around minute
- [Interesting Things 20180803](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/interesting-things-20180803/) - Eyeballs Hedgehogs as a business/marketing model. Do one thing and do it well. Questionable Content continues to be an amazing comic series. Start at page one. Shine theory is a revelation. Writing worksheets help figure out what to do. Ear Holes Joe Hill is a fascinating dude. Ursula K Le Guin was a national treasure.
- [Review: Up&Up White Index Cards Target](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/review-upup-white-index-cards-target/) - At a glance: 100 cards Thin flimsy stock Rough texture Pale, thin ruling 49 cents during back to school These index cards are difficult to call cards as they are made of the thinnest cardstock I’ve ever handled, you can almost see through them. They are floppy but crisp. They are a strange feeling. The
- [Review: Composition Book at Target 2018](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/review-composition-book-at-target-2018/) - Target has a lot of offerings and I didn’t purchase everything. They only have the Up&Up books available in a 5 or 6 pack I might check back after payday and pick them up. But last year’s Up&Up were beyond terrible. Yoobi 2018 Designs 100 pages College Ruled Sturdy covers Standard blue ruling This year’s
- [Review: Composition Notebooks at Walgreens  2018](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/review-composition-notebooks-at-walgreens-2018/) - As of this writing, Walgreens had a very slim selection of notebooks out. Their typical boutique versions were not yet available, so I might update this post with additional brands. Wexford Composition Notebook 80 pages College ruled Well stitched Standard marbled pattern Sturdy covers Classic pale blue rules $1.99 at regular price 99 cents on
- [Review: Baron Fig X Caroline Weaver Elements Limited Edition Archer Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/review-baron-fig-x-caroline-weaver-elements-limited-edition-archer-pencil/) - It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed the core of the Archer pencils. In the last few iterations of the pencil, I’ve felt decidedly meh on the core. Viarco, the company that crafts the Archer for BF seems to have a great deal of QC issues resulting in shattered cores, grit, and other issues with
- [Thinking: 100 Days Projects](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/thinking-100-days-projects/) - There are a lot, and I do mean a lot of projects that people sign up to do online, from 30 Days of something to NaNoWriMo to 100 Days Projects. I have trouble completing any month-long projects that I sign up for let alone 100 Days projects. Yet here I am at 33 days into
- [Review: Mitsubishi Uni*Star 2B Grade Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/review-mitsubishi-unistar-2b-grade-pencil/) - Mitsubishi Uni line of pencils is among the best available. The Hi-Uni are amazing pencils, for sketching and writing; they sport thick lacquer and a nice end cap. Uni is great with the slightly less fancy finish. The Star line is the student grade line. I picked up a 12 pack of the 2B Uni*Star
- [Review: Monteverde Gel Ink Refills](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/review-monteverde-gel-ink-refills/) - I like gel ink. I want to use gel refills in all my pens, when possible. Unfortunately, many gel refills don’t fit pens like the Baron Fig Squire and Click, or Parker Jotter. Either the tip portion is too thick or short, or the body of the refill is too thick for the body of
- [Review: The Curios Pencil by Apsara](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/review-the-curios-pencil-by-apsara/) - The Curious is a shop run by Suraj Singh on Facebook. He specializes in pencils and pens made in India. You purchase by messaging him, asking him for the price list, then sending him a request with the items. You get a general idea of the cost from the price list. Prices are cheap, but
- [Interesting Things 20180720](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/interesting-things-20180720/) - Eyeballs: Well, I'm not surprised, people are shady AF, as usual. TWSBI stuff on Bleistift Ear Holes: I've been listening to a ton of Banks lately.
- [Review: Baron Fig Card Sleeve](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/review-baron-fig-card-sleeve/) - This review is a little outside my typical reviews. That said, I think you’ll appreciate it. I have carried a front pocket wallet for many years. I started in college with a zippered card sleeve that was intended for student ID and maybe a few other cards, plus a zippered pocket for your cash. It
- [Review: Staples Quick Dry Gel Pen 0.7](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/08/review-staples-quick-dry-gel-pen-0-7/) - Back-to-School sales are upon us, and this stationery lover is in heaven. A great side of the BTSS is that this is a time when companies like Staples push out their knock-off versions of more expensive well loved stationery items, in this case, I believe these are a challenge to Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel pens.
- [Review: Semikolon Journal A6](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/review-semikolon-journal-a6/) - This journal or pocket notebook feature 64 leaves or 128 pages of blank cream-colored paper. It measures 105x148mm or 4.1x5.8 inches. In other words, pretty standard pocket-sized. The corners are sharp. The whole notebook is held together with 2 regular steel colored staples. The notebooks are available in several different colors and are shrink wrapped.
- [Review: BIC Gelocity 0.7 Gel Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/review-bic-gelocity-0-7-gel-pen/) - My wife picked up a 12-pack of these cheaply from Amazon a few weeks back. As we generally do with stationery supplies, she shared a pen with me. I immediately took it with me to work and put it through the ringer. My results are reported below. As I’ve shared before a gel pen that
- [Review: Staedtler My First Norica Jumbo Triangular HB Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/review-staedtler-my-first-norica-jumbo-triangular-hb-pencil/) - The name of this pencil is a mouthful. This is a jumbo triangular pencil, if you’ve used other large diameter pencils, you’ll like this one. This is a full jumbo, but triangular. It’s fat in hand. I sharpened mine with the Dahle 133, which puts a vampire staking point onto any jumbo pencil. The MFN
- [Review: Aquabee Co-Mo Sketch](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/review-aquabee-co-mo-sketch/) - I picked up the Co-Mo Sketch 30 sheet pad on a whim at The Art Mart in Portland, Maine several years ago. Back then it went for $5.73, or roughly 20 cents a sheet. What I can find online is comparable in price. The paper is toothy and has a lovely evenly rough texture. It
- [Review: MD Paper Products Pencil B Grade](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/review-md-paper-products-pencil-b-grade/) - The Midori pencils have been around for awhile, and I snagged one in a swap but bought my first package of them while in Cambridge. You can find them online easily but also at Black INk in Cambridge, Massachusetts. These pencils feature a cream colored matte finish over fabulously scented cedar. The imprint is in
- [Interesting Stuff 20180706](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/interesting-stuff-20180706/) - Eyes: A little off topic but if you want to watch a mystery/cop drama with loads of layered information given visually Bosch is amazing. (It's gritty and at times gory.) Ear Holes: Podcasts about romance novels, 45 of them!
- [Review: Ohto Sharp Pencil 0.5 Mechanical](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/07/review-ohto-sharp-pencil-0-5-mechanical/) - The Ohto Sharp Pencil (OSP form here) is wood cased with lovely cedar and designed to look like a standard number 2 pencil. The design mostly works, with a few little details that could work better. First, let me tell you about the good parts of the OSP. The wood casing is the size of
- [Interesting Stuff 20180629](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/06/interesting-stuff-20180629/) - Eyeballs: Grinding your own nibs to italic. Fun and not as hard as I thought. Duchamp is always a lot of fun, sometimes creepy fun. Interesting social commentary. Art is political, no matter how much folks think we should shut up about politics. Ear Holes: Getting characters wrong, diaspora, and stereotypes. Great ep of Writing
- [Review: Tofty Via Shapeways Refill Adapter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/06/review-tofty-via-shapeways-refill-adapter/) - I’ve been wanting a gel pen refill for my Squire since I got the thing. Don’t get me wrong I love the Schmidt P8126 refill that comes with them, but I love gel ink, particularly on the paper at work. As I’ve detailed before, my DayJob has the finest cheapest crappy printer paper, and everything
- [Interesting Stuff 20180615](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/06/interesting-stuff-20180615/) - Reading: CockyGate hits the courts. If you haven't been following me on Twitter or listened to RSVP, then you don't know that I'm obsessed with CockyGate and all that it could potentially mean for authors of all stripes. I love me a fight with a trademark troll. Reviews are often gatekeepers of content. We're sent
- [Review: Tofty via Shapeways Pen Clip](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/06/review-tofty-via-shapeways-pen-clip/) - This clip has been mentioned on RSVP multiple times yet I’ve failed to post a review. My thoughts on this clip are mixed. I picked up the white processed versatile plastic. It’s got a rough finish I rather like but it looks filthy very quickly. For another $4.50 you can get a smoother premium plastic.
- [Interesting Stuff 20180608](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/06/interesting-stuff-20180608/) - For Eyeballs: Free online courses. I'm a big fan of teaching myself things. There are hundreds of great online course offered for free all over the place. This is a collection of hundreds. This art piece fills me with joy. I wish I could participate in something like it near me. Helium and charcoal ball.
- [Review: Brandless Softcover Notebook 3-pack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/06/review-brandless-softcover-notebook-3-pack/) - I reviewed the Brandless gel pens over here. My wife likes to add on a new stationery item with every order as a surprise to me. :) Like all the other Brandless items a 3-pack is $3. Each notebook contain 30 sheets or 60 pages. There are multiple signatures in each notebook and they are
- [Review: Baron Fig Mysterium Squire](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/05/review-baron-fig-mysterium-squire/) - I’ve previously reviewed the BF Squire pen, so it’ll be no surprise for me to say that I like this pen. Let me tell you more about the Mysterium. A friend of the blog, Harry Marks wrote a lovely short scifi story for the pen, you can head to the previous link to read it, everyone should,
- [Review: Baron Fig X Codecademy Computerworld LE Vanguard](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/06/review-baron-fig-x-codecademy-computerworld-le-vanguard/) - I’ve reviewed a few BF vanguard sets in the past. This set sports the same great paper and soft but sturdy card cover with stitched spines. The big difference in this set is that they arrive in a box, instead of belly banded and shrink wrapped. If you are seeking a lovely presentation for a
- [Review: Baron Fig LE Apprentice The Atomic Edition](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/05/review-baron-fig-le-apprentice-the-atomic-edition/) - Baron Fig hasn’t put out an Apprentice in years. This is a great new edition that I love. My RSVP cohost, Lenore might hate the planetary atomic model but I love the look. The pale baby blue textured cover feels great in my hand. The tactile feel of all the BF covers really draws me
- [Review: Jinhao 992 Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/05/review-jinhao-992-fountain-pen/) - I picked up 5 Jinhao 992 fountain pens for about $2 each on eBay. I purchased the clear model but they are also available in a variety of colors like grey, orange, and blue. Mine arrived with a converter and a fine nib. Each was sleeved in a clear plastic envelope. They were gathered in
- [Review: Baron Fig Squire Click](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/05/review-baron-fig-squire-click/) - Baron Fig announced the clicky version of the squire last week. When I received the reviewer announcement I was excited- a click mechanism is my preferred pen point deployment method. I immediately asked BF to YES PLEASE SEND ONE! Mine is in the fig wine colorway. You can also get charcoal gray. The fig wine
- [Review: Starrett 6’ Steel Measure Stix](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/04/review-starrett-6-steel-measure-stix/) - This post is written by Lenore from RSVP Stationery Podcast. This is a great post about a useful tool! I actually ordered the regular (polyurethane) version of the Starrett Measure Stix, and what came in the package was this steel version. Until I was writing this review, I naturally assumed I had ordered the wrong
- [Review: Show Tell Baron Fig X Dribble LE Confidant](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/04/review-show-tell-baron-fig-x-dribble-le-confidant/) - The Show and Tell (ST) is the latest limited edition Confidant from Baron Fig. It has all of the usual Baron fig goodness- sturdy stitched binding, nice tactile covers, a debossed logo on the front, and best of all it's filled with that lovely Baron Fig paper. I love that warm cream colored paper with
- [Review: Brandless Gel Pen 0.7mm Black](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/04/review-brandless-gel-pen-0-7mm-black/) - The Brandless brand is a simple set up- think Muji but American and with a focus on groceries. As a small upstart brand, they are interesting. Their schtick is that everything on their site is $3, and you qualify for free shipping at $30, or 10 items. They have frequent free shipping offers, so you
- [Review: Baron Fig Lock and Key LE Confidant and Squire](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/04/review-baron-fig-lock-and-key-le-confidant-and-squire/) - Let’s start this review off with a statement about the internals of the Confidant and the Squire- they are exactly the same as any standard edition. The Lock comes filled with BF’s dreamy creamy paper with enough tooth for all your penciling needs and enough coating to pair with almost any fountain pen. This paper
- [Review: Doms X1 Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/01/review-doms-x1-pencil/) - The first review I saw for the Doms X1 pencil was on Leadfast after which, Michael was kind enough to send me one in a trade package. I've been hooked from the moment I saw the Leadfast review- royal blue and silver paint with slick silver foil imprint? Yes, please. The X1 reminds me of
- [Review: Dee Charles Designs Pocket Notebook Cover](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2018/01/review-dee-charles-designs-pocket-notebook-cover/) - I have the Rawhide Brown cover but these are also available in Black, Rawhide, and Gold with a variety of colored stitching- black, brown, gold, red and blue. The presentation is in a black box with Dee Charles Designs and logo printed on the top in silver ink. The cover barely fits inside and if
- [Review: Baron Fig Strategist aka 3x5 Notecard](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/12/review-baron-fig-strategist-aka-3x5-notecard/) - The Strategist is a heavyweight white colored 3x5 card with pale gray dot grid ruling on one side with a blank reverse side. Each $9 package has 100 cards with rounded corners. My package arrived at the right moment for me to write down the beats of my Nano novel in preparation for the second
- [Review: Staples Arc System Notebooks and Refills](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/12/review-staples-arc-system-notebooks-and-refills/) - My partner was in the market for a planner but needed something that would also work as a notebook. The BF Planner didn’t fit her needs, she really needed more room for notes and the ability to take pages out of the planner as they needed to be discarded or filed. She also needed enough
- [Review : Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/12/review-pilot-kakuno-fountain-pen/) - The Pilot Kakuno is a student’s or beginner’s fountain pen, with a focus on children. As such it is available in a wide variety of colors with standard fine and medium nibs generally available here in the US. Along with that, Pilot has chosen to only import some of the colors available to the US
- [Review: Baron Fig Stone for Squire Pens](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/12/review-baron-fig-stone-for-squire-pens/) - The BF Stone is a small machined cylinder of aluminum with a rounded over top. In the center is a round hole that perfectly fits the Squire pen. It is completely solid. The base is indented and the only place the Baron Fig name is laser etched. Otherwise, the Stone is completely unmarked.It is available
- [Review: California Typewriter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/review-california-typewriter/) - This post is written by Harry Marks, the mind behind one of my favorite podcasts, Covered. you should check it out Harry's interview style is excellent. I was unable to catch California Typewriter, a documentary from Doug Nichol, in theaters during its limited run, so instead I purchased it from iTunes a few days before Thanksgiving.
- [Reflection: The Thrill of the Hunt](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/12/reflection-the-thrill-of-the-hunt/) - This post was written by Deirdre Scolardi, 1/3rd of RSVP and the person behind The Weekly Pencil. I think for me, besides the excitement that comes with using my stationery goods, is the process I sometimes go through to get there. I am a very organized person and with that organization comes meticulous list-making. Whenever
- [Review: Yoobi Gel Highlighters](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/review-yoobi-gel-highlighters/) - I don’t know why I keep buying highlighters. Now that I’m out of school I’ve got enough left to last the rest of my life. I’ve got enough highlighter ink left to refill my Platinum Preppy highlighters forever. In my work life I use highlighters to cross names off a list after I’ve written progress
- [A Different Kind of SABLE](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/a-different-kind-of-sable/) - This post is written by Paula Binsol, the med student behind the Insta account @outofpost and the blog Out of Post. She gives us a fresh take on SABLE. In the past few months or so, SABLE or Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy, has been a term thrown around in pen and pencil collector communities.
- [Review: CWPE Exclusive Bugle Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/review-cwpe-exclusive-bugle-pencil/) - The standard Musgrave Bugle is a glossy clear lacquered round pencil. It’s made of linden with a hard HB core, that I find scratchy. The imprint is gold and adequately applied. I won’t hide it, I dislike the standard Bugle. I find it to be a cheap scratchy mess. I was pleasantly surprised to find
- [First Look: Baron Fig LE Vanguard Train of Thought](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/first-look-baron-fig-le-vanguard-train-of-thought/) - When BF sent out the “do you want this for review” email I almost said no. The exterior of the books looked really childish. Then I thought my nephew would really dig the trains on the exterior. So I asked them to kindly send me a reviewer set. Let me start this out by saying
- [An Updated PigPog PDA](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/an-updated-pigpog-pda/) - This post is written by Lenore, one third of the 3 woman team that makes up the awesome RSVP Stationery Podcast. You can listen to Lenore talk stationery to you over here. You could also enroll at the University where she teaches chemistry if you really want to know more about the elements that make
- [A Global Search for Stationery: Taiwan](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/a-global-search-for-stationery-taiwan/) - This post and images was graciously created by the wonderful Tiffany Babb. She is a New York based poet, comic creator, and academic. You can find more of her work at www.tiffanybabb.com Taipei is a stationery lover’s paradise. No matter where you are, you won’t have to go far to get some shopping done in the city.
- [Review: Palomino Blackwing Volumes Number 1](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/review-palomino-blackwing-volumes-number-1/) - As I did with my review of the 73 I’m not reviewing the interior of the pencil, but the exterior. The balanced core of the Number 1 is the same core as the Pearl but perhaps with a few batch variants. I’ve not read any wild conspiracy theories about the No.1 being even slightly different
- [Pens for Crappy Paper](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/12/pens-for-crappy-paper/) - I’ve discussed in previous posts how my workplace offers the finest of the cheapest papers that Staples sells. Every quarter they buy 10 to 12 cases of whatever is the cheapest at that moment. This means the paper is never the same, though it is always one of Staples finest cheapest offerings. Sometimes we get
- [Review: KUM Masterpiece](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/12/review-kum-masterpiece/) - I mention the KUM Masterpiece pretty often in my pencil reviews. With good reason too, it’s a fantastic sharpener. Compared to the dramatic teasing of the Pollux from M+R, KUM did the roll out for the Masterpiece juuuust right. Initially it was only available in Germany then someone was able to do a group buy
- [Review: Mobius + Rupert Pollux](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/review-mobius-rupert-pollux/) - Who knew that a pencil sharpener could be so divisive? Well, I suppose pencil nerds who like the chewy look a Classroom Friendly sharpener gives fancy pencils might suspect that the Pollux could upset and excite folks.Let me start with the basics. The Pollux is a hand held sharpener that creates an concave point in
- [Introduction to Kokuyo Campus Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/introduction-to-kokuyo-campus-notebooks/) - Welcome to the first guest post on Comfortable Shoes Studio! I've asked some of my friends to write posts for the blog to introduce new voices. Big thanks to Hahna for kicking off the series! You can interact with Hahna via Facebook in the RSVP Podcast group! I never gave composition notebooks (comp books) much
- [Review: Baron Fig LE Squire Spectre](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/review-baron-fig-le-squire-spectre/) - If you have been listening to my podcast, RSVP, then you know how I feel about the BF Squire. The pen is perfectly comfortable. The weight is nice. Just heavy enough so I always know it is there, but not so heavy as to tire my hand. The size is perfect for my hand. The
- [Review: Ito-ya Helvetica Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/review-ito-ya-helvetica-pencil/) - The Ito-ya pencil is made by Camel. Per CWPE the eraser was designed for Camel by Eiichi Kato. Most pencils with this sort of ferrule-free eraser experience are made by Camel. I’ve reviewed another Camel pencil here. I love the look of ferrule-free erasers. That’s no different on the Helvetica pencils. All the erasers are
- [Professional Shades of Blue](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/professional-shades-of-blue/) - At some point someone somewhere decided that the only colors of ink that are acceptably professional* are blue and black. Red is occasionally acceptable in some contexts- like accounts receivable, editing, and other jobs where a mark must be immediately recognizable. I’ve read a myriad of reasons why blue and black are the acceptable professional
- [First Look: Baron Fig LE Archer No.2 Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/first-look-baron-fig-le-archer-no-2-pencil/) - With limited editions, my focus is on evaluating the aesthetics of the look and less on evaluating the internals. Viarco makes Baron Fig pencils. I’m not a huge fan of Viarco pencils, I find them to be a tad on the scratchy and gritty side for my taste. Which is BAFFLING because Viarco is capable
- [First Look: Baron Fig Vanguard The New Composition](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/first-look-baron-fig-vanguard-the-new-composition/) - Here’s what happened, I love my composition notebooks but I was frustrated with the often nasty paper inside. I thought, “You know who could make an awesome updated version of the composition book? Baron Fig.” I picked up my phone and called Joey and Adam and told them my idea. They told me it was
- [Review: Piccadilly Essential Notebook Medium Ruled](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/11/review-piccadilly-essential-notebook-medium-ruled/) - The PIccadilly Essential Notebook (PEN) is a basic black journal. Some of you might want to call it a “moleskine knock off” but it’s probably been around at least as long as moleskine’s little marketing gem that makes everyone think that the moleskine is original (guffaw.) Let’s talk about the basics- 240 ivory pages, smythe
- [First Look: Unfinish Baron Fig Limited Edition Confidant](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/unfinish/) - I have to admit, when Baron Fig contacted me with an offer to review this Confidant I wavered. I love the Confidant for so many reasons, but this, this Unfinish business, well, it’s controversial. I missed out on Askew, and admit I thought that one was a little silly. But oh my the social media
- [Review: Canson Art Book Universal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/review-canson-art-book-universal/) - Back in 2012 I offered a semi-review or a first look at the Canson Art Book One as a budget friendly offering for art journalers. The Canson Art Book Universal (CABU) is in the same series of sketchbooks but with a few differences. I won't focus on the differences but what makes the CABU so
- [Review Round: Bicolor and Checking Pencils Part 1](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/review-round-bicolor-and-checking-pencils-part-1/) - Welcome to the first in a series about every novelist and editor’s necessary evil- bicolor and checking pencils. In the past I’ve relied mainly upon red ink in a fountain pen to edit my own work. I chose the bloodiest looking red. I wanted the ink to pop off the page or to be fun
- [Review: Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/10/review-leuchtturm1917-pen-loop/) - The Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop (just LPL from here) is an ingenious little loop of elastic stitched to a bit of adhesive backed plastic. They can be found in just about every stationery shop, online and off. A single LRL costs between $4 and $10. Sticking a LPL to a notebook cover is as easy as
- [Review: Walmart Pen+Gear HB 30-Pack and 10-pack Made in India Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/09/review-walmart-pengear-hb-30-pack-and-10-pack-made-in-india-pencils/) - Walmart’s Casemate label has turned into Pen+Gear. Some of the pencils continue to be made in India, which is a good thing. These are essentially the same pencil as the last 30-pack and I reviewed, with a few changes. The core is dark, smooth, and holds a point well, like any Hindustan HB/No.2 core. The
- [First Look: Baron Fig 2018 Planner](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/09/first-look-baron-fig-2018-planner/) - This planner begins with a Baron Fig Confidant base- a solidly built grey notebook. In this case medium, or flagship size, with a charcoal gray cover. Flagship size is 5.4x7.7 inches or 137x196mm with 192 pages of toothy but fountain pen friendly paper. The paper is off white. All ruling is light grey. Inside the
- [Review: Parker Jotter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/09/review-parker-jotter/) - The Parker Jotter is perhaps the most classic refillable rollerball body available. It’s been around for more than 60 years and hundreds of thousands pens have been sold. They retail for around $4 for the basic plastic pen to $20 for the full stainless steel models. In college I picked up the classic plastic and
- [Back-to-School Sale Composition Book Roundup Part Three](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/09/back-to-school-sale-composition-book-roundup-part-three/) - I’m calling this final part of the BtSS Roundups the “Drug Store Edition.” There are some very surprising entries and some of the typical offerings as well. Most of the drugs stores in my area had the typical Mead offerings- 5Star and the generic cardboard covered. They weren’t on sale at any of the drug
- [Review: NockCo Sinclair Pen and Notebook Case](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/09/review-nockco-sinclair-pen-and-notebook-case/) - The NockCo Sinclair has 3 pen slots and a spot for a notebook plus room between the two sides for additional storage. This case, like almost all Nock cases, has an outer shell of 1000D nylon with DWR coating and an interior of smooth nylon pack cloth. The interior pack cloth allows smooth extraction of
- [Review: Pen+ Gear Graph Ruled Index Cards](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/09/review-pen-gear-graph-ruled-index-cards/) - I pick up index cards for no real reason, other than I like to use them as convenient scrap paper. I used to have dreams of making a Hipster PDA and becoming super organized and efficient.I much prefer bound pocket notebooks. That said I always have my vintage index card holder on my desk, a
- [Review: Target Dollar Spot Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/09/review-target-dollar-spot-pencils/) - The majority of the Dollar Spot Pencils are from the company Made for Retail (MfR). They are made in Vietnam and feature a variety of paint, imprints, and other fun stuff. I’ve bought a bunch of them and I’ve been happy. For this review I’m focusing on one particular pencil, their version of the “rainbow”
- [Review: Jane Davenport Travel Watercolor Tin- Brights](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/09/review-jane-davenport-travel-watercolor-tin-brights/) - This 12- half pan set of watercolors is housed in a tin that is very much like the Schminke tins you can find all over the place. The big difference is that it is branded with Jane Davenport’s logo and is painted a pale teal color. The 12 colors are convenience mixes and have silly
- [Review: NockCo Gigante Folded Index Cards](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-nockco-gigante-folded-index-cards/) - The Gigante cards measure 3.5x5.5 inches when folded and 5.5x7 inches when unfolded. The ruling is Nock’s dot dash in a very pale purple. The smooth paper is 80lb or 216gsm. It is heavier than most inexpensive index cards on the market. I tested the cards with all my currently inked fountain pens, an assortment
- [Review: Weskin Journal by Bookblock](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-weskin-journal-by-bookblock/) - I’m just going to start right here, the Weskin is a little weird. There is a lot to like though so let’s start with that, then I’ll get to the weird. This is a really well made journal or notebook. The stitching is top notch, tight where it should be and glued really well. I
- [Review: Lodestone Letterpress Pocket Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-lodestone-letterpress-pocket-notebooks/) - As you can see from the pictures the designs printed onto the covers are simple and clean. I particularly enjoy that they hearken back to the Oklahoma state song with a few words from the song with simple images. The wheat stalk on orange is particularly nice. The light blue with a windmill is also
- [Review: Papermate Inkjoy Gel Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-papermate-inkjoy-gel-pen/) - It is important to point out that this review is for the Inkjoy gel pen, not the ballpoint monstrosity that Paperhate also sells under the Inkjoy label. Which can I just say is the most confusing thing ever. They ought to drop the ball points out of the Inkjoy line up because they are not
- [Review: Pentel Energel Alloy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-pentel-energel-alloy/) - I’ve been looking for a refillable pen body that can hold my favorite pen refills- PaperMate InkJoy, Uniball Signo, and Zebra Sarasa. I did some heavy research into this by asking questions in the RSVP Stationery Podcast group about favorite refillable pens. Part of my interest is that I blow through pens at my workplace
- [Review: Koala Tools The Bear Claw 2B Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-koala-tools-the-bear-claw-2b-pencil/) - The Bear Claw is a fat triangular pencil. If were round it would be a jumbo but the triangular shape makes it feel like a semi-jumbo in my hand. I keep writing that I’m MEH on triangular pencils but I keep liking them when they have rounded corners, this is no different, I really like
- [Review: Baron Fig Prismatics LE Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-baron-fig-prismatics-le-pencils/) - Baron Fig had some issues with the Snakes and Ladders edition of their Archer pencil. Shattered and off center cores were the worst of the issues. I also read reports of the core being significantly softer than the previous edition, which to me is a good thing. The original Archer is lovely to behold but
- [Back-to-School Sale Composition Book Round Up Part 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/07/back-to-school-sale-composition-book-round-up-part-2/) - My last post was incomplete. I’d only been able to get books at Target and Staples. This week I went to two of the three the local Walmarts. One had not one composition book and was a wreck. The other Walmart was also a wreck but they had composition books. All are standard size (9.75X7.5
- [Back-to-School Sale Composition Book Round Up](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/07/back-to-school-sale-composition-book-round-up/) - This is a very image heavy post! I decided to head to back to school sales and pick up a few composition notebooks to update my old best of Composition Notebook review. I go through a lot of them writing my drafts, so I have room in my budget to spend the money to buy
- [Review: Yoobi Document Organizer](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-yoobi-document-organizer/) - Back to School Sales are irresistible. I end up picking up stuff I really have no interest or need for the Yoobi Document Organizer (YDO) is one of those things. The YDO is reminiscent of two very different products, but not exactly like either. The first is a favorite of mine, the Lihit Labs Bag-in-Bag
- [First Look: Baron Fig Limited Edition Confidant Raspberry Honey](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/07/first-look-baron-fig-limited-edition-confidant-raspberry-honey/) - The Baron Fig LE Confidants have fresh covers wrapped around quality innards.Their newly updated paper stock is thick, has some tooth, is decent with fountain pens, pencils, gel, rollerball, ballpoint, and other inks. There is minimal bleed and show through. Feathering? The new Baron Fig paper doesn’t even know what feathering is, bro! The dot
- [Review: Nataraj Marble HB Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/07/review-nataraj-marble-hb-pencil/) - This is marbling done right. I really adore the look of these pencils. They range from cool shades of pink to hot red and yellow with a bit of blue interspersed. The swirls are lovely and again range from big swooshes of color to tiny thin whorls and peaks. There are occasional bubbles that mar
- [Review: Palomino Blackwing Volumes 73](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/07/review-palomino-blackwing-volumes-73/) - It is difficult to review the Blackwing Volumes (BWV) limited edition pencils. The various stories don’t do a great deal for me as I see them as marketing. Divorcing the pencil from the sales hype is a bit of a chore. Add to that the core is one of 4 from the Palomino Blackwing line-
- [Review: Nataraj Active Gel Ink Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-nataraj-active-gel-ink-pen/) - The Nataraj Active Gel Pen is a prime example of why I don’t like to review things after only writing a few pages using the product. Let me start off by stating this is not a BAD pen but it has a few things that make it not great. First off I love the colors.
