Hi, and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog where I am always exploring.
Recently, I was sent some goodies from 7F5R Studio Shop, run by Debbie New CZT and Susan Yeo CZT. Among them was a new white gel pen Debbie is stocking, and I was very happy to put it through its paces.
I had been admiring Debbie’s white gel pen tangling on Instagram for some time. She has developed a style that is unmistakably her own. Her bright coloured backgrounds featuring her white tangling is truly beautiful.
So, when she asked me to try the pen, I was super keen.
Testing a new white gel pen
The pen I received was the Illite Fine Tip 0.8mm Opaque Gel Pen White, supplied as a set of three.
I decided to test it properly rather than simply scribbling a few lines and declaring it wonderful.
Thankfully, I also had a fresh batch of artist tiles from 7F5R Studio to play with. These particular tiles have a lovely star-like shape, which immediately gave me something interesting to tangle on.
Earlier that week, I had also received an order of new Distress Oxide inks. Naturally, I couldn’t resist creating a colourful background for my tile, just like Debbie does 😊
Once the background was completely dry, it was time to introduce the white gel pen.
And this is where things got interesting…
The white gel pen test
It’s simple…. I have a few very specific requirements for a white gel pen.
First, I don’t want it constantly clogging.
There is nothing quite like getting into the rhythm of working on a tile, only to have to stop and scribble on scrap paper to convince your pen to work again.
Secondly, I want consistent lines.
I don’t want scratchy marks or sections where the ink suddenly decides to take an unscheduled holiday.
Finally, I want the ink to be opaque and bright.
White highlighting can really lift a tile, so I want those marks to look intentional.
The Illite pen impressed me immediately.
From the very first mark, the ink flowed smoothly and consistently. More importantly, it kept doing that.
I worked on the majority of the tangling with the pen, and not once did I need to stop and unclog it.
There was no annoying ball of ink building up at the tip, either. The line stayed even as I worked.
That alone had me sold.
What I liked about the Illite white gel pen
The smooth flow was the standout feature for me.
In fact, this is the best white gel pen I have used for consistent flow so far.
The pen also felt comfortable in my hand. The 0.8mm tip gives a lovely substantial line without feeling awkward or cumbersome.
If I had one small wish, I would like the ink to be slightly more opaque. However, this is a minor point.
Because the ink flows so smoothly, going over a line is easy when I want a stronger white. With other pens, I often have to go over the line because the first pass is inconsistent.
That difference matters. So, I am already ahead.
Would I buy the white gel pen again?
Absolutely!!
In fact, I have already decided these pens are going to become a regular part of my studio supplies.
The set of three is currently listed at US$9.99, with a 23% saving at the time of writing. For Australian customers, that works out at approximately $13.95 AUD.
That feels very reasonable for three pens.
Shipping was also excellent. My order arrived in approximately two-three weeks, which I was very happy with considering it travelled from Singapore.
I’m grateful to Debbie for sending me the pens to try. It was a lovely opportunity to test something I had already been curious about.
And now?
Well, I think I have found my new favourite white gel pen.
That’s always a satisfying result from a little studio experiment.
Before you go….
Thank you for spending a little time with me today.
If you’d like to keep exploring together, I’d love to welcome you to Always Exploring.
It’s my occasional letter from the studio, where I share new artwork, creative adventures, behind-the-scenes moments, and the little discoveries that make me smile. Every now and then, you’ll even get a peek at what I’m working on before it’s shared anywhere else.
The kettle’s usually on.
The Milo certainly is.
And there’s always room for one more around the studio table.
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Until my next blog post, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” Ephesians 4:1.
In peace always
