My good pal Jaclyn (a familiar name and face both here on the blog and in the pen community) has been off the scene for a bit and is coming back with a big, bold, creative project! She and her fiancé Laura have started a 3D printing side-gig called
Kaleidocraft Prints.
Kaleidocraft will have a table at the
Chicago Pen Show in May, their first stationery-focused event. To launch the product line, she sent me a huge box of products to show off, get feedback and get everyone excited about what they’ll have at the show.
Kaliedocraft is using a combination of original designs (just learning how to do 3D design) as well as adapting other designs (with permission and commercial licenses where appropriate) for stationery uses and working with other designers to print their pre-existing designs that we think the stationery community would enjoy.
The designs that Kaleidocraft is making are a basis for other crafts including painting, marbling, and resin-coating.
They plan to launch an Etsy shop by the end of April and have pre-orders available for pick-up in Chicago at the show. If you see something here, drop a message via Instagram and get your order in. (ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!)
First let’s talk about this stellar rainbow Pen Block ($15) with Interchangeable Magnets (prices for magnet vary based on size, starts at $2 each and up). It was designed by Jaclyn and Laura and includes a hand-applied resin on the top with glitter! So cool! The magnets are imbedded inside the print- magnets are meant to be interchangeable to change up the look of the pen block.
The “Bad Vibes” Desk Trashcan ($16) is absolutely adorable. Perfect for all those little bits of paper, candy wrappers and eraser dust. My 11-year-old neighbor saw it and her eyes popped out of her head so this disappeared across the street in a matter of minutes. Other models will be available in marbled material and with or without the “Bad Vibes” text.
I literally gasped out loud when I saw the Retro Typewriter Post-It Holder/ Clicker ($15). The minty, retro color scheme is perfect and the “functional” clicker keyboard makes me smile every time I tap, tap, tap and then pull a sticky note.
Kaleidocraft is making mix-and-match Storage Boxes ($16 each) and there are different inner divider options available (2-, 4- and 6-cubby options are available). While I absolutely love the marbled lid, Jaclyn informs me there are also going to be stationery-themed covers available in Chicago as well as other marbled lids. I vote marbled!
Jaclyn asked me a question about vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or mint before she sent me the package and I had no idea what it was in reference to. I said “mint” and voila! a melted Ice Cream Cone Vial Holder ($6 each). Which one is your favorite ice cream flavor (with sprinkles, of course!).
Frog and Cat Ink Buddies ($6 each) are designed to hold ink vial and glass nib pen or paint brush. I was able to balance a Sailor ProGear Slim but it worked much better with a slimmer barreled pen.
This little dude! This Crab Pen Holder ($6) is probably one of my favorite pieces. He makes me smile and laugh and is large enough to hold a good-sized fountain pen.
How lovely and unusual is this Candy Paper Clip Holder ($7 each)? I love the colors and the wonderful natural look. Its hard to believe its made with a 3D printer!
Kaleidocraft also sent me a handful of 3D printed, decorative Paper Clips ($1 for four). I think these are so cute but wonder how durable they will be with daily use in a planner. I guess time will tell.
Jaclyn lists these as Dragon Pens ($8 each and includes a Pentel Energel Needletip refill in 0.5mm) but they also look like mermaid scales to me so it’s up to you. Dragon or mermaid? or both!
The Fidget Pen ($8) is such a beautiful gradient material that features ribbons of swirls that thread into the magnet tip case so that when you pull on the cap, the pen twists out and its mesmerizing.
I was sent two of the neon colored Cassette Washi Tape Dispensers ($8 each). Each dispenser holds two rolls of washi tape and are so much fun.
These enormous Marker/ Pencil/ Paint Brush Keychain Clickers ($6 each) are fun and fidgety. Each feature a keyboard clicker/switch which is unusual. I wish I could open them to hide gum or aspirin or random little bits inside. Maybe there will be a deluxe version in the future? I’m most impressed by the multiple colors used for each of these designs. It makes them look so much more upscale and professional then so many of the 3D printed designs I’ve seen. It definitely shows the attention to detail and artistic eye of the Kaleidocraft team. There will be other color versions of these designs available too.
The Fountain Pen Nib Clicker Keychains ($5 each of 3 for $12) are smaller than the pen, pencil and brushes keychains. To keep these looking as authentic as possible, each nib is hand-coated in resin to look metallic in silver, copper and titanium (?!?!). These also have keyboard clickers for a little fidgety fun.
I wish I could be at the Chicago Pen Show to witness the joy and enthusiasm that people will have to this amazing new addition to our pen community. Stay posted for the launch of their Etsy Shop as well. I am sure they will be up to their eyeballs in orders soon!
DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by Kaleidocraft Prints for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.
