I was really interested in using the Graf von Faber-Castell products. More and more of their products have been popping up on our site and I find the history of the brand interesting. It was not a brand we carried when I worked here back in 2013. I like the Faber-Castell Loom because it's sleek but you can add a little personality with the different cap colors. I also love extra-fine nibs, I use them almost exclusively. As a lefty, I find using extra-fine nibs helps me not smear ink all over the place as they put down a thinner line and less ink. The Moss Green ink really popped out to me from the rest of the Graf von Faber-Castell inks.
I got inspiration for this piece from moving back to Richmond. I think Richmond is the best city to live in and I've been glad to be back. Some of my favorite parts are the walkable streets and the many green spaces. There are even tiny parks tucked in between alleys that have all the charm in the world. One day, I went to Maymont Park, a large estate with beautiful gardens within the city limits. It was incredible to see a number of people out, just enjoying the outdoors. It was like the city came alive and is coming alive even more now that the weather is brightening up. I wanted to use a quote that captured that excitement and enjoyment for the outdoors.
To begin, I shook the bottle of ink up and dipped a cotton swab in the ink droplets on the inside of the cap. I used this to create the leaves of my plants. Because I did not fully submerge the swab in the bottle of ink, the color came out more muted and light. Once I had the leaves just right, I went in and outlined them and added details with the pen. The extra-fine nib was helpful in doing the fine detail work.
Then I moved on to the quote. It is hard for me to maintain a certain font. Even during meetings, I switch between cursive and print with no rhyme or reason. So, I had to really focus to make all of the letters cohesive.
I enjoyed this pen and ink combo. The pen felt easy to hold. I found myself leaving it unposted. It is well balanced. The grip section has some ridges but they are not obtrusive or distracting. The black cap gave it a classic look, which is definitely a style I lean towards. The ink is lovely, as well. I loved the color variation from dark to light green that I could get with different techniques. It flowed nicely out of the pen and I think it complemented the cream Tomoe River paper. In the future, I'd like to explore water washing techniques. The Graf von Faber-Castell inks are water resistant so it would have been interesting to play around with that.
This pen and ink pairing is easy for everyday writing and journaling. I definitely think this is a special pen that could be easily given as a gift. The green ink is fun for doodling or writing. The color is exciting enough that it may even keep you awake while taking notes in class.
You can find the Faber-Castell Loom in Piano Black for $45 at GouletPens.com. Graf von Faber-Castell Moss Green is available in a 75ml bottle for $30 or a 2ml sample for $1.75. A 6-pack of cartridges is also available for $3.50.
Follow the directions below for a chance to win this pen and the bottle of ink. We're excited to see what pen and ink you have matched!
How to enter Monday Matchup Giveaway:
- Match a pen and ink together. They don't have to match in color, any fountain pen, and ink works.
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a Rafflecopter giveaway The contest is open Monday, May 8, 2017 at 12 pm EST until Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at 12 pm EST. One winner will be randomly selected and announced tomorrow once the contest closes. The winner must live in a country that Goulet Pens currently ships to. Click here to see the Official Contest Rules.
Katy
