INK HAUL // Goulet Pens Birthday Sample Pack - is it worth it?

[@pspadotto]

The purpose of a blind sampler is try things irrespective of personal preference. Looking objectively at this sampler, you actually got 6 colors that you like (you just happened to already own/order 3 of the 6), one that was too similar to another in your collection, and one you didn't like at all. In addition, you had a previous notion about Noodler's inks that you wound up changing because you have decided to give the cactus fruit eel ink a chance. From that perspective, this is a very successful sample acquisition.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

And it was “free” (if you don’t count shipping) so there is that!

[@angelaschwentker]

When I got some samples, I simply left a note for them to please not send me any DeAtramentis shimmering inks, but other DeAtramentis inks would be fine. And that's exactly what happened.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Darn. I wish I had known that. Made a little request. Thank you for sharing!

[@elizajournals]

I wish I knew that.

[@andreapalma7570]

I should’ve said “I’d love to try some Wearingul !” Oh well. I got 6 or 7 that won’t use.

[@plancreatecope]

I use the Deatramentis document brown in my TWSBI white rose gold for my morning pages in my ivory paper. It’s beautiful in my Midori paper as well.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Ooh good to know! Thank you!

[@plancreatecope]

I should have said my diamond 580 in my fine nib.

[@ranarose2857]

I prefer the Vaness pens random ink sample pack then the Goulet one. I feel like Goulet gives really basic and boring inks but Vaness gives interesting and diverse ink samples.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I agree - if you're just starting out, Goulet Pens ink samples give you a good basis to start. Then have fun with all the Vaness inks!

[@andreapalma7570]

I’ve never tried a random pack from Vanness. But they have so many choices that I usually pick 1 from each brand that I haven’t tried yet. Love their variety. Any great brands or inks from Vanness that you loved?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Hard to say since they have so many. I do love Wearingeul and Colorverse.

[@BlushnBlue]

It would be awesome if you can choose the brands that you want to try. I have plenty of Pilot inks so I would select no Pilot for my personal sample packs. Like you, I just don't get sample packs because I'm not a fan of fwp so I would not want that within my sample pack. So it is best for me just to choose my own.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yeah I would love it if we could choose or at least say no to a specific brand!

[@MrsAlchemist]

Hello Karyna, I understand your thoughts on the random sample pack and it's similar to me not buying the Inkvent Calendar, although I wanted it so badly. In the end I would be disappointed because I would loved only 1/4 of the inks and for that it's too expensive. I enjoyed the video for what it is- a calming ink swatching that I can watch.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! I feel the same about Inkvent - I'd rather buy samples once they are available!

[@MrsAlchemist]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan aaah! Exactly! Impatiently waiting for Jacaranda :)

[@tbayless8324]

Happy Birthday Karyna!!! I like most of the colors you swatched.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you!!

[@salamaat]

My surprise sample set was ALL blue and blue black. This would have been better. They're pretty colors. ❤

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Darn I am sorry! Sample packs are hit and miss!

[@mids_mids]

I love chocolate brown by Diamine with my EF by Twsbi, I think it’s the perfect combo.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I'm excited to put Chocolate Brown in a pen!!

[@Wholelatteplans]

I lovvveeee Monteverde moonstone!! I have it in a twsbi EF and it’s much lighter (not too light) and just such a well behaved beautiful brown

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yes it's such a lovely brown! Who knew there would be so many differences in brown inks?

[@cerealnana]

The Diamine Chocolate Brown is my fave brown. I think I need to bust out my bottle of Monteverde Moonstone!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

So glad I decided to get these!

[@courtneyruss9122]

Those Eel family of inks from Noodlers can be fun. It’s been a while since I’ve done business with Goulet Pens. Usually only if they have an exclusive that I really really want. Otherwise I’ve been avoiding them for several years now. A decision I made on some statements they made which I know others may support. Their customer service has always been good so I can support that part of their business. The random sample is something I avoided for the reasons you described. The Diamine “One More Sleep” is a very nice ink. Monteverde makes some incredible inks. I’m a huge fan of their inks and some of their pens too. I think that especially for the price point Monteverde really delivers. I want to get my hands on the “Autumn Oak” I am a fan of a good orange ink and that one is a winner.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I understand where you are coming from. I do not normally purchase from Goulet, but thought I would give them a chance this time round. I have a 30ml bottle of Autumn Oak coming - so excited!

