Review: Daiso Stand Pouch

 

Stand pouches have been around for awhile. 

Many brands, like lihit and kokuyo, make them in a variety of shapes and designs. 

This one from Daiso only comes in 1 size/colour but at Daiso prices, it seems like a great deal. 

This design reminds me most of Kokuyo's stand pouch, with the front folding flap and 3 inner pockets (though not as many as Kokuyo's)

The pouch is 19.5cm wide 16cm tall and the base is 5cm deep.

Quality wise, it's what you would expect for the price you say. 

The material is scratchy and think and you can clearly feel that both faces of the pouch has a plastic board insert. 

However, with a top handle, all around zip, one pocket in the fold down flat and 2 inside, it's pretty practical so it's good value for money. 

Once you fill the pouch with items, it stands pretty well. 

I managed to fit a notepad, some pens and other accessories and I definitely had space to fit more things. 

It won't fit an A5 notebook but would make a great companion for one. 

The base for my pouch didn't flatten completely but that might be something that will go away the more I use it. 

Stands on it's own pretty well. I can imagine decorating that front flap with some cute badges/pins. 

and the handle, small but functional. 

All in all, if you don't already own a stand pouch, I recommend the Daiso version. 

It's a good introduction to the stand pouch before deciding if you want to upgrade to a better quality version. 

I hope they release it some new colours (hint hint yellow)

What do you think, is this something you would buy? Let us know in the comments below. 

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Review: Lihit Lab Hinemo Wide Open Pen Pouch

 

I'm always on the lookout for interesting looking pen cases/pouches.

I have so much stuff in my bag recently that I've been looking at pen pouch to store some loose items. 

This pen pouch from Lihit Lab's Hinemo line looked interesting and I really like the colour. 

This pouch comes in 2 sizes, I bought the smaller version and it claims to be able to fit around 20 pens that are 15cm or shorter (we'll test this below) 

The dimensions are 200 x 95mm and there's a big zip going across the case diagonally. 

It's made of a canvas called 'Fuji Kinbai' which is woven in Japan. 

The diagonally placed zip is it's main feature, it slides easily and without getting stuck. 

The pouch opens nice and wide and it's very spacious inside. 

As a bonus, the yellow canvas matches my yellow Delfonics pouch pretty well. 

I decided to test the 20 pen claim, here are 20 random pens I pulled from my desk. 

Only 17 fit, but as some pens are wider than normal pens, it's totally understandable. 

17 is still very impressive! 

At the moment, I only keep a few pens, correction tape, a paper clip and mini swiss army knife in my pouch. 

To conclude, it doesn't look bulky, the yellow makes it easy to spot and it holds quite a few things. 

In my opinion, this is a good pouch for your EDC. 

What do you think, is this the pouch for you? 

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REVIEW : DAISO Vertical Masking Tape Holder

 DAISO has introduced a new way to store our beloved Masking Tapes! 

Introducing the Vertical Masking Tape holder :

It comes in 2 sizes. 

Compatible with tape up to 18mm [0.7inches] OR with wider tape up to 30mm [1.18inches]

To "load" the tape, simply open up the entire box and insert accordingly. Left handers like myself can rejoice as their are blades on both sides, making it possible for left or right handed cutting. Each holds up to 3 rolls of tape. Or you can fit more if they are narrower. I was able to fit 2 narrow rolls into one space for the wide tape.

To cut, you just have to open the little slot and tear it off at the edge of the blades. So easy!

The holders are perfect for travel as they are a pleasing simple clear design reminiscent of MUJI. You can also store them more easily by lining them up vertically for a clean look. The slim design also means you can slot them into narrow spaces.

Have you tried them out? What did you think?

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Review: Animal Crossing X Gelato Pique Special Book (with Tote and Pouch!)

Animal crossing on the Nintendo switch was a big hit in 2020. 
I played it almost everyday in 2020. 

It's super cute and fun, there's a lot of merchandise being made for Animal Crossing but this Gelato Pique special book collaboration is probably the cutest. 

Besides a catalogue of the brand's collaboration items available for sale, the book includes a bag and a pouch for your switch. 

In usual Gelato Pique fashion, the collaboration items are adorable and cozy-looking. 

Also, I love that it all features the adorable twin Nook's Cranny owners, Timmy & Tommy. 

It wouldn't be a collaboration without their own designs which you can download via the creator code.

The code is: MA-6057-8170-1209 (internet access and Able Sister's store required)

You're probably wondering why we've chosen to review this on the blog. 

We've noticed on instagram that even non-game players have been purchasing this and using it as storage for their notebooks. 

You could use the pouch as a case for pens and other stationery too. 

The charm detail is so cute. 

And of course, it fits the Nintendo Switch perfectly. 

The bag is a compact open top tote bag. 

The lining is adorable and features a myriad of some of the more popular villagers of Animal Crossing. 

(The inside of the pouch also features this print!)

There are 2 big compartments, 4 internal pockets and 1 external pocket. 

Along with the switch, you could a lot of notebooks/folders as seen above, the small pockets could also hold things like washi tape, cards, paper and other things for journalling on the go.

Or use it at home to keep your table organised!

Isn't it cute? I think I'll get a lot of use out this bag. 

If you're an Animal Crossing fan, you need this!

You can find this book at your local Japanese book store, amazon japan and other similar stores. 

