Archer & Olive Desk Aesthetic Sub Box | For the Stationery Lovers

[@kathleenfannin8486]

I love watching your reviews. I've said it before, but you're very transparent and I completely appreciate that. I think when people get these items for free, they automatically love it all. However, you have to put yourself in the position of paying money for these items. You do that like no one else. Thank you!!!

[@markyourpages]

I appreciate that! I always try to be respectful of the brand, because a lot of hard work goes into these things, but also share my own opinions as a consumer. I always say that you can be a fan of a brand but not love every single thing they do, and that’s okay.

[@madeinjalisco]

I’m leaving feedback with you in the hopes that you’ll pass it on. I loved that B5 notebook. Loved. I actually kept a 2nd, accidentally purchased, sub box just so that I could have 2 of that notebook. The design was gorgeously simple- but, more than that, the reduced page count makes it SO MUCH easier to carry. The regular B5s weigh a ton. I live them, but they’re hard to carry around. Where they need to put some work in: I really appreciate having functional washi, but this is the second time they’ve given us washi that is meant to be written on and made it with this coated, plasticky paper that resists 99% of the inks I have. If I have to pull out a sharpie just to write on the tape, I’m not going to use the tape. They took a potentially useful design and made it almost useless in practice. Did anyone roadtest the tapes prior to release? I’m with you on that floral trapper keeper. I’d be using THE SHIT out of that thing if it were printed with the office tools design. Instead, it’s still sitting brand new in the box, destined for eBay. I get that florals are their “thing” but do they have to be on EVERYTHING?

[@markyourpages]

I hear you on the writing washi. I have the same issue and find that even my good pens have a hard time drying on there. Thanks for checking out the video and your comment. I'll pass them on.

[@laurad3232]

I also like most of the items in this box, except the journal keeper. I wish they had one for a B5 and if it had been the in the cute stationery pattern from the front of the B5 notebook it would be perfection! I'm not crazy about all the floral decorations and I personally purchase the blank notebooks, so this is the first B5 that is not blank that I will use. Thanks for the unboxing review Mark! I enjoy your content.

[@markyourpages]

Thanks for checking out the video

[@malinf6654]

My favourite things are the B5, the small notepad, stencil and maybe the pens. I totally agree with you on that folder, so much cooler if it had stationary instead of foliage. Although I miss the B5and the notepad I don’t regret skipping this box. I like how honest you are when doing these reviews.

[@markyourpages]

Thanks of checking out the video and sharing your favs. And I’ll always be honest about my feelings. It’s more fun that way.

[@isigarrido8875]

Cute design for a teacher, without screaming TEACHER. I like the floral design for the zipper but would have preferred the B5 notebook style.

[@markyourpages]

I totally agree!

[@shadowgirl00]

I will fully admit, the folio is my favourite thing. You're right, it is more feminine, so design wise it wouldn't appeal to everyone. I don't put a notebook into it, I've been using it to put in the stationery I plan to use for set up for the next month. So the marker palette I've gone with, washi if there is any, and I have a small sticker book. So I pre-cut any PET or washi image tapes and put them in there so I just have everything. This means I have a cleaner desk and I can take it places if I want to do set up outside of my home.

[@apocalypse_frau]

That is a great consideration for use with cut PET tape strips. 🫶 I use an A5 folio by TSL for my Techo Cousin and agree that the zip folio would be handy for a curated month of supplies. Otherwise, I am carrying too many bulky cases, which can create clutter quickly.

[@markyourpages]

The folio overall is great. No doubt.

[@sallyhigby9089]

I would have loved just a plain cover over that floral. It would have been an amazing Father’s Day gift for my husband if the outside looked exactly like the inside with that rich color. Those chisel tip markers might make great book annotation supplies & the stencil is so useful. I like that they did a circle to mark the center rather than a notch this time. Great box and can’t wait to get mine.

[@markyourpages]

A lot of upgrades and improvements over time. Love that they are learning too.

[@ktanderson5035]

The pens in this box are my favorite! I love the notebooks as well. I agree with the zipper folio. Wish the pattern was more with the theme.

[@markyourpages]

Excited to use these pens more. They are great.

[@lynndee455]

I like the florals

[@markyourpages]

I think most do. 😆 I’m one of the odd balls out.

