The Ferris Wheel Press Blog

A whimsical beginner’s guide to fountain pen inks—learn shading, shimmer, and sheen, explore our favourite hues, and begin your colour story with a 10 ml sampler.

The perfect holiday card starts with the perfect ink. From classic reds and greens to shimmering golds and silvery sheens, your ink choice sets the tone for every heartfelt message. Explore rich colours, choose your finish — dye, sheen, or shimmer — and bring your handwritten greetings to life this festive season.

Sheening and shimmering inks brighten your writing in two different ways: sheen shines as a secondary hue when light hits pooled dye, while shimmer glitters from mica particles suspended in the ink. Sheen is easier to manage and clean, while shimmer offers dazzling sparkle but requires more care. Use broader nibs, shake shimmer inks, and clean often to enjoy both effects.

Shimmering ink combines the smooth flow of traditional fountain pen ink with the sparkle of fine metallic particles. These reflective flakes catch light on the page, creating an elegant, magical sheen with every stroke. Perfect for letters, journaling, or creative expression, shimmering ink transforms ordinary writing into something extraordinary.