Top 10 MUJI-Worthy Writing Supplies You Need In Your Arsenal Of Stationery

What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. And if you’re someone who works better with taking notes and jotting down your plans and ideas, then this collection of writing supplies and designs is for you! From a Japanese memo pad to a levitating pen – these accessories are a must-have for your desk.

1. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

The Everlasting All-Metal Pencil is the ideal writing supply that you definitely need to get your hands on. You can give up the eternal cycle of pencil sharpening and struggling with weak mechanical leads, and instead adopt this innovative pencil, which allows the effortless and smooth facilitation of your creative ideas. It is a one-of-a-kind writing tool that can keep up with your fast-paced thoughts!

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.95

Why is it noteworthy?

The pencil is made with a special alloy core, and it is placed inside a sleek aluminum body. The pencil offers a writing experience that is exceptionally smooth and provides a consistent and sturdy performance, without having to deal with the constant dilemma of sharpening.

What we like

  • You can easily erase whatever you’ve written or sketched using the regular eraser
  • Guarantees a smooth and effortless writing experience

What we dislike

  • There is no replacement tip for the pencil

2. Levitating Pen 3.0

Called the Levitating Pen, this grand writing accessory is basically a sleek black pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes the pen easy and sturdy to hold. The pen is designed to offer you an excellent hassle-free writing experience, and making it a seamless and smooth experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129

Why is it noteworthy?

The Levitating Pen has a magnetic cap that you can click to your satisfaction. You can also place the pen in its holder, which is magnetized, and keeps your pen floating in that particular position! Give the pen a simple twist, and it starts spinning around for 20 seconds, allowing you to play with the pen and have fun.

What we like

  • Easy to write with, and to hold
  • You can spin the pen intervals to bust your stress and relax

What we dislike

  • The smooth edges of the pen may cause it to roll off the table when kept on a curved surface

3. MagBoard Clipboard

Meet the MagBoard Clipboard – this simple, efficient, and clever solution allows you to attach any paper – whether dotted, grid, or blank in 2 sizes, giving you access to writing material with ease. It provides a fresh paper smell whenever you attach new stationery. You just need to lift the magnetic panel and keep your pen inside to prepare for whenever the next big idea strikes!

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

The MagBoard Clipboard is quite easy to organize and use. It features the Magnet x Lever mechanism which firmly holds your paper through the day, allowing you to shuffle your notes with ease wherever you go.

What we like

  • Features a magnetic design, which lets you attach the clipboard to metal surfaces
  • Doesnt feature a ring, so you don’t need to tear the paper away

What we dislike

  • Can only hold 30 sheets at a time, which can be limiting

4. Zen Pen

This unique Japanese-made pen utilizes visuals and texture to function as a wiring instrument that helps you be mindful of the present, even if it is only for a second. The pen is inspired by the composition of a Zen garden, sand, stone and more. The Zen Pen recreates the stillness of a zen garden on a smaller scale.

Why is it noteworthy?

It imitates the key elements of a Zen garden in such a manner that you can see and feel them in the palm of your hand. The 3D-printed grooves that snake around the barrel and cap remind you of the thin lines and circles that are drawn on a typical rock garden.

What we like

  • Result of the handiwork of skilled Japanese craftsmen utilizing modern technologies

What we dislike

5. Japanese Drawing Pad

If you’re someone who loves using Japanese paper, then you need to get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad. The Japanese Drawing Pad features high-quality Japanese paper which often much loved by artists, designers, and stationery lovers. It makes the writing experience so special and effortless!

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

Why is it noteworthy?

The pad is of excellent quality, and it lets you pen down your thoughts and ideas without the stress of accidentally damaging or tearing the durable paper fibers. It lets you remove all distractions, letting your thoughts roam freely, allowing them to grow and evolve.

What we like

  • It is microperforated which allows easy tearing
  • The pad is available in various sizes and colors

What we dislike

  • When you first look at the pad, it seems like an ordinary pad with no USP

6. Serenity Pen Stand

Dubbed the Serenity Pen Stand, this Japanese minimalist pen has a metallic hint and will store your pen upright, keeping it ready for you to use. The pan stand keeps your precious pen in place, providing easy access to it. Since pens can be easy to lose, this clever design ensures it is always in your sight.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

The sleek little pen stand ensures constant access to your pen, ensuring you never lose it. The pen is made from aluminum and copper, and it serves as a well-balanced cylinder. It adds some personality and Japanese design ethos to your mundane workdesk.