- [Review: Staples Number 84 Rubber Bands](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/07/review-staples-number-84-rubber-bands/) - Maybe like me, you love the Field Notes “Bands of Rubber” but balk at the cost of them. Maybe you’ve looked at a variety of options, and maybe you’ve even order a pound of the wrong size. Or maybe you learned that the FN Bands o’ Rubber are the same thing as #84 rubber bands
- [Review: Franklin-Christoph 1901 Mixed Grade Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/07/review-franklin-christoph-1901-mixed-grade-pencils/) - For those of you not as obsessed with stationery as I am, Franklin-Christoph (FC from here) is a fountain pen company that prides themselves on making their amazing pens here in the USA. When I saw that they were set to offer pencils, well, I contacted them for a pack for review. F-C has confirmed
- [Review: The Classroom Friendly Sharpener](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/07/review-the-classroom-friendly-sharpene/) - The Classroom Friendly Sharpener (from here on out, CFS) is a sturdy metal bodied sharpener with a guide that grips your pencils and draws them into the sharpening mechanism. It is sold by ClassroomFriendlySupplies.com As you turn the handle the pencil is gently pushed further into the blades until it has a fresh perfect point.
- [Review: Franklin-Christoph Firma-Flex Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/08/review-franklin-christoph-firma-flex-notebook/) - Often, when I write reviews of notebooks when fountain pens are tested they perform not so well. Fortunately, that is not the case with the oddly named Firma-Flex by Franklin-Christoph. Silly name aside, this is a pretty lovely notebook or journal. The journal is typical of all of notebook in this style and is Smyth
- [Review Franklin-Christoph Pocket Notebook Cover Indigo Linen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/07/review-franklin-christoph-pocket-notebook-cover-indigo-linen/) - The Franklin Christoph pocket notebook cover in indigo linen is a luxurious looking pocket notebook cover. The packaging is gorgeous and unfolds to reveal the cover. The indigo colored linen reminds me of raw denim and feels like a well worn in pair of jeans. The front cover has a Franklin Christoph logo dead center.
- [Review: Yoobi Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/06/review-yoobi-journal/) - The Yoobi Journal is available in 2 sizes and styles: The vinyl covered 12.7x20.95cm or 5x8.25 inches which retail for $6 and the paper printed 8.5 x 6 inches and retails for $7. This review is for the vinyl covered version, though I’ve used both and the interior is the same. The Yoobi Journal is
- [Review: Moleskine Ballpoint Click Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/06/review-moleskine-ballpoint-click-pen/) - I picked up the Moleskine Ballpoint Click Pen (MBCP) at Staples off the clearance rack for a mere $6. Which compared to their original MSRP of $15.95 is a steal. Inside is a standard parker style ballpoint refill. Sadly Moleskine didn’t think to use all the same refills across all their products, so this one
- [Review: Matumaru-Kun Gold Plastic Eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/06/review-matumaru-kun-gold-plastic-eraser/) - I picked up the Matumaru-Kun Gold on rec from my RSVP co-host Dee over at The Weekly Pencil. It measures 1 3/4 x 1/2 x 1" or 45X15X25mm. This is a great size for pocket carry. It isn’t small enough to disappear (looking at you pebble) but it’s also not large enough to make an
- [Review: Nataraj Trio Eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/06/review-nataraj-trio-eraser/) - This eraser arrived bundled with a package of Nataraj Trikone pencils along with a pencil sharpener. It arrives wrapped in plastic inside the box of triangular pencils. The eraser measures roughly 35mm L x20mm W x15mm H, or 1.25 in x 0.625 in X 0.75in. Mine is traditional eraser pink but they are available in
- [Review: Apsara Beauty Dark Writing Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/06/review-apsara-beauty-dark-writing-pencil/) - The Apsara Beauty, or as I often mistakenly call it Black Beauty in some sort of homage to my childhood spent wondering why so many of my classmates loved the book and the movie Black Beauty while I continually thought to myself, man, shoveling horse poop is hard work. Since these arrived on my doorstep
- [Review: Nataraj Trikone Super Black Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/06/review-nataraj-trikone-super-black-pencil/) - The Trikone sports a core of Nataraj’s Super Black graphite. I’ve reviewed other Super Black pencils before, and these are no different. The core is silky smooth, dark, and I love it. The point retention/durability isn’t the greatest, but nor is any 2B pencil, and that is exactly where the Super Black cores sit- in
- [Review: Apsara Non Dust Eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/06/review-apsara-non-dust-eraser/) - These tiny erasers arrive bundled with Apsara pencils along with a sharpener. The NDE measures 35X12x18mm*. It is just small enough that it can disappear in my pocket but is just barely big enough that it’s easily found, so long as my pocket isn’t full of junk. It is white with a blue, green and white
- [Review: Shinola Small Notebook Soft Linen Ruled](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/06/review-shinola-small-notebook-soft-linen-ruled/) - I feel like I’ve written this review before but a search of all my posts reveals that I’ve written about their Write-esque pocket notebooks but not the small notebook. Now that I’ve used it for months I’m ready to tell you about the good and bad aspects of this pretty little notebook. Shinola isn’t breaking
- [Review: Paper-oh Ondulo Black A5 Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/05/review-paper-oh-ondulo-black-a5-journal/) - A few weeks back I visited my local book store (how excited am I that I can say that my city has a bookstore!?!) and while browsing found a good selection of Moleskine, Rhodia, and other brands of notebooks. On a whim I picked up a lined Ondulo Black Paper-oh Journal for $12.99. The Ondulo is
- [Review: Baron Fig Metamorphosis Confidant](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/06/review-baron-fig-metamorphosis-confidant/) - The Metamorphosis is a really well done journal. It sports a nice hard cover that is covered with a nicely textured linen (or similar) bookcloth in very light salmon aka Millennial Pink, the end sheets are bright blue. It feels awesome. The spine is flat and opens relatively flat. It’s Smythe sewn like most
- [Review: Story Supply Co X CW Pencil Enterprise Pencil Pusher Pocket Staple Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/05/review-story-supply-co-x-cw-pencil-enterprise-pencil-pusher-pocket-staple-notebook/) - The name of these is such a mouthful. We’ll just call them the PPN for the rest of this post. The PPN is a lovely collaboration of design aesthetics by Story Supply Company and CW Pencil Enterprise. I’ve reviewed the regular SSC notebook as well as their lovely Number 2 Pencils in the past. CWPE
- [Introducing RSVP Stationery Podcast](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/04/introducing-rsvp-stationery-podcast/) - Hey folks, the podcast is out of the bag- my friends Dee and Lenore and I have teamed up to do a podcast about stationery and so much more. You can listen to our first episode over at RSVPstationerypodcast.com and head to our facebook group for discussion.
- [Review: Nataraj Jumbo Plasto Eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/04/review-nataraj-jumbo-plasto-eraser/) - Nataraj (and Apsara) includes a block eraser and sharpener in every pack of 10 pencils you buy. The eraser measures 3.5*1.7*10mm, is made of firm white plastic, and sports red printing on one side. The red printing has the brand name Nataraj in a red stripe and the words Jumbo Plasto. On both my erasers
- [Review: Jane Davenport Butterfly Effect Book AKA Travelers Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/04/review-jane-davenport-butterfly-effect-book-aka-travelers-notebook/) - Do you love the idea of the traveler’s notebook system? Maybe you’re vegan or vegetarian and the idea of carting around a thick piece of animal hide grosses you out. Maybe you’re crafty and you like the idea of making your own but don’t have time. My thoughts on the BEB haven’t changed much since
- [Lined Notebooks and One Off Packs](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/04/lined-notebooks-and-one-off-packs/) - I finally listed the lined notebooks on my etsy account. You can find them here and here. The first link is to the general lined page with regular 3-packs of black, recycled covers, and a few packs of other colors. The second link is to the lined rainbow Allies packs. Get it, rainbow notebooks with
- [Review: Nataraj Metallic and Glimo Super Black Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/04/review-nataraj-metallic-and-glimo-super-black-pencils/) - Nataraj pencils are made and distributed by Hindustan pencil company, much like my previously reviewed and adored Casemates (which are distro’d by Walmart). I picked up these two packages of pencils from the ‘zon for $4.99 each with free shipping. Each pack holds 10 pencils, a white plastic block eraser, and a plastic sharpener. For
- [Review: Casemate Neon Pattern Printed Pencils Hex](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/04/review-casemate-neon-pattern-printed-pencils-hex/) - The current iteration of Walmart’s Casemate pencils are darn good. Made by Hindustan pencil company they feature a top notch HB core that is dark and smooth. I find the neon and multi-colored packages to be better than the plain yellow pencils. The key to getting good Casemate pencils is to look and make sure
- [Writing Process Examined](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/04/writing-process-examined/) - After NaNoWriMo I decided to start my next novel and continue writing by hand. Thus far I’ve written 66,600 words across 4 Yoobi composition books and used only graphite. The Yoobi books are significantly smoother in texture than the Norcom and Roaring Springs Comp books I used for NaNo. The tactile feel is substantially different,
- [Home Brew Pocket Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/03/home-brew-pocket-notebooks/) - I intended for this post to come out BEFORE I introduced No Brand Notebooks, but alas I left it in draft form and forgot about it. That said, I'm a huge fan of open sourcing information and I've offered up patterns for a bunch of my products to others for free in the past. I've
- [Review: Camel HB Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/03/review-camel-hb-pencils/) - I have resisted the allure of the Camel HB pencils for quite some time. I told myself, “they won’t be great, they are pretty but they aren’t great.” Finally in my last CWPE order I broke down and order 4 of them. At $1.50 each they aren’t cheap but they aren’t Caran d’Ache Stinkwood prices
- [Enter No Brand Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/03/enter-no-brand-notebooks/) - For those of you who have been here since the start, you own't be surprised when I tell you that I'm making books again, specifically pocket notebooks. This was, after all, my bread and butter for a good long time. Hell, it's why I started the blog- to discuss my nerdy interest in all things
- [Review: Curnow Back Pocket Journal with Tomoe River Paper](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/03/review-curnow-back-pocket-journal-with-tomoe-river-paper/) - I’ve been using a Curnow Back Pocket Journal with cream Tomoe River paper for a few weeks now. In fact the one I started with is nearly filled. Mine has a plain butcher orange card cover. Which has survived and is quite sturdy. It is the standard pocket journal size of 3.5X5.5 inches, with 48
- [Review: Baron Fig Archer](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/02/review-baron-fig-archer/) - So I'm a few days late and a few bucks short when it comes to this review. I've been sitting on it hoping my opinion would change. For the TL;DR crowd- it is pretty, if you like pretty, go ahead and buy them. If you want performance, go elsewhere. I picked up a few of
- [Sunday Study: The Perfection of the Paper Clip](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/02/sunday-study-the-perfection-of-the-paper-clip/) - All my stationery nerd friends said, "Read this book, you'll love it." Well, I have and I don't. When I spot a factual error in a book it makes me question all other information held as facts in the book. The first factual error I found was on page 26 where Ward states that reed
- [Sunday Study: Writing Down the Bones](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/02/sunday-study-writing-down-the-bones/) - I'm not sure how Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones has escaped my attention. I was published back in 1986 and chapter 1 is a blueprint for every writing with a stationery affliction to delve deeper into that affliction. For 32 years Goldberg has suggested to readers that they find a pen that lets them write
- [Review: Bic for Kids Mechanical Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/02/review-bic-for-kids-mechanical-pencil/) - Wandering the aisles of my local Staples looking for deals I found the Bic for Kids mechanical pencil. At $4.29 it's not a deal but it was interesting. The package includes the pencil itself, a pack of 6 leads, and an eraser. The pencil is designed to be a finger fitter to help little kids
- [Review: Conte X Bic Coloring Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/02/review-conte-x-bic-coloring-pencils/) - I picked these up for a mere $7 from the Staples clearance rack. I purchased based on seeing the name Conte on the package. The tin is gorgeously printed- the spiral coloring page on the top cover is great. The lid fits very snug and holds the pencils very tightly into their plastic tray. Opening the
- [How Much is TOO Much?](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/02/how-much-is-too-much/) - I've been in this holding pattern of knowing I have enough notebooks and journals to last me for the next several years. I haven't bought a new edition of Field Notes in quite some time.* I've traded and sold some off but felt no need to buy more. My use pattern is pretty stable. I
- [Point Comparison: 2mm Lead Pointers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/02/point-comparison-2mm-lead-pointers/) - Sharpeners and lead pointers are giant rabbit holes and I've barely touched the surface of the many amazing lead pointers out there. I happened to luck into finding the KUM-onit 233 and 250 pretty early on and they give me a very nice point that I like for my general use or writing and light
- [Comparison of Sharpeners: Long Point](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/01/comparison-of-sharpeners-long-point/) - Here's a little reference of points produced by long point sharpeners. Included are: Carl Angel-5 KUM Automatic Long Point KUM 5L or Stenographer KUM Masterpiece Apsara Long Point These are all sharpened on a #2/HB Ticonderoga of som sort. The natural wooden pencil in the various pics is a factory sharpened General's Cedar Pointe #1
- [First Impression: Butterfly Effect Book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/01/first-impression-butterfly-effect-book/) - This is my first impression of the Jane Davenport Butterfly Effect Book. Also known as a traveler's notebook or Fauxdori, or one of many other names for a version of the Midori Traveler's notebook- an ingenious take on an old fashioned version of a binder. If you want more info on the original Midori notebook
- [Comparison of Sharpeners](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/01/comparison-of-sharpeners/) - I sharpened pencils with my collection of sharpeners (not all of them) and took pics of the points next to factory sharpened General's Cedar Pointe #1 pencils for someone in the Erasable group. It's good to preserve those images before they disappear into the abyss of the FaceBook group feed. (searchable yet never found again.)
- [In Defense of the Humble Pilot G2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2017/01/in-defense-of-the-humble-pilot-g2/) - I’ve railed against the Pilot G2 in the past. It blobs. It skips. It smears. It isn’t waterproof nor is it lightfast. It is everything I don’t like in a pen that I draw or sketch with, in fact it is horrible for either of the 2 purposes in which I usually use a pen. I’ve
- [Sunday Study: Journal Fodder Junkies Workshop](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/12/sunday-study-journal-fodder-junkies-workshop/) - I’m going to start out by saying this is one of my favorite art journaling books. I enjoy the JFJ philosophy on visual journaling and their approach to art. I have a few criticisms of the book but we’ll save them for the end of the post. For today’s study I’m looking in depth at
- [NaNoWriMo 2016](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/12/nanowrimo-2016/) - This year I participated, and won NaNoWriMo. If you don’t know about Nano, the idea is that people sit down during November and write 50,000 words. That’s 1667 words per day, every day, for 30 days. Phew. I’ve tried to do Nano many times and always failed. I had excuses- too busy with work, the
- [NaNoWriMo](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/11/nanowrimo/) - No Secular Sunday Study this week. I’m doing NaNoWriMo this year so I’ll type up a few observations which will sadly NOT be included in my word count. First, while Nano says it’s all about “writing a novel in a month,” it’s really about gaining confidence in your writing ability and committing to writing everyday.
- [SSS: Writing as a Way of Healing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/10/sss-writing-as-a-way-of-healing/) - Writing as a Way of Healing by Louse DeSalvo, was required reading in my bibliotherapy class, and it’s well worth the piddly amount I spent to buy it and the amount of time I spent reading. (Seriously the ‘Zon has it for a mere 70 cents right now.) It focuses on writing, and specifically the Pennebaker
- [SSS: A Natural History of the Senses](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/10/sss-a-natural-history-of-the-senses/) - I first read A Natural HIstory of the Senses (ANHotS) way back in 1992, only 2 short years after it’s release, and when I was the impressionable age of 16. It blew my fragile little mind. I'd never read anything quite like this book, and I’d certainly never read much about the human senses, particularly
- [SSS: Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/10/sss-wabi-sabi-for-artists-designers-poets-philosophers/) - Wabi-sabi is a confusing concept, especially for us Americans who tend to strive for more and better and more. This isn’t to suggest that we shouldn’t strive for better or what we need, but part of the concept of wabi-sabi is acceptance for what we have. Further it is in part accepting that nothing is
- [SSS: Art Heals](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/10/12603-2/) - Art Heals by Shaun McNiff was my “filler quote” book in graduate school. It is a collection of his writings on art therapy. If you are able to filter through the copious amounts of woo woo and heaps of frou frou* there is a great deal of good stuff within the covers. I chose chapter
- [SSS: Rising Strong, Brene Brown](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/09/sss-rising-strong-brene-brown/) - Brown is best known for her TED talk on vulnerability, which is very very good. I’ve now read all 3 of her books, and if I’m going to compare the 3, Rising Strong is my least favorite. That said, I picked it because it links in really well with what I’ve been working on with
- [Open Letter to the AJ Ning Community](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/09/open-letter-to-the-aj-ning-community/) - Hi Everyone, Change is inevitable but we are a fortunate group. Ning, the company we use to host Art Journaling has raised it’s prices but we are paid for the next year so we are good on Ning until June 2017. another group I am a member of cannot afford the price hike and is
- [SSS: What it Is, Lynda Barry](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/09/sss-what-it-is-lynda-barry/) - With school starting I decided to pick the Barry book “What it Is” as my Secular Sunday Study. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Lynda Barry, she’s an award winning cartoonist and a professor. I want to say “of art” but her class is soooo much more than just art. You can follow
- [SSS: Privilege, Power, and Difference](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/09/sss-privilege-power-and-difference/) - Last week we saw the brouhaha over the University of Chicago’s anti-trigger warning letter, the Tattooed Professor’s response, and generally a great deal of posting that miss the point about trigger warnings. The big problem that I had with UC’s letter was that it was based on a fallacious understanding of what trigger warnings are,
- [Sunday Study](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/08/sunday-study/) - Many of the stationery groups I belong to end up with a great deal of religiously based Sunday Study posts. Most of the time these posts are less evangelising and more about the stationery used in the study. I realized that I’d spent the last 3 years of my life engaging in secular study every
- [Just a Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/08/just-a-pencil/) - Some of the heat that has been received over these posts has amounted to a minimizing and invalidating shout of, “It’s just a pencil!” Now I detailed my issues with the BWV and BW marketing over here so I’m not going to get into that. Instead i’m going to write about the statement, “It’s just
- [Tribute Pencils: Buffy Edition](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/08/tribute-pencils-buffy-edition/) - I’m a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan. I remember when the movie came out but didn’t watch the show until it was no longer on the air. I’ve made up for lost time by watching the entire season when I can’t figure out what I want to watch. Needless to say, with all this
- [Memory Sparks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/08/memory-sparks/) - It seems that bright colors and stripes are all the rage in pencil fashion these days. I’ve waxed philosophical about the neons in both Wopex and Ticonderoga in the past. This year Dixon has introduced striped Ticonderoga pencils in 5 colorways. Green, blue, yellow, orange, and magenta. Each pencil sports 2 shades of the color-
- [Pencils for Heros](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/07/pencils-for-heros/) - Yesterday’s post, and the responses to it across the other 2 blogs and the Erasable community got me thinking. I wondered, “What currently produced pencils would I assign to each of these people or things that I feel embodies them?” If I think about my pencil collection and each of these people/things, which pencils match
- [Diversity? Schmercity](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/07/diversity-schmercity/) - I haven’t subscribed to the Blackwing Volumes. There are so many reasons why, but after I let my Field Notes sub lapse I thought a lot about what it means to me to subscribe to something. I forced myself very carefully to examine my want vs need internal meter and each time I am faced
- [Review: Field Notes Byline Summer Colors Edition](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/07/review-field-notes-byline-summer-colors-edition/) - I don’t usually review the new Field Notes (FN) color editions as they come out, but Bylines is so different I think it really deserves a once over. First, I’ve been digging Reporter Notebooks for the last 6 months and began to get interested in them about a year ago. Why? I don’t know.
