Sketchbar Mirror Paper and Artist Fine Pens Review with Coupon Code

A while ago I shared with you a review of Sketchmarker Brush Pro Markers (click here if you missed it) and now I’m back with a review of the Sketchbar Mirror Paper Pad and Sketchmarker Artist Fine Pens.

The Mirror Paper Pad holds 30 sheets of A4 sized paper, each sheet is perforated for easy removal from the spiral bound pad. The paper is white ultra-smooth and is acid free and bleed proof and is made to work with markers, pencils and felt tip pens. The reason it’s called Mirror Paper is because you can color on both sides if you want because it truly doesn’t bleed, even with alcohol based markers, which are notorious for bleeding through to the back side, coloring on this paper does NOT show on the back!

I also got a chance to try out the Sketchmarker Artist Fine Pens. I tried set B which has a wide array of 36 colors with a 0.4mm fine tip. The ink is water-based and dries quickly so no need to worry about smudging and smearing or bleed through. If you are an artist these pens are perfect for drawing and sketching but if like me you’re a stamper these pens can work for you too. I tried them on this cat card using the fine tip to color in all the small areas of the kitty cats ears, mouth and nose as well as and her toys and accessories and then traced some color onto the stamped sentiment, these fine points get into areas so much easier than a wider marker can.

And as for the paper, I stamped, colored and die cut all the images twice on the Mirror Paper and you’ll have to take me word for it that the die cut white pieces are the back sides that have also been stamped and colored and there is no bleed through at all!

I also wanted to try a few other coloring techniques on the Mirror Paper so for this card I stamped and colored the images with colored pencils blended with Gamsol. And since the paper has a slight coating I thought I’d try ink blending and it worked really well, I used Distress Oxide Ink to stencil the moon and regular Distress Ink for the blue night sky.

If you’ve enjoyed learning about the wonderful new Sketchbar Mirror Paper and the Sketchmarker Artist Fine Pens and want to give them a try on your next stamping project we’ve got a promo code for a 15% discount on the Mirror paper as well as alcohol and watercolor markers for you, use code: craftgossip at Sketchbar

-Heather

Read These Next

I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for vintage craft books. There’s something about flipping through the words of long-gone authors who took stitching very seriously (and often a little poetically) that makes me feel like I’ve joined a timeless club of thread-wielding women. That’s exactly how I felt diving into Chats on Needlework by Emily Leigh Lowes.

Originally published in 1906, this book is part history lesson, part opinion piece, and part how-to guide—with plenty of Victorian flair. And while some parts definitely show their age (in both language and perspective), it’s a fascinating and surprisingly enjoyable read if you’re into embroidery, textiles, or the roots of decorative arts.

Lowes doesn’t just “chat” about needlework—she lectures in a charming, tea-time sort of way. You get insight into historical stitching traditions from various cultures, plus commentary on the evolution of embroidery, tapestry, lace, and even ecclesiastical needlework. It reads like a stitched-together tour of museums and manor houses, narrated by someone who’s passionate, particular, and a bit sassy at times.

If you’ve ever wondered how medieval embroidery compares to Renaissance techniques—or what 19th-century women thought about machine-made lace—this book is your jam.

What stood out to me was how much Chats on Needlework made me think about the meaning behind the stitches. Lowes reflects on craftsmanship, aesthetics, and the cultural importance of handwork with a kind of reverence that honestly made me put down my current WIP and just appreciate it for a moment.

It’s not a how-to book, so don’t expect stitch diagrams or patterns. But it will deepen your love of needlework, especially if you’re the type who likes to pair your stitching with a strong cup of tea and a deeper sense of purpose.

Fair warning: Some references feel dated (as expected from a book written over a century ago), and the writing style is formal, with long-winded passages that take their time. But if you love reading about the why behind the craft, and if historical context inspires your creativity, you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.

I especially loved how she emphasized that needlework should be both beautiful and useful—something I’ve been trying to keep in mind as I mend old clothes or embroider reusable linens.

Chats on Needlework isn’t a flashy how-to or a Pinterest-ready pattern book. It’s more like sitting down for a fireside chat with your great-great-grandmother—one who had strong opinions on silk floss and medieval tapestries.

If you love textile history, appreciate slow crafting, and want to understand how embroidery was viewed before it became a hobby, this book is a little gem. It’s also great for anyone researching historical needlework for reenactments, costume work, or just creative inspiration.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely—for the thoughtful, curious stitcher who wants more than just pretty stitches. It’s not for everyone, but for the right reader, it’s pure gold (or at least goldwork).

4.5 out of 5 samplers.
(Minus half a point for the occasional archaic ramble—but honestly, that’s part of the charm.)

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Have you read?