Posted on by Karen Castro

From “The Journaling Type” to Kayastation!

Hey guys, I am so excited to be back here! It’s been so long and I have changed so many things! First tI no longer will be names “The Journaling Type”, I will still keep my channel and instagram public but I made a new YouTube Channel and Instagram (check them out, is free).

This is the new design I have created for my new channel, I had a logo with the name in cursive done in procreate but currently I am at my parents home and the iPad I am carrying does not have any of my new designs.

Either way, the next good news, I been going to college! I started studying Visual Art, I will be entering my second year and my last of my degree, or at least here in Massachusetts. I have learn so much and I been having an amazing experience, thank you to all my professors and all my school friends that have made it an awesome experience. I don’t want to sound like I am bragging but I have been working so hard to get all A’s in my classes. To see this, me succeeding in my classes makes me happy because I had many bad thoughts of my self for years, not being able to get good grades after I started 8 grade and having so much problems understanding my classes but I been working hard and also been doing great, so I want to thank everyone who believed in me.

I think this year of college will be hard because I will be taking more classes. Also I am not sure if you remembered, I live in a camper van, almost 5 years soon in December. I will no longer park my vehicle in my friend’s house and that now adds a new stress that I will have to be paying, finding new places to park every day or week. I also have to admit that because of my pass relationship everything was and still is in my name so now I am paying for a debt that is pushing me back a little which forces me to find a job during college. For the past year I have been able to survive with my leftover funds from college, having a secure place to park have helped me focus on my classes and my art but now that I need to constantly move my van meaning spending more gas and also no longer have the financial help from my ex-partner which paid for his share of the bills now everything fall into me, because like I mentioned, everything is under my name freeing him from any financial responsibility.

Things happened and I have come to be okay with the my current situation but I can’t lie, it have been very hard and many mental health problems along the way but I am trying my best and I know things will get better! Currently I am in Puerto Rico, my family found me a place to station my vehicle during the summer in massachusetts and I been surrounding my self around good people, which was needed since back home I don’t know a lot or any people and have no family there.

Stopped at Ruben’s Café with my mom and her friends after an activity around 11:30pm, food was decent! Missed PR food 💕

But my art has been good, I have been more creative since I started college. I have created more art and I started journaling again. For 2024 I stopped journaling, I wasn’t doing great mentally and I felt that I needed to spend money to try any new stationery product to be up to date with the stationery community to the point that I would use my paycheck just for that. I had to stop, I couldn’t anymore and I needed a break. I came back with a different way of seeing things and a more creative Karen (Hi, that’s me, I am Karen).

Last night drawing section!

I always wanted to have my own stationery store or to be able to make art and sell it but I was never that great in drawing or making my own art. After one year in college I have learned so much and have gave me the confidence to try again and make my own art. I have been creating for a few months now and it’s been such a learning process, I been loving every minute of it.

I even made some art and gave them for free at the Chicago Stationery Fest (which I made vlogs of it, up in my YT Channel, here is the playlist). This was such a fun fest, best fest I have ever been to, I can’t wait for next year fest with Yoseka, I literally can’t wait!

If you never been to a Stationery Fest you should, is actually a great experience, maybe I should do a post talking about it and showing some pictures. I am so happy I took the chance, best trip I had this year so far!

My mom hired me to take videos for her in a activity that she had, this is me in the bathroom, bathr. picture! lol

Well guys, that’s all I wanted to share here. I wanted to give an update and also let know I am still alive. I always hope that I continue posting weekly but I end up doing something else and leave the blog for some other time and end up forgetting about it!

The logo and the name of this blog will change, currently I am in my moms/grandmas house and the iPad I am using is not letting me edit some things but when I get home I will fix this.

Thank you for being here, thank you for your support and understanding and thanks for being a follower here. I hope to continue posting and keeping this blog more up to date. There should be a lot of stationery related post and once in a while some life updates.

See you soon, thank you for stopping by! 👋🏼

Posted on by Karen Castro

Daily Journal – September 7, 2023

(Hey guys, hope you are having a wonderful day! Is currently 12:47AM September 8, 2023. Forgot post this.)

