Happy New Year to all! I hope 2017 brings you a world full of color and nibs ^_^. I felt that the new year is as fitting a time as any to conclude my Unicorn Ink Review 5 part series. At the end of this review, you will have the chance to enter to win a 4-5ML sample of each ink I have reviewed in the series! So lets get started!
- Edo-Murasaki
- Maruzen Athena Eternal Blue
- Kingdom Note Thysanostoma Thysanura
- Sailor Ishida Bungu Hakodate Twilight
- Kingdom Note Porpita Porpita
The final ink in the series is Kingdom Note Porpita Porpita, another ink in the KN Jellyfish series. These inks are produced for KN by Sailor.
The packaging is the standard KN/Sailor Box with the horrid Sailor bottle.
The color itself was a breath of fresh air for me, as I have blue inks but none of this exact hue. I have been noticing that since I am attracted to the same colors, I tend to have many inks that have the same attributes, this was an exception.
For this review I decided to ink up my new Lamy LX Ruthenium M nib.
Line going down on CF paper:
I would say that the color is similar to Robert Oster Bondi Blue, but it has a different kind of shading, and this ink has no sheen that I could see. No sheen! That is usually the kiss of death for me, but oddly I think this color does well without it. It is a very upbeat blue, and reminds me of the deep ocean, perhaps where the jellyfish reference comes in?
Now for the fun part!
Giveaway!
Prize: 4-5ML Samples of each of the inks featured in my 5 part Unicorn Ink Review Series
How to win:
1. Comment here with what your favorite color in the series was and why. (2 Entries)
2. Comment on the FPN FB Post. (1 Entry)
3. Comment/Share the IG (squishy.ink) post regarding this giveaway. (1 Entry/1Entry)
4. I appreciate all subscriptions, let me know if you already subscribe! (1 Entry)
Open to USA.
Winner will be chosen 1/6/17 @ or after 7:00PM HST.
***note: I derped and ordered vials that you can’t fill directly from, so you will need a syringe or other container to fill them from. I have photos of the vials on the blog.
Good luck! I hope whoever wins this will have as much fun trying these inks as I did ^_^
January 1, 2017 at 3:26 pm
I’m actually surprised how easy it is for me to pick from this series, but it’s hands down this one. This is just the kind of blue and teal that I fall for very easily! I’m basically banned from buying more in this color family for a while lol
Thank you so much for doing these reviews – beforehand I had not even heard of any of these.
Of course I’m subscribed and on insta and all that and shall go find the post on facebook. Keep up the lovely posts 🙂
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January 1, 2017 at 3:33 pm
You know I subscribe! 🙂 I’m partial to the Porpita Porpita too!
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January 1, 2017 at 3:35 pm
Thanks for the support! 💕🖋. I love this color too, and it takes a lot for me to love a color without sheen lol!
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January 1, 2017 at 3:36 pm
I really like the Kingdom Note Porpita Porpita best. I really like the sheen of the Maruzen and Sailor, but this shade of blue is just gorgeous.
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January 1, 2017 at 3:40 pm
It is a very gorgeous blue! I know what you mean about down the rabbit hole, I’m new to the FP world as well and I can’t think of anything but inks and pens lol!
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January 1, 2017 at 3:39 pm
Also, I subscribed! I’m new to fountain pens but am already pretty far down the rabbit hole, and I love inks. Can’t wait to read more!
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January 1, 2017 at 3:42 pm
I am honestly not a big fan of these inks; though my wife would love them all. I prefer more subdued, autumn colors. The Kingdom Note Porpita Porpita is my favorite. Even though it has some of that pastel-neon glow, it is the closest to my personal color range. It reminds me of Noodler’s Bad Blue Heron; which I love.
John (a subscriber and fan)
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January 1, 2017 at 3:43 pm
I wish my husband would try to win me ink lol 💕 I need to try more Noodlers. I have tried two, one was love and the other just didn’t flow well for me. I think that last experience traumatized me, but their range is just too wide and the colors too beautiful to ignore! 😍
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January 1, 2017 at 3:55 pm
I like the edo murasaki the best as I am fond of inks in the purple family.