What we like

  • You can easily set it up, use it, and carry it
  • Has a heavy copper bottom which ensures a stable form

What we dislike

  • The pen stand is quite small, and it can be easily lost

7. Japanese Paper Memo Block

Named the Japanese paper Memo Block, this little notepad will perfectly capture your itinerant and exciting thoughts, ensuring you never miss out on any of them. We live in fear of these thoughts escaping us, hence we need to note them down in the nick of time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Japanese paper Memo Block allows you to focus on the important tasks at hand, letting you note down your innermost thoughts before you lose track of them and get distracted. The memo block is quite small, and you can place it anywhere on your desk in any position.

What we like

  • Has a pure black/white surface which pulls new thoughts onto the paper from your mind
  • Made using high-quality Japanese paper

What we dislike

  • Looks like an ordinary memo pad with no real specialty

8. Bloomstick

Called the Bloomstick, this conceptual pen lets you note down your dreams since it is as important to write them down, as it is to make them come true. The pen lets your dreams “bloom like flowers” when you write them on paper using it. The tagline of the pen is “Click to bloom your dream”.

Why is it noteworthy?

The pen features a silicone-covered button which when you press, it opens up into a flower-like shape, allowing you to use it as a blooming instrument. The pen is available in a variety of different colors such as green, blue, and pink. When closed, it looks like a typical pen, but you can still use it.

What we like

  • Gives a whimsical and fun twist to your everyday pen

What we dislike

  • Seem to only have an aesthetic USP, no functional USP

9. Gravity Pen

Named the Gravity Pen, this sleek and all-black pen positions the center of gravity close to your fingers, ensuring a smooth and seamless writing experience. The pen is relatively easy to hold, and you can make quick agile strokes with it. It features a larger grip than the barrel, so you can hold it comfortably.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

Since the grip has a rather faceted form, the pen is easy to hold. It has an ergonomic design owing to the utilization of physics and minimalist design principles. It is the kind of no-fuss and no-frills writing instrument you need!

What we like

  • It is quite easy to hold and has an ergonomic form
  • Lightweight body making it easy to carry everywhere with you

What we dislike

  • Not a lot of color options to pick from, and limited choice of product

10. Eco-Friendly Pencil Sharpener

A winner of the Red Dot Design Concept Award, this Eco-Friendly Pencil Sharpener is a truly innovative and unique stationery design that increases the lifespan of tiny pencil stubs by elongating them! This ensures that your pencils last longer, and you don’t need to constantly keep replacing your pencils.

Why is it noteworthy?

You simply need to thread one end of the tiny pencil, and tap a larger pencil, so you can easily screw one pencil into another. This forms a bigger and longer pencil, which lasts longer, but also reduces wastage!

What we like

  • This unique design reduces the waste of pencil stubs, and the constant purchase of new pencils

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept, so we are unsure how well-functioning and practical this product will turn out to be

The post Top 10 MUJI-Worthy Writing Supplies You Need In Your Arsenal Of Stationery first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Stationery Designs That Are The Best School Supplies For You

If you’re currently in school or university, then you know how important the right set of stationery designs is. You need to have a collection of stationery designs that provide you with value and make your everyday tasks easy to complete with efficiency. These are the objects that are gonna help you get through your day, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. From an everlasting all-metal pencil to minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs at school.

1. Pen Fan

Called the Pen Fan, this nifty and unique stationery design is a must-have school supply. It is designed to be a cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set, accommodating 8 different flat-head sketch pens in a nifty, compact, and pretty easy-to-carry set.

Why is it noteworthy?

The various flat pens are interconnected, creating a cute little Japanese-fan-style layout that proudly showcases all 8 colors, letting you pick and choose from them. The pens are detachable, and you can easily snap on and off the pens, to create a palette that caters to you.

What we like

  • Easy-to-carry portable set
  • Reduces the risk of losing any of the pens

What we dislike

  • There are only 8 colors to pick from, which can be limiting. There could have been more color options

2. Everlasting Metal Pencil

If you’re looking for a pencil to carry to school, you could consider the Everlasting Metal Pencil. It is a Wacom-like style with a tip that doesn’t need to be sharpened or replaced. It is a unique and one-of-a-kind pen that lets you focus on the task at hand – whether it is writing, drawing, sketching, etc.

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.95

Why is it noteworthy?

The pencil’s octagonal shaft is built from aluminum, and it has a special alloy core. This may make you feel that it might just leave heavy grooves on your paper, but it draws like a real pencil, without the tip getting worn down, even after dozens of marks. It’s a great tool for school, where you constantly need to be scrolling or sketching something away.

