We love stationery! Blogposts weekly every Friday and free printable monthly.

Friday, January 25, 2019

February 2019 Printable

February reminds us of all things sweets and with that in mind, we have created this month’s printable!






We were heavily inspired by vintage colors and designs.

As always, tag us #TN5Cprintable on instagram to show us your pages! 






Download our free printable here. 

p.s If you are thinking about printing this on sticker paper. Check out all the new additions to our Etsy store. We have lots in stock including printable washi sticker paper! Do check it out here!

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Friday, January 18, 2019

2019 Bullet Journal Setup




It’s always nice to start the year with a fresh new notebook.

I’m using a bullet journal for the 3rd year in a row. That’s a bit of an accomplishment but it really is the best planner system I’ve found.

This year I decided to go with an Archer and Olive A5 dot grid notebook. I love how things like the pen loop and pocket are built in and that the paper is 160gsm, great for laying on colour/drawing and mixed media.






The first 2 pages are laid out as a grid spacing guide (that I’m working on) and my 2019 resolutions.

I decided that I would leave out all the suggested bullet journal pages in favour of ones that I do use.






I then followed that up with 12 spreads of monthly overviews. I used calendar stickers on one side and the other side I will be using for writing down birthdays, events and anything that I will need a quick reference for.






Of course, I need a spread for blogposts. I used film fusens and MT tape to mark out and plan them.






For the January layout, I went with the vertical overview and to do list on 2 pages. I’ve been doing that since I started bullet journaling and I’ve found it very effective so why change it if it’s not broken.






I continued with the vertical theme in the weekly layouts. At the bottom of each day is a spending tracker, I used to do it on a single page but felt that having a daily one made accounting for where my money is going easier to see at the end of the month.






Finally, at the end of each month, I use whatever leftover space is available, or if there isn’t any, I use a post it note, to write a list of things for next month. I transfer all that information to the vertical monthly overview when I set up that month’s pages.

So that was a very basic overview to my 2019 Bullet Journal. I’m adding pages as I go.

What essentials are in your bujo? I’d love to know! and if you haven’t started one yet it’s never too late!

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Friday, January 11, 2019

365日ノート (365 Days NoteBook)

One of my absolute favorite purchases of 2018 was my 365日ノート (365 Days NoteBook). There are many sizes available and as a trial, I purchased it in A6 size. The notebook is fairly thick with 380 sheets of tear off paper and a thick piece of cardboard with a grid print that serves as a writing guide. Each sheet of paper is translucent Japanese paper called, Junpakushi. (which makes the writing guide provided usable simply by placing it under the sheet of paper you want to use.) Despite how thin and delicate the paper might appear to be, it is actually extremely durable. One can use fountain ink or even markers on it without worrying about it seeping through.

I had bought the notebook on advice from someone that I could use it to stamp on and cut the images later. Since the paper is thin, it looks almost invisible when I stick it in my journal. A particularly useful feature when I bring a few pages with me on a road trip to collect any stamps I encounter. (In Japan many areas of interest provide a commemorative stamp one can use.)

Needless to say I recommend this notebook highly and will be looking to buy more from this range soon!

http://www.365series.net/en/index.html

What about you? Have you tried them out??

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Friday, January 4, 2019

MOOK REVIEW : Mizutama's How to make a cute diary

Following the success of her MOOK [magazine book] last year, popular Japanese illustrator Mizutama has launched another for 2019. As before, the MOOK comes with her trademark whimsical illustrations alongside many tips on how to decorate one’s diary or journal.

A set of foam stamps featuring her drawings are also included. If you had bought the previous MOOK, you will find that they coordinate perfectly!

Considering how useful the previous stamps have been, I’m certain the current issue’s will be just as good.

Highly recommended!

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Friday, December 28, 2018

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Posta Collect Pens (Japanpost)




Have you ever visited a post office in Japan?

If you haven’t, I highly recommend you drop by next time you see one. Other than the usual mail services/products, Japan’s post offices also carry a range of products called Posta Collect.

This range includes the usual mail supplies such as envelopes, stickers, tape but they also carry postcards that might be exclusive to the area, limited edition or collaboration stationery such as washi tape and glue tape and of course, pens!


I picked up 2 pens on a recent trip, the postcard pen for thin lettering in black and the postcard sign pen in black. I liked how the black white yellow packaging was simple yet attractive.

