If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week, use the hashtag #artjournaleveryday so that we can all take a peek. Even if you're not on social media, you can see everything (from twitter, pinterest, instagram, and facebook) that uses that hashtag here.
As art journalers, we know that pens are of tantamount importance. Long ago I wrote a long post about my favorite pens for art journaling. It's one of the most frequently asked questions I get: What's your favorite journaling pen?
My perfect journaling pen has to be super black, have a tip that will stand up to abuse, write on top of paint (essentially plastic), be fairly permanent aka waterproof, and be relatively inexpensive. It's a lot to ask for.
If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I love and adore the Scarlet Lime pen because it fulfills all of those requirements. However, I've been searching for a replacement for a while since it's no longer available. I've tried lots and lots of pens that others have kindly suggested. But nothing really worked as well for my art journaling needs. And while I thought I bought a lifetime supply many years ago, I'm down to my last five pens. Gasp!
I've been desperately buying pens at Staples and Target and Dick Blick to see if anything can replace my beloved Scarlet Lime Pen. I've probably spent more than $200 on pens of all kinds…to no avail. Sigh.
However, I believe that my assistant Suzanne has found the magical replacement pen!! (I may or may not have done a dance when she showed up with the pens in her hand. There may or may not be a video of me crowing about the pens later that evening and dancing around my mother's kitchen. I'm just saying…there was much rejoicing!)
Watch the video to see my explorations of the Pilot Multiball Pen:
One commenter on YouTube pointed out that: "Mistakes can easily be fixed by wiping the ink with a wet cloth within six hours of writing. After the six hours has passed, the pen marks become permanent. What a great blend of both worlds!" So I think that explains why the pen in the video washed away when soaked with water. Good information to know!
Have you tried the Pilot Multiball Pen? What do you think?
Thanks for stopping by!
Looks like I will be heading to Amazon to get some new pens. Thanks for the tips.
Looks like I will be heading to Amazon to get some new pens. Thanks for the tips.
Looks like I will be heading to Amazon to get some new pens. Thanks for the tips.
Looks like I will be heading to Amazon to get some new pens. Thanks for the tips.
Looks like I will be heading to Amazon to get some new pens. Thanks for the tips.
Looks like I will be heading to Amazon to get some new pens. Thanks for the tips.
Love the demo. Thanks for sharing. What store did your assistant find these pens? Thank you!
Love the demo. Thanks for sharing. What store did your assistant find these pens? Thank you!
Love the demo. Thanks for sharing. What store did your assistant find these pens? Thank you!
Love the demo. Thanks for sharing. What store did your assistant find these pens? Thank you!
Love the demo. Thanks for sharing. What store did your assistant find these pens? Thank you!
Love the demo. Thanks for sharing. What store did your assistant find these pens? Thank you!
I’ve been very happy with the Pilot Acroball for a few years but I think I’l try the Multiball. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been very happy with the Pilot Acroball for a few years but I think I’l try the Multiball. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been very happy with the Pilot Acroball for a few years but I think I’l try the Multiball. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been very happy with the Pilot Acroball for a few years but I think I’l try the Multiball. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been very happy with the Pilot Acroball for a few years but I think I’l try the Multiball. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been very happy with the Pilot Acroball for a few years but I think I’l try the Multiball. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been using a Fude Ball pen, but I’ll definitely try this as the Fude Ball I have is a little more bold than I’d like for most applications. Love these product review videos. Thanks, Julie!
I’ve been using a Fude Ball pen, but I’ll definitely try this as the Fude Ball I have is a little more bold than I’d like for most applications. Love these product review videos. Thanks, Julie!
I’ve been using a Fude Ball pen, but I’ll definitely try this as the Fude Ball I have is a little more bold than I’d like for most applications. Love these product review videos. Thanks, Julie!
I’ve been using a Fude Ball pen, but I’ll definitely try this as the Fude Ball I have is a little more bold than I’d like for most applications. Love these product review videos. Thanks, Julie!
I’ve been using a Fude Ball pen, but I’ll definitely try this as the Fude Ball I have is a little more bold than I’d like for most applications. Love these product review videos. Thanks, Julie!
