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Post by lasteve1 on Aug 31, 2021 23:38:28 GMT
Has anyone tried the Archer & Olive Quarterly Subscription boxes? I am intrigued but not sure... www.archerandolive.com/collections/subscription-box/products/art-and-journaling-quarterly-subscription-box?selling_plan=46071963&variant=36888434049179There are unboxing videos of all the past boxes on their youtube, here is one: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYc88KMFmdIBasically it's a subscription that comes with notebooks, pens, and a collection of other journaling/crafty items. The past boxes all look amazing and like great deals, these boxes are jam packed! I also know that Archer & Olive quality is amazing and I like that it's quarterly rather than monthly so I have time to use the supplies before a new box comes. But, on the negative side, they are $70. But then I think splitting that across 3 months would be less than many monthly subscription boxes and the box is definitely a good value. From looking at the last 3 boxes (there have only been 3 so far) I would use everything that was included, but I am also not sure what I will do with this many notebooks. Each box has come with 2-3 notebooks so far, that's a lot!! I think I might dive in, but what would I possibly use that many notebooks for? I don't bullet journal (I used to) but I keep journals/commonplace book/art journals, etc. But I have a problem with starting new notebooks and never finishing them and this might add to that. Thoughts!? Anyone try this? Anyone on the fence like me? ETA: The next one opens up for subscriptions next week and it seems like they've been selling out each time within a couple of days so I have about a week to decide! |
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Post by ecvnj58 on Sept 1, 2021 0:20:34 GMT
I have been wanting to buy one. I think I wouldn’t be able to use everything in a year so that’s why I hold off. But the items are classic and never go out of style so I feel like eventually I would use them.
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Post by don on Sept 1, 2021 0:42:48 GMT
I would buy one of their planners, but I need large planners like 9 X 12.
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Post by Citygirl on Sept 1, 2021 0:58:14 GMT
No, but I do like the brand. I would be interested in trying a box. The contents would also make nice gifts if you get too many piling up…..teacher gifts, hostess gift, etc.
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Chiara27
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Oct 5, 2019 18:58:25 GMT
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Post by Chiara27 on Sept 1, 2021 7:45:34 GMT
Yes, I have ordered the box previously. There are a variety of items in the sub box to give as gifts and for personal use. I think I will be able to use the items in the September box more than the previous ones. I have been looking for a smaller notebook for my purse because the planner I use is heavy. Paper quality is nice, ink does not bleed through, and customer service at A&O has always been great. Sometimes I wish they would just show the items before, but the Facebook group for spoilers has a good eye for finding the hints.
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Post by lasteve1 on Sept 1, 2021 12:28:15 GMT
I have been wanting to buy one. I think I wouldn’t be able to use everything in a year so that’s why I hold off. But the items are classic and never go out of style so I feel like eventually I would use them. Good point, I could always sub for one or two boxes and then quit if it's piling up. I would buy one of their planners, but I need large planners like 9 X 12. I didn't realize they made planners! I just invested in Golden Coil though and I'm already in love. I think the largest notebook I've seen from A&O is 8 1/2 x 11. No, but I do like the brand. I would be interested in trying a box. The contents would also make nice gifts if you get too many piling up…..teacher gifts, hostess gift, etc. Good point! I was thinking about using some as gifts but their notebooks are so nice they seem like too much for that kind of thing. I can think of a few people on my Christmas gift list that would enjoy them now that you mention it though. Thanks! Yes, I have ordered the box previously. There are a variety of items in the sub box to give as gifts and for personal use. I think I will be able to use the items in the September box more than the previous ones. I have been looking for a smaller notebook for my purse because the planner I use is heavy. Paper quality is nice, ink does not bleed through, and customer service at A&O has always been great. Sometimes I wish they would just show the items before, but the Facebook group for spoilers has a good eye for finding the hints. I saw a sneak about the mini notebooks, not sure how I feel about that... is there also a regular sized one? Or do you think it's only the mini ones? I really loved the washi sneak I saw too. What is the facebook group or is that the one you have to be a member for? |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Sept 1, 2021 12:33:00 GMT
I really like Archer & Olive's notebooks. I've filled up a couple and I plan on buying another one in the next few months. Nice paper quality and weight, beautiful cover designs. Never bought the box and likely never will. I really have no need for the filler content although it all looks like quality stuff. I agree that getting several notebooks might be an issue for you if you have trouble finishing them. Maybe try to think up some possible long-term uses for them before you order the box? Are there any special chapters in your life currently that could be worth documenting in a notebook format? I could see keeping a journal for things like detailed travel planning (including bucket list destinations), home improvement projects, favourite recipes, etc. I have an 8x8 A&O journal that is filled with inspiration for work, both written and images. I sketched, pasted in images, wrote down references and ideas, kept running lists of URLs of articles, etc. It was a fun project to do as I was transitioning to a position with more responsibilities. Maybe you're on a few journeys of your own that you haven't realised could be worth tracking in a journal.  |
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Post by CardBoxer on Sept 1, 2021 12:40:51 GMT
Watching the unboxing video of one of the boxes almost seduced me and I don’t keep journals! So pretty and I swear I could smell the paper when she opened up the notebooks. (Saying that is weird.)
