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The name “pen” is derived from the Latin word “penna”, which means feather. This is a writing instrument that, manually through capillary action applies ink to a surface, usually paper. Pens can be used with inks of many colors but commonly make use of inks in shades varying between black, blue, red, and sometimes green. There are many different kinds of pens, some of which are listed here i.e. Reed pens, Quills, Metal nibs, Fountain pens, Ballpoints, Felt tips, Roller balls and the Porous Point. All the pens of the world are made around these different. Pens are also classified depending on the type of tip that accompanies the pen, there is the ballpoint pen, the rollerball pen, the fountain pen, the felt-tip pen and also the gel pen.

Cross pens appeared in 1846 as the elegant creation of Richard Cross; throughout his life Richard Cross patented an incredible number of twenty one pens until he passed the company over to his son Alonzo. At present the company is proud to be preserving the oldest tradition in the design and manufacturing of chirography instruments.

In 1879 the precursor of the ballpoint pen was released by the company with a considerable commercial effect, and later on, in 1930 the company’s first fountain pen appeared. In 1946 the company’s new logo, the Century, was introduced, and it still preserves its meaning even today. Since its beginnings the company has sold more than one hundred million pens becoming a symbol of quality and longevity.

Cross pens are known as being more traditional than trendy, they focus more on quality than on design, and here, the Century II model is the best example possible since this is the one to combinerefinement with high class style. In 1916 Walter R. Boss bought the company and encouraged his son Ellery to share his passion for good pens. Ellery joined his father in 1920 and led the company for more than forty years retiring only in 1966.

In those years Cross become a company known more as a line of personal leather accessories than as a pen maker. However, following a definitely ascending path, in 1971, it was listed to the American Stock Exchange, and later on, new partners were attracted to start designing other types of appreciated fine products.

Over the last two decades Cross pens imposed themselves more as being a work of art than simple writing tools; and their price has often been considered relevant for the tradition they represent. In 1993 the Townsend fountain pen and the Selectip ballpoint pen were designed; only high quality materials were used in the process of which we could mention eighteen and ten karat gold, black lacquer, medalist and titanium. The Century II appeared in 1996, it mainly relied on fourteen or ten karat gold, blue wood, black lacquer or rose wood.

These features strictly belonged to the Century model for the international market. Another variety was produced exclusively for the American continent, and the pen was plated with gold of twenty three karats, medalist, black lacquer and chrome, the set also included a ballpoint pen, a rolling ball pen, a 0.5 millimeters pencil and a fountain pen. Later models like the ATX, Verve and Apogee respected the luxurious line the company has followed from its beginnings.

For thousands of years, crosses have been used in all types of Christian faith. The holy cross tattoos are a simple design that has taken on many forms, especially among tribal art tattoos. Tribal cross tattoos have become main-stream in tattoo parlors around the world, and known for their distinct look of heavy black lined ink and beautiful bold shapes. Originally this style of art was inspired by the Maori tribe and has now been adopted by many modern day groups such as the Gothics with their Gothic Cross Tattoos.

Even as there are many different styles or versions of the cross, the meaning is all the same in sentiment or tradition. Tribal cross tattoos and celtic cross tattoos are the top choice among tattoo seekers; they have so many interesting and unique designs that can be incorporated. Most people who seek out tattoos do so for sentimental reasons or to show their heritage pride. The holy cross tattoos are less a religious statement and more often used combined with a tribal tattoos cross for ornamental looks. A simple cross has four sections which we call the “cardinal points”, and have been interpreted among the Christian faiths as the world separated into four elements. It is also said among the Christians that the never-ending lines represent the divinity and the world.

What makes a tribal cross tattoos such a sought after design is the fact that they combine the ordinary cross with the beauty of tribal art. Tribal cross tattoos can be done in the traditional black only ink but also have been seen in beautiful tribal colors such as red, green, blue and purple. When colorful flowers or fairies are added to it, it can be a beautiful design choice for women who prefer a more feminine look.

The Celtic cross is another form of the holy cross tattoo used in the Catholic churches in Ireland and around the world, and it is also considered tribal. There has been, over the years, some debate as to whether the cross is indeed a Christian symbol, simply because it dates back to before Christianity, to the British Isles.

You love to cross stitch but it’s costing way too much, you thought. How do you maintain this hobby and not fall into the commercial traps of the cross stitch mania. Here are my tried and true ways of making your cross stitch go a long way and then some.

After your project is done, snip extra fabric, keep the thread and store the needles.

You have to leave at 2-3 inches around your design for framing. But if you have more than that, don’t just leave it there or throw it away. Cut them nicely off your design and store them for future projects. Use your creativity and you can use these long thin fabrics to make borders, bookmarks, trimmings for table runners, little patches for your clothes and so many other things you can think of. Your cross stitch project don’t have to end here. There are just so much things you can do with the leftovers.

Leftover thread can be used to cross stitch small designs. Even if the free pattern in the magazine uses a red color thread but you only have pink, go ahead use pink! It will still be beautiful, I’m sure.

Don’t throw away those needles that come with the kit. I keep them all and although I get another needle in a new kit, I always have old needles in case I lose the one I’m using. Why buy extra needles when you get them for free!

Expensive organizers be gone!

With all the technology and advancements in storage space, cross stitch organizers have gone all over the design block and back. There are some pretty fancy ones out there and I’ve used some of them too. Some of them are great but some are just a waste of money. I’ve found that the everyday storage containers are sometimes the best solution.

I get them cheap at the grocery store, you know those little plastic drawers. Those are amazing as thread organizers. I keep my fabrics in a box and I keep my current project in a zip lock bag. Being frugal does not mean I love cross stitch any less.

Sometimes the fun in crafting is more in the ideas we get to create a masterpiece, never the dollars put into it.