What we like

  • Features a metal core, not a clay or charcoal one, so it wears away quite slowly, and might even outlive you

What we dislike

  • If you’re someone who uses smudging techniques at school, this pencil isn’t recommended, as it doesn’t smear or smudge like normal graphite

3. Japanese Drawing Pad

If you’re a true stationery connoisseur, then you are well aware of the value and beauty of Japanese paper. It’s a wonderful material that has been revered by artists and designers for its quality. And if you want to take some lovely Japanese paper to school with you, then you could get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

Why is it noteworthy?

The Japanese Drawing Pad is a premium-quality pad that freely lets you jot down your thoughts, and sketch out your innovative ideas without the worry of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers. The Drawing Pad is a catalyst for the explosion and outpouring of your exciting and vivid ideas. It creates a smooth, cohesive, and engaging writing/sketching experience for you.

What we like

  • The Drawing Pad is microperforated, making the sheets of paper easy to tear and separate from the pad
  • It is available in different sizes and colors, letting you pick the pad that meets your stationery needs

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the pad are quite simple, and it seems like an ordinary pad with no USP. But its high quality and value can only be experienced, not simply seen

4. Bowl Sharpener

Designed by Jiachun LV, this adorable Bowl Sharpener is shaped like a cute little soup bowl. The base of the bowl includes a sharper opening, through which you can slip in the pencil, and sharpen it. As you sharpen the pencil, the pencil shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, creating an interesting visual.

Why is it noteworthy?

If you sharpen colored pencils in the bowl, then the multicolored shavings create a beautiful visual. Since all the shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, it is quite easy to throw them away, and they don’t fall or scatter anywhere, causing a little mess.

What we like

  • Collects the shavings in one place, and no shavings go astray
  • Minimalist form and pastel color options add an adorable touch to your desk

What we dislike

  • It is larger than typical sharpeners and isn’t an easy design to carry around

5. Gravity Pen

Called the Gravity Pen, this unique pen is the perfect sidekick to carry to school with you. It places the center of gravity closer to your fingers, creating a cohesive writing experience for you, where the pen is easy to hold and easy to make agile strokes with. It has a larger grip than the barrel, creating more space for a comfortable hold.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

The grip has a faceted form, making the pen easy to hold, while providing a more stable grip. The Gravity Pen has a super ergonomic design since it was designed using the smart application of physics and minimalist design principles. It is a no-fuss and no-nonsense stationery design!

What we like

  • Ergonomic design that is easy to hold with a sturdy grip
  • A durable and lightweight body that is easy to carry around

What we dislike

  • There isn’t a variety of color options to choose from, limited choice of product

6. Serenity Pen Stand

A pen is one of the essentials we need to carry when we’re at school. However, a pen can be quite easy to lose, and if you’re always losing track of your prized pen, then you could procure the Serenity Pen Stand. It is a minimal design with a metallic hint designed to hold your pen upright, keeping it ready for you to use!

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

The Serenity pen stand ensures you always have easy access to your pen, safeguarding it, and ensuring you never lose it. Made using aluminum and copper, it forms a well-balanced cylinder, that adds a pop of subtle color and character to your study desk.

What we like

  • Features a heavy copper bottom that lowers the center of gravity, offering it a stable form
  • Sleek minimal design that is easy to carry and set up

What we dislike

  • The pen stand is quite small in size and could be easily misplaced if not handled carefully
  • There isn’t availability in different color options, you are limited

7. ForeverPen

Dubbed the ForeverPen, this pen is made of Ti + Ag, and it sits neatly on your keys! It resolves the issue of you needing a pen and never being able to find one. It is said to be the world’s smallest inkless pen, and it never needs refilling. In fact, it is not just a simple pen, you can even write underwater with it, or open boxes!

Why is it noteworthy?

The pen is made from specialist Silver composite, combined with the choice of material you choose. It is only one inch in length, but strong enough to jot down all your notes, while also letting you slide open packages and boxes, and prying open lids.

What we like

  • Portable and easy-to-carry design
  • Multifunctional tool that can be used as much more than just a pen

What we dislike

  • Not well-suited for users with big hands, can be difficult for them to hold and use it
  • Since it is quite tiny, you can easily lose or misplace it

8. The Horizon Helvetica®

If you’ve come across the Horizon Helvetica®, then you know that it is an artist-oriented piece of EDC that is designed to be an interesting alternative to conventional stationery kits. It is said to be one of the most creative-oriented EDC multitools on the market!

Why is it noteworthy?

It has a credit-card-shaped form that lets you sketch and doodle, form grids and circles for drawings, measure distances, and angles, and even feature a dedicated measuring scale for pixels and picas! It is also an excellent tool for graphic and interface designers who can utilize it to create UI sketch prototypes on paper.

