Derwent Inktense 48 wooden box set.

It opens up to lay flat, which has its advantages compared to boxes that only open less than 180 degrees.

Magnetic wooden strip that holds the pencils down.

Any of last pencils need to be slid in from the top or the magnetic strip holder chips the pencils.

The pencils fit tightly into felt covered foam separators.

Painted gold clasps hold the box shut.


In a previous post I reviewed the Inktense pencils in depth and my opinion of the pencil has not changed, this is merely an update that I now own a larger set. 

Epson Scanner for under $200!!! And review.

Feather in charcoal, photographed with canon 1100D.

Same feather in charcoal but scanned with my Epson scanner. So much clearer than a photograph.

Love my new scanner, previously I was just using the scanner in my multi function printer but the DPI was half this scanners.

Easy to set up and use, only took me 15 minutes to get it out of the box and connect it with my computer, comes with a simple editing program so you can flip or crop the scan instantly. 

It came with a 12 month warranty with the store I bought it from, and through the Epson site if a technical problem occurs with the product they will replace it, as long a it wasn't you dropping it after the warranty. The sites operators are nice and easy to talk to, so head over to their site to read other reviews and pick the right scanner for your price range and needs.

Mechanical Pencils, better than any pencil.

I use Staedtler  for all my 0.5mm mechanical pencils 

Tradition 0.5mm mechanical pencil, 2H lead.

Mars Micro 0.5mm mechanical pencil, HB lead.

'Maries' mechanical pencil with 6mm lead in 6B.

I always rely on mechanical pencils for drawing, I love taking them travelling and to use in my studio. I'm extremely heavy handed when I draw either breaking leads or re-sharpening them every minute, when i use mechanical pencils I love how long they last and the pencil holds them in so well. I would recommend Staedtler mechanical pencils and wood less graphite pencils, Mont Marte make wood less pencils in 8 pack which are better quality and cheaper than any other.