- [Review: Bob Slate Quad](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/07/review-bob-slate-quad/) - Comrade Johnny recently informed me in the Erasable Facebook group, about Bob Slate’s Quad ruled 5x7.75 spiral bound notebooks. I had to buy a few. The Quad is $2.95 at Bob Slate Stationers in cambridge, MA. It is not available anywhere else.* The covers are the Standard BSS hard kraft imprinted with a red brown
- [Review: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/07/review-staedtler-triplus-fineliner/) - I decided to pick up a trio of these pens a few months ago for sketching. I picked them up at Blick for around $2 a pen. They are now available at Artist and Craftsman for a little less. You can get multipacks on Amazon for decent prices. I’ve only seen singles at Blick and
- [Review: Handbook Trav-e-logue Series](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/06/review-handbook-trav-e-logue-series/) - I've been using the Handbook Trav-e-logue (HBT) series of notebooks for a few years and it is time I do a review. I'm in my 3rd of the 5.5x8.25" 128 page sketchbooks. I've used both the landscape and portrait versions, with 128 pages each. The paper inside is buff or creamy colored and has a
- [Follow Up: Lightfast Testing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/06/follow-up-lightfast-testing/) - A month ago I created some samples of art and writing materials to see if their pigments were lightfast or fugitive. I’ve checked them here and there throughout the month to see which pens fared the worst. There were some surprises and with other expectations were met. Let’s start with lightfast expectations met. The Uniball
- [Sarcastic Pencil Portraits](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/06/sarcastic-pencil-portraits/) - I've been working on a series of portraits as a method of working though my thoughts and feelings surrounding the Orlando Massacre. I started the series using BIC pens but they seemed to colorful for the grim theme, and I switched to pencils pretty quickly. These images have almost exclusively been drawing with Palomino Blackwing
- [Review: Write Notepads Pocket Ledger](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/06/review-write-notepads-pocket-ledger/) - Given my usual disdain for spiral bindings it might be considered unusual for me to put up yet another positive review of another spiral binding, but I am. So for those of you who need no other info, I like these so read no further. Let me get into WHY I like these notebooks
- [Review: Galen Leather XL Cover for Tablet and XL Moleskine](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/06/review-galen-leather-xl-cover-for-tablet-and-xl-moleskine/) - I’ve been using the large sized Teffa Bag-in-Bag to carry my tablet*, composition notebook, keyboard, pen, pencil, and the sundry other items I need for daily use. I’ve been looking for a portfolio style case that lets me carry the tablet safely along with the other tools I use for writing in one compact case.
- [Review: Lihit Lab Teffa Bag-in-Bag A5 (Small)](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/06/review-lihit-lab-teffa-bag-in-bag-a5-small/) - Recently Brad over at the Pen Addict mentioned that he had both sizes of the Lihit Lab Teffa Bag-in-Bag (BIB) and didn’t find the smaller size as useful. Like Brad, I have both sizes but I’ve found a use for the small size, but I don’t use it for stationery. I use it for personal
- [Review: Osprey FlapJack (OriginalVersion)](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/06/osprey-flapjack/) - For my final year of graduate school I realized I needed a smaller bag, my Brain bag was simply TOO big. I only had 2 classes, and only one of which met regularly in the city. Additionally, I didn't need to cart around quite so much stuff. I established what I'd be carrying on a
- [Review: Story Supply Company Pocket Staple Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/06/review-story-supply-company-pocket-staple-notebook/) - Story Supply Company was a fantastic Kickstarter back in Fall of 2015. I'm happy to say that I backed it to the tune of 2 packs of notebooks. I chose a pack of lined and grid rulings. I regret that I did not get a pack of their pencils at the same time. SSC notebooks
- [Review: Casemate Premium No. 2 Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/05/review-casemate-premium-no-2-pencils/) - I found these due to a post on the Erasable Facebook group. Casemates is Walmart’s private label office goods brand.I found a wide assortment of Casemate (CM) goods- from legal pads to pencils to journals in their office aisle. You name it, they have a Casemate logo slapped onto it. The majority of the goods,
- [Review: Bic Cristal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/06/review-bic-cristal/) - The Bic Cristal seems to be a heavily favored ball point for sketching, drawing, and doodling. One might wonder why when there are so many “better” options out there for pens. Please keep in mind that this review/discussion is abou the Cristal and NOT the shite Bic Stic. First and foremost, I’ll point out that
- [Testing: Light VS Dark in Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/05/testing-light-vs-dark-in-pencils/) - Occasionally I watch a few videos on the Youtube* and this one guy kept popping up as someone I should watch, RixCanDoIt. His videos are pretty good, and in the pencil videos he makes reference to his “MB grading” system. He’s thoughtfully provided a video on this MB grading System. Upon watching I had a
- [Lightfast Testing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/05/lightfast-testing/) - Every now and again I go through my various art supplies and test them to see if they are lightfast. Here in the US, it is now unusual to find ink or stationery supplies that are highly acidic, but lightfast? Well that is a whole other ballgame. I conduct tests of the majority of my
- [Revisit: TWSBI Eco (nomical) Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/05/revisit-twsbi-eco-nomical-fountain-pen/) - Nearly a year after its introduction, the TWSBI Eco is now available in full demonstrator model. I would be a liar if I said I didn’t want the full clear model.* I have been using the original black and clear since purchasing it shortly after release. This is the ONLY fountain pen in my stable
- [Review: USA Gold Natural HB pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/05/review-usa-gold-natural-hb-pencil/) - USA Gold is an interesting brand. Virtually ubiquitous, you can find these in Target, Walmart, CVS, and even the local Stop ‘n Slop. You can also order them via Amazon and a variety of other online retailers. Comrade Johnny over on Pencil Revolution might put these into the category of semi-cheap, but I’m comfortable going
- [Fountain Pens and Inks I use](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2011/10/fountain-pens-and-inks-i-use/) - Dave asked me on YouTube to link up my favorite fountain pens. So here's a list: Kaweco Sport- I like it for it's ability to fit discreetly in a pocket and be converted to an eyedropper. (at jetpens) Platinum Preppy- for $3 it's a workhorse, it comes in an array of colors and can be
- [Review: Mitsu-Bishi 9000 2B](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/04/review-mitsu-bishi-9000-2b/) - For my triumphant return to blogging after my thesis induced hiatus, I thought I’d start with a pencil that is equal parts magic and secret pencil processing, and that is the Mitsu-Bishi 9000 2B. It comes with the tagline “Made by Elaborate Process” stamped into its perfect, glossy green lacquer, so you know this is
- [Finishing Thesis](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/03/finishing-thesis/) - I'll be back to regular posting after the middle of April. I'm finishing my thesis and need to fully concentrate on that for the next few weeks. But I've got a few interesting tidbits planned for then. More reviews because HOLY COW do I have a backlog of pencils that I've got on my desk
- [Review: Caran d’Ache Grafwood](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/03/review-caran-dache-grafwood/) - I’m going to declare the Grafwood the answer to all the problems people have with the Swisswood, which will be referred to as the Stinkwood.* What is so great about he Grafwood? First it looks great. The lacquer is thick, smooth, and glossy. It’s pearlized and each grade has a corresponding shade, so the HB
- [Review: TWSBI Precision 0.7 Mechanical Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/03/review-twsbi-precision-0-7-mechanical-pencil/) - I’ve been seeing mentions of the TWSBI Precision for awhile now. When it first was introduced by TWSBI I drooled over it’s full metal body and retractable sleeve, all for $25. $25 is virtually unheard of when it comes to retractable tipped draughting pencils. Usually getting a retractable tipped pencil will cost $40 and up.
- [Review: Viarco Fine & Candy “Smoke”](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/03/review-viarco-fine-candy-smoke/) - The Viarco Fine & Candy “Smoke” pencil was the January Pencil of the Month (PotM) via CW Pencil Enterprise. The pencil is made of cedar and sharpens up as most incense cedar pencils do- very well. When sharpened this pencils smells fantastic. When I turn it in the sharpener there is a burst of strong
- [Review: Highlighter Pencil Round Up](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/03/review-highlighter-pencil-round-up/) - Consider this a mass review, or comparison, or whatever. My favorite highlighter will always be an eye droppered Platinum preppy with a 50/50 mix of Noodler’s Electric Eel and Year of the Dragon inks. It’s the best highlighter ever. I had to test out some highlighter pencils, simply to satiate my own curiosity. It also
- [Review: Ohto Horizon “Needle” Point Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/02/review-ohto-horizon-needle-point-pen/) - My feelings on this pen are really really mixed. I’ll do my usual start with the good then tell you about the bad. I’m required to use black ink for the clinical notes at my internship. as far as pen use for reviews go, it’s an ideal location. I write, a lot, every day that
- [Using the Stockpile of Materials](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/02/using-the-stockpile-of-materials/) - As a response to my series of posts related to the Erasable group discussion I wondered how do we get people to actually use their stockpiled materials. I alluded to teaching art in my previous post and how one tool is to get students testing out their various pencils, pens, and brushes. Once acquainted with
- [User, Collector, or Stockpiler Part 3](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/02/user-collector-or-stockpiler-part-3/) - In my final post based off the user, collector, or combination question that I posed to the Erasable Pencil Podcast group, I’ll write about a couple of points that seem to have several adherents, and those are: the seemingly accidental acquisition in the search for the right tool; enjoyment of variety and change; a love
- [Review: Bullet Pencil TT](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/02/review-bullet-pencil-tt/) - Recently I purchased a used Bullet Pencil TT (BPTT) made by Metal Comb Works. It was highly funded on KickStarter and something I was not able to back. I heard some murmurs on the ‘net shortly after people received theirs that it was not well balanced when used as a pencil. Once I got the
- [User, Collector, or Stockpiler Part 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/02/user-collector-or-stockpiler-part-2/) - The last post was about how do stationery users really get to a point where they stockpile, basically the journey from simple user of an item to stockpiler. To boil that down, the group consensus was that people were searching for the perfect pencil/pen/notebook/sketchbook. In that search some people had the rug yanked out from
- [User, Collector, or Stockpiler Part 1](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/02/user-collector-or-stockpiler-part-1/) - Not long ago I posed a question to the Erasable Podcast Pencil Community (EPPC) about how the members would describe themselves in terms of their stationery use: hoarder (for future stockpiler), user, collector, or some combination in between. I then asked them to really think about why they use their stationery goods in the manner they
- [Review: Koh-i-Noor Thermoplastic Eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/02/review-koh-i-noor-thermoplastic-eraser/) - In one of my last CWPE orders I added the $1.75 Thermoplastic to my cart. It was a whim, as if I needed another eraser. I ordered the teal, because I really like teal. Anyway, I was looking for a pocket eraser that would stand up well without needing protection from the wear and tear of
- [Review: Shinola Small Notebook Paperback, Ruled](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2016/02/review-shinola-small-notebook-paperback-ruled/) - During my last visit to Artist & Craftsman I purchased a few Shinola notebooks on a whim. The small paperback notebooks are available in a variety of colors and are displayed in a neat spinning display made of dark stained wood and plexiglass. For the paperback books I snagged the orange color but they also
- [Review: Story Supply Co. HB Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/09/review-story-supply-co-hb-pencil/) - I backed the SSC kickstarter campaign, and you should too. They are fully backed and are in the stage of scoring extras, so go back it and score! Also if you don’t want to read the rest of my review, I really dig these pencils. Nutshell review: Dark, decent point retention, great for class notes.I
- [Six Pencils for September](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/09/six-pencils-for-september/) - There are a lot of challenges on the internet- use this material, use that material, use only so many pens, etc… None of them really interested me. I dislike rules that aren’t my own… The first challenge that I’ve see that I really feel like I can do it the “6 Pencils for a Month”
- [Highly Visual Calendar](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/08/highly-visual-calendar/) - Because I am a visual person, I’ve always used some manner of large wall mounted calendar to keep track of the things I need to do. When I had a nifty office for my job, I had it mounted right next to my monitor and wrote in stuff as far in advance as I knew
- [Revision: Pocket Notebook Set Up](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/08/revision-pocket-notebook-set-up/) - Every successful system and tool must be reviewed periodically to assess its usefulness. Case in point is my use of pocket notebooks. I’ve been using a little card with a 3-month calendar taped to the front of the book. This has served me pretty well, but requires transfer from book to book. I’ve also pretty
- [Review: J.Herbin Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/09/review-j-herbin-fountain-pen/) - I look at this pen as the partner to the J.Herbin refillable rollerball, which seems to have been around for awhile. There is a reason I see it as a partner and it’s hard not to compare the two, as the body and cap and even grip are nearly identical. They differ only in the
- [Review: J.Herbin Refillable Rollerball Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/08/review-j-herbin-refillable-rollerball-pen/) - A brief digression before I begin the actual review. This pen is a prime example of why I am so against what I term the beauty, drive-by, or first impression reviews. While I think there is a certain validity to a first impression, it must be balanced against longer term usage to give the reader
- [Review: Uniball Air](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/08/review-uniball-air/) - Here is another pen that if I’d reviewed it when I first purchased it would have received a better review than after about a month of on and off use. I resist my urge to again rant and rave against drive by beauty reviews that are pretty but lack a substantive amount of use to
- [Use it Before Reviewing it](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/08/use-it-before-reviewing-it/) - I’ve previously written about what I’ve referred to as the beauty or drive-by review. I think it’s better called a first impression review, which lacks the derogatory inference of the terms beauty or drive-by. Though, I do believe that such reviews are inferior to reviews with lengthy use supporting the opinions of the reviewer. This
- [Review: The Mt. Tom Six by Four by Bob Slate](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/08/review-the-mt-tom-six-by-four-by-bob-slate/) - In complete opposite to the last notebook review I did, I’m ecstatic over this one, even though it has a spiral binding, and I’ve written about how much I despise spiral bindings. The Mt. Tom is a 6x4 inch 80 sheet notebook sold by Bob Slate Stationer in Cambridge, MA. The spiral binding is bright
- [Review: Mitsubishi Boxy Eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/08/review-mitsubishi-boxy-eraser/) - After reading a bunch of reviews I sprang for a Boxy eraser. I’ll also admit that I have a thing for black erasers. They are super cool, or have been stuck in that “super cool” frame since I was 12 and in 8th grade and most erasers were pink. I missed out on the bright
- [Two Weeks with the TWSBI Eco(nomical) Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/08/two-weeks-with-the-twsbi-economical-fountain-pen/) - It’s been another week with the Eco(nomical) I’ve run it through a full fill in a variety of circumstances. I continue to enjoy the pen and it has performed incredibly well.I have been using mine in my Field Notes with a personal blend of ink that is dark teal in color and based on the
- [More Unflattering Portraits of Presidential Wannabes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/07/more-unflattering-portraits-of-presidential-wannabes/) - I kinda decided that none of these portraits would be flattering. IN fact I went out of my way to find reference materials that were unflattering. Many of the candidates have what I call the "petulant little boy frown." You know the look a little boys, around age 5, gets when they don't get their
- [Portrait Process](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/08/portrait-process-2/) - I thought I'd show you some of the process of creating the images of the presidential wannabes. I start by looking through google and assessing the kinds of pictures they have available. I don't use just one as a reference, sometimes an image will wash out the nose, or the lips. Quite often all of
- [Portraits of "Presidential" Candidates](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/07/portraits-of-presidential-candidates/) - In an effort to learn more about politics and be balanced, I decided to read about each of the declared candidates for president. That wasn't making things stick, so I decided to make art for each of the declared candidates for US President. It turns out there are many of them. I could end up
- [Desire to Acquire](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/07/desire-to-acquire/) - A few months ago I started to really deeply consider the things that I’ve acquired. While I hadn’t gone past what I could reasonably use in a lifetime (SABLE*) I had picked up a lot of stuff I wasn’t using. After I’d written and posted my “cult of stuff” essays a few years back, I’d
- [A Week with the TWSBI Eco(nomical) Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/07/a-week-with-the-twsbi-economical-fountain-pen/) - I’m not going to go into the specific details about this pen, this has been covered by Goulet here and the video embedded below. Compared to other pens in the same price range, such as the Lamy Safari I find this to be on the clunky side. The cap seems a little too large to
- [Review: Sennelier Aqua-Mini 8 Half Pan Set](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/07/review-sennelier-aqua-mini-8-half-pan-set/) - The 8 color half pan travel watercolor set from Sennelier is a fantastic deal on on great watercolors. Getting 8 half pans for less than $20 is a steal, so this set is well worth the asking price, with a few caveats and work you'll have to do to make the set useable. The colors
- [Review: Nock Co Fodderstack XL](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/07/review-nock-co-fodderstack-xl/) - I backed the Pen Addict Kickstarter this past spring and received a Nock Co Hightower in dark green and yellow. It was fabulous, but after a few days of testing it out, it simply didn’t suit my needs. I sold it and bought myself a Fodderstack XL, which is basically a cordura nylon sheath for
- [Review: Staedtler 900 25 Pencil Holder/ Extender](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/07/review-staedtler-900-25-pencil-holder-extender/) - I’ve been using the Staedtler 900 25 pencil holder/extender (hereafter Staed925) since May. I haven’t used it daily, but nearly so. Let’s face it pencil holders and extenders range from ugly to slightly less ugly, but few are actually what I would term attractive. that is, until I received the Staed925. The Staed925 has an
- [Review: Twist Bullet Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/12/review-twist-bullet-pencil/) - It's been a few days since I got my hands on my Kickstarter backed Twist Bullet pencil from Metal Shop CT and HuckleBerry Woodchuck. Right out of the envelope I noticed two things. First the blue and silver combo I picked out is AWESOME. It looks stunning. the shade of blue is fantastic. Secondly, the
- [Attention! Kickstarter Cerat Pencils Not a New Product](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/06/attention-kickstarter-cerat-pencils-not-a-new-product/) - A few days ago I found this Kickstarter for Cerat pencils of Britain. I’ve seen the gem or jewel topped pencils around for ages, usually being sold on cheap import shops. So to see them on Kickstarter being sold as something new and of quality, well, I found that kind of funny. Anyway, I’m not
- [Blackwing's Volumes 725](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/06/blackwings-volumes-725/) - Not too long ago the new Blackwing limited edition series called “Volumes” was announced. With this new series of limited edition pencils, a subscription service mimicking that of Field Notes was introduced. There are some obvious differences, which will be discussed later on, but for now, let’s just say, it’s not the same.In the subscription
- [Opinion: Adult Coloring Books and Art Therapy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/06/opinion-adult-coloring-books-and-art-therapy/) - By now I suppose everyone has read about the “adult coloring revolution!!!”, from one of those click-bait shares on the book of face. Some of these articles suggest that the use of these coloring books is as effective as art therapy or IS art therapy. To make either of these two suggestions is incorrect and
- [Review: Ohto Sharp Pencil 2.0mm](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/06/review-ohto-sharp-pencil-2-0mm/) - The Ohto Sharp Pencil caught my eye when I stepped into Black Ink in Cambridge, MA. It’s bright yellow body is roughly the size of a Musgrave ChooChoo or My First Ticonderoga, but instead of being round, it’s hexagonal. The hex sides are rounded enough to be comfortable for long periods of writing. It’s short
- [Review: Kitaboshi Wooden Lead Holder with Clip](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/05/review-kitaboshi-wooden-lead-holder-with-clip/) - My first impression of the Kitaboshi wooden lead holder was that it was very pretty. The warm pinkish hue of the cedar matches Kitaboshi wood pencils perfectly. The chrome hardware goes with this wood perfectly. This lead holder is gorgeous in it’s simplicity.The clutch holds the lead tightly and does not slip at all, no
- [Review: Decomposition Book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/05/review-decomposition-book/) - I’ve been itching to test out one of these fancy notebooks for awhile. I’ve seen a lot of my classmates with them. They sport fun images on a raw tan cardboard cover, black cloth spine tape, and fun printing on the inside covers. The covers are nice and stiff, you are able to write in
- [Review: J. Herbin 1670 Anniversary Stormy Grey](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/05/review-j-herbin-1670-anniversary-stormy-grey/) - I was planning on waiting a few more weeks before I got this review up here, but if you follow me on instagram you know I have Stormy Grey, and you know I’m in LOVE. This ink is in a single word, delightful. In other words it’s sedate, yet fun; a business suit with a
- [Review: Best Pencil for Notes #1](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/04/review-best-pencil-for-notes-1/) - I decided to do a competition among my regular classroom pencils to see which I deem the most perfect note taking pencil.These are the pencils I reached for over and over again as I took notes in class. I have a pencil box with between 8 and 10 pencils, each sharpened in the Carl A5
- [It's Been Awhile](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/04/its-been-awhile-2/) - It’s been awhile since I wrote anything on here. I’ve been hard at work on papers and other class related things. I’ve not had time to write anything but papers. Though I’ve been sneaking a few words here and there on my novel for Nanowrimo Camp. I’ve written 7000 words on my novel since April
- [New Tool/Review: INDXD](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/03/new-toolreview-indxd/) - I have written about my indexing method for my pocket notebooks before. I had mentioned that I use a master index, but failed to show an image of the index. To recap- at the start of every one of my pocket notebooks I create a 2-column index. Basically, I write the numbers 2-48 on the
- [Friend in Need](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/03/friend-in-need/) - Well folks, I just learned that Jay of Huckleberry Woodchuck's home burned down. He's part of the duo that brought us the awesome Twist Bullet Pencil. He's a nice dude and Jon Fontaine is trying to raise some cash for him to help him through this troubled time. This is from Jon: As you now
- [Review: KUM Stenographer's Handheld Sharpener](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/03/review-kum-stenographers-handheld-sharpener/) - I purchased the Carl Angel-5 crank sharpener a few months back. It’s a great sharpener but I don’t want to be that kind of hipster asshole in the coffee shop with a hand crank sharpener. That’s just too weird for me. What I love about the sharpener is the wickedly long point. I can write
- [Review: Zebra Surari 4C](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/03/review-zebra-surari-4c/) - I really don’t understand the love of the Zebra Surari. I want to love it. The body of this pen is sharp- pretty in a way most multi-pens are not. It’s got smooth lines and it feels really good in the hand. I was able to get mine in a nice dark teal, it’s a
- [Reflection: I Write Heaps of Words](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/02/reflection-i-write-heaps-of-words/) - For those of you who have followed my blog for any period of time, you know I write. I write many words, some of them go here. Many of them are wrapped up in half finished art guides that need editing and photography to be finished. While cleaning my office, I came upon one of
- [Coffee: Keep Cup](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/02/coffee-keep-cup/) - Travel mugs. We all use them and no one really talks about them. Everyone has one that they think is the BEST ever, and they aren’t shy about telling you why theirs is better than yours. We've all been disappointed by one in the past. Well, at least in my circle of friends. I’ve gone
- [Coffee: A Tale of Two Grinders](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/02/coffee-a-tale-of-two-grinders/) - I purchased a Hario knock off coffee grinder on Amazon around six months ago. It’s worked great for me. The version I bought has an all steel drive system and has worked flawlessly at grinding anywhere from 16g to 40g of coffee almost every morning. Grinding my coffee in the morning has been a great
- [Perfect Pair](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/02/perfect-pair/) - I particularly enjoy Staedtler Wopex pencils, sadly they do not perform well on my notebook paper. I recently started to write in a Poppin Medium Soft Cover Notebook. The paper is smooth and allows my pencils to glide over it’s surface. This got me to thinking that if my harder pencils are not only gliding
- [Reflection: Feeling Accomplished via Pencil Use](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/02/reflection-feeling-accomplished-via-pencil-use/) - When the new semester began I decided that I was going to pick a pencil and use it until there was just a nub left. The first pencil I used down to nothing was a Creatacolor fine art graphite in B grade. Because it is a drawing pencil, the point retention was junk and I
- [Review: Sakura "Super" Foam Eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/02/review-sakura-super-foam-eraser/) - A few week’s ago Johnny Gamber of Pencil Revolution, my comrade in pencils, posted a picture of the always wonderful Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser(SMPE). It’s one of my long time favorite erasers. It’s plastic is gentle on paper and soft enough to clean graphite out of almost any rough paper. It is an eraser that