I’ve been using a Fude Ball pen, but I’ll definitely try this as the Fude Ball I have is a little more bold than I’d like for most applications. Love these product review videos. Thanks, Julie!
These Pilot pens are a favorite of my department cohort at work, too! I think before we all go out and purchase, I’m going to take stock in Pilot! 😉
These Pilot pens are a favorite of my department cohort at work, too! I think before we all go out and purchase, I’m going to take stock in Pilot! 😉
These Pilot pens are a favorite of my department cohort at work, too! I think before we all go out and purchase, I’m going to take stock in Pilot! 😉
These Pilot pens are a favorite of my department cohort at work, too! I think before we all go out and purchase, I’m going to take stock in Pilot! 😉
These Pilot pens are a favorite of my department cohort at work, too! I think before we all go out and purchase, I’m going to take stock in Pilot! 😉
These Pilot pens are a favorite of my department cohort at work, too! I think before we all go out and purchase, I’m going to take stock in Pilot! 😉
Hi Julie,
I like Uniden pens and I have a pilot pen that I can use in my scanncut.
Yesterday I went to a local Dick Blick store. Mind you my last time in that store was many moons ago. I did manage to find a few things that I had been looking for. I am really looking for a book on Brush strokes. I need a big refresher. I really have found some out standing youtube videos. I just wanted a book as to when I am not near my computer.
I did find a book on Sumi Japanese ink painting by Yolanda MayHall. I also found the Chinese Brush by Lucy Wang.
I also found some books on sale Learn to draw dogs and puppies that was on sale Clearance. Under 7.00 usd.
Learn to draw sea life that was under 9.00 usd. Not on sale.
I think these books are for kids but that is ok it will bring the kid out in me. I am really having a hard time really trying to find good books on brush strokes. The Sumi book is the closest I can come to one I use to have.
I also bought my first small 6×6 canvas panel pack.
Last but not least thank you for sharing the Journal web pages pintrest etc. I did go take a look and wow I thought it was all so wonderful and beautiful. I see a lot of talent there.
Julie I love reading all that you post up in your blogs. I did watch the videos you posted yesterday as well as loved watching show 400 from Scrapbook Soup. I loved it all.
I will see how well I will do with teaching myself out of these books. I did see the sumi-E Book as it is properly called on Amazon. I am also looking for a good reasonable priced set of Sumi brushes. I am looking Amazon again.
I will try the Sumi brush strokes and Chinese Brush strokes with my round brushes and water color paints and see how they do.
I use to do some Sumi painting on Ceramic. I used an under glaze paint for that. Then I fired my item and then clear glazed it and fired that. The colors always seem to come out very nice. I did have several Sumi brushes.
You have a great day. Good luck with your pens. I like the idea of writing or drawing with it then using the spray of water and doing a light wipe to give it a diminishing look.
Fawna
Hi Julie,
I like Uniden pens and I have a pilot pen that I can use in my scanncut.
Yesterday I went to a local Dick Blick store. Mind you my last time in that store was many moons ago. I did manage to find a few things that I had been looking for. I am really looking for a book on Brush strokes. I need a big refresher. I really have found some out standing youtube videos. I just wanted a book as to when I am not near my computer.
I did find a book on Sumi Japanese ink painting by Yolanda MayHall. I also found the Chinese Brush by Lucy Wang.
I also found some books on sale Learn to draw dogs and puppies that was on sale Clearance. Under 7.00 usd.
Learn to draw sea life that was under 9.00 usd. Not on sale.
I think these books are for kids but that is ok it will bring the kid out in me. I am really having a hard time really trying to find good books on brush strokes. The Sumi book is the closest I can come to one I use to have.
I also bought my first small 6×6 canvas panel pack.
Last but not least thank you for sharing the Journal web pages pintrest etc. I did go take a look and wow I thought it was all so wonderful and beautiful. I see a lot of talent there.
Julie I love reading all that you post up in your blogs. I did watch the videos you posted yesterday as well as loved watching show 400 from Scrapbook Soup. I loved it all.
I will see how well I will do with teaching myself out of these books. I did see the sumi-E Book as it is properly called on Amazon. I am also looking for a good reasonable priced set of Sumi brushes. I am looking Amazon again.