[@maripyxis]

My favourite item was the green notebook. I loved the stationary graphics 😊 I think the zipper folder was a miss in terms of look. It feels disjointed from the overall sub box theme.

[@markyourpages]

Yeah - like a last min add

[@Somebodyelse141]

I agree

[@stephaniedayrit4145]

Loving the functionality of that journal cover. But I definitely agree with you on the aesthetic. It would’ve been nice if it was a solid color that fit the theme of the subscription box.

[@markyourpages]

Yeah, i would have been down with a solid color too.

[@charlottemalone7375]

I’m really digging the old school composition book A5 - I may not even use it, just set it out as decor 😊 - absolutely my favorite thing!!

[@markyourpages]

Haha - I have a number of those “on display” notebook.

[@l.j.charles2504]

Totally love the B5 notebook and stencil. After that is the A5 notebook, then the accessories. Not crazy about the portfolio, but we’ll see when I try it out.

[@markyourpages]

Great stuff over all.

[@Fclwilson]

Yay, I am a new subscriber to the sub boxes. Mine is due to arrive on Monday. Oh, that pouch will be my portable writing carrier. My faves are the pouch, the B6, and the stencil.

[@markyourpages]

It's a great size!!

[@helenwaugh2940]

I agree with your comments about the folio case, a plain cover or a cover with the stationary icons on it would have been better as nothing else has flowers on it. I would have preferred a colour like grey or navy for it too. I thought the other items were great, and I look forward to using them. I'm especially excited about the B5 journal because we don't get so many of those in these boxes. Loved your video, keep up the excellent work!

[@markyourpages]

I am always so excited when we get different sizes because it gives us an excuse to try something that we might not normally buy for ourselves.

[@hamptot7120]

i agree about the journal cover decor. I would have preferred it to follow the rest of the theme. It is prolly my least favortie after opening the box. I was going to gift it but I got a journal from the mystery sale tin a color i am not fond of so I will prolly use it for that. :)

[@markyourpages]

Covers are great ways to find a new love for a cover you dont like.

[@TooMuchADHDMillennial]

I agree about having more variety for the case design. ✒️🖋️📝

[@markyourpages]

Absolutely

[@Fclwilson]

The June sub box is my first one. Wow, I understand the hype. It is a great collection.

[@markyourpages]

It really is! So glad you got to experience it and all the other ones in the future to come :-)

[@DvorahDavida5778]

I adore the color palette this quarter! I am so excited with that notepad also. I prefer ivory paper and the lines AND grid combination? Perfect! I will be using everything from the box this time except the folio. Not really a fan of it either. But let's face it... there's always something in the box that doesn't float your boat. Human beings have so many different preferences. But overall, this box just made me happy!

[@markyourpages]

You are totally right, and we always know someone who will love it. My daughter was ecstatic when she wanted in her room and saw it, and the washi, on her desk.

[@julifiske7593]

I love the B5 stencil. Been waiting. Also the B5 notebook and the pens yes! Can't wait to use

[@markyourpages]

Right!!! Such a great box.

[@katharinawichmann8284]

I love the color scheme, the A5 notebook, the washis and the notepad the most!

[@markyourpages]

A fun one!

[@aesthetic-desk]

I subscribed after seeing the outer box!!!! I am so with you on the zipper case idea. I love office supplies/school, so that would have been perfect.

[@markyourpages]

I’m the same way. Take me school shopping every day of the week.

[@jenniferdavis9366]

I think this is the first every day functional box - I love it - i agree with the case, something less foral would be more appropriate - I will defo use it, cos I love that it is zipped as opposed to the snap shut that we usually get - but, for someone who uses their journals at work, something less floral would be way more professional looking. The clock washi is gonna save me so much time. I have loved all the sub boxes, especially the ones since the Library box, but this is the first practical one I know I will be able to use right away, every day without 'saving' for something special. Love your honest review :) thank you for sharing

[@markyourpages]

It was a very productive box. Great designs all around

[@Marie-sn8zo]

Thank you for a great review, as always!

[@markyourpages]

Thanks for watching

[@aislingcarey84]

I'm obsessed with the zipper folio, it's totally my aesthetic🥰. A beautiful box, gorgeous journals and accessories. Thanks for showing us

[@markyourpages]

That’s awesome. I know that so many people are going to love it. I’m definitely the outsider here. 😆

[@magoryOH]

Yay ! For getting rid of those notches on the stencil

[@markyourpages]

I know!!! Major upgrade

[@TheLadyTWells]

I have been thinking about signing up for this box. A lot of good stuff comes in it.