- [Organization: Pocket Notebook Set Up](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/02/organization-pocket-notebook-set-up/) - I often refer to how I set up my Field Notes on social media, but I’ve never done a full blog post about my set up. I keep waiting for a time when I have just set up a new book but not written much yet. I am finally at the perfect moment- I have
- [School: Organization with Teffa Bag-in-Bag A4](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/02/school-organization-with-teffa-bag-in-bag-a4/) - My office in a backpack is something of a misnomer, as I use one of 3 different bags depending on where I’m going, how long I’ll be out of the house, and what I’ll be doing. The previously mentioned Tom Bihn Brain bag is for days when I’ll be out of the house for the
- [School: Office in a Backpack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/02/school-office-in-a-backpack/) - I decided to write a little bit on here about some of my school/study aides. Typically, I'm a pencil and paper type of woman, but sometimes I need technology. Being in graduate school means that I often have to write lengthy papers in APA 6th edition format. Carting around a heavy laptop is just not
- [Review: Sonic Rachetta Capsule](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2015/01/review-sonic-rachetta-capsule/) - When I saw these on JetPens I immediately added the blue and green color Capsule to my wish list. I then made the mistake of tweeting and posting pics of it. By the time I was ready to buy it, in just a few days, they were all gone! I had to wait over a
- [Coffee](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/12/coffee/) - I've been toying with the idea of adding reviews of my other other passion, coffee to this blog for awhile. I haven't gotten around to doing it, but the idea is still sound. Of all of the things that come and go in my studio, coffee is a constant. I cannot remember a time I
- [Review: Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Gunmetal Mechanical Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/12/review-uni-kuru-toga-roulette-gunmetal-mechanical-pencil/) - David Reese might refer to mechanical pencils as bullshit but I've had a long standing love affair with these wondrous pieces of awesome. From my first knurled metal gripped Koh-i-Nor to this pencil, I love 'em. Well, except for that cheap ass Kuru Toga I previously reviewed. Enter the metal bodied version of the Kuru
- [Review: Apsara Platinum Extra Dark ](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/12/review-apsara-platinum-extra-dark/) - I received this pencil free from Notegeist in my first order. As far as I can tell other than some large quantity packaged on Amazon and eBay, Notegeist appears to be the only place to get just a few of these. Frankly, you'll want at least one of these in your pencil case. The looks
- [Out of Touch, Yet Perfectly Valid](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/11/out-of-touch-yet-perfectly-valid/) - As I've delved further into my graduate work I've felt more and more out of touch with the world of online art teaching, specifically the teaching of art journaling. Part of this is that I've deliberately distanced myself from all the hoopla and brouhaha that surrounds the opening of new classes. The marketing and commercialism
- [Review: Uniball Kuru Toga Starter Kit 0.7](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/12/review-uniball-kuru-toga-starter-kit-0-7/) - I'm going to start off this review with a negative statement then run into the more positive. This isn't my first Kuru Toga and won't be my last, but you shouldn't buy this as your introduction to Kuru Toga. Why? It's a cheap imitation of Kuru Toga greatness. The idea of the Kuru Toga is
- [Review: Tattersall Pocket Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/11/review-tattersall-pocket-notebook/) - I picked up a 2-pack of OrangeArt's pocket sized tattersall letterpress printed notebooks at Black Ink in Harvard Square awhile back. The 2-pack was $8.50, so pretty pricey.Each notebook has a cover and pages that are letter press printed with a tattersall pattern. Basically zigzag lines in a large grid pattern. The covers are printed
- [Review: Midori World Meister's Grain](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/11/review-midori-world-meisters-grain/) - I hit the Japanese gift shop at my University before class and picked out a selection of stationary goods as I shopped for potential Christmas gifts. I ended up leaving with stuff only for me (and this blog) and no Christmas gifts. But I did have ideas. Anyway, one of the items I purchased, on
- [Review: Classic Eraser Round Up](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/11/review-classic-eraser-round-up/) - Over on the Erasable podcast they spent an entire episode on erasers. The episode focused on erasers from the perspective of writers and lacked the perspective of an artist.* This highlighted to me the major differences in how artists and writers use erasers and why they use them. An overwhelming favorite of the podcast were
- [Review: Ticonderoga Sensematic HB #2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/11/review-ticonderoga-sensematic-hb-2/) - After using wooden pencils nearly exclusively for an entire summer it feels somehow wrong to admit to using a mechanical pencil, especially a new fangled one like the Ticonderoga Sensematic. I mean a ballpoint pen is necessary for filling out forms and such, but a no knock mechanical pencil? Oh my!The Sensematic* sports a silver
- [Ideas and Content](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/10/ideas-and-content/) - As I move further into my professional development as an art therapist and licensed mental health counselor* I find myself wanting to integrate some of my new interests into the blog. Partially as a resource, both for myself, but also to my readers. Well, with training in art therapy comes a lot of ideas of
- [Review: Furrow Books Pocket Size Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/10/review-furrow-books-pocket-size-notebook/) - I signed onto the Kickstarter campaign for Furrow Books roughly 6 or so months ago. I pledged for one of the founding member pocket sized notebooks. Its price was fair to help support the campaign.The pocket sized notebooks are 3.5x5.5 inches in size and contain 48 pages. The pages are held to the cover by
- [Review: Dixon Oriole HB #2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/10/review-dixon-oriole-hb-2/) - The Dixon Oriole is a pencil that reinforces my determination to use a pencil (or pen) for roughly a week, if not longer before writing a review. It also is a caution for other bloggers who might do what @paperandhand referred to as "beauty" reviews*, wherein a blogger is sent free product that is outside
- [Review: Zebra F-701 Stainless Steel Pen Hacked](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/10/review-zebra-f-701-stainless-steel-pen-hacked/) - The Zebra f-701 pen is a solid stainless steel pen with one exception, the knock has a plastic ring around it. However, the F-402 has a solid stainless steel knock. This hack explains how to swap the knock out of the 402 and the 701. While I question the tactical effectiveness It's a relatively easy
- [Review: Zebra V-301 Fountain Pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/review-zebra-v-301-fountain-pen/) - I had read a few good reviews of the Zebra V-301 Fountain Pen (V-301). The V-301 features Zebra's typical mixture of stainless steel and black plastic barrel. At first blush it's not a bad looking pen. The imprint is a crisp clean screen print. The black plastic is well molded and looks pretty nice. The
- [Reflection: Not Just Any Pencil Will Do](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/reflection-not-just-any-pencil-will-do/) - On the Erasable podcast group awhile ago the question was posed, "When did you first notice that there were differences among pencils?" Since I've had far too much caffeine than is good for me* and I can't sleep I'm going to answer this question with 2 answers.Back here I told you about my Grandparents traveling
- [Reflection: The BEST Pencil, EVER](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/reflection-the-best-pencil-ever/) - After getting the weird bendy extruded pencils*** (by empire? eagle?) several years in a row I vowed that when I had control over my pencil purchasing power to buy better pencils. I was also older and used pens as much as I possibly could. That is a whole other story*. Anyway, I think it was
- [Review: Field Notes Unexposed](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/review-field-notes-unexposed/) - The new Field Notes edition, Unexposed, has been exposed. Like Shelterwood before, this edition elicits both love AND hate from fans. The edition arrives within a black envelope so that you cannot see what covers you are getting. The editions are packaged somewhat randomly, so you have no guarantee of getting all 6 colors in
- [Review: Trapper Keeper Stitched](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/review-trapper-keeper-stitched/) - Back in the mid-80s Mead's Trapper Keeper went insane with school kids. I was no exception. I had one of the "fashion" versions with a geometric pattern that reminded me of a prism. I think I had an earlier version with kittens, but I'm not sure. I know that the velcro soon failed on me
- [Review: Calepino Notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/review-calepino-notebook/) - Calepino notebooks are the french equivalent of Field Notes. Their limited editions pair with a designer to create their covers, pencils, and matching pens. They have 4 ruling options- lines, grid, dot grid, and plain. Their regular editions feature a color that denotes the kind of grid inside, red, green blue and silver. The typical
- [You Might Notice](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/you-might-notice/) - So the last 2 reviews on here were missing ther images. that was purely my fault. I shot photos, loaded them to my computer and then... Well forgot about them. Yup. So I'll get photos onto those images... Sometime in the next day or so. This school year has me fried. I'm getting accustomed to
- [Suggested Readings](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/suggested-readings/) - Generally speaking, I really hate it when someone tells me, "I think you should read this book. I read it and loved it." I don't know why I hate that. Maybe it's because I spent so much time as a scifi nerd in high school. When my professor said to me, "I think you should
- [Reflection: Adaptability of the Traveler's Notebook System ](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/reflection-adaptability-of-the-travelers-notebook-system/) - For the last several years I've been carrying some variation of a homemade Traveler's Notebook system. I have gotten my system to perfection for me- one of my simple slim two pocket inserts, a BanditApple Carnet (BAC) peewee, and a Field Notes (FN). This system allowed me to jot down important information on a catch
- [New Journals](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/new-journals/) - At the beginning of the summer I made 6 recycled sign vinyl journals. I've been making this style of books for years, it's my most popular handmade journal. It's friendly to people who don't want a leather journal, super tough and fantastic for those notes you need ot keep around. I used a similar journal
- [Reflection: Best Tools for the Job](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/08/reflection-best-tools-for-the-job/) - I was thinking about a conversation I had with an acquaintance about pens and pencils. She considers herself a writer, at the time she was poo-pooing my use of fountain pens. During this conversation she made the statement, or something much like it, "Any pen will do the job." As she made this statement she
- [Shelterwood Stress Test Part 5](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/shelterwood-stress-test-part-5/) - I've been planning to revisit my Shelterwood stress test for a few weeks now. I'm still carting it around in my back pocket daily. It is worse for the wear but still perfectly serviceable and rugged.The covers of the Shelterwood are noticeably cracked, creased, and chipped. This is due to the fact that in the
- [Review: Yoobi Composition Book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/review-yoobi-composition-book/) - I previously review the Yoobi HB pencils. Like their pencils, the composition books are available in 4 bright cheerful colors. these colors all work together and look great. I enjoy the bright colors but they are not for everyone. The composition books feature medium weight card covers with the Yoobi toucan logo, the phrase "compose
- [Review: Doane Garage Series Utility Notebook Small](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/08/review-doane-garage-series-utility-notebook-small/) - In a recent Jetpens purchase I added a 3-pack of Doane Utility notebooks to my cart. I've used it for taking notes at my old job and found it great at US letter size. I was able to print the PDF and use it as I wished. Doane paper's schtick is that it has lines
- [Pocket Notebook File Storage Boxes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/08/pocket-notebook-file-storage-boxes/) - Ray of My Life All in One Place posted a video to the Field Nuts Facebook Group awhile back of a great little file storage box for any pocket sized notebook. I took his design and created a template in Make the Cut for my Crapcut machine. My version can be flat packed after cutting,
- [Review: Yoobi Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/08/review-yoobi-pencils/) - A few weeks ago I was browsing the stationary section at Target, don't pretend you don't do the exact same thing, and happened upon the new display for Yoobi. It's a nifty brand that donates a pack of what you bought to a school in need. Cool. I picked up a few notebooks and a
- [Review: Clips for Pens and Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/08/review-clips-for-pens-and-pencils/) - When I was a kid my grandparents had a pen and pencil cup near their phone in the kitchen. This cup held an assortment of pens and pencils they had accumulated over the years. Some had come from their work places and others as freebies from companies they had done business with. Later as they
- [Shipping Services](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/08/shipping-services/) - While I've been reviewing products on this blog for a good long time, one of the many things I've neglected to talk about is shipping from the various companies. We review shipping on Amazon, so why not from our favorite online pen and pencil companies? Here is my not so exhaustive list of shipping reviews
- [Review: Palomino Pencil Pack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/04/review-palomino-pencil-pack/) - I’m on a pencil kick lately, (as if you hadn’t noticed) and I recently purchased the Pencils.com mixed palomino pencil pack. This is a pack that contains a selection of 9 of the most popular Palomino pencils. Included in this pack are one each of: Blackwing, Blackwing 602, Blackwing Pearl, Orange Palomino Premium HB Eraser
- [Review: Faber-Castell Bonanza](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/review-faber-castell-bonanza/) - This pencil was received in a trade with my comrade Johnny of Pencil Revolution, a blog you should read and adore if you are into pencils.When I first looked at this pencil I was a little underwhelmed. Standard pencil yellow and gold foil imprint. Then I looked at the ferrule- copper colored holding a dark
- [Review: Tombow IPPO!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/08/review-tombow-ippo/) - The Tombow IPPO! is a Japanese pencil targeted toward kids for working on their handwriting. The pencils have bright attractive colors with one of their six sides white. It makes for a really neat looking pencil. The end is capped off and neatly banded with a bright silver foil. The grade of the pencil is
- [Review: Staedtler Norica](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/08/review-staedtler-norica/) - Last week I wrote about the Staedtler Rally, what I call the popped collar boat shoe wearing preppy of the Staedtler pencil line up.* The Staedtler Norica is the goth kid. The lacquer is satin finished black with a silver ferrule and imprint. The eraser is what seems to be Staedtler’s new standard white plastic
- [Review: Tombow 8900 HB](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/review-tombow-8900-hb/) - The Tombow 8900 pencil is in a word, delightful. That would be my short review. I especially love olive drab shades of green and this pencil is a great shade of olive drab. The paint on all of the 12 pencils I purchased have a perfect finish. It's dressed up with a gold foil imprint
- [Review: Musgrave Test Scoring 100](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/review-musgrave-test-scoring-100/) - Another recent purchase from Pencils.com was a 12-pack of the infamously smooth and dark Musgrave Test Scoring 100 pencil. This made in the USA pencil has been suggested to me as a "dirt cheap" alternative to Palomino Blackwings. They do not disappoint.Where some pencils arrive in a nice box or blister pack the Musgrave Test
- [Review: Stabilo GREENgraph HB](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/09/review-stabilo-greengraph-hb/) - Another recent purchase via Pencils.com the Stabilo GreenGraph is yet another good looking pencil. We can talk about my love of olive drab green and how it might skew my review of this pencil's good looks. Or not. This pencil features a flat olive green paint and cream colored pin stripes and imprint. The pairing
- [Bored and Sketching](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/bored-and-sketching/) - My wife does Olympic weightlifting. It's a terribly boring sport to watch until the person you are waiting to lift does their lift. Then it's exciting for about 30 seconds. Then it's boring again. There was a meet at the Bay State Games last weekend, and I went. I didn't know it was going to
- [Review: Fabriano EqoQua Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/review-fabriano-eqoqua-notebooks/) - The pocket sized Fabriano EcoQua(EQ) notebooks have been around for awhile and I've just now gotten my hands on a 4-pack at my local AC Moore with a 505 off coupon. The regular price at AC Moore is $8.99 for 4 3.5x5.5 inch notebooks. They feature 64 pages (or 32 sheets) of creamy off white
- [Review: Faber-Castell Grip 2001 B](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/review-faber-castell-grip-2001-b/) - I'd heard good things about the Grip 2001, plus it is a neat looking pencil, so I picked one up at Artist and Craftsman for a cool 81 cents. First, let's talk about the looks of this pencil. It's metallic silver gray with a black imprint and raised black dots along the triangular grip. the
- [Review: Mitsu-Bishi Matured 9800 General Writing Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/review-mitsu-bishi-matured-9800-general-writing-pencil/) - Another JetPens purchase was a Mitsu-Bishi 9800 HB “general writing” pencil. At a rich price of 70 cents this was the least expensive pencil of my recent purchase. And at 70 cents it was the best value. from what I’ve read the core of this pencil is the same as the Hi- Uni. In use,
- [Shelterwood Stress Test Part 4](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/shelterwood-stress-test-part-4/) - It's been well over a month since I last wrote about my Shelterwood. All along it's been residing in my back pocket. I've switched out from jeans to shorts, and I'm now working in my garden more and not riding the train. The Shelterwood has survived: a sweltering hot face melting trip on the MBTA
- [Review Redux: Staedtler Wopex NEON!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/review-redux-staedtler-wopex-neon/) - Thanks to Johnny Gamber of Pencil Revolution I got the heads up on the Erasable Podcast facebook group that Staples had the Wopex pencils in neon colors. I had to get a few packs. I ordered them and had them delivered to the store, I had to head to that mall anyway for another errand
- [Cost of Entry](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/cost-of-entry/) - If I were new to the pen, pencil, and paper addiction and reading the top blogs right now I'd be convinced that entering into this addiction might be very very expensive. As much as I love to read about pricey pens, I know that many are out of my reach. It seems to be a
- [Uninspired](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/uninspired/) - I've been trying really hard to not turn this blog into a straight up review blog. I need to share a few of my opinions on other "things." Right? Yeah. Sadly, I've been less inspired to write than I have been in the past. Maybe it's the 20 page papers I've been writing in grad
- [Wanted: Technique Today Ideas](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/wanted-technique-today-ideas/) - I've done a TON of Technique Today posts and I've gotten to the point where I think of something and then realize, I've done it already. I'm looking for ideas for Technique Today. Leave me a comment about a Technique you're interested in and would like to know more about. I'll do the research, separate
- [Review: Mitsu-Bishi NanoDia B Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/review-mitsu-bishi-nanodia-b-pencil/) - The shining star of my recent Jetpens purchase is the MitsuBishi (UniBall) Nano Dia pencil with a B core, in green and white. They are available in 2B as well and in the following shades green, pink and blue. The white finish of the pencil is pearlized. It’s very similar to the pearlized finish of
- [Review: Rhodia Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/11263/) - My high school’s arch rival’s school colors were orange and black. I later taught at the rival high school and on spirit day I wore my letter jacket… from my old school. Good fun. If that school could have a pencil mascot it would be the Rhodia pencil.* This triangular pencil boasts a snazzy bright,
- [Review: Koh-I-Noor Toison D'Or 1900 Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/review-koh-i-noor-toison-dor-1900-pencil/) - The Koh-I-Nor Toison D' Or pencil is sharp looking with shiny black and cream lacquer and a gold imprint of the name and degree indication. I have a thing for black pencils, probably because they were hard to find when I was a kid. The gold foil imprint is sharp and well centered on the
- [Review: Mitsu-Bishi Hi-Uni Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/review-mitsu-bishi-hi-uni-pencils/) - In my last JetPens purchase I ordered a pair of Mitsu-bishi Hi- Uni pencils. I picked out the HB and B grade. I refer to these as the adult, in the non-dirty manner of speaking, pencils. Their smooth burgundy paint, gold foil imprints, and slick black plastic and gold caps simply look like the kind
- [Review: Palomino Blackwing Pearl](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/review-palomino-blackwing-pearl/) - The final pencil I’ll review from the Pencils.com Palomino pack is the Blackwing Pearl. It is by far my favorite of all the Blackwing pencils. It’s in the middle of the Blackwing pack in terms of darkness and hardness. It’s slightly darker than the 602 and slightly lighter than the “original” Blackwing. The writing experience
- [Review: Staedtler Rally](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/07/11349/) - One of the pencils that I’ve been using a lot over the last couple of weeks has been the Staedtler Rally a #2 HB. These caught my eye on Amazon because they are navy blue and white striped. The imprint is white and tends to wear off pretty quickly, leaving behind a matte impression of
- [Review: BIC ECOlution Evolution HB](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/08/review-bic-ecolution-evolution-hb/) - I picked up a few neat pencils in a trade with PencilRevolution's Johnny Gamber. One of those pencils was the BIC ECOlution. Like the Staedtler Wopex, it's extruded. Unlike the Wopex it is flexible. Similar to the weird flexy extruded pencils of the 90s, you can really bend this pencil as you write. Unlike the
- [Review: General's Sav-a-Point](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/review-generals-sav-a-point/) - I’ve been wanting to get a package of pencil point protectors for awhile. I’ve had a pair of Sun Star “sect” point protectors for awhile, and they are okay, if ugly. I put the General’s Sav-a-Point 12 pack of point protectors in my Amazon wishlist a month ago. The protectors come with a General’s All-Art
- [Technique Today: Mandalas](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/technique-today-mandalas/) - This week I'm looking up videos about one of my favorite topics, mandalas. Mandalas are great tools for relaxation, mediations, and adding a touch of focus and calm to a journaling practice. You can get out a compass and make precise circles or make shapes that are loose. It's your choice. If you have issues
- [Tools I Use: Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/tools-i-use-pencils/) - That discussion I had with Eraser Girl about erasers also got me to thinking about the OTHER tools I use, so today I'm going to explore pencils. For years, through out high school, college and a few years after, I used Staedtler MARS Lumograph 100 HB- 6B for sketching. Back in the 90s they were
- [Technique Today: Watercolor Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/technique-today-watercolor-pencils/) - Watercolor pencils make me incredibly happy. A 12-pack will give an infinite range of colors allowing for bright jewel tones to dirty muddy earthy colors. Anything is possible with watercolor pencils. If you have issues viewing the videos here on my blog please click the title of the video on the upper left of the
- [Saying Goodbye](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/saying-goodbye/) - A non-art related post, please bear with me for a moment. As a long time pet owner I've never had to have a pet put to sleep. I've lost cats to coyotes, cars, and mysterious disappearance. One even curled up on the front lawn and passed away, a cause other than old age unknown. So,
- [New Field Notes Covers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/06/new-field-notes-covers/) - I've been working on some prototypes of recycled sign vinyl covers for Field Notes. I've made a number of prototypes and have listed a few of them are for sale on my etsy shop. I've priced them below what the final design will sell. While they are perfectly serviceable there are little things that I
- [Pen and Pencil Clips](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/pen-and-pencil-clips/) - I made a few new pen clips and added a new double pencil clip to the mix. You can get them on my etsy shop.
- [Technique Today: Color Theory](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/technique-today-color-theory/) - Color is often discussed but understanding the theory of it can helpful for mixing paint, layering markers, and color choices. Like composition we talk about it, some understand it intuitively, and other study color theory. Like anything some understanding of the theory is helpful. If you have issues viewing the videos here on my blog
- [Tools I Use: Erasers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/tools-i-use-erasers/) - I've been having a lively discussion about pencils and erasers with Joyce of EraserGirl. Which really got me to thinking about the erasers that I use regularly and those that I hate.I've written on here before about how much I dislike the Paper-Mate TuffStuff. In this recent discussion, I suggested that I might be better
- [Shelterwood Backpocket Stress Test Part 3](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/shelterwood-backpocket-stress-test-part-3/) - I've been carrying around my Shelterwood in my back pocket for 40 days. This is much longer than I normally carry a Field Notes. More than twice my typical carry time. In my opinion, it has fared just as well as any other Field Notes. Any FN carried naked in a back pocket while walking
- [Future Reviews and the Summer of Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/future-reviews-and-the-summer-of-pencils/) - I placed an order with JetPens and it contained 5 different types of pencils. Part of the order was my first full box of a Palomino Blackwings. The Pearl stole my heart and it's the first Blackwing that I've wanted to write, draw, and doodle on everything. It's an awesome pencil. I have a full
- [Complete!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/complete/) - I'm very happy to report that I've finally been able to migrate my writing and images from Typepad to a self-hosted WordPress site. There are drawbacks to this, but so far so good. I'll be updating the "look" of the site over the next few weeks. I need to make a new banner and determine
- [Review: Palomino Golden Bear](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/review-palomino-golden-bear/) - The Palomino Golden Bear is my second review of the pencils.com Palomino pencil pack pencils. The Golden Bear pencils (GB) are in the mid-range grouping of the pack. The are available in blue and orange. Like all of the Palomino pencils the finish is crisp and perfect. the ferrule is brass with an orange stripe
- [Back Pocket Stress Test Field Notes Shelterwood Part 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/back-pocket-stress-test-field-notes-shelterwood-part-2/) - I've been carrying the same Field Notes Shelterwood in my back pocket since April 15th. I posted my first stress tests on April 27th. My initial results showed wear and tear that was not much different from any other Field Notes carried in a back pocket. The results after almost a month aren't much different.
