I must second Tiffy's recommendation of the Lee Valley pens. I bought one about three years ago and it is still going strong. Of course, I am a bit nerdy about my 'tools' and I do not use it for anything but labels. I have left labels out overwinter and the writing is still clearly readable. I first started with Sharpies, but they will fade with UV rays. Karen, my nerdiness carries over to my labels. I save plastic containers from detergent, fabric softener, even olive oil. Using another of my 'tools' from Lee Valley, the crash/clamshell scissors, I cut them up into labels (nerdy again) according to a template of a favourite label I've kept for years. What's nice about these labels is that you can read them through the 2-litre bottles I use. The only thing that removes the ink is finger nail polish remover, so I re-cycle all my labels, even if I have to re-write them. And this kind of plastic lasts for years in the outdoors. I first made these labels while watching TV and still have some blanks left in my 'pen and labels' container, so I won't need to make any this year. My nerdiness and my tools is family joke: no one touches them!!!

I do the same with Pentel RSVP pens. The instructions are on the same page that you linked. But those pens are a bit more expensive than the Bics. I cover inexpensive composition book covers with pretty scrapbook paper and embellish with ribbons and prima flowers. Then you can make a pen to match with scraps of the same paper. It makes a nice gift! I did not personally make the items in this link, but I love the site for fantastic cards, scrapbook and other craft ideas. Here is a link that might be useful: altered mini composition book & pen

I love Newport. In my opinion one of the best weekends their is Octoberfest we went 2 times and we had a great time! Cant remember the name of the restaurant....but I had for the first time....Steamed Clams with Chorizo with broth served with crusty bread it came in a small aluminum bucket........it was soooooo good with a very ice cold beer or two... I think of it often :) I gonna rack my brain on the name of that restaurant. If I remember Ill post it!

I've never ordered from them, but I've ordered checks from several other online suppliers. All of them seem to offer special discounts for first-time buyers, which is why I've jumped around. All of them have a huge selection of checks, including lots of animals. My current checks are "Paisley" from the Styles Check Company, and I'm very happy with them. Susan