[@markyourpages]

This is a good box. They have really been hitting it out of the part

[@abczoomom]

I admit, the folio doesn’t really *go* with everything else, but at the same time, having missed the notebook that looked like that (fall? winter?), I’m happy to have the folio to cover up something I don’t like quite as well. Also, I’m a B5 fan so the stencil is awesome. I agree, a square one would be nice too, but not all the squares are the same size, so…

[@markyourpages]

Yeah it could be super easy as a square. One size fits all and no extra dots :-)

[@kaths3990]

I took delivery of two fabulous A and O notebooks last week; the last collections arrived in the UK! My favourite is the square one with the typewriter on the front. Very happy! I can only dream of what you are showing here.😊

[@markyourpages]

I love the typewriter! Great choice

[@mollymollie6048]

This is one subscription box I would have enjoyed. Particularly the B5 stencil, the “composition book,” and the journal case. IMO, they would find a lot of people who would be interested in the journal case. Finding nice ones that zip closed are not common, and something I really like (and probably a lot of people who put a journal in a bag to carry around would appreciate the extra protection.) It would be great if they made it in more sizes as well (as a B5 and square fan.) The calliographs have never interested me. There are many great products very similar to those, and only getting a few random colors, instead of being able to buy them individually or in a large pack is a big drawback for me. The acrylographs are a product I have a lot of interest in…again, being able to buy them individually or in packs of 10-20 would be really great. The hardest thing for A&O for me is the “competition” aspect of ever purchasing something from them. I would buy quite a few things, but I’m not going to set my alarm for a specific time/day like I’m trying to buy tickets to a hot concert. Journaling/planning is part of my relaxation…and it’s unfortunate that they bring out products that are only available to a limited few and then they disappear. I rarely see more than 3-4 journals in stock, and they are generally in odd sizes, or unpopular colors. The “standard collection” that they have is also not available. Idk if they have supply issues or something, but this has been my experience with them over the past year. I bought my nice journal and a few other things from Notebook Therapy. I love the quality and the majority of the products are always available.

[@markyourpages]

I know a lot of people who feel the way you do about the sales and competition aspect. I do know that A&O is working hard to counter that with buying more stock of items they might anticipate doing well. This past summer release had a lot of stock on sizes and this subbox is still available. For a while they did sell the pens separately. Not sure if they still do or not.

[@mollymollie6048]

@@markyourpages Thanks for your response! I appreciate that A&O is listening to the feedback. I understand that they are a small business, and they are very popular right now. Small businesses fronting a lot of money to wait for the entire process of design and production…and then hoping it sells (while having to pay for space for what is in stock) is a big challenge. From what you said, hopefully they are at a place in their growth where they can have a larger quantity of things available for people who want to browse/buy at their leisure. I’ll go check if the subscription box is still there! I absolutely love the theme and the look of the items and also that they are useful items for stationery. P.S., I enjoy your channel and hearing about a man’s perspective on stationery and how you approach your journaling. Your excitement for Erik’s Small Things matches mine, I just received my first set of Small Things flake stickers and I just adore the designs. I’ve never been a stamp user…maybe I need to venture into that… 🤔

[@Somebodyelse141]

I would not recommend buying the acrylographs. There are beautiful colors, but not all of them are labeled, A&O doesn't do a good job of saying which colors are in which packs, and they're much harder to use and inconsistent than other acrylic paint pens. I'm forcing myself to get through the multiple cases i bought because i heard so many KZbinrs raving about them

[@mollymollie6048]

@@Somebodyelse141 Thanks for the heads up. Would you recommend another type that is a finer nib similar to the acrylographs?

[@Somebodyelse141]

@@mollymollie6048 besides the acrylographs, I've only tried fine tip poscas. I've heard Grabie is pretty good for being off brand. If I was going to buy more now I'd try Primrosia. 0.7 nib, beautiful colors

[@CourtneyOei]

I want that stencil 😭😭 I always miss the stencils!!!

[@markyourpages]

I am sure we will see them soon. no way they don't make this in mass quantities soon!