 

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5 Stationery Storage Ideas

Journaling, keeping a diary, writing in a notebook, that all requires a trove of pens, stickers. 

1. Washi Tape Container

I used to keep all my washi tape in a shallow drawer but it was difficult to keep the rolls in a straight line. They would roll around and require reorganisation every few months as well. 

These containers however, are perfect.

They fit both regular and smaller rolls of washi tape. Wider tape might fit but will need to be rotated. 1 box fits around 45 rolls of tape and is easy to stack. Plus the box is clear which makes it really easy to find what you need without creating a big mess. 

2. Fusen and other card sized stickers/labels

Fusen/labels tend to come in card sized packaging which makes it portable and great for your on the go kit, but what happens when they accumulate? 

I discovered this hack on instagram recently, and the idea is to store all of the card sized fusen into a trading card sleeve/pockets.  

This won't work with a business card holder, trading card pockets are wider and it works for card sized fusen packaging because of the thickness. Also, compared to business card holders which are landscape oriented, trading card pockets are portrait, which means they won't drop out easily, are easier to access and look great! 

You can buy specialty trading card folders/pockets. Daiso also sells it's own A5 folder version, which I've featured here. 

3. Sticker Folder 

Hands up if you have too many sheets of stickers! The best way to store them is in sticker folders. In fact, we carry a few designs on our Etsy store. 

Here and here. 

4. Pens 

The Ikea Raskog trolley is a popular choice for crafters because it's inexpensive, easy to assemble, comes in a number of cute colours and matches most rooms. I use the top of the trolley to store pens by filling it up with pen cups and pen holders from places such as Muji and H&M. 

5. Everything else 

And finally, if you can't find a solution for what you're trying to store. The Daiso clear shoe boxes are cheap, stackable and a fits most things. I use it to store loose items like sticker rolls, craft punches and even packaging that I want to keep. Clear always make it easier to find what you're looking for. 

Hope the above is useful and if you have any suggestions, leave it in the comments below! 

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Review: 6 Roll Masking Tape Storage/Travel Case

If you are like me, you must love masking tapes. And like me, you are probably always looking for the perfect way to store them or bring them out with you. The search might be over though. Check out this brand new masking tape case I bought recently!

The case will hold up to 6 rolls of tape and you can stand it upright or sideways. Easy to store and easy to bring it out with you. Good for traveling!

For those wondering, the masking tapes shown are part of the new summer collection from Daiso. I've also purchased the fusen to go with it!

Have you tried this case? What is your favorite way to bring tapes out on a trip with you? Would you like us to stock the store with these cases?

Comment below and let us know!

p.s Have you seen the new additions in our ETSY store! Do check it out here!

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MUJI Masking Tape Case

There has been a bit of buzz about the MUJI Saran Wrap Container lately. Not for its amazing ability to hold a roll of Saran Wrap [or aluminium foil] but something a lot more closer to my heart. 

MASKING TAPE!

The case is beautiful in its simplicity yet sturdy enough to stack or carry on the go. 

There is even a built in sharp edge [originally for the saran wrap] which you can use to tear your masking tape with. 

It comes in two sizes. I purchased the smaller one which is pictured above.

Cost: About 400yen + tax in Japan. 

Also good for small rolls of wrapping paper! And...I suppose saran wrap...

 

Word to the wise: Not all masking tapes will fit in it but I am sure you will find some that will.

Or you could just buy more....#justsaying

 

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Fiveday: 5 Pencil Cases we think you absolutely need in your life

As frequent travellers, putting together a kit and packing it in our luggage is essential. 
I've rounded up our 5 favourite ways of carrying pens and other odds and ends around. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 1. Kokuyo Neo Critz [/caption]

A pen stand and case in one, absolutely genius I say. The Neo Critz comes in a variety of colours and collaboration designs. It comes with 2 zips and a small pocket so loose items don't get lost. Just unzip it, fold down the flaps and pick up a pen. As a bonus, these make fantastic makeup brush holders. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 2. Sun-star DELDE [/caption]

The DELDE is one I recently discovered, it's also a pen stand and case in one but instead of fold down flaps, you pull the tabs of the top of the case down over it's bottom half. It takes up less table space but stores more pens. It's becoming a firm favourite but as it's quite new, the colour selection is a bit limited.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 3. Kipling 100 Pens & 50 Pens [/caption]

Cult item alert! I only discovered this last year but this is incredibly popular with stationery bloggers (don't believe me? Try a Youtube or Google search). I like how spacious and organised this is, it holds A LOT of pens with space for other compact stationery and the best part, it holds up very well when you throw it in a suitcase with other stuff. Also comes in a smaller version called the 50 Pens. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 4. Lihit Lab Pen Case [/caption]

The Lihit Lab Pen Case looks like a smaller version of the 100 Pens. It's compact, has compartments for 3 different sets of pens and you can slot in other small items. Perfect for toting around everyday. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 5. Kokuyo Pen Tray C2 [/caption]

The Kokuyo Pen Tray holds the least out of all the pen case on this list, but I reckon it's the most amazing way to hold pens. It starts out looking like a normal case but it opens out into a tray that shows off all the cute stationery I own. Also stores phone accessories and makeup. It's extremely compact size makes it suitable for purses and small bags. I really like this moomin print too, a touch of colour never hurt anyone. 

I hope this list has been helpful, if you know of any pencil cases we should check out, leave us a comment below. 

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