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January 1, 2017 at 4:02 pm
Although they are all lovely, the Kingdom Note Thysanostoma Thysanura makes my heart skip a beat. And since I don’t have L’Amant, the similarity doesn’t bother me!
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January 1, 2017 at 4:23 pm
L’Amant is amazing! I’m glad that they are potentially the same forumula, since this KN ink is a bit hard to get a hold of in the states. Good luck!
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January 1, 2017 at 4:14 pm
What a lovely series of inks for this review! I must say, for me, you saved the best for last. I just love that blue! I wholeheartedly agree with you that the color is so pretty, one does not miss the sheen.
Thanks for your blog. I learn so much! And for this giveaway!
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January 1, 2017 at 4:24 pm
Thank you! Heh honestly I had no idea which one of these would be the best. The anticipation I had upon receiving these inks was Edo-Murasaki, but I only loved, not LOVED the color. I am not sure that I have a favorite yet, but they all did not disappoint!
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January 1, 2017 at 4:18 pm
I’d have to choose Kingdom Note Thysanostoma Thysanura. I’m a sucker for purple inks. Thanks for taking the time to share.
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January 1, 2017 at 4:24 pm
Its really a beautiful purple! Good luck ^_^
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January 1, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Thanks for doing a giveaway!
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January 1, 2017 at 4:39 pm
My favorite was the poprita poprita! Still in search of the perfect blue.
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January 1, 2017 at 5:10 pm
I went back and reviewed all the colors again and the Kingdom Note Porpita Porpita is definitely my favorite. Love the lighter blue but still with enough depth. I have subscribed to all your fun stuff and commented on FB> Thanks for the giveaway!
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January 1, 2017 at 5:14 pm
I really like the blue inks but I think I will have to say the edo muraskaki. I say this because it is a color I would like to have in my collection. Probably next ink I buy will be some dark purple.
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January 1, 2017 at 5:19 pm
It’s an amazing color! The Edo-Murasaki has grown on me a lot. It’s a much different Iroshizuku than the standard set. Good luck!
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January 1, 2017 at 5:18 pm
As posted on FPN I would kill for Edo Murasaki! But somehow I missed the Kingdom Note ink. That looks yummy too. Love the opportunity to win. Thanks for the reviews, except now you put me on impossible quests …
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January 1, 2017 at 5:20 pm
The quest is half the fun! I’m looking for some second bottles lol 😂
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January 1, 2017 at 5:21 pm
since edo murasaki has been my most wanted ink in forever, they that is the one I love the most. thanks for the reviews, they are all quite pretty and i’d love to win them since no way i can afford a bottle!!
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January 1, 2017 at 5:22 pm
Edo-Murasaki is a great Ink! The color has grown on me since I started using it. Hopefully one day they will make it a standard color!
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January 1, 2017 at 5:25 pm
forgot to mention that I subscribe >^..^<
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January 1, 2017 at 5:27 pm
My favorite ink shown is the Sailor Twilight. I have never owned an ink with sheen, and the color is lovely, maybe will match my Lamy AL Star blue color. Again, thank you for the giveaway. I now follow you on IG (Gumbi73)
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January 1, 2017 at 5:28 pm
If you want to try sheen there is really no better ink than that 🦋. Good luck!
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January 1, 2017 at 5:31 pm
You are so awesome to run this giveaway. As someone who is only just starting exploring FP inks, the opportunity to win some samples is very welcome. I’m glad I found your blog because it helps me construct a wish list so I can expand my meager collection when finances permit.
As to the inks you reviewed, I had a hard time selecting a favourite. You and I are clearly drawn to the same colours, those jewel, peacock tones. I, therefore, loved them all. Forced to pick just one, however, it would be the Thysanostoma Thysanura (did I spell that correctly?). I’m a big fan of purple but I loved the fact this ink was a flirtation between pink and purple because of the lovely shading. The fact it has a jellyfish on the bottle just seals my decision since I often draw only jellyfish, one of my favourite subjects to draw.