- [Review: Kum Ellipse Pencil Sharpener](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/review-kum-ellipse-pencil-sharpener/) - I am excited to report that AC Moore stores are carrying KUM brand sharpeners and the prices are fantastic. I spotted my favorite KUM Automatic Long Point for about $6. Even though the long point is $6 on Jetpens, getting it locally for $6 is worth it because there isn’t any shipping. The other
- [Technique Today: Ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2014/05/technique-today-ink/) - I love ink. It's a great thing to fiddle around within art journals. It also goes well with last weekk's topic, lettering. If you have issues viewing the videos here on my blog please click the title of the video on the upper left of the video and it will open up in YouTube for
- [Notebookism.com](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/notebookism-com/) - I’ve been reading Moleskinerie for what seems like ages now. It’s usually got a great bunch of links and content directed towards my second favorite notebook of choice, the moleskine. It provides me with enough fodder for reading that I enjoy it with out needing to be obsessive, though I do admit that it IS
- [Old Book Press](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/old-book-press/) - I also listed my old light duty book press on eBay. I’m hoping it sells for a decent amount, but it may not. Its in great shape and I used it the other day on the current batch of hedgehogs. It provides just enough pressure to evenly press the covers of hedgehogs and keep them
- [](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/4714/) - I have a group of auctions ending today or tomorrow. The auction ending today ends around 6pm Eastern time. That’s for the book press. You can see the auction here. and the original post about it here. I’m hoping that tonight after my interview I can actually get a chance to get my butt into
- [Ending Tomorrow](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/03/ending-tomorrow-2/) - Tomorrow around 9am Eastern time the press listed on eBay here Ends it's auction. I'd like to also point out that my brother also has one listed on his etsy account here.THe original post about the press(es) currently on sale is here
- [Oldie But goodie](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/07/oldie-but-goodie/) - I wanted to post a link to my on of my first posts about penslips from over a year ago.Enjoy this oldie but goodie.
- [book/'zine](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/08/bookzine/) - Just a quick note from my DayJob! The last few nights have been a whirlwind of working on a new 'zine. I realized after reading my post about marketing that I should write up what I know in an article and post it. After a few days of writing it and editing what I wrote
- [Back in Black](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/back-in-black/) - Whew! Today is my first sort of day off from the day job in over 7 days. Crazy! So I’m rested and ready to go in the studio. I’m working on a larger size journal and thinking about how it will work in terms of the spine. I know from my own experience that I
- [A few things](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/a-few-things/) - As tired as I am from the day job I did manage to come home, watch some quality TV and then package, weigh, label and generally get ready for shipping a large assortment of journals. I’m pretty happy with the paying for and printing off of postage through paypal, it’s pretty seamless, I hate the
- [Covers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/covers-2/)
- [eBay Assortment](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/ebay-assortment/)
- [2 days of work](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/2-days-of-work/) - Last night I started to put the glue on a bunch of leather sheets for gluing up covers. Last night I was able to finish with 9 of them in an hour and a half. Today I spent 2 hours gluing the leather to the backing papers, trimming and reinforcing the spine areas. So far
- [More Crash](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/more-crash/) - Today has been an uneventful day. I’ve spent much of my time loading things onto the new computer and trying to find all the websites I’ve visited on a regular basis and distinguishing those from the ones I need for the studio. I do feel somewhat lost without the website to work on and of
- [crash bang boom](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/crash-bang-boom/) - My computer crashed, big time, the hard drive failed and probably next week or so I’ll find out how much information I’ll be able to save and if any at all. I’m chalking it up to a complete loss and as a result I had to buy a new computer. It’s not much of a
- [Larry's Birthday Gift](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/larrys-birthday-gift/) - I made this medium sized journal for my friend Larry. His birthday was Friday and I'm just now getting it to him. He has yet to see it and I'm hoping he likes it.I added some additional embelishments that I don't normally. I used a belt type closure with my envelope style flap and eyelets
- [Been in a funk](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/been-in-a-funk/) - I've been working like a mad woman at my day job and it's taken it's toll on the amount of journals I've been able to make when I come to my studio. I've pretty much come home and tried to clean my tables and put things away and organize. Every little bit helps, right? After
- [Abby's Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/abbys-journal/)
- [Just Sold on Ebay- what a steal!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/just-sold-on-ebay-what-a-steal/) - This journal just sold on eBay for $12.50+ shipping. For a small handbound journal it's a great price. The journal is moleskine size and I have several of them that I use on a regular basis.I need to order another ofhte golden brown colored lambskins- the colors goes well with so much.
- [On Ebay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/on-ebay-3/)
- [Newer Sketchbook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/newer-sketchbook/)
- [Random Studio Stuff](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/random-studio-stuff/) - Not exactly bookbinding related but, it’ related to eBay sales and all that fun stuff. I managed to snag a ton of little sheets of bubble wrap from work. Not to worry, I’m re-using not stealing. They came on these cute little vases I ordered for the store. I had saved a few of them
- [One more new](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/one-more-new/) - This is also of my new stock line of journals. I think that I like this one most of all. I think that i like the non-alternating pattern on the spine better. Mostly because it makes a thick chunky mass of black on the spine.It is also on eBayHERE!
- [new journals, Stock line](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/new-journals-stock-line/) - I had decided some time ago to create a "stock" line of journals. Journals that take me less time to sew and therefore less expensive than my custom or more artistic creations. This is the first in the line. I rahter like it. the sewing is simple, more easily sewn than others, but still decorative
- [Large Sized Sketchbook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/large-sized-sketchbook/) - I’ve been working on larger sized sketchbooks. It’s always been a request from people- larger, heavier paper etc. So I worked on this 3-signature sketchbook today. It’s got a flexible black pebbly textured sheep cover, backed with a couple of papers. The spine is reinforced with only tyvek. Which seems to work for this few
- [eBay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/ebay-3/) - I forgot to mention that I have 3 journals up on eBay right now they are here:ONETWOTHREE
- [Finished today](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/finished-today/) - The accounting things I had to do today took much less time than I had expected. I’m finished in record time. Though I suppose it doesn’t matter as much as it could because I remembered that some of the files I had lost were in fact backed up online. All I really had to do
- [Lines](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/lines/) - I have figured out how to make lines on a page. I’ve done it before but it wasn’t this easy. I had PageMaker ready to use and looked at it and realized I really didn’t want to use it for any amount of time tonight, so I pulled out my trusty Word and figured out
- [Future plan](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/future-plan/) - 4 journals in one day, I’m pretty impressed with myself. Granted I had all the covers finished ahead of time and all I needed to do was cut and fold the paper and sew the covers on. I took a lot of breaks and took a decent nap. (C’mon today is one of my few
- [Station Cradle AKA Sewing Cradle](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/station-cradle-aka-sewing-cradle/) - This is my home made station cradle aka sewing cradle. It's cardboard from leftover paper boxes and hotglue. Lots of hot glue. Iwould suggest that when buildingone of these not to use the cooler melting glue but the hot hot melt glue. It works much better.I reinforced the bottom with tyvek so that my signatures
- [Last one Today](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/last-one-today/)
- [Every adventure must have a great journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/every-adventure-must-have-a-great-journal/) - I made this journal with a friend of mine in mind. I may give it to him but I’m not sure I want to part with it just yet. I think it fits his personality to a T and that he will enjoy it. To the good stuff! It’s a pocket sized travel style journal.
- [Premium Stock Travel Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/premium-stock-travel-journal/) - I'm pretty excited about this journal. I accidently cut the cover about 4 inches too long. So the flap wraps entirely around the journal and covers the spine protecting it from everything. It looks great too. I left eh foreedge raw and used a coordinatingleather for the thong. The inside paper is a block printed
- [Well punched stations](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/well-punched-stations/) - I like how Keith Smith refers to the holes along the spine that you sew through as "stations." I'm not sure what they have been refered to historically but I like the term station. I'm getting better at making my stations consistatnly in teh same place. the pictures are of 9 signatures with perfecdtly even
- [Alternating long Stitch](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/alternating-long-stitch/) - A simple book, with alternating long stitch in natural linen sewn into slots as if on tapes. I really like the alternating pattern along spine.While sewing this I realized I was going to run out of room in my slots. I had cut them and eighth of an inch too short. I adapted an exacto
- [Binding Day](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/binding-day/) - Today is going to be a binding day. I have that stack of covers that I made 2 weeks ago and I’m pretty sure that I can blow through it all today and shoot pictures. I also have pages for a larger kraft paper filled sketchbook. I’m not sure if that will happen today or
- [Another eBay journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/another-ebay-journal/) - I just posted this up on eBayIt's one of my standard journals, 180 pages, leather cover adhered to a fun paper (the cave art paper I lvoe so much!) flap and thong.I've been pretty incomunicando the last coouple of days. The day job has been, rather interesting. I'll leave it at that. I'll leave the
- [BIG book- maybe](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/big-book-maybe/) - I’m working on a potential custom order. I am trying to decide if the leather will support the journal the girl/lady/woman wants. She’s looking at a fat tome for writing. We’re talking a 600 to 700-page journal. I have no doubt that I can bind such a journal inthe proper sizes the question is if
- [Finished custom Order](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/finished-custom-order/) - So today I finished the customer order for the large size sketchbook. Things went pretty seamlessly on the actual journal. I encountered none of the issues I had with the smaller size and the other journal I made. I reinforced the spine with tyvek AND 80lb drawing paper. I then used eyelets for added strength
- [On eBay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/on-ebay-2/) - I just put this journal up on eBayIt is a 9 signature 180 page journal with light blue strathmore paper. The spine is reinforced with tyvek and I used eyelets to reinforce the station along the holes. I used my typical envelope flap and thong for the closure. I used an alternating long stitch forthe
- [Watercolor Sketchbook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/watercolor-sketchbook/) - It’s about time for me to crash but I just finished this sketchbook and thought I’d post it up. The leather is this incredibly soft lamb skin I had squirreled away from 3 years ago when I had bought the hide. It’s still incredibly soft and smooth and still has the leather smell. I backed
- [stationary](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/stationary/) - This is the stationary I had printed today. The sheet on the left is the color and texture I originally wanted, I ended up with 24 sheets in that color and 76 in the other lighter color. It will do for now. What I'm really happy with is the business cards. I love the torn
- [just finished](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/just-finished-2/) - This is the newest journal I've made. It's 5.5x5.5 inches and an inch thick. It's sewn with natural linen and features alternating long stich and a pair of spine braids. It has my typical flap and thong closure, except this thong ties to itself to hold the journal closed. The backing paper is beads on
- [General Maintenance](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/general-maintenance/) - I managed to get many things finished this morning. I had my business stationary printed and I was going to get the cards printed but they didn’t have the color paper I wanted. In fact the color I wanted my stationary printed on was no longer available. I had it printed on a mottled dark
- [2 Journals down, 6 more to go](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/2-journals-down-6-more-to-go/) - So I’ve got to head to the day job sometimes soon and I’ve finished 2 of the journals I set up to finish. I had hoped to finish at least one more, but I did manage to list them both on eBay, so I guess that makes it worthwhile. They are listed here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6963359579 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6963346244
- [Bitersweet Chocolate](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/bitersweet-chocolate/)
- [Golden deer Hide](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/golden-deer-hide/)
- [Thursday plans](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/thursday-plans/) - Today is gorgeous and sunny. I’ll be spending plenty of time soaking up those rays but in the rest of the day I have a lot of work to do. I made up 8 covers last night and cut the spines this morning. I spent a good part of the morning folding the pages into
- [LIttle Pink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/little-pink/) - Okay, I’ve decided to list the small pink journal on eBay, BigBlue has gone to my web page. I can’t bear to part with big blue for less than it’s actually worth. So LittlePink is listed HERE Check it out! BigBlue is listed on my website HERE!
- [Big Blue](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/big-blue/)
- [Just Finished](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/just-finished/)
- [eBay NOW!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/ebay-now/)
- [So happy!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/so-happy/) - I am more than a little excited about his journal that I just made for Scarlett. It was perhaps the biggest challenge that I’ve set myself up for in a long time and I see that my long dormant binding skills are surfacing and succeeding in looking good. I need to make sure that I
- [Scarlet's Journal 95%](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/scarlets-journal-95/)
- [95% There](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/95-there/) - The custom journal for Scarlet is 95% done. I have finished distressing the covers, working on the spine and I’ve sewn it. I’ve also scalloped the edge of the flap and added the thong to tie it shut. I’m pretty darn happy with it. My roommate referred to it as girly. I think that’s compliment.
- [Hand Distressed](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/hand-distressed/)
- [Supplies](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/supplies/) - I've got the leather distressed. I need to add a layer of varnish to protect it, but so far so good. I think it looks really great. I'm not letting much of the orginial color show through but the red colors I picked out match it really well. The pink was much lighter than I
- [](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/5579/) - Today I start the pink journal. I expect to make great progress on it. I have the day off so I can’t ask for better timing. Today I will dot he following: Cut the cover. Distress the cover. Back the cover. Measure out and punch the spine. Eyelets! (Clean my table and desk.) Hopefully I
- [Just Finished Custom](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/just-finished-custom/) - I finished this journal early on Friday. I found the cute little alphabet eyelets at Michaels and they were perfect for this journal. The lettering was perfect- classic and the metal was not too shiny, which wouldn’t have gone with the theme or style.So I finished it or so I had thought. When I emailed
- [Now on eBay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/now-on-ebay/) - I just put this journal up on eBay you can find it here:Journal
- [Gallery Pics](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/gallery-pics/) - I was checking out my eBay auctions and then searchingmy search words to see what came up and I realize I really need to pic my gallery pics much more carefully. I need to make sure that they aren't too dark, unlike the gallery pic for the chocolate brown watercolor sketchbookit's here:Cocoa Sketchbook.I'm pretty sure
- [Finally a nice day and a journal nearly finished](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/finally-a-nice-day-and-a-journal-nearly-finished/) - I’ve been working on the custom order this evening. I managed to get the pages sewn in and the thong attached now I’m just dealing with the matter of the initials. I initially toyed with the idea of “branding” them in with my soldering iron, but I did it on some samples and it just
- [A Set Back](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/a-set-back/) - I had an amazingly long day at the day job today. I won’t go into details but let’s just say that I was tired when I left work. I had a light meal and washed it all down with a coke, and sometimes I’m amazed by how much a soda is reviving. It’s that little
- [A Major Case of the Blahs!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/05/a-major-case-of-the-blahs/) - Okay, so the day job was incredibly draining. I took a nap rather than working on anything productive.I did however, get the stations on the spine laid out and punched, so all I have to do tomorrow is punch the stations along the signatures and sew. We’ll see how draining the job is though.
- [Custom Order](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/custom-order/) - I've been working on this special order for 3 days, mainly thinking of what style of sewing to use. Because it only has 3 signatures I wanted to use somethign a little different. Slots could have been done, but what a pain in the butt to do for only 3 signatures. I also considered doing
- [Loaded 2 up to eBay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/loaded-2-up-to-ebay/) - I loaded these 2 journals up to ebay:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6964933641http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6964933289I finished them a couple of days ago.They are these 2:
- [Finished 3 tonight](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/finished-3-tonight/) - I finished these up tonight. 3 journals. 2 distressed and one cocoa brown leather. All with long stitching and some decorative X's along the spine. You can't see it on the cocoa brown book, but trust me, its there, along with a faux endband.So yeah, I'm exausted. I'm going to bed.
- [Last of the deer hide](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/last-of-the-deer-hide/) - So this is also one of the last pieces of deer hide i have left. I'm kind of sad to see it gone, but it was all nice.This journal was the journal of mistakes. First I managed to punch the stations before cutting the pages to the correct size- in this case they only needed
- [Cocoa pebbles](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/cocoa-pebbles/) - This is one of my last pieces of the cocoa brown leather. I backed it with green washi printed with copper paisley. I like this paper too, I'm torn between this and the yellow for my next sketchbook.
- [Dark Distressed Leather, with a yellow lining](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/dark-distressed-leather-with-a-yellow-lining/) - This little guy is a distressed leather hide, which was a little darker than those I get now. it's backed with bright yellow japanese washi paper printed with a same color cloud over print. It's only visible in certain light. i'm quite enamoured with the iner paper and plan on using it on my next
- [White X's and Black Leather](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/white-xs-and-black-leather/) - This journal is smooth black sheep hide, backed with orange and gold marbled paper. the spine is a long stitch sewn to slots and then decorative X's are sewn up the spine.I have to saythat this journalis inspired by the White Stripes. i was listening to an interview of them on NPR and while I've
- [punching stations](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/punching-stations/) - This is a long post so bear with me.These are 3 covers with my templates temporarily glued down (leho 2 way glue baby, the best.) I measure the template on the covers so they work with the cover. Here I have a stack of 10 signatures to go with this cover. I take the middle
- [Productive](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/productive/) - Today was a productive day. I made 4 micro mini journals as you can see in my previous entries. I’ll be listing those on eBay. I also managed to finish 2 travel-sized journals. One in distressed leather and the other in a cocoa brown leather. It’s one of the last cocoa brown leather covers I
- [Micro Mini Pink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/micro-mini-pink/)
- [Micro Mini with a Flap](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/micro-mini-with-a-flap/)
- [NO Flap Micro Mini](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/no-flap-micro-mini/)
- [Distressed Leather Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/distressed-leather-journal/)
- [Cocoa brown with distressed thong](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/cocoa-brown-with-distressed-thong/)
- [Micro Mini Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/micro-mini-journal/) - I finished this journal earlier today. It measuers 1.25inches whide by 1.5 inches high. It has all the same things as my regular journals- fun inner paper, acid free archival paper and a flap and thong. All in miniature, that is a quarter you see in the picture. It's a single signature, 20 pages signed
- [More pics of the last 2 today](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/more-pics-of-the-last-2-today/)
- [2 More](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/2-more/) - I Just finished these 2 journals, that makes 4 for today, I'm pretty happy with my productivity, I've don'e well. if i really buckled down I could have made 6 today. Instead I took a nap. It's my sort of day off. .. Though I love my time in the studio I do need
- [Distressed Leather](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/distressed-leather-2/) - Here's another of the eBay line with holes versus slots. I like the look of both slots and holes but really the black linen against the distressed leather is fantastic. This one took no time to sew, and it looks really great.I've also put it up on eBay. It's here:Distressed Leather
- [Smoooth Black Leather](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/smoooth-black-leather/) - I made this 4.25" wide by 5.5" high journal a little earlier today. It's got a whole 200 pages of fox river warm gray paper sewn in a long stitch pattern, through holes rather than my usual eBay line in slots. Holes make the cover production take about 15 minutes extra- each hole is individually
- [Considering](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/considering/) - I‘ve been thinking of getting an eBay store. I sell 80% of my journals from eBay and since I’ve started to sell at the buy-it-now price, I’m thinking it would be nice to have some fixed price auctions. The potential sales don’t necessarily outweigh the cost of the thing. Of course I would use the
- [oh yeah!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/oh-yeah/) - I forgot to mentionthat I loaded up 2 new journals to eBay today.ialso put up a large journal- 6x9 outter dimmensionsYouc an see them all here:http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/less23
- [progress and plans- oh and a vacation is coming up!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/progress-and-plans-oh-and-a-vacation-is-coming-up/) - Today my leather and drawing paper arrived dry and quite safely. I’m completely overjoyed at the quality of the leather. It’s simply fantastic. Super smooth heavier than normal and just great. It’s damn near flawless. Brad came through again. Even the distressed leather is pretty darn great. I had bought a ream of Strathmore drawing
- [3 more makes a total of 8 today](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/3-more-makes-a-total-of-8-today/) - well I'm feeling pretty good I completed 6 books today. Granted I had made the covers and punched the stations on the previous 3 days but still it feels good to get all that done. That being said that's a pretty good output for 3 part-time days. (I finished 2 more late last night.)Today was
- [Potential Specialorder](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/potential-specialorder/) - These are the first 2 journals that I've made for a 25 journal special order.
- [First in the Large eBay experiment](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/first-in-the-large-ebay-experiment/) - This is the first in my large line for eBay. I'm not sure I'm going to be happy with the experiment. I'mgoing to give it a half dozen in this size before I give up on it. these are twice as expensive to make but take about the same amount of time
- [Several days activities in one shorter than normal post!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/several-days-activities-in-one-shorter-than-normal-post/) - I didn’t get a chance to write a run down of all the things I got done book binding-wise yesterday.I had a particularly productive day. I also realize HOW important it is for me to drink a lot more water than I have been, coffee is good but water is better. Anyway, I managed to
- [Pastor's Eight](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/pastors-eight/)
- [Quick Update](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/quick-update-2/) - Yesterday was a sort of productive day. I did much of the hosue work I have been meaning to do and got a lot of binding work done. The heat has been brutal and hasn’t really made me want to make books. It’s made me want to spend lots of time in my air-conditioned bedroom.All
- [Future](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/future/) - I spoke with my friend about jumping on this running after your dreams bandwagon (She’s about to embark on a journey of self employment- a combination of XXX and XXX XXX.) Everyone has been right about this. I’m jittery and nervous but in a really good way. I have self-doubts and that’s what led me
- [Order Book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/order-book/) - I decided that I need to keep track of my orders like we do at work, with an order form. I thought I could also keep the forms in one place so that i could refer to them easily. It also seemed like a great opportunity to work on my smaller book size skills.I decided
- [Finished Smooth Black Goat Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/finished-smooth-black-goat-journal/) - I wrote about this journal the other day. The cover is the hide that I found stuck in a drawer. I think I really like goat hide, too bad its so darn expensive and hard to find. This one happened to be from Alberta and cheap on eBay.Anway, it's up on
- [The last Several Days- in a long rambling entry!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/the-last-several-days-in-a-long-rambling-entry/) - Yesterday at the day job I had a wedding order to make. Not a bad bit of business for the man, but I also wanted to take pics for my portfolio. I took my camera, tripod and backdrop with me to work. It involved me taking down my journal shooting area. Which was fine as
- [I like this one](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/i-like-this-one/) - I've been working on getting a backstock on my ebay line of journals for the last couple of weeks. So far I've completed 9. I have 3 more covers to go and i'll have 12, freeing me up to work solely on the Pastor's order. I just bought another distressed hide
- [5 for a Custom Order](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/5-for-a-custom-order/) - I've been working on a custom order for 15 to 20 journal, all either dark brown or black, 48 pages, 2 signatures with my envelope style flap and thong closure.I've got 5 sewn up, ready to be trimmed and finished. I choose a fast stitching pattern, a variation on the long stitch. One of them
- [getting pages square to the cover](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/getting-pages-square-to-the-cover/) - I've been asked how to get the pages square to the covers. Or how to line up the book block so that it's square to the covers. Here is how I do it! I start with a finished cover, leather cut to size and backed with a paper. I then get out my trusty right
- [not every day can have a gold star](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/not-every-day-can-have-a-gold-star/) - Everyday can’t be a perfect day. I came home from work today and pretty much crashed all I was able to do was cook, eat and fall asleep. The fact that I’m updating is pretty motivated for me right now. That being said I did drive to ACMoore and purchase linen thread in black and
- [day at a glance](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/day-at-a-glance/) - That aside I feel pretty accomplished due to the large amount of work I completed. I finished, in this order:1 custom order for 2 3-signature journals9 covers for a 15 to 20 journal custom order, I cut and backed them, so all I have to do is figure out what sewing style I’m going to
- [4 of the eBay line](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/4-of-the-ebay-line/)
- [Custom Order #2 for the day](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/06/custom-order-2-for-the-day/) - This book is very similar to the last I posted and is in fact for the same order. Again I went with a simpl stitch and I varied it form the last. I made the top staions align and varied the stations inside the sewing. I like it. It's subtle and nice.The journal size is
- [watercolor prototype](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/watercolor-prototype/) - I'm pretty excited about this sketchbook. It's perfect landscape size, but also can be used verticle and I like it a lot. I'm sad that the lady whom I orginally bought the paper for backed out- leaving me with 30 sheets of very expensive Cold Press paper- my favorite but most people like hot press
- [Finished](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/finished/) - Things have been going pretty well book wise!I finished up the pastor’s order last night and allowed myself some extra quality time with my bed this morning- I got up at 8:30 instead of 7! The pastor’s order looks great. I must say that it as a collection is beautiful, separately it’s not as impressive
- [The Last of the Pastor's Order!!!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/the-last-of-the-pastors-order/)
- [first 4 finished today](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/first-4-finished-today/)
- [Journals Ending soon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/journals-ending-soon/) - I have a couple of journals ending today. One is a large 6x9 200 page journal with a distressed leather cover. It’s here: ON eBay Here’s a pic of the large journal: I also have a small really reddish brown colored journal done today. It’s a very cool texture and the color on the screen
- [It's been awhile forgive me please!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/its-been-awhile-forgive-me-please/) - It’s been a few days, you’ll have to forgive me, and I’ve been busy. Well obsessively reading Harry Potter, as I said last post- great book fast read. I spent the yesterday with Chris at work and then very ill. Lesson to myself, if milk tastes even a little funny over the food I’m using
- [Not much Book news](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/not-much-book-news/) - I 'm quite afraid to say that I've got not much to report here, i've made some covers, printed out a few hundred pages of lines, had my printer go on the fritz and bought the new harry potter book.I've finished reading it, won't spoil it for you, but to say that it's very good.the
- [I made this for Christie](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/i-made-this-for-christie/) - I made this for christie! It's the reddish brown pebbly textured sheep hide, backed with a thai washi style paper with imbedded pieces of sheet music. the inner paper is 24lb Fox river tree free bamboo paper. The sewing is a linked long stitch and false end bands in natural unbleached linen. there are 280
- [Finished 5 today](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/finished-5-today/) - I finished 5 journals today. 3 small and 2 large sized. All 200 pages with some sort of wausau paper. All with linen either natural or black, mostly natural.I also managed to load up a couple of tutorials, one on long stitch and one on the weaver's knot. I may have to go back and
- [Final hint](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/final-hint/) - Say you get working on a signature adn everything is going well, but you nitice half way downt eh signature that thigns are uneven! Now is the tiem to fix it, don't think at the end you can manipulatethose threads into working for you- if you've done things right and things are tight you won't
- [Helpful hints and tips](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/helpful-hints-and-tips/) - After every signature- pull the thread tight!After you exit the signature ready to climb to the next close the signature and press down on the fold. Sometimes, depending on the paper, you can use a bone folder and it will make things easier. General rule of thumb- the thicker the paper the more you need
- [Long stitch tutorial part 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/long-stitch-tutorial-part-2/) - Okay, now you've got your first signature done and your ready to climb up to the next. Think of your signature as steps on a ladder- you have to stand on one to get to the next.In the first signature, you've just entered the inner fold on the last station of that signature. From here
- [Long stitch tutorial part 1!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/long-stitch-tutorial-part-1/) - Due to popular demand I've decided to go ahead and work on a long stitch tutorial. I'm going to work on it in several parts, it's 31 pictures long!This can work on paper covers, fabric covers and the leather covers I've demonstarted here.First start with my tutorial on creating stations and measuring those onto your
- [Weaver's Knot- a tutorial](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/weavers-knot-a-tutorial/) - I use the weaver's knot pretty often, somtimes I don't cut the thread long enough and osmetimes it's just too unweidly to use a thread that is long enough for 20+ signatures.I've used several types of knots in my bindings and i have to say that I like the weaver's knot the best. It's not
- [The LAST chocolate borwn journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/the-last-chocolate-borwn-journal/)
- [Rd Brown on eBay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/rd-brown-on-ebay/)
- [Big 150page Custom Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/big-150page-custom-journal/) - I just finished making this journal it has a few finishin touches and it will be good to go. The stats:150 pages of 80lb Strathmore drawing paper- hand torn on one edgeDark Distressed Sheep hideBacked with street map and map of USPocket in back for loose odds and endsRaw edge flap with strap- extra thickNatural
- [custom prder finished](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/custom-prder-finished/) - I just finished an order for a custom journal and I’ll put up it’s stats and pictures.240 pages of hand torn kraft paper pages12 signaturesQuadruple Spine braid and double false end bands in black linen threadChestnut brown distressed leatherBlue marbled paper backingRaw edge flap and long thick strap to close itIt measures 5.5X5.5 inches and
- [Big 6X9 inch Journal- Soon on eBay!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/big-6x9-inch-journal-soon-on-ebay/) - This deep reddish brown journa is now up on eBay HERE!It's a nice size, I've been using one this size for a while now to record the basics about the books I'm making- color of leather, inner paper, pages spine sewing style along with it's number.