I will try the Sumi brush strokes and Chinese Brush strokes with my round brushes and water color paints and see how they do.
I use to do some Sumi painting on Ceramic. I used an under glaze paint for that. Then I fired my item and then clear glazed it and fired that. The colors always seem to come out very nice. I did have several Sumi brushes.
You have a great day. Good luck with your pens. I like the idea of writing or drawing with it then using the spray of water and doing a light wipe to give it a diminishing look.
Fawna
Hi Julie,
I like Uniden pens and I have a pilot pen that I can use in my scanncut.
Yesterday I went to a local Dick Blick store. Mind you my last time in that store was many moons ago. I did manage to find a few things that I had been looking for. I am really looking for a book on Brush strokes. I need a big refresher. I really have found some out standing youtube videos. I just wanted a book as to when I am not near my computer.
I did find a book on Sumi Japanese ink painting by Yolanda MayHall. I also found the Chinese Brush by Lucy Wang.
I also found some books on sale Learn to draw dogs and puppies that was on sale Clearance. Under 7.00 usd.
Learn to draw sea life that was under 9.00 usd. Not on sale.
I think these books are for kids but that is ok it will bring the kid out in me. I am really having a hard time really trying to find good books on brush strokes. The Sumi book is the closest I can come to one I use to have.
I also bought my first small 6×6 canvas panel pack.
Last but not least thank you for sharing the Journal web pages pintrest etc. I did go take a look and wow I thought it was all so wonderful and beautiful. I see a lot of talent there.
Julie I love reading all that you post up in your blogs. I did watch the videos you posted yesterday as well as loved watching show 400 from Scrapbook Soup. I loved it all.
I will see how well I will do with teaching myself out of these books. I did see the sumi-E Book as it is properly called on Amazon. I am also looking for a good reasonable priced set of Sumi brushes. I am looking Amazon again.
I will try the Sumi brush strokes and Chinese Brush strokes with my round brushes and water color paints and see how they do.
I use to do some Sumi painting on Ceramic. I used an under glaze paint for that. Then I fired my item and then clear glazed it and fired that. The colors always seem to come out very nice. I did have several Sumi brushes.
You have a great day. Good luck with your pens. I like the idea of writing or drawing with it then using the spray of water and doing a light wipe to give it a diminishing look.
Fawna
Hi Julie,
I like Uniden pens and I have a pilot pen that I can use in my scanncut.
Yesterday I went to a local Dick Blick store. Mind you my last time in that store was many moons ago. I did manage to find a few things that I had been looking for. I am really looking for a book on Brush strokes. I need a big refresher. I really have found some out standing youtube videos. I just wanted a book as to when I am not near my computer.
I did find a book on Sumi Japanese ink painting by Yolanda MayHall. I also found the Chinese Brush by Lucy Wang.
I also found some books on sale Learn to draw dogs and puppies that was on sale Clearance. Under 7.00 usd.
Learn to draw sea life that was under 9.00 usd. Not on sale.
I think these books are for kids but that is ok it will bring the kid out in me. I am really having a hard time really trying to find good books on brush strokes. The Sumi book is the closest I can come to one I use to have.
I also bought my first small 6×6 canvas panel pack.
Last but not least thank you for sharing the Journal web pages pintrest etc. I did go take a look and wow I thought it was all so wonderful and beautiful. I see a lot of talent there.
Julie I love reading all that you post up in your blogs. I did watch the videos you posted yesterday as well as loved watching show 400 from Scrapbook Soup. I loved it all.
I will see how well I will do with teaching myself out of these books. I did see the sumi-E Book as it is properly called on Amazon. I am also looking for a good reasonable priced set of Sumi brushes. I am looking Amazon again.
I will try the Sumi brush strokes and Chinese Brush strokes with my round brushes and water color paints and see how they do.
I use to do some Sumi painting on Ceramic. I used an under glaze paint for that. Then I fired my item and then clear glazed it and fired that. The colors always seem to come out very nice. I did have several Sumi brushes.
You have a great day. Good luck with your pens. I like the idea of writing or drawing with it then using the spray of water and doing a light wipe to give it a diminishing look.