[@Adventuresover40]

You got some pretty colors... that's probably why you already have some of them 😄. I just got a sample of moonstone from Elyse and I am so excited to try it in a pen. She even wrote her letter with it and I loved it. She also sent the Sepia. The two browns are beautiful as well. I am excited to see what you paint with some of these colors.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks Priscilla! I have used a couple of these inks in my newest collections!

[@mizquilter]

I am receiving the Monteverde moonstone in the mail today. Thank you for swatching your birthday swatches!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Hope you like it!

[@andreapalma7570]

Karyna, what’s your favorite random samples you’ve received that you might not have tried on your own? One I remember I was surprised I loved: Visconti Green (it’s closer to teal, very bright), such great contrast with bright reds and oranges.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

That is a tough question as I have had so many samples sent to me over the years. I have loved a few Birmingham Pen Co inks sent to me by friends, as well as a few Van Diemans inks. So hard to choose!

[@jeremya2911]

I got the same sticker and a sample of yellow highlighter ink (useless) called firefly

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Darn. Yellow highlighter ink? Sorry about that!

[@MamaTomasu]

Aww sorry this wasn’t the greatest experience for you for the random samples. But glad you mentioned it was more due to your preference of being more picky about what you get. And that’s a fair point. Not that random sample packs are a terrible choice for everyone. Personally I have ended up really liking inks in my random packs that I normally would never have picked for myself so I’m grateful for that opportunity. They won’t all be winners. And the deeper we go into the inks, the more likely we will get something we already tried/own. Thank you for sharing. I think I really need to get my hands on Monteverde Purple Reign…looks so bright and happy 😃

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! And it's true - many people like the random sample packs. I can just get really picky!

[@victcardona]

Hi Karyna! Sorry the luck of the draw didn't favor you. There were definitely some lovely inks though. Autumn Oak and Moonstone are definitely on my radar now. One question, in your ink journal it looked like you had rubber stamped places to swatch and describe your inks. Can you share where you found that stamp please? Thanks and take care!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

The stamps are from Everyday Explorers Co!

[@AmberUnfinished]

As a newbie to this hobby I love the sample pack bcs I have very few inks in my collection. And it was fun to try things that I wouldn’t have chosen for myself. You got a great variety in your sample pack. That Sailor 230 surprised me the most. The Noodler’s eel was beautiful but not something I would have chosen.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I absolutely agree! If you're new to inks and want a bunch to try, these random sample packs are great!

[@andreapalma7570]

Noodler’s Eel inks never dry. At least not on any coated papers, like Tomoe River paper. Maybe they are good for certain types of paper that I don’t use.

[@andreapalma7570]

I also just got a sample pack. I’m only interested to try 2 out of 8. lol. 😂 I received 4 dark blues, 2 dark purples, (none of which excited me), Iroshizuku Hotaru-bi (neon lime green) and Ferris Wheel Press Steeped Umber. My previous Birthday pack, I got 4 duplicates that I already had. 😅 Safe to say these will be my last Birthday surprise packs. But I am very excited to get my TWSBI Eco Caffe and some very pretty samples I picked for myself. My favorite samples are Emerald of Chivor (this is my second sample of this, so if I use it all within this year, I’m getting a bottle) and Ferris Wheel Press Peter Moss. What a lovely soft green. Not as bright as swatches I saw online. I also ordered Vert De Gris, Blue Velvet, Gold Star (I plan to try adding this to other inks), and a bottle of Brunch Date, which is very dry, so I’ll mix that with others to make my own rosy blends. I mostly love it for painting.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Once you have been in the hobby for a while, we are more than likely to get samples we already have tried! I love Peter Moss and Herbin’s Vert de Gris!

[@rv6847]

This was a nicer set than the one I received which consisted mostly dark, almost black colours, except for Diamine Meadows. I ordered other things too so I didn't feel like the shipping was cancelling out the free of the samples. Shipping to Canada is outrageous so the question is always higher prices/lower shipping at Goulet or better prices/high shipping/duty/taxes at Atlas? Argh!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I get that dilemma! I do order from Vaness or PenChalet as well if looking for larger ink samples. But shipping g either way is crazy to Canada!