- [Red Brown Leather- on ebay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/red-brown-leather-on-ebay/) - I've got the small red-brown leather journal up on ebay now, it's HERE!I like this leather a lot, it's much tougher feeling than much ofht eleather I work with. It's quite nejoyable.
- [up on ebay-smooth black leather](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/up-on-ebay-smooth-black-leather/) - So this smooth leather journal is up on ebay now. It's HERE!
- [Shaving Leather](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/09/shaving-leather/) - The pics will show you how to shave, pare, or skive leather with a paint scraper. I use a Red Devil paint scraper with a metal body and a slide out mechanism for the razor blade. I get my razor blade from Home Depot by the 100 count box. It’s cheaper that way and the
- [Leather Paring](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/09/leather-paring/) - I’ve been doing a little research into leather paring. For those of you not into using leather in your books it’s the term for shaving down leather so that it’s not as bulky in some areas, like for turn ins and around the spine. I became interested in it because I was making leather place
- [Steady now, steaaddddyyy!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/09/steady-now-steaaddddyyy/) - Well, personal issues abounded the last few weeks, but they are evened out now and I can get out of my rut. I had car issues today that interfered with my doing anything of much use. That being said, my car is now fixed and quite happy, amazing what a new battery can do!I moved
- [5 spines](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/09/5-spines/)
- [Printer Woes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/09/printer-woes/) - GARGHHH! my beloved printer is having a rough time of it. I use it for so much. Laser printers are a big save on cash, especially if you find a cheap one. I have to recomend my Okidata 810e to anyone loking for a cheap laser printer. eBay is full of toner and print drums
- [up on ebay 4!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/up-on-ebay-4/)
- [HAD a lost post](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/had-a-lost-post/) - Yesterday I wrote out a long rambling post about an assortrment of things. I'll spare you the drivel and get straight away to the good stuff.My obsession with the moleskine knock offs- now better known as Hedgies or hedgehogs is waning a bit. I've made a giant stack that I'll slowly be auctioning off on
- [wordy wordy wordy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/wordy-wordy-wordy/) - After some trepidation filled thought I decided to list my moleskine style on eBay. I can’t fund the “research” without selling some of them, as much as I would like to hoard away my first dozen or so books, I have to make a go at making them work for me as much as I
- [holy moly moley](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/holy-moly-moley/)
- [hedgies continued](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/hedgies-continued/) - I'm deeply invloved with this hedgehog style of binding. I tend toget like this- obsess ov er a new binding. I might explain this by the fact that I never do any glue based bindings, and this binding style, while a sewn binding is super string because of the glue. I hate that the sewing
- [Hedgehogs forever](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/hedgehogs-forever/) - I’m been knee deep in Hedgehogs* for the last week or so. Needless to say it but I’m hooked just as I was before. It’s such a perfect size of a journal- pocket sized and perfect for on the go jotting of notes. The difference between these and what I used to make is that
- [Finished Watercolor journal job!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/finished-watercolor-journal-job/) - The watercolor journal below was a long time in the making. I spent I don't know how long waiting for paper to arrive, it not arriving, putting in a new order among other things. today i had enoug o fthe waiting and drove myself to Charrette and spent way too much on paper. I lucked
- [These 3 on ebay now](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/these-3-on-ebay-now/)
- [just finished-giant](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/just-finished-giant/) - I just finished this giant journal, it's for a custom order and I'm pretty excited at how well it came out.the stats: smooth black sheep hide adhered to a printed washi paper360 24lb acid free lined Wausau Ivory colored pages18 signaturesunbleached linen thread waxed False end banding, linked stitches and an X pattern inthe center
- [On ebay- ending soon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/on-ebay-ending-soon/) - I have a journal up on ebay endong soon.It's here Here!
- [Whooo Hoott](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/whooo-hoott/) - Its been blisteringly humid here in the fair town of Wakefield and I swear parts of my body are melting off me.The pollen count is amazingly high as well so those of us with Tree Pollen allergies it's been the worst of the worst. All that being said Ihave some news!The guy who ordered 10
- [10 nearly identical journals](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/10-nearly-identical-journals/) - these 10 journals are for a special order. They are 10 journals, all with dark chesnut brown distressed coversbacked with a tan lama li paper, to match what a sueded interior would look like for the back of the leather. There are 200 pages of lined wausau paper, 24lb. It's all sewn together twih a
- [Whoopps!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/08/whoopps/) - Well, i must say that I've been remiss in my studio blog duties this past week! You'll have to accept my apologizes, I've had a few issues at the DayJob that required nme to work a total of 7 days this week. Yeah 7 days, it stinks but it had to be done. Firgive me.
- [4 up on ebay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/4-up-on-ebay/) - I just loaded these 4 journals up to eBay. they are here if your interested: eBay!2 are watercolor journals and 2 are my pocket sized journals. I also relisted the journal that the person won ad then never paid. *sigh* I always hate that. In my close to 200 items sold on eBay I've had
- [Long time no Write](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/07/long-time-no-write/) - I've been back in Mass for a couple of days now and this is the first chance I've gotten to write on the studio blog. I had a 5 day stretch of time in my home state of Maine that was simply for relaxing. I didn't do much of anything but enjoy the cool breezy
- [Reporters](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/reporters/) - I had a request for a reporter style hedgie. So i made it. these are exactly like my other hedgies, sans bookmarker. These are lined per the request of the gentleman who requested them.I also made 10 hedgies in 3 days. I sped the process up by using the pre-cut paper. It greatly increased my
- [Hedgehog/Moleskine Hack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/hedgehogmoleskine-hack/) - This is a pretty simple hack but I thoguht I'd post about it anyhow.I bought a photocorner punch a few weeks ago. I thoguth it was a corner rounder. Much to my surprise I grabbed the first hedgehog I got my hand on and it produced this:So I shoved a business card in there. i
- [A jig for algernon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/a-jig-for-algernon/) - So This is the set up I used before I started to makea lot of books and needed a larger paper cutter. This is the Fiskars photo trimmer, it trims 2 to 5 sheets at a time and utilizes a fixed blade in a little plastic handle. I start by lining my trimmer with a
- [Thing-a-ma-JIG](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/thing-a-ma-jig/) - I've been asked about my paper trimmer jig. It's a pretty simple piece. I have plans to further adapt it but that will have to wait.I use a fiskars table top rotary cutter. I like rotary blades because they don't pull and they cut in exactly the same place each time. If I over load
- [Mad about angled stitches](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/mad-about-angled-stitches/) - I've been binding all day and while i haven't met my lofty goal of making 10 journals idid finish 5 large journals and one small. I still ahvetime to make a few more if I try. I did make it to the post office for shipping a lot of journals to Canada. I also made
- [Big Dark Blue](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/big-dark-blue/) - I'm getting back to loving the chunky weighty journals that have a weight in your hand that is unmistakable.This is a journal similar to the Big Blue Journal that I have on my website. the difference here is that it's a deep dark almost black blue colored deer hide. It's so soft and smooth it's
- [Metallic Pinks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/metallic-pinks/) - This is a 6x6inch an 2 inch thick watercolor journal. It's got 144 pages of Fabriano Uno paper, hand torn to size. the leather is a foiled leather in raspberry color. I bought red eyelets to match the leather. i used black linen thread to sew. You may recognize the pattern, Iused itfor another watercolor
- [FRANKEN JOURNAL](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/franken-journal/) - This would a be a perfect update for halloween,but it's a week or so too early! I finished what I'm now calling the "franken-Journal style" (Thanks Bart!) journal. It's big, 8x10 inches, 200 pages of 90lb drawing paper and a unique sewing that is based on how the patches that were randomly sewn across the
- [3 down and so many to go!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/3-down-and-so-many-to-go/) - Well, I just put the finishing touches on 3 journals and all 3 complete orders. How fantastic is that? I'm pretty excited about it all. i'll post plenty of pics tomorrow. Its funny how fast time flies by when one is doing something they love.So tomorrow pictures and lots of them!
- [Paper](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/paper/) - I'm searching for a paper. A paper thats good for light watercolor washes, collage and smooth for writing, it's foldable for binding and isn't too expensive. I'm making a book for someone and they need paper that can handle all those types of work. It also needs to be oatmeal colored. I'm thinking a trip
- [attack of the killer hedgehogs](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/attack-of-the-killer-hedgehogs/) - including the 2 hedgies i've got up on eBay right now i've made 9 hedgies in the last week or so. This is on top of working on designs and cutting covers for custom orders.I strongly believe that on my current art based income i could live in reasonable poverty if I were to move
- [Photo set up](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/photo-set-up/) - I've been asked about my photo set-up. It's pretty simple. I have a rolling metal cart that I put up against the wall. I use binder clips and non-maring poster putty to hold my backdrop up. I've used just tacks in the past. I've also used a chair. the main thing is that you need
- [Custom Journals](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/custom-journals/) - I love making custom journals for people. It gets me a chance to experiment within guidelines. I think that this sort of thing was never something covered in my college art courses. I learned about stiring my creativity and geting customers but never about filling orders and how to learn what people really want. I've
- [Dye-ing to get it started!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/09/dye-ing-to-get-it-started/) - I’m chomping at the bit to start binding one of the more artisiticly involved journals I’ve got on order. Mainly because it involves me using thread that I’ve dyed myself. I picked up a multi set of jacquard fabric dyes for natural fabrics. Right now I’m working on the kinks in the dye but so
- [Hedgehogs](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/09/hedgehogs-2/) - Well, I’m pretty excited! I’ve been featured here:http://www.moleskinerie.com/2005/09/meetthe_hedgeho.htmlIt’s a pretty big deal to me, I love being featured on site I love and I love the moleskinerie, it’s a great site with are and info on moleskines. To have my work featured on here is pretty exciting. It’s funny that I’ve been making these moleskine
- [Historical journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/historical-journal/) - I had a request for a medieval/renaissance historical looking journal. This is it. While it's not strictly true to renaisance binding, it's a modern twist to the style.It's 200 pages of cream Eaton 24lb, 25% cotton paper. A deep chocolate brown seep hide and deer leather accents. Black irish linen for the sewing in a
- [Hedgehog/Moleskine Hack #2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/hedgehogmoleskine-hack-2/) - Okay so a lot of people ask about how to attach a pen to a moleskine/hedgie. I stick to fountain pens which are a little larger than many pens (cross Ion seems to be the most popular.) Here's how I attach my rotring Graphite fountain pen (Or my Vintage Pelikan GO! pen.)First I hook the
- [Stores](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/stores/) - I've been considering for some time if I would like an eBay store in addition to my regular listings. This would open up a variety of options for me. I could list an item for an indefinite period of time and it could be buy it now. Someone could look at the item for a
- [Notebooks and thinking on paper with ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/notebooks-and-thinking-on-paper-with-ink/) - In other news I’ve been sketching out a lot of designs in a hedgie I made for the purpose. I carry it with me at all times, even at the DayJob. When inspiration strikes I’ll run and take brief break and sketch out an idea. It’s also a good way to think out ideas for
- [Spambots](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/10/spambots/) - I'm really sorry to have to do this topeople, but the SPAM-BoTS have found my blog. I"m putting comments on word verification. If you leave a comment (Which I welcome and want) you'll have to verify that you are a person and enter in a word that will appear on the screen. I'm sorry to
- [Business- rolling up my sleeves](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/business-rolling-up-my-sleeves/) - I have been working on eBay since 2001 with journals and art. I started looking at what people were selling and how they sold. I’ve learned a lot and I’ve taken notes. As frustrated as I am with their current fee structure, I still like eBay and will continue to use their services. I’m in
- [so little done but so much](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/so-little-done-but-so-much/) - I feel like I got very little done though I really did get a lot more done than it at first seems. I managed to cut a load of really nice covers, some of which will fetch high prices at auction as well as on etsy, keep an eye out over the next week or
- [Current Obsession](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/current-obsession/) - I read an article in a magazine at B&N last night about Van Gogh, those of you who know me in real life know of my obsession with his work, in particularly his ink sketches. Back when I lived alone I checked out book that had a great deal of images from his huge assortment
- [Four for Tuesday](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/four-for-tuesday/) - I’ve finished the small covers that I had made already. I switched to slots for these sewings as I felt that I have a ton of stationed sewings on etsy. So one of these will go for eBay and the other 3 for etsy. Tonight I’m also going to work on the 6 recycled books
- [Those recycled books](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/those-recycled-books/) - So I've been in a crazed book making fit today. I've made 3 of the recycled books and made another 6covers. It's not fast but it works. This time around I've remembered to score all teh folds... I forgot that on one ofthe books I made before, not a good idea.So the books on etsy
- [](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/5069/) - I’ve been working on the new book style since last night and I’ve got it worked out pretty decently. I cut a cover sheet and score it (that’s important) then glue down a scrap of leather to the spine area. I use a nice thick PVA, so it doesn’t soak into the leather too much
- [ON a golden roll](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/on-a-golden-roll/) - I started to stitch this journal last night with about a half hour before bedtime, ofcourse I chose the one journal in my stack that has a sewing that will take more than an hour. I could have just used the black thread and saved myself the time of the double sewing but I can't
- [Several Items on etsy.com](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/several-items-on-etsy-com/) - I've been playing around/ experimenting [which sounds more professional? ;)] with using a similar station pattern to see what i can get out of it in terms of different links, angles and what not. These journals are some of those experimental books. i have one more I haven't finished stitching yet but we'll see where
- [On eBay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/on-ebay/) - I have posted to eBay an 8X11 journal that was a rough draft for the big journal for a sale. the final journal sold in the $70 range but I'm unsure of how this jorunal will do on eBay. Its got 160 pages of 80lb strathmore drawing paper, sewn in unbleached naturally colored irish linen
- [Ebay can take it's fees and... well not right now but...](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/ebay-can-take-its-fees-and-well-not-right-now-but/) - As of late my eBay fees have skyrocketed I’m not sure if they have revamped their fee structure or not but it’s becoming less profitable for me to use eBay. I’m losing a larger piece of my money to them every time I make a sale. Then to add to it the PayPal fees, which
- [Big Bad and Dark](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/big-bad-and-dark/) - this journal started out normally enough, a request for a custom order. Easy enough rigth? Yeah. I took the oreder and from tehre I screwed up royaly each time I tried to make it. First I sewed it up in the wrong leather- a light distressed finish and then I forgot the eyelets. I stitched
- [thick and 400 pages](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/thick-and-400-pages/) - I used to be very nervous about making a journal with over 300 paegs, since I've now made a few of them, i'm not. The book if sewn properly does just fine, the tension of the thread to the paper hold the spine tight and doesn't allow the spine to tear as I previously thought
- [Red and Black](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/red-and-black/) - This 6x9 inch journal is a custom job. I used a linking long stitch to spread the red across the spine. It's simple and effective, I think anyway. The leather is a black sheep hide suede that I accidentally ordered, but it's amazingly nice. The nap is unusual in that it's very low, so it
- [sketchbook entries](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/sketchbook-entries/) - I've been sketching things out in my hedgies as thoughts come to me, which lately has been pretty often. I've also been asked about my planning and design process. 65% of it is all in my head and the other 35% happens on paper; in a hedgie I keep in my back pocket 90% of
- [More Cowbell](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/more-cowbell/) - I got a lot done today. All paper and covers for custom orders are finished. Tomorrow I will work on spine designs and in the next few days cut them all and begin sewing.I also made a stack of books for eBay and etsy. 3 large sized books and 8 smaller. I did several with
- [Covers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/covers/) - Like a freaking half-wit I crowded my workspace and thus burnt myself on the iron. I have a sizeable burn on the back of my right hand, which I’m sure will not be happy tomorrow at work.I’ve done more work today that one might expect. I cut a stack of covers last night, including all
- [graduate school?](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/graduate-school/) - One of the items that I haven’t written about that seriously concerns the studio and it’s function as not only my space but as an entity is Grad School. My plan is to apply for next fall. What this means for my DayJob is not yet determined. I know that I can’t afford to leave
- [Ohhhh, Paper, yeah.](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/ohhhh-paper-yeah/) - I left the DayJob early due to the fact I was supposed to leave early on Monday but forgot so I had to make it up somewhere. Happily it was slow enough that I could take off 2 hours early today. I had planned on heading to AC Moore but didn’t want to drive that
- [Etsy.com](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/etsy-com/) - I have decided to take my journals that are for sale off my website and move them to etsy.com. I decided this after realizing I haven’t made a single sale from the site in 2 years. It’s a great place to showcase my custom work and highlight what I can do in custom work, but
- [Promises Promises](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/11/promises-promises/) - Well, the siding has mostly gone back up on the house but they haven't finished the porch, where my mailbox is located. fear not! Books have gone in the mail!Here to fulfill my promise of book pictures are some pictures!It's 200 pages of eaton 24lb, 25% cotton cream coloredpaper. The cover is oil tanned sheep
- [home works](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/home-works/) - I’ve spent a little time over the last few nights writing up possible lesson plans for possible classes so that I can loose out my remaining few hours to places that could possibly take me on as a teacher of sorts.My goals for the rest of the week:Complete 2 similar Renaissance styled journalsComplete a stack
- [How cool is that!?!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/how-cool-is-that/) - I’m very excited right now! If you head to the etsy homepage, you will see one of my journals as one of the featured items! It’s HERE!!!! How freaking cool is that!?!
- [The hint](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/the-hint/) - OKay, so I had intended to update yesterday in the AM, but tiredness and the DayJob got in the way of that, so here's the picture with the hint.I've removed the picture because I've had several correct answers and I'll be trying this out again, with different prizes.
- [MOre Matchbook Notebooks and a contest!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/more-matchbook-notebooks-and-a-contest/) - I've been scoring big time at work lately; a coworker has been hooking me up with the giant window posters that are a heavy duty paper coated in vinyl. ONe side is pristine white and the other has a printed image. The printed image side is the side I think that is the most intersting.
- [Matchbook notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/matchbook-notebooks-2/) - So these are my latest adventure in alternative bindings using unusual materials. These are all recycled- using signs from a grocery store that have been laminated, special signs, regular signs, anything that was laminated I chopped up into 3 inch by 11 inch pieces. I then used (purchased for the purpose) a large heavy duty
- [Busy busy bee](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/busy-busy-bee/) - I’ve been pretty busy in the studio the last few days, which explains my lack of posting. I‘ve had several special orders in which I’ve finished and mailed out.I’ve been having a few experiments with patterns on the spines of the books; I’m trying to think of them as cross-stitching or as needlepoint. It’s an
- [400 pages](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/400-pages/) - I’ve been working on some 400page journals. They pose certain issues that don’t come up in other sizes of journal. The spine is much thicker than in other journals and the number of pages and signatures forced me into a funny set of stations across the spine. I’m usually very happy with an odd number
- [Distressed To the max](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/distressed-to-the-max/) - I had a guy request a really distressed and beaten on journal, on that looked like it was old and abused. I think I fulfilled that request with this journal. I started with a chunk of oil tanned leather, applied a variety of acrylic paints in layers, wet them down moved them about and wiped
- [A new Fat Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2005/12/a-new-fat-journal/) - I’ve been working on a few new designs. I figure that the best way to combat the imitators is to innovate and continually change my offerings, continually is a bit of an over statement but change them often and continue to innovate my historically based sewing.The versionI’ve been working on is a 400 page journal.
- [the hiatus is OVER](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/05/the-hiatus-is-over/) - It’s been awhile hasn’t it? Some of you may be wondering where the heck I’ve been; in fact, I know some of you are wondering this, as I’ve gotten several emails wondering if I’m okay. Well, I’m okay. Here’s the story:My DayJob, as much as it doesn’t drive my heart, like bookbinding, does pay my
- [Books and slips](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/03/books-and-slips/) - There is something to be said for projects coming out damn near perfect. It adds to self-confidence and just makes me feel pretty good. I’ve had several long-term projects that for whatever reason I’ve continued to put off until this weekend. I started them Friday and they are now more than half done. I’ve made
- [excuses](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/03/excuses/) - Well, it’s been a long month and a half. The DayJob has been a time suck and emotional drain. Due to circumstances beyond my control I had to work extra hours and some very strange shifts. It ended up being stressful and difficult. I often tried to work on books during those weeks but I
- [Good stuff](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/03/good-stuff/) - So it’s been awhile, forgive me if you can, otherwise, aww shucks c’mon…. I’m planning a more substantial post about all that fun stuff soon, possibly tonight, but to tide you over some books.I’ve been working on and off lately on some custom orders, below you’ll see some pictures of more renaissance journals, slightly different
- [Out of COntrol](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/02/out-of-control/) - Everyone will have to forgive me for going AWOL over the last few weeks. Work has been hellish and I’ve been there a lot. When I haven’t been at the DayJob I’ve been sleeping. In addition to being at work a lot I’ve been fighting off a “wicked nasty” sinus infection. I feel like the
- [Pen Slips](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/01/pen-slips/) - Cut a strip of leather 13 to 15 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. Use a good strong leather, 1.5 ounce or stronger. Don’t use thin appliqué leather as it will just tear. Check out Seymourssi on ebay, great leather.)I made a jig for this, as I didn’t want to ding up my covers. Cut
- [Pictoral Intruction on threading a strap to a book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/01/pictoral-intruction-on-threading-a-strap-to-a-book/) - I don't feel like writing intructionbut will as needed. This i for my 3 slot books. View...