Fawna
Hi Julie,
I like Uniden pens and I have a pilot pen that I can use in my scanncut.
Yesterday I went to a local Dick Blick store. Mind you my last time in that store was many moons ago. I did manage to find a few things that I had been looking for. I am really looking for a book on Brush strokes. I need a big refresher. I really have found some out standing youtube videos. I just wanted a book as to when I am not near my computer.
I did find a book on Sumi Japanese ink painting by Yolanda MayHall. I also found the Chinese Brush by Lucy Wang.
I also found some books on sale Learn to draw dogs and puppies that was on sale Clearance. Under 7.00 usd.
Learn to draw sea life that was under 9.00 usd. Not on sale.
I think these books are for kids but that is ok it will bring the kid out in me. I am really having a hard time really trying to find good books on brush strokes. The Sumi book is the closest I can come to one I use to have.
I also bought my first small 6×6 canvas panel pack.
Last but not least thank you for sharing the Journal web pages pintrest etc. I did go take a look and wow I thought it was all so wonderful and beautiful. I see a lot of talent there.
Julie I love reading all that you post up in your blogs. I did watch the videos you posted yesterday as well as loved watching show 400 from Scrapbook Soup. I loved it all.
I will see how well I will do with teaching myself out of these books. I did see the sumi-E Book as it is properly called on Amazon. I am also looking for a good reasonable priced set of Sumi brushes. I am looking Amazon again.
I will try the Sumi brush strokes and Chinese Brush strokes with my round brushes and water color paints and see how they do.
I use to do some Sumi painting on Ceramic. I used an under glaze paint for that. Then I fired my item and then clear glazed it and fired that. The colors always seem to come out very nice. I did have several Sumi brushes.
You have a great day. Good luck with your pens. I like the idea of writing or drawing with it then using the spray of water and doing a light wipe to give it a diminishing look.
Fawna
Hi Julie,
I like Uniden pens and I have a pilot pen that I can use in my scanncut.
Yesterday I went to a local Dick Blick store. Mind you my last time in that store was many moons ago. I did manage to find a few things that I had been looking for. I am really looking for a book on Brush strokes. I need a big refresher. I really have found some out standing youtube videos. I just wanted a book as to when I am not near my computer.
I did find a book on Sumi Japanese ink painting by Yolanda MayHall. I also found the Chinese Brush by Lucy Wang.
I also found some books on sale Learn to draw dogs and puppies that was on sale Clearance. Under 7.00 usd.
Learn to draw sea life that was under 9.00 usd. Not on sale.
I think these books are for kids but that is ok it will bring the kid out in me. I am really having a hard time really trying to find good books on brush strokes. The Sumi book is the closest I can come to one I use to have.
I also bought my first small 6×6 canvas panel pack.
Last but not least thank you for sharing the Journal web pages pintrest etc. I did go take a look and wow I thought it was all so wonderful and beautiful. I see a lot of talent there.
Julie I love reading all that you post up in your blogs. I did watch the videos you posted yesterday as well as loved watching show 400 from Scrapbook Soup. I loved it all.
I will see how well I will do with teaching myself out of these books. I did see the sumi-E Book as it is properly called on Amazon. I am also looking for a good reasonable priced set of Sumi brushes. I am looking Amazon again.
I will try the Sumi brush strokes and Chinese Brush strokes with my round brushes and water color paints and see how they do.
I use to do some Sumi painting on Ceramic. I used an under glaze paint for that. Then I fired my item and then clear glazed it and fired that. The colors always seem to come out very nice. I did have several Sumi brushes.
You have a great day. Good luck with your pens. I like the idea of writing or drawing with it then using the spray of water and doing a light wipe to give it a diminishing look.
Fawna
I’m down to my last Scarlet Lime pen! Thank you for your review. I’ll have to try that pen.
I’m down to my last Scarlet Lime pen! Thank you for your review. I’ll have to try that pen.
I’m down to my last Scarlet Lime pen! Thank you for your review. I’ll have to try that pen.
I’m down to my last Scarlet Lime pen! Thank you for your review. I’ll have to try that pen.
I’m down to my last Scarlet Lime pen! Thank you for your review. I’ll have to try that pen.