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Post by mikklynn on Sept 1, 2021 13:05:04 GMT
Oh my, the products are really lovely. I want one!
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Chiara27
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Oct 5, 2019 18:58:25 GMT
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Post by Chiara27 on Sept 1, 2021 15:18:54 GMT
Yes, I have ordered the box previously. There are a variety of items in the sub box to give as gifts and for personal use. I think I will be able to use the items in the September box more than the previous ones. I have been looking for a smaller notebook for my purse because the planner I use is heavy. Paper quality is nice, ink does not bleed through, and customer service at A&O has always been great. Sometimes I wish they would just show the items before, but the Facebook group for spoilers has a good eye for finding the hints. I saw a sneak about the mini notebooks, not sure how I feel about that... is there also a regular sized one? Or do you think it's only the mini ones? I really loved the washi sneak I saw too. What is the facebook group or is that the one you have to be a member for? [/quote] One group is archer and olive spoilers, another is archer and olive community. I do not think you have to be a member; I joined prior to subscribing to the box. You just have to answer a few questions. They have A5, B5, 8x8, travelers, B6 in the store. The value of the box is there; an A5 notebook runs about 31 dollars alone and this upcoming box has 10 items. Sub boxes so far have introduced new sizes like 8.5x11 and a spiral notepad. There are new items in the box as well. I think that the design team has confirmed that the only size notebook in the sept box is A6, with kraft, white and black paper. |
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Post by lasteve1 on Sept 1, 2021 15:48:46 GMT
I really like Archer & Olive's notebooks. I've filled up a couple and I plan on buying another one in the next few months. Nice paper quality and weight, beautiful cover designs. Never bought the box and likely never will. I really have no need for the filler content although it all looks like quality stuff. I agree that getting several notebooks might be an issue for you if you have trouble finishing them. Maybe try to think up some possible long-term uses for them before you order the box? Are there any special chapters in your life currently that could be worth documenting in a notebook format? I could see keeping a journal for things like detailed travel planning (including bucket list destinations), home improvement projects, favourite recipes, etc. I have an 8x8 A&O journal that is filled with inspiration for work, both written and images. I sketched, pasted in images, wrote down references and ideas, kept running lists of URLs of articles, etc. It was a fun project to do as I was transitioning to a position with more responsibilities. Maybe you're on a few journeys of your own that you haven't realised could be worth tracking in a journal. These are some good ideas, thanks! I agree about the quality, I have a couple of their A5 dot grid journals, I used one as a COVID diary and another was a commonplace book before I switched to a larger art journal format (but will probably switch back if I subscribe). I also have a few of their other products (kraft pad, some of their pens) and they've all been amazing quality. One group is archer and olive spoilers, another is archer and olive community. I do not think you have to be a member; I joined prior to subscribing to the box. You just have to answer a few questions. They have A5, B5, 8x8, travelers, B6 in the store. The value of the box is there; an A5 notebook runs about 31 dollars alone and this upcoming box has 10 items. Sub boxes so far have introduced new sizes like 8.5x11 and a spiral notepad. There are new items in the box as well. I think that the design team has confirmed that the only size notebook in the sept box is A6, with kraft, white and black paper. Thanks! I joined both groups so hopefully I get approved soon. I would prefer to start with a box that had one A5 or larger but I am already dreaming up ideas for the A6 ones... I think I might be sold on this, even if I cancel after one or two boxes. |
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Sept 1, 2021 15:54:10 GMT
Never bought the box and likely never will. I really have no need for the filler content although it all looks like quality stuff. Same, their stuff is gorgeous and while I have one of their undated planners (sitting unused since March 2020 LOL) I don't need all the extra stuff even though it's so pretty. If I was a better paper planner I would totally do it but alas, I am not. |
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Post by joblackford on Sept 1, 2021 16:23:16 GMT
I have loved the look of their books for a while but they're too permanent for me - I am not great at filling up books and if they're too pretty I have to keep them forever even if the contents I've written in them are rubbish... and it's almost always rubbish, or I never start because I don't have worthy enough content.