I wanted to share my ‘drawing’ for today’s daily journal and basically life update. I currently am using a Hobonichi HON A6 2023, I got this journal in early April. I really didn’t have any plans on buying a Hobonichi A6 this year but while ‘surfing’ through their website I noticed there was one in stock and I snatched it and added to my order that I had on hold (sadly that’s no longer an option, but is okay, I will manage), but since I started using it I have not stopped. I missed a couple days but nothing like a whole week which i am proud off since I used to not touch my past Hobonichi Techo original in weeks and later feel bad about it haha

I always journal and if I miss a day I go back to fill it up with what happened or write about something that I was doing or thinking that day. I am not a person who have specific things they journal in their journals. I am a messy journaler* sometime but I am fine with that, each page have it’s own unique story.

I wrote an extra ‘r’ on very, I am verrry sorry!

This was todays drawing. It’s been hot the past few days and today it was in the 90*s. We live in a camper van and my van sometimes get’s more hot than it is outside.

I also received my Hobonichi 2024 order on Wednesday 6 and finished editing the unboxing today, did the voice over as well and as soon as I could I uploaded the video.

I might stop recording videos soon, I feel like I force myself sometimes to make a video, it used to just be relaxing and fun, now I am not sure. I do feel that I have done a good job this year keeping my channel flowing with at least one video a month, either way, I haven’t made my decision yet, we will see.

I always wanted to use my fountain pens as my “watercolor” pens but I really didn’t knew where to start and how should I do it. I have tried many ways and learned what works best or best for me.

This is the first time I make something that is supposed to be fluffy or hairy and it ends up looking exactly how I wanted! Haha
This is the microphone I use in my phone to record the voice over for the Hobonichi Unboxing. It have a dead cat on, I really did liked how this end up looking.

I think they call this technique “Ink wash” but I am not sure because there is a lot of art that looks more like they added the ink and end up making something out of it. I draw mine and used a brush to activate the “watercolor” style. Does this count as a Ink Wash? I am new to all of this, I don’t really know the proper words, I try.

I am using Diamine Graphite, this color works so well with water. I don’t noticed odd colors when is wet, is easy to use and the ink activates quickly when using my water brush. It blends very well, I have a couple other Diamine inks and their inks is so good for drawing/watercoloring.

I am also using Sailor Fountain Pen Pro Gear – Fika II Christmas Spice Tea – Special Edition (2022) in a M nib. (STORY TIME) Since I laid my eyes on this pen I couldn’t forget about it, unfortunately it was pretty expensive and I just didn’t have $300 laying around so I let go of the idea of buying one. A few of months ago this was around $200 in a website but I still couldn’t afford it. A month or 2 ago, EndlessPens have this pen in Pre-Order and with a sale going on and another extra discount, I paid $124 for this pen including shipping. Best buy ever, I just couldn’t believe it, there it was, in my favorite, unhealthy, website!

Sailor Pro Gear – Fika II Christmas Spice Tea, (M) 21k gold nib.
(2022 Special Edition)

The theme of Tea Time Around the World #2 is ‘Christmas Tea’. Tea is enjoyed in England and other European countries during the Christmas season. As winter approaches, tea blends are released by various tea manufacturers, and many of them contain spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, etc. and mixed with dried peels. Sailor celebrates such a concept with the introduction of three new models
Christmas Spice Tea, Christmas Pudding, and Christmas Tea.

The Regular Pro Gear Christmas Spice Tea fountain pen is a limited production regular sized that comes with same cut-away cap and inlaid Sailor anchor logo on the top. It features a bright translucent red orange barrel and cap, with cut away cap in caramel color. Accented with gold plated trims.

I love the color of this Fountain Pen, I am a fan of tea (although I haven’t tried that many of them) and a lover of Christmas, this pen was basically release for me! Haha
The fact that I was able to find this for less than $130 is crazy and I just couldn’t believe my luck!

I think I would be the last person to review this 21k gold nib since I don’t have much knowledge in gold nibs. All I can say is that the nib does write pretty smooth, not scratchy or anything. Ink flow is great and I loved using this pen for drawing, pretty comfortable.