I’m down to my last Scarlet Lime pen! Thank you for your review. I’ll have to try that pen.
Thanks for sharing. I too, like the Scarlet Lime pens. It is good to know there is a comparable replacement!
Thanks for sharing. I too, like the Scarlet Lime pens. It is good to know there is a comparable replacement!
Thanks for sharing. I too, like the Scarlet Lime pens. It is good to know there is a comparable replacement!
Thanks for sharing. I too, like the Scarlet Lime pens. It is good to know there is a comparable replacement!
Thanks for sharing. I too, like the Scarlet Lime pens. It is good to know there is a comparable replacement!
Thanks for sharing. I too, like the Scarlet Lime pens. It is good to know there is a comparable replacement!
So I should make my last two Scarlet Lime pens last then?
I’ll have to try this new one too.
I also really like my Fude Ball pen as well.
So I should make my last two Scarlet Lime pens last then?
I’ll have to try this new one too.
I also really like my Fude Ball pen as well.
So I should make my last two Scarlet Lime pens last then?
I’ll have to try this new one too.
I also really like my Fude Ball pen as well.
So I should make my last two Scarlet Lime pens last then?
I’ll have to try this new one too.
I also really like my Fude Ball pen as well.
So I should make my last two Scarlet Lime pens last then?
I’ll have to try this new one too.
I also really like my Fude Ball pen as well.
So I should make my last two Scarlet Lime pens last then?
I’ll have to try this new one too.
I also really like my Fude Ball pen as well.
This was helpful. Thanks. Do you think you could write a review on white pens that work for mixed media? I have tried so many and can’t seem to get them to flow nicely – even though I let my art dry. So frustrating. Thanks Julie. I look forward to seeing your emails in my inbox!
This was helpful. Thanks. Do you think you could write a review on white pens that work for mixed media? I have tried so many and can’t seem to get them to flow nicely – even though I let my art dry. So frustrating. Thanks Julie. I look forward to seeing your emails in my inbox!
This was helpful. Thanks. Do you think you could write a review on white pens that work for mixed media? I have tried so many and can’t seem to get them to flow nicely – even though I let my art dry. So frustrating. Thanks Julie. I look forward to seeing your emails in my inbox!
This was helpful. Thanks. Do you think you could write a review on white pens that work for mixed media? I have tried so many and can’t seem to get them to flow nicely – even though I let my art dry. So frustrating. Thanks Julie. I look forward to seeing your emails in my inbox!
This was helpful. Thanks. Do you think you could write a review on white pens that work for mixed media? I have tried so many and can’t seem to get them to flow nicely – even though I let my art dry. So frustrating. Thanks Julie. I look forward to seeing your emails in my inbox!
This was helpful. Thanks. Do you think you could write a review on white pens that work for mixed media? I have tried so many and can’t seem to get them to flow nicely – even though I let my art dry. So frustrating. Thanks Julie. I look forward to seeing your emails in my inbox!
I stopped by the local Office Depot to see if they might have the pilot pens….no luck! BUT, I did see that they now carry the white signo uniball pens! SCORE!
I stopped by the local Office Depot to see if they might have the pilot pens….no luck! BUT, I did see that they now carry the white signo uniball pens! SCORE!
I stopped by the local Office Depot to see if they might have the pilot pens….no luck! BUT, I did see that they now carry the white signo uniball pens! SCORE!
I stopped by the local Office Depot to see if they might have the pilot pens….no luck! BUT, I did see that they now carry the white signo uniball pens! SCORE!
I stopped by the local Office Depot to see if they might have the pilot pens….no luck! BUT, I did see that they now carry the white signo uniball pens! SCORE!
I stopped by the local Office Depot to see if they might have the pilot pens….no luck! BUT, I did see that they now carry the white signo uniball pens! SCORE!
Just ordered some. But saw somewhere that you’re coming to St. Pete for classes. Then the dates. Of course, I’m going to be a on a cruise and miss you. I’m so sad. Been dreaming of a Julie class for years. That’s life.
Just ordered some. But saw somewhere that you’re coming to St. Pete for classes. Then the dates. Of course, I’m going to be a on a cruise and miss you. I’m so sad. Been dreaming of a Julie class for years. That’s life.
