Of moss and snails and leaves - a fountain pen review!

Something a little different from me here - I was kindly asked by Ferris Wheel Press to try their Lord of the Rings Ring Bearer Bijou Fountain Pen and Ink Set.

As I've spent a lot of my life Aotearoa New Zealand (also known as Middle Earth) I felt compelled to give this gorgeous pen a go.

If you've followed me and my work for a while you will know that I mostly draw and paint with mixed media, gouache and watercolour. Fountain pens aren't something I generally work with, but way back in the day I used to love drawing with scratchy dip pens, so I was intrigued to try it out.

This particular pen comes with two nibs - a standard writing nib plus a calligraphy nib. I tried them both, and loved the standard nib for what turned out to be a very luxurious  writing experience! 

The calligraphy nib is so fun to draw with! I loved being able to create a beautiful line quality with thick and thin marks, depending on the angle the nib is at. I spent a relaxing time trying out the pen, doodling snails and leaves, dreaming of forest floors and shady paths - no doubt inspired by the mossy green ink that comes in the set.

The pen itself is such a gorgeous object and lovely to hold. It is the perfect green colour and is decorated with etchings of objects associated with Frodo, including that ring.

I think I'll be using this pen a lot, and trying out more line work in my sketchbooks now, as well as combining it with my usual paints and pencils.