Thanks for the reviews and the giveaway opportunity. I’m a subscriber here and I commented on your FB post. I don’t do Instagram.
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January 1, 2017 at 5:33 pm
Thanks for the support 😀. I love that I can help others just starting off with FPs like me 💕. Yes the Thysanostoma is just amazing, if BB L’Amant wasn’t readily available I think I would cry if I ever ran out lol. Btw you should totally post a pic of your Jellyfish drawings!!!! 🐌
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January 1, 2017 at 5:41 pm
Thanks. I think I’m going to have to compile a proper wish list of inks on a website as my scraps of paper are getting out of control. I’ve not posted many jellyfish on my blog but here’s a link to some old inky ones (https://pictinpa.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/jellyfish/). Here are some more but they weren’t produced with fountain pens (https://pictinpa.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/inky-jellyfish/).
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January 1, 2017 at 5:43 pm
Beautiful!!!! I have always wished I could draw more 😍🖋. I’ve dabbled a bit but I think the best thing I draw is octopus lol. And not even that well.
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January 1, 2017 at 5:45 pm
I think like many things it just takes practice and commitment. I’ve drawn my whole life, as much as life can allow me to. I’ve therefore developed skills. But I can’t play a musical instrument or knit or crochet and I’m only a passable baker.
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January 1, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Neat! I can’t bake to save my life. I do play a couple of instruments though. I guess we all have our things. I’m trying to improve my handwriting, and lettering! Maybe someday 😍
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January 1, 2017 at 5:56 pm
I’m always complimented on my handwriting. One of my colleagues thought it was a printed font – ha ha ha! I’d like to get better though with more decorative writing and typography.
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January 1, 2017 at 5:38 pm
DThanks again, Chicago!
I am having trouble deciding, mostly because I like something about all of them.
1) Maruzen Athena Eternal Blue due to the color and shading.
2) The do because of how different it was from Y-B, which was HUGE!
Trade imminent if I don’t win, which I never do. It’s my thing with regard to any stuff like this. 👍
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January 1, 2017 at 5:40 pm
Looking forward to it! And hey you never know, you might win! 😍. I think you’ve tried almost every time, it’s just a numbers game, it has to be you someday, plus you deserve it😀
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January 1, 2017 at 5:46 pm
I love the Ishida Bungu Hakodate Twilight for the sheen. Just gorgeous!
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January 1, 2017 at 5:48 pm
Kingdom Note Thysanostoma Thysanura has won my heart I think. It was such a hard decision!!!
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January 1, 2017 at 5:50 pm
It’s a super hard decision! I actually haven’t even made it myself yet lol 😅
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January 1, 2017 at 6:07 pm
My favorite is the Kingdom Note Porpita Porpita. Thanks for the opportunity to win. And I’m a subscriber.
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January 1, 2017 at 6:35 pm
I’m a subscriber and am partial to blue right now. Like the Porpita Porpita. Love your contests!
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January 1, 2017 at 7:24 pm
Looks like I need to check those inks!
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January 1, 2017 at 8:08 pm
My favorite would have to be the Maruzen! I like its darkness. Thanks for yet another generous giveaway.
P. S. Been a subbie for quite some time now!
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January 2, 2017 at 1:13 am
Sailor Ishida Bungu Hakodate is my favorite. I love the sheen and complex shading. I’m a sucker for sure for most blues
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January 2, 2017 at 3:23 am
I just subscribed! My favorite has to be the Kingdom Note Porpita Porpita because it’s not your “generic” blue. I’ve never even heard of the brand! Happy New Year, and thanks!
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January 2, 2017 at 10:06 am
Happy new year!!!! 🎆. Yes, I don’t think I have another blue that is like it, although I do wish I had more now! Kingdom Note inks are great! The other one I reviewed is similar to Bung Box and that can’t be wrong!