What we like

  • Using the tool you can sketch, ideate, plan, and measure anywhere
  • Portable and easy-to-carry design

What we dislike

  • It is only available in metal, there are no other material options

9. ColorPik Pen

Meet the ColorPik Pen – a super cool and extraordinary pen that accommodates 16 million colors! With the ColorPik Pen, you don’t need to buy different pens, you can simply use it and have fun with an unlimited number of colors. You simply need to scan the item whose color you want to imitate, and then doodle with it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ColorPik Pen uses a smart color, that is light fast, and water resistant, and can’t just be weathered away. You can control the texture and dimension for writing by selecting any of the multiple tips, allowing you to beautifully and write as well as draw.

What we like

  • Combines 16 million colors into one nifty pen
  • Features re-fillable smart cartridges

What we dislike

10. World Clock

Do you ever find yourself lagging in school, not able to complete your tasks in the expected duration?! Well, this is where this unique clock design comes in, but with a twist. The World Clock isn’t your typical desk clock, and has a dodecagonal shape, with only one hand on its clean minimalist face.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The design and form of the World Clock is intentional, as it gives you the right information about your country, but also some additional and fun details on the time in other parts of the world. One quick look and you can instantly tell the hour, while a closer inspection will tell you which quarter of the hour it is.

What we like

  • The 12 sides of the clock have individual markings for a city that represents a particular timezone

What we dislike

  • The  World Clock has only 12 set time zones

The post Top 10 Stationery Designs That Are The Best School Supplies For You first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Craft Supplies For DIYers To Make The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift For Their Partners

Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and if you’re someone who believes in making your own gifts for your partner, then it’s your lucky day! We’ve put together a dedicated list of craft supplies that will make gift making the easiest bit of Valentine’s Day. These handy tools and supplies will help you work effortlessly, creating the perfect little present for your partner. They’ll make the technical process of arts and crafts into a fun, efficient, and smooth experience. From lovely dual-tipped pens that create pretty patterns to sleek scissors made with lustrous Japanese steel – these are the ultimate craft supplies you need to make the ultimate V-Day gift.

1. Scissors W/ Base

Called the Scissors w/ Base, these innovative scissors feature a magnetic base making the design a unique and cutting-edge one, letting you completely reshape and rejuvenate your workspace organization.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The scissors’ magnet base is a complete game-changer, giving them a permanent VIP spot on your desk. They are made with lustrous Japanese steel and are an excellent tool to assemble a DIY gift for your partner on Valentine’s Day. Besides being handy tools, they’re also pretty cool desk decor.

What we like

  • The magnetic base provides your scissors with a dedicated spot
  • It features a built-in box cutter, which is a unique forward-thinking detail we love

What we dislike

  • They’re quite aesthetically pleasing and unique, but cannot replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks

2. Levitating Pen 3.0

Called the Levitating Pen, this good-looking writing accessory is a sleek pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes it easy and sturdy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience. Aesthetically, it brings to mind a spacecraft or something we would find in the Marvel universe, floating around in the galaxy, similar to how the pen floats at a 60-degree angle when resting in it’s specially designed stand.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129

Why is it noteworthy?

The Levitating Pen can be positioned in its holder which is magnetized and can be kept floating in that position. You need to give the pen a simple twist, which makes it spin for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with it.

What we like

  • The pen is easy and sturdy to hold
  • The act of spinning the pen can be a fun stress-buster

What we dislike

  • The pen can easily roll off when placed on a curved surface

3. CraftMaster EDC Utility Knife

Given the number of ASMR videos we have seen on Instagram that shows a person cutting everything from soap to foam, we know the value a good cutter has in our everyday life. Especially when creating crafts, a good cutter is a solid friend that will help you navigate those tight curves – which is exactly what this CraftMaster EDC Utility Knife does! It also comes with a scale on the side to make it easy to measure as you go when you lose your 10th ruler again.

Click Here to Buy Now: $79

Why is it noteworthy?

The metal exterior is hefty, giving a solid holding grip that makes it easy to hold. The scale sports both metric and imperial markings so you can follow those DIY instructions with ease.

What we like

  • Merges a scale with the cutter, becoming an all-in-one package
  • It is only 8mm thick, balancing the healthy grip with a slim design for easy travel

What we dislike

  • While excellent for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail

4. ClampTape

Dubbed the ClampTape, this innovative and amusing tape dispenser by Peleg Dispenser ensures you always have some tape handy. It features a clothespin-inspire design that clamps onto the tabletop surface, providing you with an instant tape dispenser.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ClampTape is another ingenious design by Peleg Design, which combines emotional design with problem-solving abilities. It is cute and convenient, and is made from bent sheet metal, with a rubber/polymer sleeve wrapped around the clamping jaws, so it doesn’t cause any damage to your table.