Just ordered some. But saw somewhere that you’re coming to St. Pete for classes. Then the dates. Of course, I’m going to be a on a cruise and miss you. I’m so sad. Been dreaming of a Julie class for years. That’s life.
Just ordered some. But saw somewhere that you’re coming to St. Pete for classes. Then the dates. Of course, I’m going to be a on a cruise and miss you. I’m so sad. Been dreaming of a Julie class for years. That’s life.
Just ordered some. But saw somewhere that you’re coming to St. Pete for classes. Then the dates. Of course, I’m going to be a on a cruise and miss you. I’m so sad. Been dreaming of a Julie class for years. That’s life.
Just ordered some. But saw somewhere that you’re coming to St. Pete for classes. Then the dates. Of course, I’m going to be a on a cruise and miss you. I’m so sad. Been dreaming of a Julie class for years. That’s life.
Great news!! I will be ordering these pens. Thank you for the review.
Great news!! I will be ordering these pens. Thank you for the review.
Great news!! I will be ordering these pens. Thank you for the review.
Great news!! I will be ordering these pens. Thank you for the review.
Great news!! I will be ordering these pens. Thank you for the review.
Great news!! I will be ordering these pens. Thank you for the review.
Hi! I am looking for a pen that can write on plastic (acetate or vinyl) but easily erasable (think like white board markers, but in 0.3-0.5mm thickness perhaps). I have charts/maps covered with plastic sheets, and need to temporarily mark routes with some notes on them. I have checked some Pilot pens of yours, but it says they are erasable only within 6 hours, then permanent. That is not acceptable for me. Also, grease pencil (china marker) is an option, but I prefer pen rather than pencils. Can you suggest me something? Thanks
Hi! I am looking for a pen that can write on plastic (acetate or vinyl) but easily erasable (think like white board markers, but in 0.3-0.5mm thickness perhaps). I have charts/maps covered with plastic sheets, and need to temporarily mark routes with some notes on them. I have checked some Pilot pens of yours, but it says they are erasable only within 6 hours, then permanent. That is not acceptable for me. Also, grease pencil (china marker) is an option, but I prefer pen rather than pencils. Can you suggest me something? Thanks
Hi! I am looking for a pen that can write on plastic (acetate or vinyl) but easily erasable (think like white board markers, but in 0.3-0.5mm thickness perhaps). I have charts/maps covered with plastic sheets, and need to temporarily mark routes with some notes on them. I have checked some Pilot pens of yours, but it says they are erasable only within 6 hours, then permanent. That is not acceptable for me. Also, grease pencil (china marker) is an option, but I prefer pen rather than pencils. Can you suggest me something? Thanks
Hi! I am looking for a pen that can write on plastic (acetate or vinyl) but easily erasable (think like white board markers, but in 0.3-0.5mm thickness perhaps). I have charts/maps covered with plastic sheets, and need to temporarily mark routes with some notes on them. I have checked some Pilot pens of yours, but it says they are erasable only within 6 hours, then permanent. That is not acceptable for me. Also, grease pencil (china marker) is an option, but I prefer pen rather than pencils. Can you suggest me something? Thanks
Hi! I am looking for a pen that can write on plastic (acetate or vinyl) but easily erasable (think like white board markers, but in 0.3-0.5mm thickness perhaps). I have charts/maps covered with plastic sheets, and need to temporarily mark routes with some notes on them. I have checked some Pilot pens of yours, but it says they are erasable only within 6 hours, then permanent. That is not acceptable for me. Also, grease pencil (china marker) is an option, but I prefer pen rather than pencils. Can you suggest me something? Thanks
Hi! I am looking for a pen that can write on plastic (acetate or vinyl) but easily erasable (think like white board markers, but in 0.3-0.5mm thickness perhaps). I have charts/maps covered with plastic sheets, and need to temporarily mark routes with some notes on them. I have checked some Pilot pens of yours, but it says they are erasable only within 6 hours, then permanent. That is not acceptable for me. Also, grease pencil (china marker) is an option, but I prefer pen rather than pencils. Can you suggest me something? Thanks