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January 2, 2017 at 4:40 am
I like the idea of sheening inks but have not yet tried any. I really like the Edo-Murasaki that you reviewed. It is one that I have considered sampling myself. I like the way it looks and sheens. I really like the color. I’m a teacher and I try to find inks that will be interesting for students to see and read as well as not too jarring for them. (Like on tests) Research has shown that red has a negative impact on students and causes them to feel worse about their work than other colors. I tend not to use blues or blacks as many students write with those. I would like to try the Edo-Murasaki and see what results I get.
I just subscribed and shared the FB post. Thank you for your generosity!
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January 2, 2017 at 10:09 am
Good luck! And I’ve always thought being a teacher is an amazing profession! The research on how students react to the colors is great I wish when I were younger I didn’t just see a wall of red when I didn’t understand something lol. Perhaps that’s why I tend to avoid pure reds. Good luck!
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January 2, 2017 at 4:59 am
Definitely Maruzen Athena Eternal Blue. In the photos it appears to be almost a blue grey, and I am always partial tonblue greys. It looks beautiful.
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January 2, 2017 at 8:26 am
The edo murasaki is my favorite. Such a pretty color and I agree that a little sheen makes everything just lovely. I’ll work on sharing– I’m fillowing in multiple ways 🙂
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January 2, 2017 at 10:46 am
Thanks for the support! I am all about the sheen lol ^_^
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January 2, 2017 at 9:20 am
I really like the Porpita Porpita. I’ve been looking for a blue ink that’s playful but also not too light, and I absolutely love the shade on this one. The shade mixed with the fact that it has a lightning fast dry time makes it really appeal to me.
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January 2, 2017 at 9:26 am
I generally like blue inks, but I think the Edo-Murasaki is my favorite of the bunch. It looks like a rich purple.
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January 2, 2017 at 9:33 am
Squishy, They are all lovely in their own “write,” but as I live by the ocean, the Porpita Blue (or is it deep sea blue, or deep teal green dark magical blue?) calls to me. And I confess, until I saw your post, I dont think I’d ever heard of these inks before. So thanks for widening my inkdom!
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January 2, 2017 at 10:07 pm
I know how you feel! There are so many new inks to discover, it is a bit overwhelming at times! I actually just saw some I’d never heard of and had to put an order in…literally never ends lol but its fun!
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January 2, 2017 at 11:03 am
Hi Squishy! First of all thank you very much for sampling these inks and sharing your results. I know that many of these inks are difficult to get ahold of…so we (I) would never have the opportunity to see them up close. After viewing your results, I think that my favorite would be the Sailor Ishida Bungu Hakodate Twighlight. I really love the deep blue..to begin with–but then, ohhhhh the red sheen! Well, let’s just say…we never expect to “win” these giveaways…so, I expect that at some point I will hope to buy this color!
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January 2, 2017 at 10:09 pm
You never know! ^_^. I hardly win anything myself, but have a couple of times. Perhaps that just made it more exciting when I actually did win lol. I love love love the sheen, usually when an ink doesnt have it I get a little sad inside, but I am a happy girl if the color is good, like for Porpita ^_^. Good luck!
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January 2, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Very nice reviews and thanks for the generous giveaway. I would say my favorite (although all are compelling) is the Porpita Porpita–I’m a fan of vivid blues and off-blues and blue greens, so this fits in. I have a feeling it is the color I wish Private Reserve Naples Blue should be, but only sometimes is. And, I now subscribe and already followed on IG.
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January 2, 2017 at 10:12 pm
Thank you for all the support! I love love love all of the inks, but have yet to pick a favorite, despite asking everyone else what their favorite was. Porpita seems to be a favorite among many, I actually thought it would be Maruzen Eternal Blue.
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January 2, 2017 at 1:39 pm
The hakodate twilight is my favorite. I love blue inks and I love the sheen on this one. I like Diamine majestic blue, to which this is similar, but majestic blue is difficult for me to write with. Sticky and takes forever to dry. This blue looks much better behaved and a tad prettier, too.