I own a, Sailor Manyo Fountain Pen Set II – Special Edition – Overseas Exclusive (2023) – Grass / Medium. (I copy this from my order).

Sailor Manyo II, Grass, (M) 14K gold nib

I enjoy this pen, is a pretty pen too, I love the color combination. My experiance when I received this pen was different. I first inked it up with a Ferris Wheel Press Down the Don Valley and I am not sure if it was the shimmery ink or what but the nib didn’t feel as smooth as the Fika II Christmas Spice Tea.

I also felt that the 21K nib was a bit more “flexible”, this (M) nib actually write like a (M) nib which I enjoy. The (M) nib of the Sailor Manyo II writes more fine than medium.

Currently using a Diamine ink and it seems like the Ferris Wheel Press ink I initially used was not the problem is just this nib makes finer lines.

But either way, this are my current sailor pens with gold nib that I own, and I have been enjoying this journey. I want to say that I have no interest in any sailor pens but that would be a lie. I still hope I can buy a Sailor Habanero but they are pretty expensive and I don’t think I can afford expensive pens right now, it have been a pretty expensive month already and is only the start haha!

This was a crazy update but I been trying to be more artistic and learn how to draw and watercolor and just try things out.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your day! Hopefully is not too hot out there for you guys!

You can follow me on:
IG & TikTok @TheJournalingType

Posted on by Karen Castro

Ferris Wheel Press Cabernet on the Lake & Brilliant Beanstalk Ink and Fountain Pen 🖋️

Hey guys, I hope you all having a great start of the week! I just received the new Ferris Wheel Press Inks and Fountain Pen and I wanted to make a quick unboxing, thoughts post on this new release!

I get excited for every release and this one is another one of my favorite, the packaging design is very nice, creative! When I saw this release I was very happy and everything just looks so much better in person.

I will first leave a little information about our first ink, Brilliant Beanstalk and some ink samples. I will also leave a little video unboxing/swatch video below. Let know what you think.

Brilliant Beanstalk

FWP Brilliant Beanstalk Ink Inspiration:
In an enchanted realm, where giants roam and mystical beanstalks reach for the heavens, join Princess Patch as she embarks on a perilous journey to procure the shimmering golden champagne egg from the clutches of a slumbering giant. Whether weaving tales of daring escapades or exploring the boundless realms of imagination, let Brilliant Beanstalk sprout the tone for your enchanting odyssey into a world where dreams take flight.

This packaging is so pretty. That chicken in the vines is so cute, is one of my favorite little creature in this design. All around the box there is so many cute creatures and vines, is very pretty! (There is a video below, where I do the unboxing, check it out)

This is a gorgeous green ink with champagne shimmer. It also have high shading,

Brilliant Beanstalk reminds me of ‘The Princess and the Frog’ which is funny because in the description it says about joining Princess Patch embark on a journey 💚

I will leave you here a little Unboxing of the new inks and pen, some swatches and writing samples. I hope you guys enjoy it.

Used Glass pen, watercolor brush & the Carousel FWP FP

Cabernet On The Lake

FWP Cabernet On The Lake Ink Inspiration:
Pack your favourite hand-knit blanket and accompany Bearnice the Bear on a delightful frolic through the picturesque vineyards of the Niagara wine region, where rolling hills and lush vineyards beckon. Embark on a journey of discovery through scenic greenscapes while exploring internationally recognized vineyards of this region. Indulge in the nectar of Niagara with this burgundy ink that captures the feeling of joyous laughter, shared stories, and cherished memories.

I am in awe with this Cabernet on the Lake ink, I did enjoy this ink a lot more than I though.

First this box is very pretty, I am a fan of crochet and knit products but mostly crochet and I love the crochet touches in this art and the crochet hook, very nice!

I wasn’t sure about this ink. I get pretty bored with red inks but Song of Scarlet and this one (Cabernet on the Lake) are pretty fun inks to write with. The characteristic for this ink are Warming, velvety, romantic, cosy.