I had seen some stuff about the sub boxes but it didn't seem like the kind of thing I'd want to receive as a kit - a bit too substantial and expensive to submit to someone else choosing for me, if you know what I mean. I'm not the kind of planner who dabbles and switches between different books depending on my mood that week.
It might make for a nice gift, or parceling some pieces out as gifts, but it's too much for me.
I'm slightly obsessed with those acrylograph pens they have but the packaging is too much and there are too many options that cost too much and all that adds up to dealbreaker for me. (and I know there are similar paint pens out there but I don't want those!)
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Post by lasteve1 on Sept 1, 2021 16:48:21 GMT
I have loved the look of their books for a while but they're too permanent for me - I am not great at filling up books and if they're too pretty I have to keep them forever even if the contents I've written in them are rubbish... and it's almost always rubbish, or I never start because I don't have worthy enough content. I had seen some stuff about the sub boxes but it didn't seem like the kind of thing I'd want to receive as a kit - a bit too substantial and expensive to submit to someone else choosing for me, if you know what I mean. I'm not the kind of planner who dabbles and switches between different books depending on my mood that week. It might make for a nice gift, or parceling some pieces out as gifts, but it's too much for me. I'm slightly obsessed with those acrylograph pens they have but the packaging is too much and there are too many options that cost too much and all that adds up to dealbreaker for me. (and I know there are similar paint pens out there but I don't want those!) I feel like this is almost exactly how I feel about it... but I'm starting to come around on the price because there is just so much in it. I purchased one set of acrylograph pens and love them, but agree there is an insane amount of packaging and they are so expensive. These boxes have all so far come with a 5 pack of them in normal sized packaging for 5 pens (and I believe exclusive colors?) and that is a huge selling point for me (although I saw that the upcoming box won't have any, I'm sure future ones will again). I think I will definitely have to gift or resell some of the pieces... I'm already thinking about people on my Christmas list that would love a notebook. Some of the pencil pouches, etc. I wouldn't use but I do have a 16 year old daughter that I'm sure would be thrilled with them.
I also am not great at filling up books, but I love the idea of having shelves and/or boxes of filled in notebooks with just random notes/thoughts/life bits in them... a la Brandi Kincaid. When I've bought A&O notebooks in the past I definitely had that "omg it's too pretty to write in" feeling, but I'm thinking getting them in sub boxes might help me overcome that?
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,382 
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Post by naby64 on Sept 1, 2021 21:52:19 GMT
I am a notebook junkie!! And yes, I am a subber to the boxes. I started with the September box. I am not a fan of purple so I was not pleased that the notebook was purple but it came with a pretty cover and I just slipped it into there.
These notebooks are made of a really great thick paper. 160 gsm. Whatever that means. I know I should know and it does mean the thickness, sturdiness of the paper or along those lines. Can I get other notebooks elsewhere for cheaper? Yes. I am looking at 2 right now from Michaels. With their sale, I can get both for $10 but they are not as thick. I like the A&O thickness. I haven't painted in mine and I know that would hold up well.
