Knowing our memory book is designed to make creating a forever keepsake simple, I thought it might be helpful if I took the time to give you the skinny on what I think are the best pens, the best adhesives and the best place to print your photos. Our hope is that this becomes your Lucy Darling Memory Book go-to! Enjoy!! 

PENS:

I am completely obsessed with pens! I went through and tested 6 different pens. Below is my analysis of each. 

I started with a classic fine point/no bleed SHARPIE which can be found here at Target. 

 Things I like:

• Firm tip for precision
• Fun new colors!
• Widely Available
• Not likely to bleed

Things I didn't like:

• Ink flow is stop and go
• Colors appeared dull after drying

The next pen I tested was LePen which can be found here at PaperSource. 

Things I like:

• Smear resistant for lefties
• Fine tip for crisp lines
• Pretty Colors
• Small/lightweight barrel for precision
• Smooth ink flow

Things I don't like:

• Possibly too delicate for large hands

PAPERMATE is next on the list and can be found here  or in store at Target. 

Things I like:

• Fun and vivid colors
• Medium point
• Plenty of ink
• Available at Target

Things I don't like:

• More likely to bleed due to ink supply

Next up: STAEDTLER Tri-Plus Fine Line which can be found here or in store at Paper Source

Things I like:

• Fine point for crisp lines
• Lots of color choices
• 6 neon colors
• Super hard case
• Triangular shape barrel for easy grip

Things I don't like:

• Might tire of triangular shape 

FABER-CASTELL Mix & Match Pitt Artist pens are next and can be found here or in store at Paper Source. 

Things I like:

• Lots of options for hand lettering
• Firm tip (except large) for crispness
• Ink won't bleed through
• Comes in other color varieties
• Well labeled to identify size

Things I don't like:

• Seems expensive for only 4 pens (but worth it!) 

Finally I tried the STABILO Pointvisco which can be found here or in store at Target. 

Things I like:

• Vibrant Colors
• Medium Point
• Roller Ball Style Tip
• Ink flow makes fun for writing

Things I don't like:

• Not ideal for hand lettering
• Inks tends to dry in roller ball

Overall for me, LePen was the far leader because of the way it felt in my hand and the way the ink came onto the page so smoothly... like butter. Sharpie on the other hand, was my definite last place. After testing all the pens, the ink didn't compare in terms of the smoothness and it just seemed more jerky.

* Please note that each pen I used has a marker tip except Stabilo which is ballpoint. I  would recommend the ball point for writing, not for drawing or lettering.

ADHESIVES:

Below outlines our top 3 adhesives. All three of these adhesives have the same great qualities which are outlined below the photo. Each can be found here, here and here or in store at Target.