What we like

  • The ClampTape comes with its own roll of tape
  • Gives a fun twist to an ordinary stationery item

What we dislike

  • The clamp may not open wide enough to hold onto all table or horizontal surfaces.

5. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

Called the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil, this Wacom stylus has a tip that never needs to be sharpened or replaced. It is a unique pencil that let’s you focus entirely on your creative process, allowing you to build a beautiful DIY Valentine’s Day gift, instead of being bothered by the lead.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20

Why is it noteworthy?

The pencil has an octagonal shaft which is made using aluminum, and it features a special alloy core. It does not leave heavy grooves on the paper, and instead it draws like a pencil, without the tip wearing down after dozens of marks.

What we like

  • Has a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so the pencil wears down very slowly and with time

What we dislike

  • Isn’t the best option for those who use smudging techniques, as it doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does

6. Japanese Memo Block

Called the Japanese Memo Block, this little stationery item is designed to function as a temporary shelter for your itinerant thoughts. It’s great to pen down your intimate and affectionate thoughts or to write an adorable love letter for your partner on Valentine’s Day.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20

Why is it noteworthy?

A blank sheet of paper is often the most freeing and welcoming item, as you are able to record your fleeting thoughts, flashes of inspiration, or even the sudden tasks that have been handed to you. The Japanese Memo Block has no marking, grids, or lines, it is white or in color, letting you focus on your thoughts and tasks.

What we like

  • The pure white/black surface allows the mind to focus on important thoughts and put them down on paper
  • Made using high-quality Japanese paper which is revered by many stationery connoisseurs

What we dislike

  • At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad and seems to have no special USP

7. Colored Curve Pens

Called the Colored Curve Pens, these unique dual-tipped pens by Aechy are a far cry from your typical dual-tipped pens. One end of the pen lets you lay down pretty patterns such as waves, heart roses, flowers, dashes and dots.

Why is it noteworthy?

It basically functions as a stamp-like roller that can you use for journalling, doodling, drawing, scraping, or to make a lovely Valentine’s Day gift or card for your better half. The dual-tip markers are available in eight different colors and five-mark line types.

What we like

  • Helps the artistically challenged with drawing and doodling
  • 40% more ink than the brand’s regular pens

What we dislike

  • You can’t choose a specific color for a specific pattern so you’ll have to use the options that they have available

8. Japanese Drawing Pad

Japanese paper is a material that has always been loved by designers and artists for its quality. And if you want to get your hands on some of this beautiful paper, then you need to try the Japanese Drawing Pad. You can use it to create a lovely DIY gift this Valentine’s Day for your partner!

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

Why is it noteworthy?

It is a premium-quality pad that lets you jot down your thoughts and passions without the stress of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers. It creates a smooth, engaging, and relaxing writing experience.

What we like

  • It is microperforated, making the paper easy to tear
  • Available in various sizes and colors, so you can pick the kind that meets your stationery and drawing needs

What we dislike

  • At first glance, it seems like an ordinary pad with nothing special to offer, as its high quality can only be experienced, not seen

9. Ruler_C

Called the Ruler_C, this conceptual design minimizes how much contact the ruler makes with the paper or surface beneath, resulting in an unusual form that makes it quite pleasant to look at as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Ruler_C’s body curves up on one side, instead of being flat, creating one long edge, while the short edges are in contact with the drawing surface. This reduces the amount of damage the ruler causes, while also elevating the tool’s usability.

What we like

  • This gives the ruler an interesting shape that immediately calls attention without being loud and obnoxious

What we dislike

  • It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it would translate into a real product

10. Gravity Pen

Called the Gravity Pen, this all-black pen puts the center of gravity closer to your fingers, making it quite an easy pen to hold, and make agile strokes with. It allows you to have a larger grip than the barrel, giving more area for a super comfy hold.

Why is it noteworthy?

The faceted form of that grip also makes it easier to grip the pen, allowing for a more stable grip as well. It’s the ultimate ergonomic pen design, thanks to a smart application of physics and minimalist design principles.

What we like

  • Ergonomic design which makes the pen quite easy to hold and use
  • Durable and lightweight body

What we dislike

  • Not available in different color options, hence there is a limited choice while purchasing it

The post Top 10 Craft Supplies For DIYers To Make The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift For Their Partners first appeared on Yanko Design.