I am using the first one I ever got(back in February) for a reading journal. Did a big set-up in there and plan on using that book from year to year until it is full. The most recent book I have received(ordered in a mystery bundle) is being used as a bible study BuJo.
I will say in my email from them the first of the week, they did say the sub boxes would be going up in price. You needed to sub with this September box if you didn't want the increase. Mine will get mailed out soon and the boxes open up to non-subbers in a few days. Sorry, I can't remember the increase.
So that's my 2 cents from a paper junkie.
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scrappymeg
Full Member
Posts: 317
Sept 18, 2020 22:59:35 GMT
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Post by scrappymeg on Sept 1, 2021 22:18:57 GMT
I am a notebook junkie!! And yes, I am a subber to the boxes. I started with the September box. I am not a fan of purple so I was not pleased that the notebook was purple but it came with a pretty cover and I just slipped it into there. These notebooks are made of a really great thick paper. 160 gsm. Whatever that means. I know I should know and it does mean the thickness, sturdiness of the paper or along those lines. Can I get other notebooks elsewhere for cheaper? Yes. I am looking at 2 right now from Michaels. With their sale, I can get both for $10 but they are not as thick. I like the A&O thickness. I haven't painted in mine and I know that would hold up well. I am using the first one I ever got(back in February) for a reading journal. Did a big set-up in there and plan on using that book from year to year until it is full. The most recent book I have received(ordered in a mystery bundle) is being used as a bible study BuJo. I will say in my email from them the first of the week, they did say the sub boxes would be going up in price. You needed to sub with this September box if you didn't want the increase. Mine will get mailed out soon and the boxes open up to non-subbers in a few days. Sorry, I can't remember the increase. So that's my 2 cents from a paper junkie. I believe the price is going from $70 to $75. I've been thinking about subscribing for awhile but that price point is a bit high for me - granted it is quarterly. However, I think I will hold out and wait for a mystery bundle. That's around $50 and I believe you get two journals with those, which is what I want. I don't really need all the extra pens and accessories that come in the sub boxes, as nice and tempting as they may be! |
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Post by lasteve1 on Sept 1, 2021 23:32:51 GMT
I am a notebook junkie!! And yes, I am a subber to the boxes. I started with the September box. I am not a fan of purple so I was not pleased that the notebook was purple but it came with a pretty cover and I just slipped it into there. These notebooks are made of a really great thick paper. 160 gsm. Whatever that means. I know I should know and it does mean the thickness, sturdiness of the paper or along those lines. Can I get other notebooks elsewhere for cheaper? Yes. I am looking at 2 right now from Michaels. With their sale, I can get both for $10 but they are not as thick. I like the A&O thickness. I haven't painted in mine and I know that would hold up well. I am using the first one I ever got(back in February) for a reading journal. Did a big set-up in there and plan on using that book from year to year until it is full. The most recent book I have received(ordered in a mystery bundle) is being used as a bible study BuJo. I will say in my email from them the first of the week, they did say the sub boxes would be going up in price. You needed to sub with this September box if you didn't want the increase. Mine will get mailed out soon and the boxes open up to non-subbers in a few days. Sorry, I can't remember the increase. So that's my 2 cents from a paper junkie. The more I think about it and see responses, more ideas for journals come to me! A reading journal is a great idea... I keep a list on good reads and usually create a scrapbook page at the end of the year, but an ongoing journal would be great. I think I'm mostly sold on it... I saw the price increase thing too. Can you skip boxes and not lose your spot? Or do you have to cancel and resubscribe as if you're a new subber? |
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Post by lasteve1 on Sept 1, 2021 23:34:25 GMT
I am a notebook junkie!! And yes, I am a subber to the boxes. I started with the September box. I am not a fan of purple so I was not pleased that the notebook was purple but it came with a pretty cover and I just slipped it into there. These notebooks are made of a really great thick paper. 160 gsm. Whatever that means. I know I should know and it does mean the thickness, sturdiness of the paper or along those lines. Can I get other notebooks elsewhere for cheaper? Yes. I am looking at 2 right now from Michaels. With their sale, I can get both for $10 but they are not as thick. I like the A&O thickness. I haven't painted in mine and I know that would hold up well. I am using the first one I ever got(back in February) for a reading journal. Did a big set-up in there and plan on using that book from year to year until it is full. The most recent book I have received(ordered in a mystery bundle) is being used as a bible study BuJo. I will say in my email from them the first of the week, they did say the sub boxes would be going up in price. You needed to sub with this September box if you didn't want the increase. Mine will get mailed out soon and the boxes open up to non-subbers in a few days. Sorry, I can't remember the increase. So that's my 2 cents from a paper junkie. I believe the price is going from $70 to $75. I've been thinking about subscribing for awhile but that price point is a bit high for me - granted it is quarterly. However, I think I will hold out and wait for a mystery bundle. That's around $50 and I believe you get two journals with those, which is what I want. I don't really need all the extra pens and accessories that come in the sub boxes, as nice and tempting as they may be! When I first saw the price I almost just stopped looking right there, but then I thought that I subscribe to other scrapbook kits that are $30-$40 per month, so that's more than $70 quarterly and these boxes are definitely filled with more than that value of supplies. I do want the pens... some of the accessories I won't use but I know my daughter would love them so they wouldn't go to waste. |
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Chiara27
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Oct 5, 2019 18:58:25 GMT
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Post by Chiara27 on Sept 5, 2021 1:35:10 GMT
Sub box reveal is up on Archer and Olive’s YouTube page and on some of the design team members’ IG like (@menwhobullet) m.youtube.com/watch?v=5p_T5zurheEThe pens look interesting, but I would have liked more pens for a pen box that size. Maybe there could have been less foam? |
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nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,197
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Post by nicolep on Sept 5, 2021 12:20:48 GMT
The quality looks amazing! I've never even heard of the brand before now.
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Post by scrappieannie on Sept 5, 2021 20:35:44 GMT
I have a few sets of the Acrylograph pens from A&O as well as one journal. It's all VERY high quality. I don't journal frequently enough to justify the subscription box, but I highly recommend the company's products! Do check them out!
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Post by lasteve1 on Sept 6, 2021 15:14:00 GMT
Sub box reveal is up on Archer and Olive’s YouTube page and on some of the design team members’ IG like (@menwhobullet) m.youtube.com/watch?v=5p_T5zurheEThe pens look interesting, but I would have liked more pens for a pen box that size. Maybe there could have been less foam? I subscribed and I'm excited for this box! I agree about the pens... I've thought the same thing with the Acrylograph pens, I bought a set and there was way more box than pen. It seems like a huge waste of packaging and it's not practical for long term storage because of the size of the box. I am really excited about how the narrow tip is supposed to be a slightly darker "shadow" shade of the larger brush tip because I think that will be fun. |
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Post by lasteve1 on Sept 6, 2021 15:17:51 GMT
The quality looks amazing! I've never even heard of the brand before now. I've tried out a few of their A5 journals and acrylograph pens and they are a great brand. The journals are the best quality I've tried, I switched to them from Leuchtturm back when I was bullet journaling and they're not even comparable. They are very pricey though... I think the sub box is a good way to get their products for a good deal, but you have to be willing to trust blindly and try new things... rather than pick the exact products you want. Even if you aren't interested in the subscription I would still recommend splurging on one of their notebooks if you need a good quality notebook... you won't be disappointed! I would suggest though... opt for the vegan leather cover, the linen ones are not my favorite... they are pretty and still great quality, but dust/cat hair tends to stick to them... similar to the AE/SC linen albums. |
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Chiara27
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Oct 5, 2019 18:58:25 GMT
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Post by Chiara27 on Sept 6, 2021 16:26:21 GMT
[/quote]I subscribed and I'm excited for this box!
