The pros and cons of the pen licence

The pros and cons of the pen licence

The National Curriculum states that pupils should leave primary school with “fluent, legible and, eventually, speedy handwriting”. To achieve the curriculum’s handwriting goal by the end of Key Stage 2, many teachers use pen licences to motivate pupils to work harder on their penmanship. While the promise of a pen…
How to choose the best exam pen

How to choose the best exam pen

Exams demand preparation, focus, and the right tools for the job. While suitable revision techniques are crucial to success, choosing the correct writing implement for the exam hall shouldn’t be overlooked. The pen you select can significantly impact your exam experience, from legibility levels to comfort and writing speed. Join…
How to fix the most common rollerball pen issues

How to fix the most common rollerball pen issues

Rollerball pens are popular writing instruments that offer a smooth and effortless writing experience. However, as with all pens, rollerballs can occasionally encounter issues that affect their performance. Let’s look at how to rectify issues like skipping, limited ink flow, leaking and bleeding with your rollerball pen so that you…
A beginner’s guide to watercolour pencil drawing

A beginner’s guide to watercolour pencil drawing

Watercolour pencil drawing is an art form that combines the precision of a pencil with the vibrancy and fluidity of watercolour paints. Beginners in drawing and painting will find watercolour pencils an accessible medium, as they offer a lot of creative freedom while still being relatively easy to work with.…
How to fix a broken mechanical pencil

How to fix a broken mechanical pencil

Mechanical pencils are a popular tool with students, writers, artists, engineers, and architects thanks to their constant line width, durability, and precision. However, as with all stationery, things can occasionally go wrong with mechanical pencils. Luckily, issues can usually be resolved relatively quickly. Let’s look at what a mechanical pencil…
How to write a love letter

How to write a love letter

Not only is February host to Valentine’s Day, but it’s also known as the month of love. What better time to write a love letter to someone you hold dear? Us humans have a preoccupation with the pursuit of love, and it’s easy to understand why. Firstly, on a basic…
The essential guide to barcoded postage stamps

The essential guide to barcoded postage stamps

While some may consider letter-writing an old-fashioned method of communication, postage stamps are set to go digital forever this summer. Royal Mail originally announced this significant change in February 2022, initially saying that old stamps must be used or exchanged for barcoded versions by 31 January 2023. However, the company…
The best pencils for artists

The best pencils for artists

You may have heard the proverb, “a bad workman blames his tools”, which suggests it is the workman who lacks skills. However, a talented artist could legitimately blame their tools for an unsatisfactory output if they had chosen them without due care and attention. In other words, it is worth…
Everything you need to know about gel pens

Everything you need to know about gel pens

Gel pens are a popular choice for many writers and artists, thanks to their wide range of brightly-coloured, opaque inks and versatility. Gel pens are also undeniably quick to write with, which holds enormous appeal in this fast-paced, digital age. Let’s explore what gel pens are and how they work,…