Lokta journal review

Hello!  Today I want to show you a gorgeous Lokta journal made by the Anglesey Paper Company.  "What is Lokta?" I hear you ask, well it is a kind of handmade paper that is environmentally friendly, ethically traded and chemical/acid free.  The paper is made from the bark of a plant that is stripped away and as the root system of the bush is not damaged it grows back making it 100% sustainable.  I think that's pretty cool! 

How my journal arrived

There was a great choice of covers available but I was drawn to the Batik Multi Square journal the most because it is so cheerful and I love the colours!  The design was created using wax lines applied to the Lokta paper which was then hand painted using natural dyes so each journal is different. 

The colours are stunning!

The journals have 80 unlined sheets of Lokta paper inside them and measure 9" x 6" which is slightly bigger than A5.  It feels really lightweight though so they are perfect for carrying around in your bag to use as a notebook or a journal.  This size costs £9.95 and shipping is £2.95 within the UK (international shipping is also available).  I received mine within 72 hours which is pretty impressive!  

Information about the journal

The journal comes with a little information sheet telling you more about the paper and how and where it is made which is a nice touch but there is an article on the website that goes into more detail and I found it really interesting.  I do like to learn new things!

Handmade Lokta paper

I really like the texture of the paper, it feels kind of rustic and shabby chic but it is still easy to write and draw on.  Knowing each sheet is handmade also makes it a bit luxurious too.

The pen test

As you can see I used ballpoint, gel and fountain pens to test the paper and there was no feathering or bleeding through to the other side.

My sketches

I wanted to see what the paper was like to draw on so I did some Jubly Umph based sketches.  They're not my greatest work but I'm quite rusty!  It felt good to pick up a pencil again so I think I will keep using this journal to practice my artwork and try and improve it.  It is just the right size for me.  I find too much blank space intimidating and then end up not drawing anything and if it is too small I'm not inspired enough. 

As well as the journals there are a whole range of Lokta products available from gift wrap to photo albums in lots of different designs and styles.  I was looking around the site and found this incredibly pretty table lamp which isn't made from the Lokta paper but it is still going on my wishlist!  

Thanks for reading!

*Disclaimer - this product was given to me free of charge for the purpose of this review.  I was not paid to write the post and as always all opinions are my own.

Introducing... The Pen Company & a review of the Sheaffer VFM ballpoint in ultra mint

In my last post I mentioned I would be starting a couple of new features on this blog.  Today I am revealing the first!  During National Stationery Week I found some new companies so I thought I would write a series of posts introducing them and review some products I have either won or purchased from them.

Introducing...

The first retailer I am writing about is The Pen Company.  They are a family run online retailer based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire UK but they do ship internationally too.  

I won a Sheaffer VFM ballpoint pen from The Pen Company in a competition held through their Twitter account.  They also have a Facebook page and are readily available through both.  I like being able to tweet or post a message and get a quick response on social media.  They are also very active online and post interesting links and reviews so it is worth giving them a follow or a like.     

Sheaffer VFM ballpoint pen from The Pen Company

I was emailed by James at The Pen Company the day after I was announced as a winner (very quick customer service!) and I gave him my address details.  A couple of days later I received a second email which was a dispatch notice for my "order", again great service.  I do like a company who lets me know when my goods are on the way so I can start stalking my postman until they arrive.

The review

VFM stands for Vibrant, Fun and Modern and I think this sums up the range perfectly.  I love the simple but stylish design of the pen and the colour I received, ultra mint, is stunning!  

I decided to put the pen through it's paces by writing a quick review of it.  I found it to be comfortable to use and the ink flowed smoothly which is great, I can't stand a scratchy pen!   

Handwritten review

The pen is made from metal with a smooth lacquered finish and nickel plated trim.  It looks and feels a lot more expensive than it actually is.  I said in the handwritten review that the price is $19 (USD) but I forgot to deduct the VAT so it is approx $15 (USD) depending on the exchange rate and £10.95 here in the UK.  The website has a gadget at the top of the page to select the country you are in so you will get all the prices in the correct currency.

The VFM range is available in ballpoint, rollerball and fountain pens and comes in ten cool and contemporary colours:

• Matte black
• Neon blue
• Ultra mint
• Chilled blue
• Strobe silver
• Extreme purple
• Excessive red
• Radiant ruby
• Ultimate plum
• Maximum orange

  Pros

• smooth writing experience 
• looks great, stylish and expensive
• sits well in hand
• nice reassuring click on the push button mechanism 
• comes in a gift box
• has a one year warranty 

Cons

• Doesn't fit in the leather pen loops of my Filofaxes.

I feel like I am being a bit unfair with the con, the VFM wasn't designed with skinny pen loops in mind and it does fit in the elasticated loops but as most of you are Filofax users I did think I should mention it.  

In the gift box

Overall I really like this pen, it is easy to use and easy on the eye!  I would be happy to give one as a gift and just as happy to receive another one myself, I have the ultimate plum on my wishlist at the moment.

Thanks for reading!

*Disclaimer - the pen was given to me as a prize so I did not pay for it.  I was not paid to write this review and as always all opinions are honest and my own.  I am not affiliated with The Pen Company and will not receive any commission on any orders placed using the links on this post.