The postcard pen for thin lettering has a thickness of 0.35mm and is closest to a pigment liner. The ink dries fast but it isn’t as black as other pens.

The postcard sign pen looks exactly like the pentel sign pen and it is in fact, pentel branded, however the pen tip is a lot stiffer than the touch sign pen which you can see below. The ink is similar to the postcard pen.

As an example, I’ve compared the 2 pens with some other common writing/drawing pens below.






I used a postcard from muji and I found that some of the other pens bled a bit into the paper but the Posta Collect pens did not.

To sum up, I found them enjoyable to write with, they’re perfectly suited for postcards and the ink looks like it would fade-proof. However those qualities mean that the ink is not as black which might bother some people so definitely take that into account.

Have you seen the merchandise from Japan Post before? Would you go have a look next time?

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Friday, December 14, 2018

Christmas Tags Printable 2018

Christmas is almost here so let us help you get ready!

Here is a gift from TN5C; we have designed a set of present tags for your personal use!






Print it on sticker paper to make sticky labels or desired cardstock to use them as gift tags. Add a silk black ribbon to make it even more luxe!






Download it for free here.

Do tag us on instagram with hashtag #TN5CPrintable if you use it.

Season Greetings!

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Thursday, December 6, 2018

December 2018 Printable

2018 is almost over as we come into December; the very last month of the year. How has the year been for you? Did you achieve all your resolutions?

Here at TN5C we want to pay tribute to our TN which has been by our side all this time. So without further ado, here is this month’s date printable!






Inspired by our favorite stationery companion all year…the travelers notebook!






As always, tag us #TN5Cprintable on instagram to show us your pages! 

Download our free printable here. 

p.s December is also the month of gifting so check out all the new additions to our Etsy store! Do check it out here!

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Friday, November 23, 2018

DAISO Letter Seal Sticker Tape




Here at TN5C, we love DAISO! Recently they launched a new roll of sticky tape meant for sealing envelopes. Available in several designs, we picked up two to try.

Simply stick it over the closure of your envelope and the recipient will be able to open it by merely tearing along the (already perforated) lines.






We don’t deny its a bit of a novelty item but isnt that what a lot of stationery/stickers are? Something to brighten your mail/day.

Have you tried them?

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Friday, November 16, 2018

Mini Review: Filofax Clipbook

I’ve been using the Filofax Clipbook for a few months now and I thought it was time for a mini review!
Filofax is one of those cult brands that have a wide audience and are known for their quality. I had used Filofax a really long time again, when I was starting out with a planner and looking for versatile/flexible system. Unfortunately, it became a bit too much for me so I stopped using it and I haven’t looked at the brand until this year, when I spotted the Clipbook on instagram.
The first thing about the Clipbook is that like most Filofax products, it’s an investment so it’s not the cheapest planner out there. However, it is really good quality. I bought the black A5 clipbook in a material called ‘leather look’ and it feels really soft but not too soft that you can’t take it out or slide it into your bag.
I’m pretty happy with the bullet journal as a planner so I use the clipbook as a notebook. I use dividers, plastic pages and pockets to organise it, I also cut pages out of an A5 notebook because I just prefer to use my favourite paper (Muji dot grid by the way).
One of my favourite things about the flipbook is the rings extend outside the notebook, so you are effectively able to customise the cover. You can punch holes in a card, use a pocket sleeve, laminate something, there are quite a few ways to ‘make it your own’.
I also really like that even with the 6 rings, the clipbook lays flat. Writing is easy and no need to fiddle with the ring mechanism at all.
Overall, I feel very comfortable using the clipbook. Once I had it set up, it became a great system. I think my next move will be to work on the customisable front cover!
FYI, this was one of my recommendations for a Bujo notebook!
The clipbook is compatible with other 6 rings products such as the A5 collection from Kikki.k and some items from our store: Sticker release paper, Pocket folder, Clear cover 6 ring cover
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Friday, November 9, 2018

KING JIM Masurie : DIY masking tape stickers

Japanese stationery brand King Jim launched a new range of stickers a while ago where the difference is you get to customize it with your own washi tape! Named Masurie, there are several styles available and each includes a clear sheet of stickers with raised black outlines. To use, you simply lay your desired tape over it [see video below] and cut away the access from the outline. Lift the completed sticker from the release plastic sheet and your sticker is ready for use!



[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJjnhGwI8Zk&w=640&h=480]

Initially, its a little tricky to get the edges clean (unless you are a whiz with your xacto knife which sadly i am not) but the results are quite lovely. Once you get the hang of it, you can layer lots of different tapes to create your own one of a kind sticker which coordinates perfectly with whatever color theme you want.

Have you tried these out?

Official website: https://www.kingjim.co.jp/sp/masurie/

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Friday, November 2, 2018

Introduction to Multi-Colour Pen Systems

If you’ve been looking at purchasing a multi colour pen but your eyes are glazing over with all the options, I’ve put together this simple overview to help you choose.

In this list are the Zebra Prefill/Sarasa Select, Pentel Sliccies, Mitsubishi Uni Style Fit and the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Colleto.






Zebra Prefill/Sarasa Select

  • Available in 3 or 5 colour pen holders. Collaborations are commonly 5 colour pen holders.

  • 23 gel ink colours in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm pen thickness (Sarasa select)

  • 8 emulsion ink colours in 03mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm (Surari prefill emulsion)

  • 4 oil based ink colours in 0.7mm (Jim-Knock oil)

  • 5 metallic colours in 0.5mm (Sarasa select shine)

  • Mechanical pencil refills in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm lead thicknesses

  • Previous collaborations include Mister Donut, Peanuts, Baskin Robbins and Sanrio

The Sarasa clip line of pens from Zebra are one of my favourites for everyday use and the prefill/select line of multi colour pens just as good. The collaborations are always adorable and colourful, like the Mister Donut collaboration pictured above.

Besides the pen holder, each collaboration collection usually includes 5 ink colours with the collaboration design printed on the refill.

Overall, a good everyday multi colour pen, 23 colours means it’s perfect for sketching and the pen holder also includes a place for you to hook onto a lanyard or hang a charm from.






Pentel Sliccies

  • Available in 3 or 5 colour pen holders

  • 15 gel ink colours in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm thicknesses (Sliccies)

  • 3 oil based colours in 0.5mm only (Vicuna)

  • 3 gel ink colours in 0.5mm only (Energel).

  • Mechnical pencil refill in 0.3mm and 0.5mm lead thicknesses

  • Previous collaborations include Kanahei and Liz Lisa.

Even though I like the Sarasa line, the Pentel Sliccies multi colour pen is the pen I use with my bullet journal. The designs tend to be more muted and suited to a neutral palette.

The pink pen holder pictured above has been discontinued unfortunately but the new holder is improved, even featuring a slot on the top for you to attach an earphone jack accessory.






Mitsubishi Pen Uni Style Fit

  • Available in single, 3, 4 or 5 colour pen holders

  • 16 gel ink colours in 0.28mm, 0.38mm and 0.5mm pen thicknesses

  • 3 oil based ink colours in 0.7mm and 1.0mm pen thicknesses

  • Mechanical pencil refill in 0.5mm lead thickness

  • All pen holders are push down type except the 3 colour, which also comes in a twist version

  • Previous collaborations include Sanrio, Sesame street and Disney

The Uni Style Fit and the Hi-Tec-C Coletto (below) are probably the more popular multi colour pen systems. The uni style fit is unique in that the pen tip thicknesses can’t be found in other systems, but this might not suit everyone.

The Uni Style Fit releases mainstream collaborations regularly so if you’re looking for a limited edition design, this might the system for you.






Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coletto

  • Available in 2, 3, 4 or 5 colours pen bodies

  • 15 gel ink colours in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm thicknesses.

  • Mechanical pencil in 0.3mm and 0.5mm lead thickness),

  • Eraser refill

  • Handheld game console touchscreen pen refill

  • Previous collaborations include Mary Quant, Peanuts, Sailor Moon and Music Earth Ecology

The Pilot Hi-Tec-C Colleto tends to lean towards a fashion inspired vibe. Each collaboration release has a few penholders as well as 10 inks in a hardcase printed with the collaboration design.

This system places an emphasis on customisation. Each refill carries it’s own push down button and every collaboration comes with it’s own special button design (for example, the button on the Mary Quant collaboration featured in the picture uses the brand’s signature flower as a button), you can combine different refills to create a pen unique to you.


I hope you found the guide useful! Let us know what else we can add to guide!

Note: The limited edition designs featured above may not be available anymore. However, new designs/collections are being released all the time, please visit the corresponding brand websites for more information.

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Friday, October 26, 2018