- [Another Moleskine Hack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/01/another-moleskine-hack/) - I read a page on the moleskinerie recently that had a hack like this. The guy used a ribbon and cut a couple of slots into the ribbon threaded a pen into the slots and glued the ends and slipped it around the cover of his mole and voila! A nifty penholder. I made mine
- [Few More Recycled](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/01/few-more-recycled/) - I’ve been working on the recycled journals again. Below I’ve got 4 that I’ve finished. I made the covers ages ago. Recently I’ve been having to work insane amounts at work and the only things I’ve been able to really work on without thinking have been these recycled books. I picked some of my favorite
- [Renaissance journals](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/01/renaissance-journals/) - I’ve been working on these books for quite some time. I think that because of all the time I spent they came out better than if I had just done them. I stayed with one of my initial ideas and ditched a few of the others. One of the ideas that I ditched was using
- [Holy moley](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/01/holy-moley/) - Anyone who knows me in person knows that I love good joke, the more clever the better. I even enjoy being the butt of good intelligent joke. While I’m not sure this classifies as intelligent it surely made me laugh and made my coworkers laugh.One of my coworkers is very into enforcing the rules. I
- [House stuff,back soon I hope](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/08/house-stuffback-soon-i-hope/) - Today is my first day back at my DayJob in nearly a week, well, 5 days anyhow. IT seems longer, perhaps because I was working non-stop, often until 10 or 11 at night and waking at 9 to repeat he process over again. My hands are stiff and sore from sanding and ripping out carpet,
- [meditation](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/08/meditation/) - I realize the style of art that I used to make when I was younger- meditative, tiny little details and massive amounts of ink, line and texture, and color don’t forget color, still draws me in. I was looking on Flikr at some art and I realize it’s still in me. I can still go
- [WEbsite and House and Studio](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/08/website-and-house-and-studio/) - The website is back online. I’ve taken everything off because I know I won’t be able to take any orders until we are done moving. I’m looking forward to the move and what it means for me as an artist. I’ll have a dedicated studio, which I can fill with art supplies and not have
- [Undetermined.](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/08/undetermined/) - Comfortable Shoes Studio will be offline for an undetermined amount of time while I update the site and roll out the new look. Bear with me.
- [the planner](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/08/the-planner/) - It’s time I posted some pics here about my planner. You could term this a moleskine hack, or a love affair. I’m not sure which it is. All I know is that as my DayJob became more and more stressful I forgot more and more of the stuff I needed to do and complete through
- [More house/studio information](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/08/more-housestudio-information/) - We’ll we close on the house in about 2 weeks. I’ll post more information about it as I know more. I’ll be off line f a little bit around that time too, probably 2 or 3 days. Every time we move we set things up in a certain way- electrical and other utilities get set
- [biz-nas cards](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/08/biz-nas-cards/) - I am a moron sometimes. I have limited tie off from the DayJob these next few precious weeks. So I’m trying to structure the items t I need to do on my time off with the things I WANT to do, my trusty planner has been helpful. I’m a list-maker. Today on my list was
- [PenSlips in fabric](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/08/penslips-in-fabric/) - I need 3 volunteers to test my fabric penslips and email me reviews after a week of use. As well as any pics of wear and tear and ponts of failure. I need people who are willing to abuse them.I switched from my leather slip to a fabric one and after a week of use
- [Another PenSlip](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/another-penslip/) - I just loaded another penSlip up onto eBay. It's here:Deep Chocolate Brown Deer Hide PenSlipHere's a picture of it:
- [PenSlip on eBay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/penslip-on-ebay/) - Well I Decided thqat in an attempt to promote my PenSlips, and since I want to buy new things for my new studio that I ld put some up on eBay:you can find them here:penslip#1Penslip#2Penslip#3
- [Home for Studio](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/home-for-studio/) - Soon we will find out if the studio will have a new home. The sellers have accepted our offer and Sunday we have the house inspection. Hopefully everything will turn out decently and we’ll be able to go from there.Tentatively we’ll be closing on August 18th and we’ll be able to move in shortly thereafter.
- [PenSlips](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/penslips-2/) - I've made 10 PenSlips and they are listed on my etsy.com account here: ComfortableShoes@ Etsy!They are $9.99+shipping. I pride myself on fast shipping and great customer service. If anyone is looking for one in a different size let know. I'm also working on these in fabric, so look for themin a variety of colors, textures
- [Finished Big Green 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/finished-big-green-2/) - Well, I took the order for this ages ao and finally I was able to buckle down a DO IT!Spec are as follows:400 pagges of Fox River Ninja Confetti, 25% cotton and 24lb; super thick and perfect for juicy fountian pens. (GOD I LOVE THIS PAPER!!!)Butter soft olive green sheep hide backed with a matching
- [Pics and captions](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/pics-and-captions/) - I find that often the people who purchase a fine journal are unique. the gentleman who had me make this 400 page ctom tome is a Pastor who rides a Harley and this book was to be his companion as he traveled the US with a group of like minded Pastors. It's a sueded black
- [The Start](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/the-start/) - My addiction to notebooks and subsequently bookbinding has been with me my whole life. It started with small stacks of paper stapled together, childish scrawls filling the innards. In high school it progressed to expensive spiral bound notebooks, which I filled with algebraic notations and terrible poetry; their pulpy covers covered in doodles and art.
- [Studio Time!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/studio-time/) - I have finished the hedgehog and pen slip order! The studio is too DAMN hot to work in right now, so I’ll be stitching in the bedroom- it’s the only room in the house with AC and with temps where they are now I need to chill in AC.WE officially put an offer in on
- [Is anybody out there](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/is-anybody-out-there/) - Beth Lee, if you are still reading this, the books I sent your way bounced back to me, seems the address was wrong? I must have typed it into the USPS website wrong. What’s weird I that it took MONTHS to get back here- it got here probably 2 weeks ago, I sent that package
- [back on the sauce... I'm mean bookbinding wagon!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/07/back-on-the-sauce-im-mean-bookbinding-wagon/) - I’m back. My ankle, now 2 months after the sprain, is much better. Because my DayJob as a florist requires me to be on my feet for 8-hour stints it’s taken much longer to heal than any other sprain I’ve ever had. It’s still stiff and sore on occasion and if I feel like my
- [I thought you were back?](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/05/i-thought-you-were-back/) - “I thought the hiatus was over?”Well, it was and then I turned around and sprained my ankle, right after my car broke down! It’s not a bad sprain enough that I have to keep it elevated and bandaged for a few ore days, as well as visit a podiatrist. I can walk on t and
- [vegan.....](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/vegan/) - The phantom vegan journal! I believe that there is not much out there that can outlast a good quality leather journal nor can anything really give the look of leather, however there’re are many options out there for the vegan and many that I’m more than willing to explore. I love a good challenge and
- [ebay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/ebay-2/) - I've got a journal up on ebayherge.W I get home from the DayJOb tomorrow I'll post more about it.
- [Jotters](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/jotters/) - I decided the little notebooks Jotters or a Jotter. as in you jot things down in them.Anyway I think it's catchy and I like it.I have them listed on my etsy account here
- [cut the cheese](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/cut-the-cheese/) - Actually I was cutting a packing strap on a box of Calla Lilies while at work when I sliced my knuckle. It required 3 stitches and it hurts like a mofo. I was in the ER for 2.5 hours, i had to soak my hand for20 minutes in a betadine, peroxide and saline solution until
- [POcket Notes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/pocket-notes/) - So I said I post some pictures of my cahier styled notebooks, here are 2. I've gone with a 2 pack on these. While making them I realized that I need a professional paper trimmer now. I'm looking into one of the big boys- a Dahle. It's got to be rotary. That being said here
- [Very vEry exciting](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/very-very-exciting/) - I have a sewing machine and up until now I haven’t done much with it. Sure I had stitch up the hems of almost all my pants and perhaps even a few books. As such I didn’t do much with it, it literally collected dust in the basement. Last week I had some hemming and
- [7 hedgehogs all in a row](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/7-hedgehogs-all-in-a-row/) - I've been terribly sick today. Bad enough I called out of work, which rarely happens. I was able to put the finishing touches on a couple of hedgehogs- 7 to be exact. I had previously done everything but put in the pocket and elastics. So that's what I spt the day doing. That and sleeping.I'm
- [first order](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/first-order/) - I placed my first order for the website.very exciting.even if it is just pencils.I received a catalog in the mail, with pricing info and what not- very reasonable. I will be hopefully placing an order asap from them.I'm going to work on the website while i'm in Maine, so y can expect to see some
- [Workbench](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/workbench/) - I think that there is nothing better in this world than spending a relaxing Sunday in the studio. Today we took a nice walk to the beach, about a mile each way, ran the dog on the beach, walked home stopping at Atomic Café to drink lattes and munch on bagels. I’ll pass on the
- [Website](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/website/) - A quick update on the website.I’ve found vendors for nearly everything. I plan on selling the following journals: Moleskine, Ciak, Xonex a hopefully Miquelrius. I’ll be adding products slowly to the line. My hope is to start with moleskine and add from there. I also plan on carrying a few essential pencils and drawing utensils.
- [THe studio](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/the-studio/) - I forgot to upload some shots of my new studio, which I'm already making good use of! I've made 3 journals thus far. Thoughthe parts and pieces of them were cut and glued in Wakefield, I think that because I stitched them here they count... RIght???here are some pics:Check out that bench. The top is
- [etsy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/etsy/) - THe journal in the previous post can be found here.I decided to list it on etsy since eBay has gotten so darn expensive.
- [First Journal at Park Street Studio](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/first-journal-at-park-street-studio/) - I made the first journal in my studio today. It came out pretty well. I took plenty of pics, partially to try out the camera and partially for ebay or etsy. It’s a 400-page 4.25X5.5 inch journal with 25% cotton Strathmore 24lb paper. The cover is distressed sheep hide, raw edged flap and a strap
- [hearing back](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/hearing-back/) - I’ve heard from 2 of the 4 distributors that I wrote to Sunday night, not bad return at all. I’m pretty happy with the 2 I’ve heard from, the initial orders are a tad HIGH, but I was expecting that they would be in that range. I’ve also found 2 places to order the 2
- [5 Essentials](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/10/5-essentials/) - I’ve been contemplating adding to my website’s roster of goods. I’ve been toying with it in my head for months now, since about the time we moved. So I would say I’ve mulled it over well and the thought has gone from something half baked to something that I think I can pull off well.
- [shop talk](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/10/shop-talk/) - I spent yesterday doing a lot of different things, but the major item that really made my day great was that I finally got to put the finish on my bench. I’m glad I went with the water-based poly as I was able to get 5 coats on it over the course of the day.
- [Back on the Wagon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/10/back-on-the-wagon/) - Because I have to push the envelope I had to snag a 500+ sheet box of heavy paper out of the recycling. It’s really nice. The company was pushing olive oil with it. Now I’ve got this fantastic paper printed lightly on one side and blank on the other side. It’s very nice. I’m going
- [bench this!!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/10/bench-this/) - Because I have to push the envelope I had to snag a 500+ sheet box of heavy paper out of the recycling. It’s really nice. The company was pushing olive oil with it. Now I’ve got this fantastic paper printed lightly on one side and blank on the other side. It’s very nice. I’m going
- [intellectual protection](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/10/intellectual-protection/) - No pictures yet, I'll beworking on another post about my new digs shortly!I had an interesting conversation about copyright, property and intellectual rights with a few of my coworkers. It sparked from this: A former employee as a crafts person and she used old signs from the company and made bags. Think Freitag. Hers were
- [](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/09/4930/) - I wonder how people who do this for a living do it? How can they day in and day out lift, push and pull heavy tings? Hw can they wake up every morning read to swing a hammer, lift a brush or use a saw? I do these things for a few ours a week
- [The Vice and the Jig](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/the-vice-and-the-jig/) - Those of you who have been reading me for awhile know that one of the mod's I've been wanting to do to my fiskars paper cutter was to pt an integrated jig onto it. I detailed some plans about a year ago, but last night I put it into action!I bought2 brass 1/4in 1.5 in
- [buttons](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/buttons/) - My brother got me 90% of the original buttons I asked for and even made me a cute little eraser end for the images! I'm very happy with the work he's done and his pricing was very reasonable. If anyone is in the market for buttons email me the info our looking for and I'll
- [Leather PenSlips](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/leather-penslips/) - Leather Pen Clips Originally uploaded by bluman.My penslips finally got to Armand from Moleskinerie! He took a nice publicity shot and posted it on flicker. Sweet!Also, my webpage is limping along, take a look and let me know what you think! ComfortableShoesStudio.com
- [dreaming weaver](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/dreaming-weaver/) - Last night I hit a milestone for use of dreamweaver, I made it do what I had in my head as a design. My hurried sketches and notes in my moleskine for the first time became a reality on my screen. It was combination of things, realizing I don’t HAVE to have full images of
- [retails](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/retails/) - Other than taking all the pics for website, I spent my day out of the studio. I work tomorrow and have a secret appointment that I can't write out until tomorrow afterwards, those in the know know, those who don't will know tomorrow.I also designated retail prices for the pencils and sharpeners that arrived today.
- [Admit](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/admit/) - OKay I admit , I had never used a Palomino pencil until today. I bought them becase everybody who is into pencils swears by them, lauds them and puts them on a pedestal so high I figurethey couldn't be that bad.I'm a convert to their HB. I haven't tried the other grades but the HB
- [First](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/first/) - Ell my first order arrived, opening it was like Christmas for me. And seeing $400+ in pencils made my day. I will post some pictures later.Massively happy.
- [Service Provider](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/service-provider/) - Does anyone out there have a website host they would like to suggest? I'm currently using DirectNic, which is good or what I had, but now that I'm making a bigger better site,I'm seeing my bandwidth get sucked form the use, and I've gone through a lot of bandwidth in the last few months and
- [Website, moleskines and pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/website-moleskines-and-pencil/) - Ordered pens, watercolor pencils and my favorite drawing pencils ever.Moleskines will be ordered tomorrow.If this wesite takes off, this will be the most perfect job of them all, I'll get to work with rt supplies all day every day. How freakin' cool will that be?
- [Vise with Hedgies](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/vise-with-hedgies/) - Here's a picture of t vise, with 5 hedgies in it's grip. I estimate that it's about 1/3rd full. Which means that it can hold a dozen or so hedgies with no problem. Sweet!
- [Laptop Stand](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/laptop-stand/) - So here are some pictures of my laptop stand. #/4 inch plywood, 3 inch rise on the back, some random holes drilled for ventilation and some drilled along the riser to allow for cord maintenance. It works and is very sturdy.The only modification that I would make next time is to cut the back riser
- [Household Chores](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/household-chores/) - The last few days here have been spent doing household chores. It as necessary to paint the stairway to the second floor and get it ready for the final treatment of everything. It will lookwonderful when finished. Also I had to finally rake up the leaves in my yard. it also gave a me a
- [Laptop Stand](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/laptop-stand-2/) - I just made myself a laptop stand. It will make everything easier. I had made one out of book board after having the laptop for about a month. It had too much flex in it and made typing difficult. Now when I type I notice that the keyboard doesn't flex and when I ht a
- [distressed leather](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/distressed-leather/) - I listed 2journals on ebay yesterday and I have listed one on etsy.EBAY Etsy
- [More Website Garbage!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/more-website-garbage/) - Well, I decided that the order would have to wait, since I will have the cash for a case of Moles after my next 2 sales on eBay go through. So Friday after turkey day, I will be ordering moles for the website. If I have etsy sales go rough as well I'll be ordering
- [ebay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/ebay/) - I just got done putting up 2 journals on eBay, one small and one 6x9. One is black suede and the other is a distressed sheep hide. These were fun to make and of the first series coming out of the new studio, so it's cool to see them up and finished. here are the
- [PenSlips](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/penslips/) - IN response to Dustin's comment about my PenSlips, I do me them and sell them. I carry them on my etsy account HERE! I can also take orders for them in specific combinations of colored eyelets and leather.
- [5 of 6 ain't too bad](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/5-of-6-aint-too-bad/) - Well, yesterday (I had the day off form the DayJob) I backed, folded an generally got ready 6 journals. I didn't think that I would have time to get the spines designed and sewn but I did!Here's a pic of the stack getting ready to have the spines designed and punched.I thought that they came
- [The Jig](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/the-jig/) - Here's a pic of what the top of the paper cutter looks like with the wooden block in the middle:This is a pic of the underside in case you were wondering where to make the cuts. I think I need to add a lock washer between the bolt and the washer- to eliminate the spin
- [Pics of the Vise](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/pics-of-the-vise/) - So here's a pic of the vise in its new orientation. My dad is having a heart attack right now at this! As a woodworker I'm sure he sees many better uses for this 100 year old vise than what I have done to it.And above is a pic of it closed over 5 hedgehog
- [Monsterous](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/monsterous/) - I just posted this 400page monster to eBay:It's 400 pages of southworth 24lb ivory laid paper with 25% cotton, acid free of course. The spine is a pattern I created for a single spine that I enlarged for a larger spine, I think it worked quite well.
- [My new toy Tool](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/my-new-toy-tool/) - I'm very excited to say that I figured out how to imprint the cover of a moleskine as well as any of my journals.I had figured it o previously but I also purchased a chase to hold the type.If one were doing this on a small scale one could do what I did the first
- [Quick Sketchbook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/quick-sketchbook/) - I don't know why I never filled this sketchbook, it has pages of all my favorite paper, arches, canson, stonehenge, copperplate, and others. I love them all, but for whatever reason this journal and I never became friends. I also tore an entire signature out of it...this was back when I lived in Maine (2002-2003)
- [BLack and red all over](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/black-and-red-all-over/) - I just put the journal below up onto eBay. It has an integrated penslip. I like how it came out and I've figured out how it can be done without adding a whole addition strip of leather, I could simply turn over the leather and add some eyelets. Trial and error. I went with my
- [Maine Festival Volunteer Journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/maine-festival-volunteer-journal/) - This journal details my experience volunteering at a festival. It was a headache and a weird experience. I won't go more into it here, but I would suggest that if you get a chance to volunteer at a festival make sure that everything is well planned in advance. Make sure you get a firm commmitment
- [Late late for a very important date](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/late-late-for-a-very-important-date/) - I had to stay late at the DayJob, while it's a consternation it's a necessary evil for the time being. I really can't wait for the holidays to be over. Not to be a scrooge but it's a hard time of year to work in retail. I'm pretty exhausted.I've been working on a few projects,
- [Journal #5 Youtube](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/journal-5-youtube/) - Another You Tube postNot quite as personal as the last but it's one of my first leather covered journals. I think I made it in 2002. I last wrote in it in 2005. It's survived a lot- my backpack for 2 years, camping and many moves.
- [Lazy Thursday](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/lazy-thursday/) - Since I've been working retail, and don't get weekends off, its still a little weird for me in comparison to when I was teaching and when I did other things. I almost always had weekends off then. So, I'm still not used to having random days off int eh middle of the week, it still
- [moving journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/moving-journal/) - At this point I've decided to try to create these videos in roughly chronological order. The moleskines I first uploaded are recent. This journal was created after the Maine vacation journal, started while I was in transition to Maine, moving my belongings to my new place after I spent several very difficult months with my
- [vacation in Maine](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/vacation-in-maine/) - This journal was made by me and it was the first multi signature journal that I made. It is a truly horrible structure and I'm surprised that it survives and has survived my former evil dog and the may moves since it was created and used.IT chronicals the best vacaton that I've ever taken, the
- [Day program sketchbook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/day-program-sketchbook/) - This sketchbook was created over the course of 2 years while working at a day program. It's cheap paper- standard 20lb printer paper drawn on with crayon, pen, watercolor and ink. Mostly crayon. Have I mentioned that I really love crayon? It has a certain feel that I love for drawing, plus one can lay
- [reeling with the feelin' don't stop continue](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/reeling-with-the-feelin-dont-stop-continue/) - So my head is spinning with all of the things I worked on in the studio last night and as such i had a a hard time heading for bed last night! I wanted to keep on working in the studio and keep that artistic mindedness going. With that being said one of the most
- [youtube 2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/youtube-2/) - Here is the second video on you tube of my moleskine.
- [You Tube](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/you-tube/) - I just signed up for a youtube account and took a video of my first moleskine. You cansee it here:
- [Seems like it's been awhile](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/seems-like-its-been-awhile/) - I like it when I have a full day off with a day before that I get out a little early, I feel like I get lot done in the studio. Like I did last night and this morning. I managed to get 4 of the giant stack of journals finished. I've listed 3 oneBay
- [This day in my  life](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/this-day-in-my-life/) - Here's what I've been working on the last few days. A giant stack of journals. I think there are 11 or so here. I've also cut covers for a half dozen 400 page 6x9inch journals and 5 hedgehogs. I was super productive in the studio. (BTW the Raspberry UFO in the left is a very
- [Working it](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/working-it/) - I just picked up waterproof red ink for a project. I'm interested in seeing how it all works out. Hopefully well!The DayJob has been a time sink lately and as such I've had to spend a lot more time on it than Wish to. Also I've been sinking a lot of time into the website.
- [New Laser Printer](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/new-laser-printer/) - Well, the 8 year old Okidata finally died. While I loved the damn machine and the control I had over it; the frustration that it left me with after each use was enough. So when the control panel repeatedly blinked *change drum*, which I knew would cost me close to $100, the price we paid
- [Hedgehogs](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/hedgehogs/) - The hedgehogs that I finished yesterday are starting to get listed up on ebay. I'll also have 2 up on etsy and another journal up on eBay later tonight. I royally screwed up on one of the hedgies. When I glued in the pocket in the back I accidentally glued it 1/4 of an inch
- [New Lowered Price](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/11/new-lowered-price/) - I just lowered the price for my Jotter's on etsy to $3.99+shipping.I also added a new journal to the ranks of etsy.I also have 2 journals ending on eBay tomorrow.
- [2 for a Custom Order](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/2-for-a-custom-order/) - Also finished are 2 of the 3 to 4 books that are for a special order. These small sized journals, 4.25x5.5 inches, have Southworth 24lb, 25% cotton paper that is a flecked tan color; they call it Ivory Granite. I think its tan. They are lined as well. 200 pages stitched up with an alternating
- [3 chocolate hedgehogs](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/3-chocolate-hedgehogs/) - These 3 hedgehogs are interesting. 1 is made with chocolate brown sep hide and the other 2 are made with new leather, a mottled chocolate brown cow hide. Its super stiff and doesn’t require backing (I’ll wax philosophical about this in another post) and makes a damn fine hedgehog. I was particularly impressed with the
- [Whirlwind!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/whirlwind/) - Phew! It’s been a crazy couple of days in the Comfortable Shoes Studio. There are a number of new and exiting thing either here or on the horizon! This the first tiem all week I’ve and time to stop and post. First, last weekend we had a friend move in to stay with u for
- [Quick String Pad Binding](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/quick-string-pad-binding/) - I just posted another video to youtube, kind of a cop out though as it's just a series of stills strung together with music.
- [NEw Fees](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/new-fees/) - I'm starting to hate eBay again. They have raised the low end insertion fee to$0.40 cents and the percentage that they take after that to 3.25%.I know that this doesn't seem like a lot but when you add all the fees and paypal fees together it end up being a lot, currently eBay takes something
- [another verbal post, but read for mole skin](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/another-verbal-post-but-read-for-mole-skin/) - I put the 400 page journal up on etsy today (see link to the right) and I’ll be putting the other on ebay tomorrow. My coworker J’s husband T works for a local press company and has access to a supply of left over papers. Mostly small amounts f paper left over from printing jobs
- [progress](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/progress/) - I didn’t eat all day while I was at work so when I came home I was exhausted and tired Once I had a couple glasses of water and ate (we made a ham dinner, roasted carrots and potatoes and corn) I felt a lot better. I browsed the internet and relaxed for a little
- [So much, yet no pictures](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/so-much-yet-no-pictures/) - Last night when I got home from work I took a look at my bench and I couldn't see it. IN the holiday madness and family visiting I had let it get covered in culch. So I spent about an hour clearing it off and cleaning it. The great thing about the varnish is that
- [](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/4781/) - I'm on a roll with the journal that I've been working on for weeks now. After the major gluing screw ups I tossed the old one and started fresh- with a new chunk of hide and new patches... I decided to add a few eyelets to the cover to further Frankenstein the patches and I'm
- [Me @ Del.icio.us](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2007/01/me-del-icio-us/) - Due to popular demand I've added a link to my Del.icio.us account.Of course due to my missing links (pun intended)I'll have more links as time goes on. The link to the Del.icio.us account will always be on the right.