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January 2, 2017 at 10:13 pm
I know what you mean about Diamine Majestic Blue being sticky. That is why I hardly use the color. It is such a pretty shade though, I wish they would tweak the formula a bit! Good luck ^_^
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January 2, 2017 at 7:32 pm
These were a set of great reviews, I especially enjoyed the short clips ❤ My favorite would be Edo-Murasaki, it flows smoothly and the color is simply gorgeous. I know you liked it a lot as well, I'd be very happy to win any ink, if I do. Well done on the reviews, Krys 😀
I'm also subscribed to your blog.
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January 2, 2017 at 10:16 pm
Thank you! ^_^. Gives me a place to show off my inky fingers lol!
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January 2, 2017 at 8:00 pm
I’ve got my eye on that Sailor Twilight ink and its wicked sheen! I have more blue ink than any other color in my collection, but it seems I never fail to find more variants of blue that I just need to obtain lol. Subscribed, of course!
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January 2, 2017 at 10:17 pm
Thank you for the support! I am finding that one can never have too many blues, its just such a great color for business or pleasure.
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January 2, 2017 at 8:14 pm
I enjoy Kingdom Note Thysanostoma Thysanura
because it is similar to NOODLER’S BLACK SWAN IN AUSTRALIAN ROSES
Yes I’m subscribed
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January 2, 2017 at 10:18 pm
How has your experience with Australian Roses been? For myself I found the ink extremely dry. I was hoping they would come out with an Eel version of it 😦
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January 2, 2017 at 10:44 pm
My favorite color was the Thysanostoma thysanura, I enjoy purple color variations and this darker purple caught my eye. I am not familiar with these inks but have seen them on instagram frequently and would likento give them a try
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January 3, 2017 at 7:48 am
I love that color a lot too! Have you ever tried Bung Box inks? L’Amant is very similar if not the same thing repackaged. One of my favorites! 💜
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January 3, 2017 at 2:24 am
Tough decision, but I’d go with the Kingdom Note Porpita Porpita. The blue is just so bright and vibrant!
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January 3, 2017 at 3:39 am
Of the 5 I’m going with Sailor Ishida Bungu Hakodate Twilight as my favorite. I love a great blue ink with tons of sheen. In additional, I always love how well behaved and the normal properties of Sailor ink. Though the KN Thyanostoma Thysanura is a close second.
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January 3, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Sailor ink does have some amazing qualities, I’m glad that they do so many limited/special runs for stores. The possibilities are endless!
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January 4, 2017 at 3:35 pm
I liked more than one, but since I need to choose one I have to choose Kingdom Note Thysanostoma Thysanura (and your Christmas dinner 😉 )
I really love the shade
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January 4, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Hehehe that dinner was delicious. That color too 😍
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January 4, 2017 at 3:37 pm
I really liked the look of the edo-murasaki. Besides being a total sucker for limited editions, the deep purple was divine. Great reviews!
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January 4, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Thank you! I love Edo as well. I wish they would make more limited Iro inks, maybe for the USA next time lol
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January 4, 2017 at 5:28 pm
I have to say that I like Kingdom Note Porpita Porpita the best – I have so many inks of a similar colour, but I can’t seem to stop buying them.
I’ve also followed you on IG (username: @vishae)
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January 4, 2017 at 7:00 pm
Thanks for the support! I tend to buy many inks of similar colors too. The heart wants what it wants 💜
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January 6, 2017 at 8:23 am
My favorite will have to be the Sailor Ishida Bungu Hakodate Twilight 😍 Wow!! That one is gorgeous and I can get over the sheen and the color variation. What a beautiful ink! Would love to try all of them. I have a lot of samples but still no actual bottle since I’m very new to the fountain pen world. Love ur articles. I posted on FB post and I’m subscribed as well. Thank you for the opportunity 😁
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January 6, 2017 at 8:26 am
I’m pretty new to FPs too and it’s so so so easy to fall down the rabbit hole of inks lol. I’m just obsessed! Thank you for the support, I am glad my entries can bring knowledge and joy! 😍. Good luck!
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