[@Keasha274]

I really feel like the folio would have fit better with the theme of the last box, and fountain pen and ink would have made more sense in this box, so i switched them...perfect🎉

[@markyourpages]

Good point.

[@Cora68]

So... what did you think about the Zipper folio? 😇🤣

[@markyourpages]

Hahahaha. I may have mentioned it a few times. 🤣

[@tracya8398]

Definitely not the aesthetic for me, but I really think it's a clever and well designed box. I love the functional stickers and that amazing folio case! (I do enjoy florals, but I do agree it doesn't fit with this box)

[@markyourpages]

Oh yeah, great box overall.

[@rode_rash3956]

Never have I ever bought a subscription box. Until now. And I probably never will again. I agree that I would have preferred the cover to be not floral. They could have done cute things with the scissors and paperclip designs. I am a B5 user, so the template/ruler and B5 notebooks really tipped my hand. I love the colors of the pens, and the stickers and washi tape are very useable. I don't have a huge use for the A5 notebook, but I'm confident I'll come up with a reason to use it.

[@markyourpages]

It’s def a good box. So much useful stuff and I’m already loving the ruler for my square.

[@karmenjohnson6078]

I’m so excited to get mine!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@markyourpages]

Yayyy! Hopfully it’s coming soon

[@sami-xr5dq]

not gonna lie, I love the pattern on the notebook cover!

[@markyourpages]

How dare you disagree with me. 🤣 I know I’m probably the outsider here. - great design - no doubt.

[@Jasper_Tree]

I desperately need that B5 planning stencil 😫

[@markyourpages]

I think that we will see those in the shop sooner rather than later. Everyone is going to want it. It’s great.

[@Somebodyelse141]

I honestly wasn't a fan of either notebook. I preferred the A5 over the B5, though. I think the stencil is really cool

[@markyourpages]

I have been using the stencil non-stop.

[@Zaguzah]

Agreed, great colours in the pens. I prefer the cooler, muted palette.

[@markyourpages]

Yeah, they feel good

[@Nimmitshop]

My favourite thing was the journal case, but I agree with you on that it would’ve been cooler if it followed the aestetics of the other things. The B5 notebook was really cool too even though i prefer smaller size notebooks. Not a fan of the composition notebook or the color of the pens. I like more vibrant colors. I bought the last subscription box but I’m glad I cancelled it before this one. I was also disappointed that they didn’t make a pirate/marine theme for the sub box along with the summer collection. I would’ve resubscribed immediately if they did 🏴‍☠️⚓️🐳🌊🐙

[@markyourpages]

A pirate theme would have been so cool!

[@cvvzdesigns]

💯agree about the journal cover. It's really out of place esthetically with the rest of the box. And I think the designer didn't have any calliograph's or tombow's on hand when they spaced out the washi holder. If they had, they would have moved it up half an inch so that you could travel with both easily.

[@marilynring4501]

I agree here but I also noticed, (and I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet) I can't get the cover to close with the washi tape that came with it, and the journal that came with it. The journal with the washi tape combined doesn't let it close. Am I the crazy one? Am I missing something?

[@cvvzdesigns]

@@marilynring4501 Mine's only just cleared customs, so I can't test it. 😢 Are you making sure they lay almost flat? I know in their other travel cases you can only fit 3 or 4 almost laying flat in order to close the case, despite being room for 9 if standing upright on the strap.

[@markyourpages]

Yeah some product testing maybe to make sure it all works?

[@ArtemisNYC]

That green notebook is gorgeous and the B5 stencil such a good idea. Still, I don't regret skipping this one. It just doesn't feel... special. I love A&O because I find designs, themes, and products there that I don't see anywhere else. But I've absolutely seen versions of those stickers and washi everywhere, from other high end stationary brands to dollar stores. And the marble composition notebook? Yawn. I hope they start making the stencils in every size! You're hoping for square, I'm hoping for B6!

[@markyourpages]

Can’t love them all - and that is what I love about them - we know what we like and dont - and sounds like you have a healthy relationship to be able to say that. I feel you on the composition book too. I have been using the B5 stencil non-stop in my square journal now. It’s awesome

[@heidifinch2817]

I really love the new pens! They are great! I also love the stickers - like you said they are such a pain to make in your journal. I’m really hoping they add these to the Everyday Collection. I wish the folio were a different color and that it had more depth so that I could really add supplies in and still shut it, but I love the idea of it. Thanks for the video!