- [Original Press](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/original-press/) - This is the light duty press that I bought on eBay a year ago. I used it twice, it works well and is very serviceable. I'll be putting it back up on ebay sometime this week (probably Tuesday) I'm not sure how expensive shipping will be, but it won't be too much.this could be a
- [2's  a pair](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/2s-a-pair/) - I made these 2 journals with matching spines. I used oil tanned sheep hide of one and the other with golden yellow deer hide. Both are 400 pages of Southworth, laid paper 24lb and 25% cotton. THe glden journal has lined pages and the brown is unlined. THe Golden journal has a tan lama li
- [red edge](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/red-edge/) - The following pictures are of a special order journal. 280 pages of ivory 24lb 25% cotton paper, edges trimmed even and hand colored with red ink. It has a red deer hide bookmark, a rough cut strap and a envelope style flap. The backing paper is a red lama li that was over painted with
- [Common Bug](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/common-bug/) - I know everyone is waiting (hopefully with baited breath) for me to post something about books, but I hope every one can bare with me for a little bit. It seems when I updated Firefox lat time, I didn't shut down properly and I lost all my bookmarks. I can't express how annoying it is
- [Press](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/2006/12/press/) - It's been so long since I posted a lengthy post that I almost forgot about this little gem of information! Almost a year ago purchased a book press on ebay, it was not cheap but it wasn't expensive either. I purchased it thinking my Dad could make me one that was a little heavier duty

## Pages

- [Ferments](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/ferments/) - I've been fermenting things for most of my life. When I was growing up my parents made yogurt, sauerkraut, wine, and fermented sodas. When I moved out and went to college I fermented my own wine. Since then I've fermented on and off most of my life. Mostly I've stuck to beer and wine, but
- [Contact](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/contact/) - You can find me: SCAMMERS GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you have a stationery or related item you would like me to review? Are you willing to send me a sample? Use the contact form below to contact me and I'll email you back. Keep and eye on your spam for responses. Please don't contact me
- [Review Manifesto](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/review-q/review-manifesto/) - I've been reviewing products for a very long time. My reviews began as an off- shoot of my making art. I'd post and invariably folx would ask about my materials. They'd ask if I had tried this, or that and if I had thoughts about X product for beginners. So I started to write reviews.
- [Disclosure](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/disclosure/) - The FCC says that because I do reviews here I have to disclose my relationship with the manufacturer or seller. Typically , I purchase everything I review with either my money or donations from readers via Ko-Fi. I have received a free product from JetPens, but haven't recently. I purchase a lot of my pencils
- [For Sale](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/for-sale/) - After writing my User, Collector, or Stockpiler series I took a long look at some of the items I've been stockpiling and I've decided to cull through the pile and sell off some of my stock, keeping only the items I'll use. As items are sold they will be removed from the page. First come
- [Pencil Terms](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/review-q/pencil_terms/) - I have been thinking a lot about what it is that makes me like a pencil. What is "it" that makes me reach for a pencil again and again over a similar but equally nice pencil?First there is the thing that makes any of us reach for a pencil in the first place: the looks.
- [Newsletter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/newsletter/)
- [Review Q](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/review-q/) - I decided to add this list of things I'm planning on reviewing. I'm either in process of writing the review or I've got the products in my hot little hands and I'm abusing them, you know for review purposes. These are offered in no particular order. Links are to Amazon if available, otherwise to the
- [Pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/top-5/top-5-pencils/) - My top 5 pencils are as follows: Palomino Blackwing Pearl. Even though this beauty is surely a fantastic pencil, I find myself reaching for other pencils over it. At only $1.66 a pencil it's not even my most expensive pencil, but I find myself putting these babies on a pedastal. OF course, because I think
- [Big Box](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/top-5/big-box/) - These are the top 5 readily available pens and pencils. If you walk into any big box retailer in the US you are pretty likely to find these pencils and pens. I include art and craft stores like AC Moore and Michaels in my list of big box stores. Pencils USA Gold Naturals. These make
- [Sketchbooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/top-5/sketchbooks/) - My sketchbooks are my journals. My journals are my sketchbooks. Stillman & Birn Alpha Hardbound. No list of great sketchbooks is complete without mentioning S&B. They make the finest sketchbooks with the finest paper, bar none. My S&B sketchbooks have become treasured items. I can't wait for my favorite store to carry them. HandBook Travelogue
- [Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/top-5/notebooks/) - Do I even have a top 5? Should I make these so they are all the same size? How do I rate these? For now it's based on the notebooks I'm currently using, I might change it up. We'll see. BanditApple Carnet PeeWee. What makes this one tops? Stitched binding. Awesome paper. 64 pages. I
- [Top 5](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/top-5/) - Here you shall find my top 5 of whatever I want to rate into a top 5 scoring system.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Review](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/review/)
- [technique](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/technique/)
- [Inspiration](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/inspiration/)
- [Journaling](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/journaling/)
- [Art Habit](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/art-habit/)
- [Reflection](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/reflection/)
- [coffee](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/coffee/)
- [Travel](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/travel/)
- [trashprintmaking](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/category/trashprintmaking/)

## Tags

- [palomino](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/palomino/)
- [prospector](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/prospector/)
- [pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pencil/)
- [eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/eraser/)
- [HB long point](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hb-long-point/)
- [KUM](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/kum/)
- [forestchoice](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/forestchoice/)
- [pencils.com](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pencils-com/)
- [midori](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/midori/)
- [fauxdori](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fauxdori/)
- [traveller](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/traveller/)
- [traveler](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/traveler/)
- [insert](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/insert/)
- [system](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/system/)
- [money](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/money/)
- [KUM ellipse](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/kum-ellipse/)
- [pencil sharpener](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pencil-sharpener/)
- [long point](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/long-point/)
- [EDC](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/edc/)
- [pocket carry](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pocket-carry/)
- [staedtler](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/staedtler/)
- [wopex](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/wopex/)
- [field notes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/field-notes/)
- [shelterwood](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/shelterwood/)
- [note book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/note-book/)
- [wood](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/wood/)
- [book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/book/)
- [art journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/art-journal/)
- [sketch](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sketch/)
- [drawing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/drawing/)
- [pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pen/)
- [ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ink/)
- [paint](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/paint/)
- [SNAP!](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/snap/)
- [princeton](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/princeton/)
- [princeton art](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/princeton-art/)
- [brushes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/brushes/)
- [SNAP brushes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/snap-brushes/)
- [white taklon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/white-taklon/)
- [inexpensive](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/inexpensive/)
- [quality](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/quality/)
- [nice](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/nice/)
- [wedge](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/wedge/)
- [tool](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/tool/)
- [silicone](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/silicone/)
- [w-06](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/w-06/)
- [princeton arts](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/princeton-arts/)
- [scrape](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/scrape/)
- [mixed media](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/mixed-media/)
- [effy wild](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/effy-wild/)
- [EW](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ew/)
- [glitter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/glitter/)
- [flinging](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/flinging/)
- [21 secrets](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/21-secrets/)
- [21](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/21/)
- [secrets](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/secrets/)
- [watercolor](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/watercolor/)
- [crayon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/crayon/)
- [sargent](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sargent/)
- [review](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/review-2/)
- [compare](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/compare/)
- [caran d'ache](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/caran-dache/)
- [art](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/art-2/)
- [journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/journal/)
- [art therapy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/art-therapy/)
- [expressive therapy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/expressive-therapy/)
- [therapy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/therapy/)
- [boston](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/boston/)
- [watertown](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/watertown/)
- [lock-down](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/lock-down/)
- [bombing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/bombing/)
- [marathon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/marathon/)
- [provocraft](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/provocraft/)
- [provocrap](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/provocrap/)
- [cricut](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cricut/)
- [cutting](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cutting/)
- [put it on paper](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/put-it-on-paper/)
- [salem](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/salem/)
- [town hall](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/town-hall/)
- [illustration](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/illustration/)
- [E+M](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/em/)
- [ideas](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ideas/)
- [portrait](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/portrait/)
- [commission](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/commission/)
- [sharpies](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sharpies/)
- [brush](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/brush/)
- [markers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/markers/)
- [painting](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/painting/)
- [stillman and birn](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/stillman-and-birn/)
- [stillman](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/stillman/)
- [birn](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/birn/)
- [sketchbook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sketchbook/)
- [moleskine.](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/moleskine/)
- [stad](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/stad/)
- [one touch](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/one-touch/)
- [extender](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/extender/)
- [jetpens](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/jetpens/)
- [winsor & newton](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/winsor-newton/)
- [cotman](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cotman/)
- [basic](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/basic/)
- [starter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/starter/)
- [beginner](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/beginner/)
- [budget](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/budget/)
- [waterbrush](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/waterbrush/)
- [clairfontaine](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/clairfontaine/)
- [graf it](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/graf-it/)
- [allergies](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/allergies/)
- [travellers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/travellers/)
- [travelers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/travelers/)
- [notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/notebook/)
- [gtd](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/gtd/)
- [draw](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/draw/)
- [hack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hack/)
- [cahier](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cahier/)
- [jotter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/jotter/)
- [MTN](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/mtn/)
- [spacepen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/spacepen/)
- [fisher](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fisher/)
- [to do list](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/to-do-list/)
- [red ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/red-ink/)
- [noodlers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/noodlers/)
- [flex](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/flex/)
- [notes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/notes/)
- [journaling](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/journaling-2/)
- [break](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/break/)
- [hiatus](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hiatus/)
- [it's okay to take a break](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/its-okay-to-take-a-break/)
- [video](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/video/)
- [lessherger](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/lessherger/)
- [comfortableshoesstud](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/comfortableshoesstud/)
- [cowboy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cowboy/)
- [Pentel](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pentel/)
- [pocket](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pocket/)
- [FlexiSketch](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/flexisketch/)
- [fountain](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fountain/)
- [doodle](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/doodle/)
- [pigma](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pigma/)
- [micron](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/micron/)
- [knock off](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/knock-off/)
- [sketching](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sketching/)
- [loew cornell](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/loew-cornell/)
- [cheap](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cheap/)
- [sakura](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sakura/)
- [jinhao 601](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/jinhao-601/)
- [fountain pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fountain-pen/)
- [canson](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/canson/)
- [frisket](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/frisket/)
- [mask](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/mask/)
- [liquid mask](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/liquid-mask/)
- [buffalo](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/buffalo/)
- [NY](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ny/)
- [sad](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sad/)
- [funeral](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/funeral/)
- [family](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/family/)
- [art journa](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/art-journa/)
- [serwex](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/serwex/)
- [noodler's nib creeper](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/noodlers-nib-creeper/)
- [fountain pen revolution](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fountain-pen-revolution/)
- [iroshizuku](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/iroshizuku/)
- [fuyu-syogun](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fuyu-syogun/)
- [fine nib](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fine-nib/)
- [honest work](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/honest-work/)
- [authentic](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/authentic/)
- [resonate](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/resonate/)
- [sharpie](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sharpie/)
- [tim holtz](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/tim-holtz/)
- [tags of christmass](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/tags-of-christmass/)
- [eveline-timeless](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/eveline-timeless/)
- [dede](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/dede/)
- [inkiwell](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/inkiwell/)
- [simple](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/simple/)
- [abstract](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/abstract/)
- [multimedia](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/multimedia/)
- [mixedmedia](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/mixedmedia/)
- [automatic drawing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/automatic-drawing/)
- [leslie herger](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/leslie-herger/)
- [sucks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sucks/)
- [litigious](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/litigious/)
- [frivolous](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/frivolous/)
- [lawsuit](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/lawsuit/)
- [morons](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/morons/)
- [idiot](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/idiot/)
- [loons](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/loons/)
- [wash](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/wash/)
- [cord](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cord/)
- [keeper](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/keeper/)
- [easy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/easy/)
- [project](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/project/)
- [MFA](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/mfa/)
- [inspiration](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/inspiration-2/)
- [theme](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/theme/)
- [week](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/week/)
- [work](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/work/)
- [machias](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/machias/)
- [maine](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/maine/)
- [blueberry](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/blueberry/)
- [festival](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/festival/)
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- [field notes.recycled](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/field-notes-recycled/)
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- [HB](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hb/)
- [pencilthings.com](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pencilthings-com/)
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- [everyday carry](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/everyday-carry/)
- [made in USA](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/made-in-usa/)
- [pencil hack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pencil-hack/)
- [stress](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/stress/)
- [wrinkle](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/wrinkle/)
- [chip](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/chip/)
- [travelers notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/travelers-notebook/)
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- [grad schoool](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/grad-schoool/)
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- [vulnerability](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/vulnerability/)
- [art journaling](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/art-journaling/)
- [calepino](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/calepino/)
- [vetted](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/vetted/)
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- [trapper keeper](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/trapper-keeper/)
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- [fabric](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fabric/)
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- [neon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/neon/)
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- [2014](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/2014/)
- [reticle graph](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/reticle-graph/)
- [reticle](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/reticle/)
- [zebra](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/zebra/)
- [v-301](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/v-301/)
- [zebra v-301](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/zebra-v-301/)
- [not good](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/not-good/)
- [meh](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/meh/)
- [polished turd](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/polished-turd/)
- [dixon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/dixon/)
- [oriole](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/oriole/)
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- [#poxonthehouseofdixon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/poxonthehouseofdixon/)
- [Furrow Books](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/furrow-books/)
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- [classy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/classy/)
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- [erasers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/erasers/)
- [art gum](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/art-gum/)
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- [graphite](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/graphite/)
- [erasable](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/erasable/)
- [tattersall](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/tattersall/)
- [orangeart](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/orangeart/)
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- [uniball](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/uniball/)
- [kuru toga](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/kuru-toga/)
- [uni-ball](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/uni-ball/)
- [roulette](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/roulette/)
- [twist](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/twist/)
- [metalshopct](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/metalshopct/)
- [jon fontain](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/jon-fontain/)
- [huckleberry woodchuck](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/huckleberry-woodchuck/)
- [metal shop ct](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/metal-shop-ct/)
- [Bullet Pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/bullet-pencil/)
- [kickstarter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/kickstarter/)
- [backer](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/backer/)
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- [office](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/office/)
- [on the go](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/on-the-go/)
- [backpack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/backpack/)
- [tom bihn](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/tom-bihn/)
- [brain bag](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/brain-bag/)
- [brain cell](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/brain-cell/)
- [lihit lab](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/lihit-lab/)
- [lihit](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/lihit/)
- [teffa](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/teffa/)
- [bag-in-bag](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/bag-in-bag/)
- [organizer](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/organizer/)
- [organized](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/organized/)
- [chaos](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/chaos/)
- [mind dump](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/mind-dump/)
- [pocket notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pocket-notebooks/)
- [sakura foam](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sakura-foam/)
- [foam](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/foam/)
- [plastic eraser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/plastic-eraser/)
- [white](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/white/)
- [nubbings](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/nubbings/)
- [use](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/use/)
- [measure](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/measure/)
- [accomplishment](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/accomplishment/)
- [pairing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pairing/)
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- [coffee](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/coffee/)
- [mmill](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/mmill/)
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- [shenanigans](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/shenanigans/)
- [snake oil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/snake-oil/)
- [my opinion](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/my-opinion/)
- [keep cup](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/keep-cup/)
- [mug](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/mug/)
- [to go](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/to-go/)
- [learning](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/learning/)
- [relaxation](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/relaxation/)
- [surari](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/surari/)
- [blobs](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/blobs/)
- [multipen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/multipen/)
- [multi-pen](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/multi-pen/)
- [stenographer](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/stenographer/)
- [500-5L](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/500-5l/)
- [handheld](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/handheld/)
- [hand held](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hand-held/)
- [stenographers](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/stenographers/)
- [fire](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fire/)
- [charity](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/charity/)
- [fundraiser](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fundraiser/)
- [indxd](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/indxd/)
- [pocket notebook](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pocket-notebook/)
- [indexing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/indexing/)
- [search](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/search/)
- [upcoming](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/upcoming/)
- [to come](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/to-come/)
- [future](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/future/)
- [paper mache clay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/paper-mache-clay/)
- [USA Gold](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/usa-gold/)
- [Kimberly](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/kimberly/)
- [Triplus](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/triplus/)
- [Noris](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/noris/)
- [kitaboshi](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/kitaboshi/)
- [leadholder](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/leadholder/)
- [2mm](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/2mm/)
- [clutch](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/clutch/)
- [Ohto](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ohto/)
- [Sharp Pencil 2.0](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sharp-pencil-2-0/)
- [lead holder](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/lead-holder/)
- [clutch pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/clutch-pencil/)
- [import](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/import/)
- [adult coloring books](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/adult-coloring-books/)
- [coloring books](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/coloring-books/)
- [art as therapy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/art-as-therapy/)
- [pearl](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pearl/)
- [725](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/725/)
- [volumes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/volumes/)
- [cal cedar](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cal-cedar/)
- [california republic](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/california-republic/)
- [subscription](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/subscription/)
- [heavy handed](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/heavy-handed/)
- [marketing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/marketing/)
- [moleskine-esque](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/moleskine-esque/)
- [warning](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/warning/)
- [cerat](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cerat/)
- [britain](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/britain/)
- [kickstarter cerat](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/kickstarter-cerat/)
- [holder](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/holder/)
- [fancy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fancy/)
- [nockco](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/nockco/)
- [nock](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/nock/)
- [fodderstack](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fodderstack/)
- [fodderstack xl](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/fodderstack-xl/)
- [sennelier](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sennelier/)
- [waer color](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/waer-color/)
- [pans](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pans/)
- [half pans](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/half-pans/)
- [urban](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/urban/)
- [TWSBI](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/twsbi/)
- [TWSBI eco](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/twsbi-eco/)
- [piston](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/piston/)
- [reflection](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/reflection/)
- [concepts](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/concepts/)
- [acquisition](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/acquisition/)
- [pens](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pens/)
- [use or lose it](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/use-or-lose-it/)
- [portraits](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/portraits/)
- [US](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/us/)
- [presidental wannabes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/presidental-wannabes/)
- [loose](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/loose/)
- [wet](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/wet/)
- [politics](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/politics/)
- [republican](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/republican/)
- [democrat](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/democrat/)
- [wannabe](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/wannabe/)
- [president](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/president/)
- [presidential](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/presidential/)
- [politicians](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/politicians/)
- [gross](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/gross/)
- [watercolor pencil](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/watercolor-pencil/)
- [TWSBI Eco(nomical)](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/twsbi-economical/)
- [Eco(nomical)](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/economical/)
- [boxy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/boxy/)
- [bob slate](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/bob-slate/)
- [cambridge](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cambridge/)
- [ma](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ma/)
- [6x4](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/6x4/)
- [spiral bound](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/spiral-bound/)
- [herbin](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/herbin/)
- [cheapie](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cheapie/)
- [cheapo](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cheapo/)
- [Refillable](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/refillable/)
- [Rollerball](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/rollerball/)
- [Air](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/air/)
- [junk](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/junk/)
- [rant](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/rant/)
- [beauty review](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/beauty-review/)
- [drive-by review](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/drive-by-review/)
- [opinon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/opinon/)
- [tirade](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/tirade/)
- [technique](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/technique/)
- [planner](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/planner/)
- [process](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/process/)
- [custom](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/custom/)
- [books](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/books/)
- [dayjob](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/dayjob/)
- [studio](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/studio/)
- [hedgehog](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hedgehog/)
- [youtube](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/youtube/)
- [recycled](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/recycled/)
- [post-it notes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/post-it-notes/)
- [sticky notes](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sticky-notes/)
- [organization](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/organization/)
- [story supply co](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/story-supply-co/)
- [SSC](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ssc/)
- [koh-i-noor](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/koh-i-noor/)
- [thermoplastic](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/thermoplastic/)
- [teal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/teal/)
- [bullet pencil TT](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/bullet-pencil-tt/)
- [ST](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/st/)
- [carry](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/carry/)
- [horizon](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/horizon/)
- [half ass](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/half-ass/)
- [halfassed](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/halfassed/)
- [shite](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/shite/)
- [garbage](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/garbage/)
- [don't bother](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/dont-bother/)
- [shinola](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/shinola/)
- [detroit](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/detroit/)
- [highlighter](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/highlighter/)
- [koh-i-noorUSA](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/koh-i-noorusa/)
- [hoarding](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hoarding/)
- [stationery](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/stationery/)
- [erasble podcast](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/erasble-podcast/)
- [hoarder](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hoarder/)
- [hoard](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hoard/)
- [grafwood](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/grafwood/)
- [stinkwood](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/stinkwood/)
- [precision](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/precision/)
- [24](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/24/)
- [blackwing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/blackwing/)
- [quick](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/quick/)
- [look](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/look/)
- [USAGold](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/usagold/)
- [murica](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/murica/)
- [ubiquitous](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ubiquitous/)
- [(nomical)](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/nomical/)
- [no cracks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/no-cracks/)
- [sturdy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sturdy/)
- [lightfast](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/lightfast/)
- [nerdy fun](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/nerdy-fun/)
- [shading](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/shading/)
- [crosshatch](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/crosshatch/)
- [grading](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/grading/)
- [standard of reference](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/standard-of-reference/)
- [walmart](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/walmart/)
- [nataraj](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/nataraj/)
- [cristal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/cristal/)
- [tools you use](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/tools-you-use/)
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- [composition book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/composition-book/)
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- [hand book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hand-book/)
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- [senators are useless](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/senators-are-useless/)
- [do your job](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/do-your-job/)
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- [blood is life](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/blood-is-life/)
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- [KMA](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/kma/)
- [sunday studay](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sunday-studay/)
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- [sundaystudy](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sundaystudy/)
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- [sunday study](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sunday-study/)
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- [thinking](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/thinking/)
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- [practice](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/practice/)
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- [journal art](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/journal-art/)
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- [pennebaker paradigm](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pennebaker-paradigm/)
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- [write more](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/write-more/)
- [pilot](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/pilot/)
- [G2](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/g2/)
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- [gel ink](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/gel-ink/)
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- [points](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/points/)
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- [jane davenport](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/jane-davenport/)
- [davenpeeps](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/davenpeeps/)
- [butterfly effect journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/butterfly-effect-journal/)
- [BEB](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/beb/)
- [masterpiece](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/masterpiece/)
- [apsara](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/apsara/)
- [automatic](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/automatic/)
- [5L](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/5l/)
- [Carl Angel-5](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/carl-angel-5/)
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- [lead pointer](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/lead-pointer/)
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- [shark jumping](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/shark-jumping/)
- [beanie babies](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/beanie-babies/)
- [economics of scale](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/economics-of-scale/)
- [price gouging](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/price-gouging/)
- [kids](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/kids/)
- [tiny](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/tiny/)
- [conte](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/conte/)
- [colored pencils](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/colored-pencils/)
- [coloring](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/coloring/)
- [goldberg](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/goldberg/)
- [sunday](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/sunday/)
- [study](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/study/)
- [Perfection](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/perfection/)
- [James Ward](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/james-ward/)
- [baron fig](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/baron-fig/)
- [archer](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/archer/)
- [gritty](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/gritty/)
- [back pocket journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/back-pocket-journal/)
- [Curnow](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/curnow/)
- [No Name Brand](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/no-name-brand/)
- [bujo](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/bujo/)
- [bullet journal](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/bullet-journal/)
- [dot grid](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/dot-grid/)
- [camel](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/camel/)
- [minimalist](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/minimalist/)
- [ferrule-free](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ferrule-free/)
- [hand writing](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/hand-writing/)
- [by hand](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/by-hand/)
- [casemate](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/casemate/)
- [ugly](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/ugly/)
- [great graphite](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/great-graphite/)
- [No Brand Notebooks](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/no-brand-notebooks/)
- [metallic](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/metallic/)
- [glimo](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/glimo/)
- [super black](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/super-black/)
- [<3](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/3/)
- [butterfly effect book](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/butterfly-effect-book/)
- [Travelers Notebook Knock Off](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/travelers-notebook-knock-off/)
- [freebie](https://comfortableshoesstudio.com/tag/freebie/)