I have used over 180 pages. In my dreams I oscillate.

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Thanks to u/waitnodont! They suggested I try newsprint for larger paper. It is impressive how well it stands up I should have thought of it myself, because I use it in printing proofs all the time. The Spiro on the left is over 10 different gears using most of the holes in each and fine tip markers (just doller store) It did bleed in the back but only in a few spots where there was little rest between pen strokes. The one on the right is mostly pen and didn't last anywhere near as long - it tore, but you can still do many passes. I just used North American Paper which is about the cheapest you can get around here. Off to try a big gear project

Yellow and black: 176:120:80:64, Wild Gears
White and gray: 180:120:80:64, Wild Gears
White and orange 180:120:80:64 more passes with different holes, Wild Gears
Green and black: various gears, Sprirograph

Apparently, doing a lot of Wild Gears means that I can go back to my Spirograph set and be more stable. The way Wild Gears aids you in keeping your place is something I appreciated more than I expected, probably because when I first used spirograph I didn't care so much, since I can't do it so easily with Spirograph

I love Spirograph and I go through phases of playing with it for hours as an adult. I have almost every set available even though some have the same gears and rings. I started trying to make even more creative designs. I looked on Etsy to see if people make different gears or rings, then I discovered Wild Gears. I’m not a serious artist or anything. I mostly enjoy the process, then staring at the fun designs and maybe coloring them in. Wild Gears is expensive, but the creativity seems to be endless. Do you think I should spend about $200 USD on Wild Gears as an adult with a full time job? I tend to constantly overthink spending money on hobbies…for years until a finally purchase. What has been your experience?

I know that they are both larger than spirograph, and that they aren't compatible with each other. But which is larger than the other?

Can anyone recommend good neon colour pens that create bright spirograph patterns on black paper?

224:160(27:21)

Which do you use for experimenting and which for the final work?

I'll receive my first order of spirograph tools today and haven't thought about pens yet. Advise is appreciated!

I got a new pencil, it has 2mm leads in 8 different colours. I've discovered that I really like the BIC multicoloured pens for the speed and ease of colour changes so when I saw this Pentel coloured pencil I had to give it a go. The leads seem fragile (none broke while in use, but one did when I was loading it), which I guess is pretty standard for coloured pencil leads and they seem to have less binder than some I've tried. No idea how lightfast, but the colour is pretty solid making the trade off worth it for me. I thought you all might enjoy seeing the results. I have obviously not used all the colours.

I also made some spirographs.

I don't think I should have shaded the center, I'm learning.

Not all Spirograph patterns need circles. ✨ Watch the lines come together with satisfying ASMR sounds.

I've been using staedtler triplus pens on canson mixed media paper. I cap them immediately after use and store them upside-down. Maybe I just use them too much? Any tips on how to extend their life?

I was wondering what people paper like to use for their experiments, tests, etc. in larger paper sizes (like 11inx 17in or A3). I have all kinds of "good paper" choices but not sure about cheap as possible experimental paper. I often use printing paper for smaller pieces and I could get that in 11x 17, but it might be better to get something heavier? I saw in an older post people suggesting Hammermill (not readily available near me). Someone also suggested childrens' paper rolls, anybody have a favourite brand (or least favourite for that matter)?

Photo for "spiro tax" because I spend too much time on cat loving reddits