Ink Flight #62, March 2022

I know I speak for many of the fountain pen ink enthusiasts out there when I say, "I love a great ink collection theme." The ink becomes more than just ink when it has an awesome name like the deadly "Blue Ringed Octopus." Van Dieman's Underwater Series scratches this itch in a satisfying way.

Not only did Van Dieman's invent some truly impressive-sounding names for ink colors (I mean, how cool is "Ghost Ship," right?), the colors themselves fit the "Underwater" theme exceptionally well.

Just look at the sheen on some of these colors. Wow!

Here is a rundown of this month's ink color selection: 

March 2022 Ink Flight Box #62 "Currently Inked" Color Selection

Van Dieman's Sea Turtle
This cool, verdant green has a high degree of gorgeous red sheen. 

Van Dieman's Blue Ringed Octopus
When threatened, the venomous blue-ringed octopus displays bright blue rings on its body. This bright blue ink has a ridiculous amount of vibrant, violet sheen.

Van Dieman's Royal Starfish
Named after the bright, beautiful sea star, this deep purple has an electric green sheen.

Van Dieman's Ghost Ship
This highly-saturated dark indigo hue has a tarnished bronze sheen on quality paper.

Van Dieman's Urchin
This ink appears black in most applications with a heavy green sheen.

Van Dieman's Parrot Fish
This turquoise & lilac shimmer ink is aptly named after one of the most colorful fish in the world. 

Van Dieman's Bioluminescence
Named after blue-glowing algae that bloom regularly around Tasmania, this ink is a dark blue with a striking red sheen & twinkling shimmer.

Tasting notes: Take caution when writing with these exotic "underwater" liquids! All colors either contain a high degree of saturation (and therefore sheen), or shimmer, or both! While a paper with low absorbency like Tomoe River or Cosmo Air light will show the sheening and shading best, the paper is also the reason you'll encounter longer dry times and possible smearing, even long after the ink initially dried. Just like some of the exotic animals of the deep ocean, these Van Dieman's inks might be gorgeous to look at, but, if not handled carefully, dangerous to handle.

Box Extras: Quill Pen and Ink Notecards, Rickshaw Bagworks Inktopus Pen Sleeves

When only a personal, handwritten note will do, craft a message in the "Quill Pen & Ink" note card from Peter Pauper Press, Inc. Each card has a textured, linen-like finish on heavy card stock. A quill pen and inkwell adorn the card's front, embossed in a glossy black.

Write a short message of thanks, a note of support, or a funny pick-me-up inside the blank interior. Then, slip the card into the matching envelope and tender to the recipient. There are 14 cards and 15 envelopes because, hey, pobody's nerfect. I mean, nobody's perfect.

In collaboration with Rickshaw Bagworks of San Francisco, we proudly introduce the new 2022 Inktopus pen sleeve designs. Each subscriber received one of eleven different color variations. You can find all the Inktopus pen cases on the Rickshaw Bagworks website.

The Rickshaw Solo Pen Sleeve has the reputation of being one of the softest cases to protect your finest pens. The colorful inner plush lining keeps our pens snug and scratch-free while not in use. The nylon outer layer is tough enough to withstand the rigors of everyday carry.

As a bonus, Rickshaw included a bunch of assorted stickers to decorate your notebook, laptop, cubicle, tackle box, or whatever!

So, what are your thoughts on March's Ink Flight? Please feel to share them on social media by tagging me @inkjournal or send me a quick e-mail to provide your feedback. 

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Previous Ink Flights

Ink Flight #1 - Noodler's, Ink Flight #2 - Robert Oster Signature, Ink Flight #3 - KWZ, Ink Flight #4 - J. Herbin, Ink Flight #5 - P.W. Akkerman, Ink Flight #6 - Papier Plume, Ink Flight #7 - Platinum Mix-Free, Ink Flight #8 - Franklin-Christoph, Ink Flight #9 - Organics Studio, Ink Flight #10 - Monteverde, Ink Flight #11 - Krishna, Ink Flight #12 - Caran d'Ache, Ink Flight #13 - Rohrer & Klingner, Ink Flight #14 - Blackstone, Ink Flight #15 - Colorverse, Ink Flight #16 - De Atramentis, Ink Flight #17 - Aurora & Montegrappa, Ink Flight #18 - Krishna, KWZ, Papier Plume, Ink Flight #19 - Diamine, Ink Flight #20 - J. Herbin, Ink Flight #21 - Robert Oster Signature 80's Collection, Ink Flight #22 - 3 Oysters, Ink Flight #23 - InkJournal Holiday Blend, Ink Flight #24 - Taccia, Ink Flight #25 - Kyoto TAG, Ink Flight #26 - Kaweco, Ink Flight #27 - April Fool's Surprise, Ink Flight #28 - Pelikan, Ink Flight #29 - Sailor, Ink Flight #30 - Straits Pen Honest Inks, Ink Flight #31 - Colorverse, Season 5, Ink Flight #32 - Inks by Vinta, Ink Flight #33 - Troublemaker, Ink Flight #34 - Monteverde Sweet Life, Ink Flight #35 - Taccia Inks Pt. 2, Ink Flight #36 - Sailor Manyo, Ink Flight #37 - P.W. Akkerman, Ink Flight #38 - Waterman, Ink Flight #39 - April Fool's Suprise II, Ink Flight #40 - Lamy, Ink Flight #41 - KWZ, Pt.2, Ink Flight #42 - Robert Oster, Pt. 3, Ink Flight #43 - Pure Pens, Ink Flight #44 - Kiwi Inks, Ink Flight #45 - Sailor Manyo, Pt. 2, Ink Flight #46 - Colorverse Ink Project, Ink Flight #47 - Van Dieman's Ink, Ink Flight #48 - L'Artisan Pastellier Callifolio, Ink Flight #49 - Pennonia, Ink Flight #50 - Jacques Herbin Essentials, Ink Flight #51 - April Fool's Surprise III, Ink Flight #52 - Colorverse, Season 7, Ink Flight #53 - Private Reserve, Ink Flight #54 - Graf von Faber-Castell, Ink Flight #55 - Stipula, Ink Flight #56 - Taccia Ukiyo-e 2nd Edition, Ink Flight #57 - Ink or Treat, Ink Flight #58 - Colorverse Ink Project Vol. 2 Constellations, Ink Flight #59 - Dominant Industry, Ink Flight #60 - Robert Oster Cities of America, vol 1, Ink Flight #61 - Wearingeul,