Tachikama Linemarker A.T. Sketch Pens

Available in Three Nib Sizes and Refillable

Tachikama is a Japanese pen maker very popular with comic / manga artists. ARCH is now carrying the Tachikama Linemarkers available in 3 sizes (01, 03 & 05) with a fountain pen style nib. These pens have great flow and don't drag or scratch the paper despite their super fine nibs.  These would make a great alternative to some of the micron pens as the nibs should last longer and handle all types of drawing paper. They are also refillable.  Come by ARCH and try one out today!

Glob Natural Paints - Perfect for Easter Egg Dyeing

Single Colors and Kits Available at ARCH

GLOB paints are created from natural, recyclable and biodegradable materials. Made from fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices (and right in Berkeley), these paints are perfect for kids and Easter egg dyeing.  You can find out more about GLOB paints and their recipe for Easter Egg painting (so easy; eggs + GLOB paints + water) here.

Mepxy Brush Markers

Dual tipped with a chisel and brush point - ARCH price $4.49 each

ARCH is pleased to bring in this new line of dual tipped art markers. The Mepxy Brush Marker is an alcohol based art marker available in 123 colors (including a blender) with a chisel tip at one end and a brush tip at the other.

ARCH currently stocks 123 colors

In playing around with the Mepxy markers the highlight for us is the juciness of the brush tip. It allows you to get the paper super saturated with vibrant color. They also stay wet a bit longer, allowing you to push the color around with brushes or pick it back up with the blender.

From this great review from Maria Del Pinto at Craft Critique these markers worked great on multiple surfaces (from paper, to cloth, to tin, etc.) and are toner safe.  Check out her review for more info.

Finally, yet not available just yet, the Mepxy Brush Marker is refillable!!!  We'll keep you posted as soon as the refills are available at ARCH.

Graphite Curio - Local Artist

Skull & Heart Design - $17 each

Exclusive to ARCH, from Batle Studio, Graphite Curio Skull & Heart designs.  A unique writing and drawing tool that stimulates creative play and expression for all ages.  Handmade using the highest quality pencil graphite. It writes like a pencil but resists staining your hands.

Handmade right here on Potrero Hill by artist Agelio Batle, using an innovative method he invented.  The highest quality Artist-grade graphite is densely bound and should last many years of normal use.

ARCH is currently the only place you can get these two designs so hurry in!

Snail Mail Social!

Join us February 11th, 2012 from 1 - 4pm

We had such a fantastic time at our first Snail Mail Social last October that we couldn't wait to do it again. Our friends Carolee and Annie are back with all the typewriters, vintage postage, custom stationery and more to help send some snail mail to the ones you love.

Need more reason to come to this FREE event? Check out some highlights from Annie's write up of the last Snail Mail Social that was featured in the latest issue of Uppercase Magazine.

You can also check out some pics from the last social, or RSVP for the upcoming event on our Facebook page.

Palomino Blackwing Pencils!

The Palomino Blackwing and Blackwing 602

Ahhh, the Blackwing Pencil.  A relic from another era. A casualty of corporate consolidation. Lucky for us and all others who still have a passion for the art of sketching and writing, Palomino, a sixth generation, family run, pencil manufacturer, put it on the line and brought this great pencil back to life.

With it's super smooth graphite and signature rectangle eraser it will quickly become a favorite in your drawing arsenal. How intense are people's love for the Blackwing?  There are entire blogs dedicated to the Blackwing, the pencils would sell for $40 or more on eBay. Don't believe me check out this great article from Fortune Magazine about this very subject.

We also recently picked up the Palomino Graphite "Orange" pencils. Available grades include 2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B & 6B. The coating has a smooth and comfortable feel to it and the graphite produces dark and even lines. Try em out!

Palomino Graphite "Orange" Pencils

Limited Edition Star Wars Moleskine Notebooks

Click to Enlarge

We had these on order for some time and finally they have arrived: Limited Edition Star Wars Moleskine Notebooks.

These notebooks come in two styles, with debossed and foil stamped graphics on the outside and reproductions of scenes from the movie on the inside cover.  We have both silver (lined notebook) and bronze (plain notebook) styles in the 5" x 8/14". The bronze is also available in the 3.5" x 5.5". These were made in collaboration with Lucasfilms production company and also includes a reproduction of the original 1977 poster by the Brothers Hildebrandt.

Illustration by Brothers Hildebrandt - Original 1977 Poster