I agree about the pens... I've thought the same thing with the Acrylograph pens, I bought a set and there was way more box than pen. It seems like a huge waste of packaging and it's not practical for long term storage because of the size of the box. I am really excited about how the narrow tip is supposed to be a slightly darker "shadow" shade of the larger brush tip because I think that will be fun. [/quote]
For awhile I kept the pens in the box, but I ran out of space so I now keep them in the Metallic pen box. I think packaging could be improved.
I saw on the fb group a post about the pricing- and the pens are valued at $35 in this sub box. So each pen is $7?! I don’t think even Tombows run that high. I am not sure I would purchase the items individually, so the sub box is enough for me. I am also excited about the smaller brush tip with a darker shadow tone. My box is coming this week.
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Chiara27
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Oct 5, 2019 18:58:25 GMT
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Post by Chiara27 on Sept 6, 2021 16:39:51 GMT
Sigh, my quote did not turn out correctly.
I also wanted to add that my most-used A&O item is actually their A5 notepad. I can write/draw and then add it to my planner/other journals and the paper is the same.
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Post by lasteve1 on Sept 6, 2021 17:00:00 GMT
Sigh, my quote did not turn out correctly. I also wanted to add that my most-used A&O item is actually their A5 notepad. I can write/draw and then add it to my planner/other journals and the paper is the same. I also left my acrylographs in the packaging for awhile, but it took up so much space and was such a pain to pull them out I didn't use them very much. The Acrylograph pens are nice, but I also think they charge too much for them from the shop so i wouldn't be surprised that these ones don't seem like $7/pen value. I have a lot of Tombows so I'm curious to compare. I think the sub box is a good way to get these products for a reasonable price. That's one reason I decided to go for the sub box... it gives me these fun pens without having to overpay for them. I think if I wasn't subscribed I wouldn't buy any more of the pens full price, it's just too much. The notebooks are worth the price though, they are so good. I also have a kraft A5 notepad and use that often to add to my art journal or scrapbook pages. I think I might end up doing something similar with some of the blackout pages from the notebook in this month's box, but I hate the idea of tearing pages out of such a nice notebook! I just can't come up with an idea for a full blackout notebook, even a small one. |
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,382
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Post by naby64 on Sept 7, 2021 2:47:47 GMT
I've been busy this weekend and just saw the sub reveal. I'm so stinkin' excited! I just gave my YDS a skinny note pad that came in the Friday the 13th box. He is a sailor and writes while he's out. I think one of those smaller notebooks will be in his stocking this year.
The pen holder seems fun. I'm a pen nut and have several pouches for different pen types. And that sticker roll! 😍
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Post by lasteve1 on Sept 7, 2021 16:40:23 GMT
I've been busy this weekend and just saw the sub reveal. I'm so stinkin' excited! I just gave my YDS a skinny note pad that came in the Friday the 13th box. He is a sailor and writes while he's out. I think one of those smaller notebooks will be in his stocking this year. The pen holder seems fun. I'm a pen nut and have several pouches for different pen types. And that sticker roll! 😍 At first I was unsure about the mini notebooks but now I'm super excited for them! Well, for the white + kraft ones because I have ideas. I can't think of a use for the blackout one... I think that paper type could be fun to play with occasionally but I can't think of a use for an entire notebook where I would want it. I think the pen holder will be fun for travel and I'm excited to try out the new pens. The only thing I won't use are the coloring pages and I know my daughter will be super excited about them... she's 16 and obsessed with crystals + coloring. |
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Post by mikklynn on Sept 8, 2021 11:59:44 GMT
I've been busy this weekend and just saw the sub reveal. I'm so stinkin' excited! I just gave my YDS a skinny note pad that came in the Friday the 13th box. He is a sailor and writes while he's out. I think one of those smaller notebooks will be in his stocking this year. The pen holder seems fun. I'm a pen nut and have several pouches for different pen types. And that sticker roll! 😍 I love that your sailor son writes when he is out. We recently received a box of stuff that belonged to my dad's parents, who both died in the 1960's. The best thing might be a journal my grandfather kept from a trip on a newly commissioned ship during WWII. He detailed his days from leaving port in NYC to traveling through the Panama canal, to arriving in the SF harbor. Priceless! |
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