I feel that velvety is a good way to describe this ink, this ink checks all that and we are getting into the Autumn and Winter season soon, this ink is a great color if you like to match your inks with your months/season. I do enjoy matching my inks with my months, seasons or holidays but is not like I do this constantly. Sometimes when I like an ink so much I don’t care what month or season it is, or how many times I have used them already!

I am so lucky to have received a Carousel fountain pen, my experience with them have been great. I had/have shimmery inks for a month and would write perfectly when you uncap it.

Sometimes I wish it had a clip or a removable one but is not something I care that much about since most times I carry a pencil case or a stationery bag.

I am very excited with my new inks, they remind me of christmas, they are great inks for this holidays. Specially the Cabernet On The Lake, with that gorgeous shimmer! Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of my favorite holidays, there is cheer and joy and this ink will fit in perfectly.

Also I want to add that Brilliant Beanstalk doesn’t take a long time to dry. Pretty impressive for Tomoe River Paper and for a person like me that is a lefty I tend to brush my hand on wet ink a lot haha!

Thank you kindly Ferris Wheel Press for sending this inks and fountain pen for me to try!

I hope you guys enjoyed this little “Unboxing” video and just some comments and thoughts about this ink.

Ink will be available for purchase in September 1st. I am happy that this post is up before the release so that you guys have the chance to get your hands on one of this inks and/or fountain pen or all of it haha

Like always, if you guys are interested I have an affiliate link for a free ink charger set on your next order or you can use my code ‘TJT at check out!

Also I been posting more often in my social media so you can follow me on my TikTok(will take you to a video, couldn’t find the profile link) or Instagram, which I like to post new inks and filling up new fountain pens.

Thank you so much for being here, I hope I manage to show you some good pictures and/or video of the new inks. Have a wonderful day, God bless you all!

Posted on by Karen Castro

Ferris Wheel Press | Sweetbriar Rose

Before we talk about how I feel about this ink I want to go through some information.

I am very happy to be here and share another release from Ferris Wheel Press, it have become a favorite brand of mine and I am happy I was able to be part of the team and share this awesome inks with you all!

I recently received this new Calligraphy ink (that is not meant for Fountain Pens) to use with dip pens or brushes. There is 4 colors in this collection.

Left to right: Sage Advice, Bride to Be, Borrowed Blue and Sweetbriar Rose.

With their soon to be release Carousel Inkwell and the Gumdrop glass dip pen, this inks came in at a perfect timing. I do like the choice of color they selected for this release.

By the way guys, the Carousel Inkwell and Gumdrop Glass dip pen will be available to purchase through Kickstart, I will be making a post soon with pictures and videos before May 9, which is the date this will be available for purchase. More details here

Notable design details:
Capture the delicate essence of love in full bloom. Embrace the beauty of our vintage-inspired dusty rose calligraphy ink.

Pattern inspired by vintage 1930s floral wallpaper This nostalgic ink colour pays homage to one of our most popular inks ever, Lady Rose, a familiar hue in a new medium!

This bashful crocodile dons a stylish ensemble from the 1930s; a statement slinky dress punctuated by a classic fascinator hat.

It can be compare to Lady Rose Ink, I don’t own this ink so I am not able to give you any information on this but you can look it up online and might even be available for purchase.

I do own The Fluttering Heart, a limited edition by Ferris Wheel Press and here is a side by side comparison.

The Fluttering Heart | Sweetbriar Rose

Sweetbriar Rose is a more opaque ink, like a vintage pink while the Fluttering Heart is more light pink with gold shimmer!

This is the thickest calligraphy ink that I own and I do like that with one dip I can write quiet a lot before running out of ink.

I am not an expert but I can only tell you my experience and I feel that this ink have a thick consistency, which online it says is a waterproof acrylic ink. I made a little water test, I prayed some water, I dab a paper towel and in the third picture I rubbed the same paper towel.

Definitely waterproof and smudge resistant. Looks no different, I honestly am a little sad I didn’t picked up the other colors in the collection haha!

Is an opaque ink, in their website it says that is formulated for legibility on black stock, I haven’t tried that but I can’t wait to see how it comes out!