[@princessleah9092]

OMG I ❤the journal case!!! If you don’t use it please please please do a giveaway 🙏🙏🙏

[@markyourpages]

I did a giveaway already… but it was to my daughter.

[@marilynring4501]

Im excited, as i just opened mine up. I love it, but im noticing i cant fit everything in the case either. So i took to google to see if its just me or what. Not only do the pens and washi tape interfere with one another... But even without pens, i can not get this cover to close with the journal and the washi tapes it came with. Is it just me? Ive been searching the internet a bit and dont see anyone else mentioning it. Am i only supposed to use the washi holder when the whole set up is open? If so, whats the point of that? Itll hold it for the 10 mins everythings opened up in use, and then i gotta take the washi tape out of the case and plop it in an ugly ziplock then? Caught me off gaurd with this lol.

[@markyourpages]

I didn’t even think about packaging it all together to see if it all worked, I guess I just assumed it would since it is designed that way.

[@marilynring4501]

​@@markyourpages try it! I opened it all up and was excited because I like to bring mine to work, and do some journalling whenever I have a spare moment. I have a really small elastic zipper pen pouch that slides on the front cover, so I can only use 2 colors at a time cuz that's all I can bring. Was excited to be able to have a nice whole set up lol. I'm super glad I can at least bring additional pens (and I love these Archer and olive ones! First time having any from them) and can fit some small stencils and some sticker pages in here too. But no washi tape unfortunately. Was only able to get one tape to fit. The tape has to be sideways too so it lays like flat.

[@juliangelus]

Is it just me or has the B5 notebook less pages than normal? It doesn't look as thick. I like the stencil, the B5 notebook and the notepad. I don't regret skipping this box though as the foliage on the folder isn't my style at all. Would much rather have it be plain with just the spine decoration. I love how honest you are. As part of the design team, do you have any input on things or are you just shown them early?

[@AxisOAnarchy]

It's 112 pages! So it is indeed less.

[@markyourpages]

Yeah like a sample B5 haha

[@markyourpages]

I dont get input of it - they are designing these things a long time in advance. The most I was able to give input on in the past was what I liked and didn’t like about fountain pens. I didn’t know why they were asking at the time, but then we got a pen in that last box.

[@aliciaw2564]

This subscription box frustrates me! The B5 ruler does not fit in the folio! The inside design of the folio is not very well thought out! The dual tip pens don’t fit in when the washi tape is placed in there! Aaarrrrggggh! And yes @markyourpages, I agree, the folio needed the aesthetic of the stationery on the boxes. I’m really torn whether I like this box or not.

[@markyourpages]

I feel like the sub box is a great research space. But is early adopters get to be the Guinea pigs

[@jennrecord2784]

I like the case but would have preferred a less feminine cover too.

[@markyourpages]

The functionality of it is 🔥

[@nadjabauer9533]

I love the color scheme but the theme of this box is not for me, I do really like the zipper folio though

[@markyourpages]

Cant all be winners. I love the surprise of it all… so i can’t get to mad :-)

[@Somebodyelse141]

Lol, classic Mark trying to convince A&O to tone down the florals

[@markyourpages]

I know it will never happen. But like… sometimes maybe :-)🤔

[@nandamari]

$75?!?!?!?! 😱

[@markyourpages]

Yeah they upped the price a bit a year or so ago.

[@angelikaleckie6373]

Mark, I completely agree with you! But I guess that most subscribers are female and that’s why they use the flowerish pattern so often! But on the whole I think this subbox is wonderful and I can‘t wait to get mine this week! What I like about your comments is that you are always so honest! Not every person does that! And I am glad that Archer and Olive have one male ambassador and not just women!👍

[@markyourpages]

Thanks. I’ve worked with them long enough to know that I’m not their target customer. So it get it. It’s always the really cool things that I want that end up having overly decorated elements to it. Just my luck ;-) But I agree, overall fantastic box. No little extras and I appreciate that.

[@kristenfortman1960]

@@markyourpages As a female non-floral stationary lover, I sometimes feel left out when things are overly flowery when there isn't an alternate version. They could have made it an old school encyclopedia or a year book look and it would have been amazing.

[@markyourpages]

Omg - take all my money for the encyclopedia idea