KOKUYO Dotliner Vs DAISO Repositionable Glue Tape

Have you heard of Repositionable glue tapes? They are sticky but not permanent. Kinda like post-it notes. As a matter of fact, they are perfect for making your own post-it notes!

Today I'm going to feature two of the ones available in the market right now.

Kokuyo's DOTLINER (貼ってはがせる) & DAISO's Repositionable Glue Tape (Made by PLUS)

Note: 

1. 貼ってはがせる is Japanese for peel off aka repositionable.
2. PLUS is the same brand that makes NORINO. The other big brand of glue tapes out there aside from Kokuyo.

The DOTLINER has a cap over the tape which you have to flick open to use whilst the DAISO edition has a "switch" which you must unlock to expose the tape dispenser. This does make the DAISO edition more travel friendly as bits of dust can get stuck to the DOTLINER tape.

The DOTLINER tape is also wider by 2.4mm. [0.1 inch] True to its namesake, the tape is in a dotted format whilst the other is a simple strip of tape.

The DOTLINER tape is a little stickier but both work just as well as each other.

The DOTLINER is also larger.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600.0"] Price Comparison [/caption]

Not taking into account the width difference, the DAISO tape is indeed the cheaper option. However the DOTLINER is refillable so in the long run, the price does even out.

Verdict:

I find both just as good as the other despite the minor differences so i would say "buy whichever one you can get your hands on". Or be like me. Buy one for the home and one for travel ^^

p.s We updated our etsy store and restocked the sticker TNs so dont miss out. And our new box is available too! See here

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November Subscription Box 2017 : Sweater Weather

It’s that time of year, open your closets and take out your coats, sweaters, cardigans, scarves and gloves.

Smell the wool, feel the warmth, embrace the cold, for it’s Sweater Weather!

This Box includes: 

1. Two sheets of planner stickers*
2. A sheet of illustrated stickers* 
3. A sheet of 'list of 5' stickers*
4. One set of 4 teardrop shaped paperclips 
5. One snowflake bookmark
6. One set of 4 sweater print pens
7. One notebook insert* - Available in 5 sizes. 

Subscribe here or purchase a one off box from our etsy store. 

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Kakimori DIY notebook review

Read about our visit to Kakimori here. 

At Kakimori, we put together our own notebooks, see that blogpost for more information. 

I put together a B5 size notebook with rose gold ring, a leather button and a decorative cover. 
For the paper options, I chose a few packs of travel journal and dotgrid layouts and an envelope, a cardboard dashboard was also provided! 

It was really fun putting this notebook together. I had the idea of a trip journal with the travel journal pages, the extra dot grid pages and the envelope to hold travel ephemera or receipts. 

The paper feels nice and of good quality (by the way, you can find out at the store which of papers are fountain pen friendly). I really like the leather button too and the whole thing put together is really sturdy, perfect for everyday or travel. 

I can't bear to use the notebook yet, I'm waiting for a special trip to use it. 

Did you go to Kakimori and made your own notebook? Tag us on instagram, we'd love to see your notebook creation. 

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Top 5 places for stationery shopping in Tokyo

Japan has always been known as a mecca for stationery shopping [our beloved TN is from here after all] but sometimes its difficult to know where to start. We have been posting blog posts of places we recommend such as kakimori, inkstand and the traveler's factory but where should one go if they only have a limited amount of time?

Today I will share some of my favorite spots to go in Tokyo. 

1. LOFT

Tip: They offer a 5% discount if you are visiting from overseas and show your passport at the checkout counter.

http://www.loft.co.jp/

 

2. Tokyu Hands

Tip: The one in Shinjuku is the nearest one to a train station.

https://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/

3. Itoya

Tip: More upmarket and designers items can be found here.

http://www.ito-ya.co.jp/ginza/

 

4. TOOLS

Tip: They sell the whole range of copics and there is a copic clinic at the Ochanomizu branch.

https://www.tools-shop.jp/shop/

 

5. Olympia

Tip: If you are looking for cute, cartoony like stationery, this is a must visit as it is a chain store targeted at young school children.

http://www.olympiashop.co.jp/

To locate the nearest branch of any of the places above, please visit their website for more details.

Have you visited these places? Are there any you think should be added to the list? 

Let us know!

 

 

 

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It's our 1st birthday!

It's TN5C's first birthday! We've had a wonderful year and to thank you, we've lined up a gift! 

Spend a minimum of $10 (not including shipping) on our Etsy store and you'll be gifted a washi tape sampler! Each sampler contains a minimum of 5 tapes and the sampler board is reusable! 

Best of all, you will not need to enter a code on our store, spend a minimum of $10 and a washi tape sampler will be automatically added to your order! yay! 

*minimum of $10 per order, not including shipping charges
*1 sampler per order
*washi tape cannot be chosen and will be given at random
*the washi tape samples in the above image are examples only
 

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September 2017 Printable

Its the start of yet another new month! And whilst many think of September with rather gloomy weather thoughts, we aim to brighten everyone's day with a sweet (candies) themed printable. It will definitely bring a smile to your face!

And for those who purchased our September subscription fairytale box or sticker set, it looks perfect with it!

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

Download our free printable here. 

p.s You can still purchase our September sticker set (not box) alongside other previous sticker collections at our Etsy store! Do check it out here!

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October 2017 Subscription Box

Life is a circus.

Some moments are more spectacular than others. They can keep you on the edge of the seat before you applaud with joy. Or maybe you will find yourself surrounded by clowns instead. There will always be highs and lows but your life is truly the greatest show ever. Just make sure that you are the ringmaster of your tent.

Because life is a circus.

So enjoy the ride.

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Ink Stand, Tokyo, Japan

So you got your custom notebook from Kakimori. What next?

How about some custom ink? No I'm not talking about getting tattoos. Rather, a custom shade of ink for use in fountain pens or glass dip pens. 

First of all, you will need an appointment. To do so, visit their website and look here. For those of you who do not read/understand japanese, here is a basic sort of guide.

If there is an orange square next to the slot, it is not available. So in the example above, you can see that 8/25 has an available slot at 12:00. They are only able to take on 4 participants in each time slot but two have already been taken so there are only 2 slots remaining. [Versus 8/22 where there are 4 slots remaining.]

You click on the slot and you will be taken to the next page where you can enter number of participants before entering your contact details on the next page.

Each session is 2500yen and will take around 1.5hrs. Do not worry as the mixing time is just 45mins [u might be done even quicker!] and then you return later to retrieve your custom ink.

On the day of your appointment, arrive around 5mins ahead of time so as to get ready. Some basic english instructions will be available for those who do not speak Japanese. You will be told to choose a base ink and add droplets of ink color you like from the array in front of you to create a custom ink that you like. Take note how many drops of each color you use. If you are unhappy with the result, simply wash out your cup and start again. A glass dip pen is also present for you to test your ink out. 

When you are satisfied, present the ink you have made alongside its "recipe" to the staff member. They will attempt to recreate it and if its correct, you will be told to return in 45mins or so to get your bottle of ink!

For those who do not wish to create a custom ink but are interested to buy a bottle ready made, simply pop into Kakimori next door! 

 

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Kakimori, Tokyo, Japan

Kakimori is in the quiet neighbourhood of Kuramae in Tokyo, where hipster cafes and residential are mixed in with old established businesses, the store's purpose is to 're-evaluate the importance of writing'.

The store consists of a wide selection of writing instruments such as dip pens, markers, pencils and there's even a wall of fountain pens for you to try before you buy, which is especially useful if you were looking at a few hundred dollar pen. There's also a selection of pen ink, some of which is exclusive to the store. 

The pièce de résistance however, is their create your own notebook display. This service is extremely popular, so we recommend you go on a weekday.

To create your notebook, pick up a tray at the entrance. There are instructions in Japanese but the basics are: 

From the display/shelves:
1. Pick from 2 sizes: B5 or B6 (both available in landscape or portrait) 
2. Cover/Backing sheet: you can choose either, both or none. You can also choose semi-opaque plastic sheets to protect the notebook. 
3. Notebook paper: Options include but are not limited to calendar, grid, travel log, envelope etc. The paper comes in packs, it's recommended you choose between 2-4 packs and more popular options tend to sell out faster. You can also select from different paper types (sample sheets are available for perusal).  Order of the notebook paper is chosen at the counter. You should also consider the orientation of your notebook when picking notebook paper. 

When that's done, bring your tray to the counter, where you have to make a few more choices (note these items are available at the display so you can have a think about it before heading to the counter.)

At the counter: 
1. Binding Ring: 5 colours, 2 options of binding, choose your orientation.
2. Fastening accessory (optional) : Elastic, Leather button or String & Button. 
3. Other (optional): Corner metal frame

All these options do add up, the prices are all displayed and Kakimori reckons if you follow the guide, a notebook would typically cost around between 1000 - 3500 yen (10 - 35USD) 

After you've made all your choices and paid, it will take around 30 minutes (weekday) to create your notebook, feel free to browse some more, go for a walk, or may we suggest a cup of hot chocolate around the corner? Then come back and pick up your notebook, can I just say it feels incredibly satisfying to hold a notebook that you've assembled yourself. It's such a great experience! 

Stay tuned for our review of the Kakimori notebook and Inkstand.

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Top 5 items from MUJI for Journal enthusiasts

1. Sticky notes

Aside from the usual post-it like sticky notes, Muji makes some with interesting layouts. Like to-do lists or weekly schedules.

2. Pens, markers, highlighters, pencils, you name it

Whatever you need for writing things down. The gel pens are a particular favorite of mine.

3. Notebooks

MUJI makes a huge assortment of notebooks and comes in both spiral bound and perfect binding [glue bound]. They are also available in blank, lined and grid alongside two types of paper [the premium is only available for some sizes]. The Passport size is a perfect match for the TN passport size.

4. Masking Tape

Dislike the usual cartoony style masking tapes or prefer something a little more simple so as not to deter from your journaling? Muji has you covered.

5. Diaries

I cant possibly talk about things for planners and not mention their diaries. The schedule note is not dated and can be used anytime of the year!

Have you bought any of these? Or are there other things you prefer to buy for your journaling from MUJI? Share them with us in the comments!

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