Here is a picture showing the silicon stopper, excused the messy look, but I think this is an awesome idea, I haven’t seen any dryness in the bottle or around, consistency is always the same.

The only problem I experience was cleaning the nib, the ink dried quickly and it took a while to remove. It could have been my nib, I am not sure, I did used my glass dip pen and it was easy write with and clean. I would have to do some research on that.

I will leave you with a video here with writing samples.

Sweetbriar Rose by Ferris Wheel Press

I hope you enjoyed this first impression/review, I am excited to see what is next with Ferris Wheel Press and their new Kickstarted Carousel Inkwell.

Like always, if you guys are interested I have an affiliate link for a free ink charger set on your next order or you can use my code ‘TJT at check out!

Also don’t forget to follow me on my Instagram @thejournalingtype.

Posted on by Karen Castro

Ferris Wheel Press The Fluttering Heart

Hey guys, today I have a little review/first impression of Ferris Wheel Press new ink The Fluttering Heart.

“Celebrate the return of extraordinary love with our 2023 Limited Edition ink.”
“Visually inspired by iconic high jewellery collections; motifs from the Strathmore Rose Tiara, Fife Tiara, Princess Grace’s Engagement ring, and cues from vintage Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are beautifully woven into the ornate pattern.”

Ferris Wheel Press The Fluttering Heart 38ml

Here in the packaging shows more of what this ink is about. I like the details in the background, the diamonds, the butterflies, it give me tiara vibe. I wasn’t a fan of pink until last year where I found myself using pink in my journals and planners. I have come to appreciate certain pink shades and this soft muted pink is very pretty.

Ferris Wheel Press The Fluttering Heart 38ml


Very nice details, like always, Ferris Wheel Press and their product presentation always on point.

Ferris Wheel Press The Fluttering Heart 38ml
“…we’ve created an endearing blush toned ink with a scintillating metallic champagne sparkle to represent the return of gathering, community, events, and the celebration of love.”
Ferris Wheel Press The Fluttering Heart (brush ink swatch)

This ink is definitely beautiful, I find myself looking at my writing samples of this ink. I would like to mention that for this ink swatch I did pass my brush two times. It turns into a beautiful mauvy pink on the second swatch . The metallic in this ink is perfect, I wouldn’t want more than that, in some angles it looks like a pearlescent mauve, I like that..

Swatching Video

Took about 18 to 20 minute for this to try. When using a brush with the amount of ink I used, is understandable it will take more time than using a fountain pen.

I love the process of drying, I was watching a show while waiting for this to dry naturally. As you can see there is a different in the ink bottle and the swatch underneath.

Ferris Wheel Press The Fluttering Heart (ink swatch)

I felt that for me when using this ink, it came out light but after it dries it looks slightly darker-ish.

The ink swatch in the bottle (^) is a more accurate color of what you are going to get when using a fountain pen or maybe even a bit brighter.

Ferris Wheel Press The Fluttering Heart (ink sample with 1.1 stub nib)

Tools Used:
Brush
Glass dip pen
1.1 stub nib
on a Tomoe River Paper.

So final thoughts! This ink is a nice medium bright tone of pink, drying time with a fountain pen stub nib is around 2 to 3 min, it really depends. I never had a drying problem with Ferris Wheel Press Inks.
I am a lefty, I take a bit of time before going back into my writing if I feel that my hands will be in the way and it will smear on the page.

With the description giving to this ink and the performance of this ink, it gives a luxurious look to it.
I can’t really afford a luxurious ring, necklace or tiara but this ink is all the jewelry I need haha

So thank you Ferris Wheel Press for this gorgeous ink, can’t wait to see what else you guys got in storege for us.

This ink will be available for purchase on March 3rd, 2023.

Use TJT at checkout to support my creative journey and receive a free Ink Charger Set. Click the link and your code will be applied automatically! http://bit.ly/3RqT1zF

You can get any Ink Charger Set your heart desires, just remember to add it to your cart before checking out. I hope you liked this little review/thoughts of this ink. I been using my FWP shimmery inks on a stub nib and they end up looking gorgeous!

