Newest Acquisitions (Virtual "Show & Tell") ~ part 15

Ok, it's not a fountain pen but (a) I'd had my eye on this ballpoint ever since I saw it at my local Staples over two years ago and (b) it's my birthday today (+ it was a gift from my Dad :)

Meet my newest acquisition--Maja's Cross 'Botanica' ballpoint in the "Daylily" pattern!

(all photos by Maja ~ please click on images to enlarge)

From Cross.com: "Inspired by the beautiful floral patterns used in henna designs, Botanica is sure to captivate. Eye-catching colors are used to artfully illustrate three lush floral designs on pearlescent ivory lacquer. Tendrils of deep-etched metallic highlights bring the layers together, creating an element of depth and dimension. Like nature itself, Botanica is at once elegant, whimsical and boldly original."

It truly *is* a beautiful writing instrument (my photos don't do it justice), with its dazzling floral design and 23k gold-plated trim and inlays. The 'Botanica' comes in two other designs---the "Purple Orchid" and "Red Hummingbird Vine", but those models have silver-y trim, not gold. It's also available in fountain pen form in what is essentially a very fancy Cross 'Century II' model. The 'Botanica' isn't an inexpensive ballpoint (Cross' MSRP is $151 CAD; Staples and others sell it for less), but I don't know...I just can't stop staring at it...

Measuring just under 5.5 inches in length and 1.01 ounces (28.6 grams) in heft, it's a nice size and weight. The center ring/cap band with the Cross logo (seen above) is made of textured metal and some users have reported that this has caused some discomfort while writing with the pen for long periods. I tend to hold my pens a bit higher up the barrel, though, so it didn't bother me, but it's something to take into account if you're thinking of getting one. At slightly more than 1 inch in diameter, it's a slimmer ballpoint---another thing to take into consideration. Like all Cross ballpoints, the 'Botanica' only takes Cross' proprietary refills (although those made by Franklin Covey will fit, too). Mine came with a Cross Medium black ink refill.

So, how does it write? Well, it's a ballpoint, so I didn't get any line variation (lol), but using this lovely, well-balanced writing instrument is a real joy.
Thanks for the great gift, Dad!
~Maja