If your notes and letters deserve a little more personality, Ferris Wheel Press inks are a fun place to start, especially for Canadian fountain pen users. The colours lean expressive, with plenty of shading and shimmer options that look very different depending on nib width and paper.
In this review-style roundup, we compared eight popular picks by how they behave in real writing: flow, dry time, legibility, and whether the shimmer stays evenly suspended. We also looked at practicality for beginners like bottle size, clean-up, and how forgiving each ink is on everyday paper.
Below are our favourite choices by colour family and use case, from office-friendly greens to statement shimmer pinks.
- Shimmer needs care Shimmer looks best in medium-and-wider nibs and on fountain-pen-friendly paper, and it rewards more frequent flushing.
- Everyday first The Everyday colours are generally easier for daily notes than shimmer-heavy inks, especially on mixed paper quality.
- Paper matters Coated papers show sheen and shimmer cleanly, while absorbent paper can dull colour and increase feathering.
- Match the nib Fine nibs favour darker, higher-contrast shades, while broad and stub nibs bring out shading and sparkle.
How We Chose Ferris Wheel Press Picks
We chose these Ferris Wheel Press picks by comparing published specs and consistent user feedback on flow, dry time, shading, and shimmer performance across common nib widths.
We also prioritized practical buying questions: which inks stay readable for everyday writing, which are best saved for special pages, and which options are easier to clean if you are newer to fountain pens.
What to Look for in Ferris Wheel Press Ink
For shimmer inks, gently roll the bottle before filling and re-wet the feed with a few downstrokes after capping. If you dislike cleaning, pick a non-shimmer Everyday colour for your main pen.
01
Shading ink with silver shimmer
FerriTales Workshop Wishes is a water-based fountain pen ink with a natural, vintage-leaning tone and silver shimmer. We like the widened-neck glass bottle and brass cap for easier filling and tidy storage.
- Natural shading character
- Silver shimmer for sparkle
- Widened neck fills easier
- Small 20 ml bottle
- Shimmer needs more cleaning
FerriTales Workshop Wishes is a Ferris Wheel Press ink built around a shaded, natural, vintage feel, finished with silver shimmer for added depth on the page. It is water-based and positioned as compatible with all fountain pens, making it approachable if you are exploring premium bottled inks. The glass globe bottle has a widened neck that can make filling less fiddly, and the signature brass cap adds a satisfying, weighty finish on your desk.
02
Soft lilac shimmer ink
FerriTales Moonbeam Mead is a water-based fountain pen ink with a soft lilac tone and duochrome green-pink shimmer. The 85 ml bottle and signature brass cap make it feel like a display-piece ink.
- Duochrome green-pink shimmer
- Water-based fountain pen safe
- Attractive brass-capped bottle
- Bottle feels small
- Shimmer needs regular agitation
FerriTales Moonbeam Mead is a Ferris Wheel Press fountain pen ink built around a soft lilac base with duochrome green-pink shimmer for radiant, decorative writing. It is water-based and positioned as compatible with all fountain pens, making it easy to fit into a regular rotation. Reviewers consistently highlight the colour and overall beauty, while also noting the bottle can feel smaller than expected. The signature brass cap adds a premium, desk-friendly finish.
03
Muted rose with rich shading
Everyday Padina Rose is a warm, muted rose fountain pen ink designed for expressive shading. You get a 38 ml glass bottle with a widened neck and a distinctive brass cap for easier filling.
- Warm muted rose colour
- Strong shading character
- Wide neck glass bottle
- Not water-resistant ink
- Some report inconsistent shimmer
Everyday Padina Rose is a Ferris Wheel Press Everyday Ink that leans mature and floral, with plenty of shading for writers who like depth in lighter tones. It is a water-based fountain pen ink formulated to be compatible with fountain pens, and it comes in a 38 ml glass bottle with a widened neck that helps when filling larger pens. The signature brass cap adds a premium feel, though the ink is still best treated as a non-waterproof daily colour.
A true, bright pink
Everyday Double Raspberry is a water-based fountain pen ink in a 38 ml glass bottle with a widened neck. If you want a true mid-pink on the page, it delivers a clean, cheerful colour.
- True mid-pink colour
- Widened neck fits pens
- Compatible with fountain pens
- Shimmer can look inconsistent
- Glass bottle needs care
Everyday Double Raspberry is a bright, true mid-pink from Ferris Wheel Press that stands out without looking neon. It comes in a 38 ml glass bottle with a widened neck, which makes filling many pens easier than narrow-mouth bottles. The ink is water-based and intended to be compatible with all fountain pens, so it works well as a fun everyday colour. Do note that some writers mention inconsistent shimmer, so results can vary by pen and paper.
Muted green for everyday writing
Everyday Evermore Green is a water-based, fountain pen friendly ink in a 38 ml glass bottle. You get a fresh, muted green with an elegant look, plus a widened neck and brass cap.
- Fresh, muted green tone
- Wide neck for filling
- Brass cap, glass bottle
- Premium price per 38 ml
- Shimmer can be inconsistent
Everyday Evermore Green is Ferris Wheel Press’s take on a fresh, muted, elegant green aimed at daily writing and journaling. It is a water-based ink designed to be compatible with all fountain pens, and it comes in a 38 ml glass bottle with a widened neck that makes filling easier with many pen shapes. The signature brass cap and presentation are a big part of the appeal, though some users note shimmer consistency varies between bottles.
Sunny yellow for creative notes
Everyday Freshly Squeezed Sunshine is a bright, true yellow water-based fountain pen ink in a 38 ml glass bottle. The widened neck helps with filling, and the signature brass cap adds a premium feel on your desk.
- Bright true yellow colour
- Widened neck for filling
- Water-based fountain pen safe
- Can look too light
- Occasional shipping fill issues
Everyday Freshly Squeezed Sunshine is Ferris Wheel Press’s take on a cheerful, bright yellow for fountain pens. We like the practical 38 ml glass bottle with a widened neck that accommodates most pens more easily during fills, plus the brand’s signature brass cap. On paper, the colour reads as a true yellow for many writers, but some users find it too light for everyday note-taking, and a few report mismatches between online swatches and the ink in person.
Shimmering hot pink statement ink
Everyday Pink Sugar Beach is a 38 ml water-based fountain pen ink with a bold hot pink base and electric blue shimmer. The widened-neck glass bottle and brass cap make filling easier and storage feel more premium.
- Bold colour with shimmer
- Widened neck for filling
- Water-based fountain pen safe
- Colour can look too light
- Occasional colour mismatch complaints
Everyday Pink Sugar Beach is a water-based fountain pen ink that leans nostalgic and bright, with a hot pink dye and electric blue shimmer for high-impact pages. The glass bottle is thoughtfully designed with a widened neck that helps when filling larger pens or converters, and it’s finished with Ferris Wheel Press’ signature brass cap. Based on user feedback, the colour can appear lighter than expected for some writers, and online swatches may not always match what you see on paper.
Jewelled lacquer, full-size nib
Bijou Fountain Pen is Ferris Wheel Press’ first full-sized brass pen, finished in clear Sapphire Lacquer with double gold-plated details. You also get a two-tone No. 6 steel nib and a leather carrying sleeve.
- Brass body feels substantial
- Two-tone No. 6 nib
- Leather sleeve included
- Price feels high to some
- Heavier than resin pens
Bijou Fountain Pen leans hard into Ferris Wheel Press’ vintage printshop aesthetic, pairing a brass body with a clear Sapphire Lacquer finish and double gold-plated hardware. The full-sized two-tone No. 6 steel nib makes it a more traditional, desk-friendly option than smaller novelty pens, and the top-grain leather sleeve is a thoughtful inclusion for storage and carry. Reviews skew strongly positive on looks, with at least one buyer questioning value for the money.
| Rating | Ink type | Volume | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Ferris Wheel Press 20 ml Ink
Best Overall
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9.0/10 | Water-based | 20 ml | C $30.00 | BUY NOW |
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Ferris Wheel Press 85 ml Ink
Best Premium Shimmer Ink
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8.9/10 | Shimmer | 85 ml | C $31.45 | BUY NOW |
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Ferris Wheel Press 38 ml Ink
Premium Bottle Ink
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8.8/10 | Water-based | 38 ml | C $32.00 | BUY NOW |
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Ferris Wheel Press 38 ml Ink Double
Best Pink Ink
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8.7/10 | Water-based | – | C $32.00 | BUY NOW |
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Ferris Wheel Press 38 ml Ink Evermore
Also Great
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8.6/10 | Water-based | 38 ml | C $32.00 | BUY NOW |
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Ferris Wheel Press 38 ml Ink Freshly
Best Bright Yellow
|
8.5/10 | – | – | C $32.00 | BUY NOW |
|
Ferris Wheel Press 38 ml Ink Sugar
Premium Shimmer Pick
|
8.4/10 | – | – | C $32.00 | BUY NOW |
|
Ferris Wheel Press Bijou Pen
Premium Pick
|
8.3/10 | – | – | C $169.00 | BUY NOW |
How to Choose the Right Ferris Wheel Press Ink
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Shimmer vs classic
The biggest decision is whether you want sparkle on the page or a simpler, more predictable writer. Shimmer inks: Use a medium, broad, or stub nib for more reliable flow and a more obvious sparkle effect. · Classic inks: Better for quick notes, planners, and mixed paper, with easier clean-up and fewer surprises. · Mixing habit: Shimmer settles, so plan to gently roll the bottle and occasionally rotate the pen while writing.
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Nib and feed
Ink effects change dramatically with nib width and wetness. Fine nibs: Prioritize contrast and legibility, and expect less shimmer to show up on the page. · Broad or stub: Brings out shading and shimmer, but can increase dry time and smudging on slower-drying papers. · Wet writers: Make bright inks look bolder, but can increase bleedthrough on thinner pages.
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Paper choice
Paper determines whether you see crisp shimmer, beautiful shading, or a fuzzy mess. Coated paper: Shows shimmer and shading with cleaner edges, and usually reduces feathering. · Absorbent paper: Dries faster but can mute colour and pull shimmer into the fibres. · Show-through: If you write on both sides, test first, saturated inks can shadow more on thin sheets.
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Drying and smearing
If you close notebooks quickly, dry time matters more than the colour name. Fast note-takers: Choose darker, non-shimmer inks to reduce smears and hand transfer. · Left-handed writers: Underwriting usually prefers quicker-drying inks and finer nibs. · Highlighting: If you highlight, let ink fully cure, and consider testing for lift and smudge first.
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Cleaning routine
Your tolerance for maintenance should guide how often you choose shimmer and high-saturation colours. Easy maintenance: Flush with cool water until clear, then dry nib-down before refilling. · After shimmer: Expect extra rinses and consider a dedicated pen to avoid constant deep cleaning. · Staining risk: If you dislike staining, avoid leaving bright or shimmer inks sitting in clear barrels for long periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ferris Wheel Press inks safe for fountain pens?
Yes, these are fountain-pen inks, not calligraphy or dip-pen-only inks. The main caution is shimmer: it can settle and may require more frequent cleaning. If you want the lowest-maintenance experience, choose a non-shimmer Everyday colour and flush the pen with cool water when you change inks.
Do shimmer inks clog fountain pens?
Shimmer inks can clog more easily than standard dye inks because particles can settle in the feed. To reduce the risk, use a medium or broader nib, gently rotate the pen while writing, and avoid letting the pen sit unused for long periods. A quick flush usually restores flow if it starts to feel dry.
Which Ferris Wheel Press ink is best for everyday writing?
For everyday writing, look for darker, non-shimmer shades with solid contrast. From this list, Everyday Evermore Green is a practical daily option, and Everyday Padina Rose can work well for journaling if your paper is not too absorbent.
What nib size shows shading and shimmer best?
Shading and shimmer become much more obvious as nibs get broader and wetter. Medium, broad, and stub nibs lay down enough ink to show sparkle and colour variation clearly. Extra-fine and fine nibs can still work, but the shimmer effect is subtler and the writing can feel drier if the feed struggles to keep up.
Will Ferris Wheel Press ink work on regular notebook paper?
It can, but results vary. On absorbent paper you may see more feathering, less shading, and less visible shimmer. If you mostly use regular notebooks, pick a darker Everyday ink and use a finer nib to limit bleedthrough. Save shimmer inks for fountain-pen-friendly paper when you want the full effect.
How do I clean a pen after using shimmer ink?
Empty the pen, then flush repeatedly with cool water until it runs clear. If your pen has a removable converter, flush it separately. After shimmer, it helps to soak the nib section briefly in clean water, then flush again, and let parts dry fully before refilling. Avoid hot water because it can warp some plastic feeds.
Is the Bijou Fountain Pen good for beginners?
The Bijou Fountain Pen can be a good beginner choice if you want a full-size pen with a classic capped format and you like the decorative finish. For a first fountain pen, prioritize comfortable grip size and an easy-to-clean filling system. If you plan to use shimmer inks often, consider keeping one pen dedicated to shimmer to simplify maintenance.
Where do Canadians compare Ferris Wheel Press against other shops?
In Canada, people often cross-check selection and shipping across shops like Wonder Pens, Stylo.ca, Shop Noteworthy, Knight’s Writing, and Blesket, then compare internationally with retailers like JetPens, Goulet Pens, Goldspot, or Cult Pens. When you compare, focus on bottle size, return policy, and whether the exact colourway is in stock.
- Want maximum sparkle on the page? Choose FerriTales Workshop Wishes and use a medium or broader nib.
- Buying your first bottle for daily writing? Start with Everyday Evermore Green for easier maintenance and better all-day legibility.
- Love pinks but still need readability? Pick Everyday Double Raspberry over shimmer-heavy options for cleaner notes.
- Building a colour palette for journaling? Add Everyday Padina Rose for shading and Everyday Freshly Squeezed Sunshine for bright accents.
- Want a matching set for gifting? Pair your favourite ink colour with the Bijou Fountain Pen for a coordinated presentation.
If you want the most “Ferris Wheel Press” experience in one bottle, we would start with FerriTales Workshop Wishes for its strong shading and eye-catching silver shimmer when paired with fountain-pen-friendly paper. Prefer something calmer for daily notes? Everyday Evermore Green is a more understated choice that still looks lively in a wider nib. If you also want a matched writing instrument, the Bijou Fountain Pen is the brand-coordinated option to consider for a consistent look across your desk setup.
Recommended Reading
If you want to go beyond product picks, these books are worth shelf space. Each link goes to the current Amazon.ca listing.
- The Fountain Pen, A Collector’s Companion by Alexander Crum Ewing. Good background on why ink and pen pairings behave the way they do.
- Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton. A modern classic on letterforms if the design side of writing pulls you in.
Quick question about the Bijou Fountain Pen – I’m grabbing one for my teen and their hands are pretty small. Is the grip section slim enough for smaller hands, or does it feel chunky once you post the cap?
Yeah, the Bijou tends to suit smaller hands well – the section is on the slimmer side and it’s not a heavy pen. If you post the cap it gets a bit longer and a touch more back-weighted, so for smaller hands I’d suggest using it unposted for longer writing sessions. If they like a really light feel, pair it with a wetter ink (like Padina Rose or Double Raspberry) so it doesn’t feel “scratchy” from pressure.
Padina Rose is such a nice daily colour.
I’m new to fountain pens and I’m kinda nervous about staining. If I put Moonbeam Mead or Evermore Green in the Bijou, is it a pain to clean out later, or do you just rinse and you’re good?
I’ve been using Everyday Double Raspberry for marking up printed drafts at work. Tip: on Rhodia (80 gsm) it dries fast enough for me if I write a little lighter, but on cheaper copy paper it feathers – so I keep a Muji notebook for notes and reserve it for better paper.