I will be posting more pictures of this ink soon on my Instagram and more writing samples if you are interested. Follow me here @TheJournaligType on IG for more pictures and updates!

Thank you so much for being here and I hope this post was useful.

Have a wonderful day and God bless you all!

Posted on by Karen Castro

Ferris Wheel Press – Cloak and Forest

The flutter of a red cloak and the soft padding of feet on a mossy floor can be heard as Little Red rushes through a dimly lit forest on her way to grandmother’s house. Forest residents chatter from their humble abodes, warning her of the peeping Big Bad Wolf lurking in the shadows, but fear not! The silvery light of the sun peeks through the lush canopies of the wizened trees, lighting her way, giving her the hope and courage needed to continue her daring journey.

Hello guys, I hope you are all doing fantastic, today I have a little review. I recently received Cloak and Forest from Ferris Wheel Press and I been very excited to share this new ink.

I am a huge fan of green inks well green in general and when I noticed that this ink had green as a base, red as a sheen and silver as shimmer I was very intrigued and I just needed to know how this ink reacts.

Ink information (Do you see the Big Bad Wolf creeping?)

I love Ferris Wheel Press packaging, it always have beautiful illustrations and every single box is unique with illustration made for for each ink. Most time I don’t really pay attention to packaging but it means a lot that Ferris Wheel Press takes the effort to present their products in such beautiful way. I appreciate that they care about how their products look not just how it performs.

This box have little creatures , I even spotted Ferris Wheel Press ink bottles in a corner and did you see it? Look at the first picture, there is something there o_o!

Ferris Wheel Press Cloak and Forest Ink Swatch with a brush

I don’t know about you guys but I always get so impressed when I see an ink dried, is like I don’t know exactly what I am getting until I put it on paper. Sometimes online picture doesn’t do it justice, this color is gorgeous, I made sure to shake the bottle very well to get a good look at this ink.

Ferris Wheel Press Cloak and Forest (Glass Pen)

Is like a mixture of light of hope and green with red just peeking through, I used a glass dip pen for this writing sample and you can see all that silver shimmer everywhere and that red sheen. Is a fun ink to write with, you can definitely see more of this ink when the light hits.

I also noticed that you can get this ink with low shimmer if you don’t shake the bottle before inking your pen.

Ferris Wheel Press Cloak and Forest (BB nib)

You can still see that red sheen and might get some shimmer in your writing but is not as much if you shake the bottle. I honestly like it, you have options and not going to lie this ink looks super nice without the shimmer too.

But the shimmer makes this ink unique so I love to see that shimmer in my writing.

This green base ink is like a forest green, you can see a little bit of blue when the light hits but a more consistent color I keep seeing is this forest green with red sheen. I think the glass dip pen did a good job at showing how this ink performs.

Ferris Wheel Press Cloak and Forest (Ink swatch + glass dip pen)
I can make brush swatches all day with this ink, looks super pretty, reminds me of something magical ✨

Ferris Wheel Press are very impressive with their drying time. Most time I worry when I write on Tomoe River Paper with fountain pen inks but they dry faster than most ink I own.

This is a great ink to add to your collection, Little Red Riding Hood used to be one of my favorite stories. The cloak was one of my favorite things from it, I been hoping to get one for years because like I said, used to be my favorite story growing up so seen this ink coming into this collection made me very happy.

picture taken from the website

This ink will be available for purchase on March 3rd, 2023.

Use TJT at checkout to support my creative journey and receive a free Ink Charger Set. Click the link and your code will be applied automatically! http://bit.ly/3RqT1zF

You can get any Ink Charger Set your heart desires, just remember to add it to your cart before checking out.

I hope you liked this little review/thoughts of this ink. I been using my FWP shimmery inks on a stub nib and they end up looking gorgeous!

I will be posting more pictures of this ink soon on my Instagram and more writing samples if you are interested. Follow me here @TheJournaligType on IG for more pictures and updates!

I have one more ink to share with you guys this month from FWP so stay tuned for that.

Thank you so much for being here and I hope this post was useful.

Have a wonderful day and God bless you all!