[@sanjilee6148]

What note book are you using for the swatches? Also, where did you get those cute stamps of the empty ink blotter and nib?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

The notebook is from Galen Leather and the stamps are from Everyday Explorers Co!

[@rgcainmd]

2 mL of ink doesn’t go a long way. Vanness Pens samples are a generous 4 mL for not much more money. No more skimpy Goulet samples for me!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I do like the 4ml from Vaness or even Pen Chalet, for sure. But if you're just starting out and want to try a bunch, the 2ml from Goulet is a good place to start!

[@tbayless8324]

I agree!! so much. Seems like they have more stuff in stock.

[@jen.2102]

Where did you find that stamp? I have been looking for that 😂

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

The stamp is from Everyday Explorers Co in their currently inked set!

[@aubreygarrison5388]

I love your stamps! Where are they from?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Sorry for not mentioning them! They are from Everyday Explorers Co!

[@aubreygarrison5388]

Thank you! I thought they might be. I went on the site and saw they were out of stock, then realized that I actually already have these 😂. Thanks again for the inspiration! I just found your channel and I love it.

[@sheisGINA]

How do you get this promo?? I'm a newbie and my birthday is on the 11th :D. Happy Birthday to you!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

You have to create an account with Goulet Pens.

[@kimlizak4580]

What paper do you use in the ring bound swatch binder that you showed?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

It is Tomoe River Paper I bought on Amazon.

[@melrohner]

Black Swan in Australian Roses! I actually like Noodler’s - they just have a lot of different properties, so it’s difficult sometimes to know what you’re getting. Like cactus fruit eel, iirc is a lubricated ink.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! I had a brain fart on the name. And now I remember the “eel” part of the name is the lubricated ink!

[@myelifeinvideos]

Noodlers Burgundy is nice to put in the Kakuno EF. I loved that combo!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Ooh thank you! Will definitely try next month!

[@rgcainmd]

The CEO of Noodler’s is a bigot. I choose not to support racists. But you do you.

[@KatiesCraftStudio]

Yeah, not a particularly inspiring mystery set. Oh well. I do prefer brownish blacks for my permanent ink. Were it me, I'd do mostly the DA brown with just a smiiiiidge of the colorverse permanent black just to desaturate it a tad

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Ooh thanks for the tip! Will try this afternoon.

[@sushanart]

😇🩷🙏🙌

[@sanjilee6148]

I just picked up a whole bunch of samples. Sailor Shikiori Yamadori - Ink Sample 1 $2.95 Jacques Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor - Ink Sample 1 Jacques Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor - 2ml Ink Sample 1 $2.95 Organics Studio Henry David Thoreau Walden Pond - Ink Sample 1 Organics Studio Henry David Thoreau Walden Pond - Ink Sample 1 $1.95 Organics Studio Ralph Waldo Emerson Twilight Blue - Ink Sample 1 Organics Studio Ralph Waldo Emerson Twilight Blue - Ink Sample 1 $1.95 Robert Oster Rose Gold Antiqua - Ink Sample 1 Robert Oster Rose Gold Antiqua - 2ml Ink Sample 1 $2.50 Organics Studio Nitrogen - Ink Sample 1 Organics Studio Nitrogen - 2ml Ink Sample 1 $1.95 De Atramentis Document Ink White - Ink Sample 1 De Atramentis Document Ink White - Ink Sample 1 $2.25 Colorverse Mystic Mountain Glistening - Ink Sample 1 Colorverse Mystic Mountain Glistening - Ink Sample 1 $2.75 Ferris Wheel Press Knitted Nettle - 20ml Bottled Ink 1 Ferris Wheel Press Knitted Nettle - 20ml Bottled Ink 1 $20.00 Wearingeul Frankenstein - Ink Sample 1 Wearingeul Frankenstein - Ink Sample 1 $2.95 Ink Sample Package - Surprise Me! 1 Ink Sample Package - Surprise Me! (8 Random Ink Samples) (-$14.00) 1 $14.00

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

What a great haul! Enjoy!