I thoroughly enjoyed using these new markers. The Permapaque markers have a 1.0mm fine-point brush tip that was easy to use to add tiny details to my crafts and scrapbook pages. I used the metallic set on both scrapbook layouts and to create gift bags. The colors didn't show up quite as well on the craft bags, but they looked lovely on vellum and on embellishments. My favorite project was created using the silver and metallic blue markers for a winter scrapbook layout. I used sandpaper to distress the edges of white tags and used the side of the silver and used the tips of the markers to color on the back of some clear plastic snowflake embellishments. In both cases the ink went on smoothly and gave a lovely effect just like shadows on snowdrifts.

My daughter used the markers to help write and draw on the gift bags and to create labels for gifts. She liked the fact that the markers "don't stink". (The Permapaque markers use a non-toxic, water-based pigmented solvent that doesn't have the strong odor most markers have.) The only problem she had was pressing too hard while writing. If you let preschoolers (or other people who press heavily when they write) you'll see the lovely fine point of the brush tips disappear in an instant. A light touch is all that is necessary with these markers, as I learned the hard way.

Scrapbookers, stampers and other hobbyists will get a lot of use out of the Permapaque markers. I actually combined the Permapaques with another Sakura product, the Glaze pens, on my winter layout. It is now one of my favorites! I will definitely experiment even more now that I have tried these products. I used to be addicted to the computer for doing my journaling, but the new Sakura pens and markers have helped me break out that rut!



--Product Review by: Melonie Murray, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine