Reddit mentions: The best stationery

Yeah, I didn't mention the ink I was using because it didn't occur to me that different inks flow differently. That was my mistake. This Metro is currently inked with Diamine Ox Blood.

• I'll take your word for it about the Pelikan inks being drier. I've been checking out the Pelikan inks anyway so I'll order some samples of those. Thanks!
  
  
• I've had my eye on the Tomoe River FP Notebook but at its price point I am going to wait until I've improved my penmanship and found the right combination of inks and nibs. For now I'm using the Leuchtturm A5 size journal and the Rhodia A4 size wire bound Dot Pad. I was under the impression that the Dot Pads had great paper so that's why I chalked the bleeding up to heavy hand, nib size or writing speed.
  
  
• I'm currently heavily considering a pen that I can swap out the nib on. Any recommendations on a pen like this? Or a recommendation for a drier medium or fine nib pen?
  
  I've been using this Leuchtturm mostly for practice by utilizing it as a daily journal. So, you're right saying bleed through is fine as I am not that concerned. I chose the Leuchtturm based on recommendations and reviews for it's great paper and quality. But ultimately it's purpose in life has been to be a test notebook since the day I received it a few days ago lol. Bleed through isn't that big of an issue right now but I would love to eliminate the problem if I can, you know? Both as a learning experience and aesthetics since I am writing on both sides of each page.
  
  Thanks for your time!

TL;DR: A tracing table will allow you to see a sheet of dot-grid underneath your fancy letter writing paper as well as a cover-sheet you might be using to prevent smudging + links and some other tips below.


I buy loose leaf Tomoe for my personal letters, and I really don’t want to have lines on a personal letter. Lots of people create them with pencil and erase afterwords, and I’ve even seen individuals use rubber bands, but I think both of these are painful! I was recently talking to Portbow about this in another post, and I described how I use a thin usb tracing table (or light table) with a sheet of dot-grid underneath so I can see the dots.

The second problem I have that is handily solved by a tracing table is ink drying times on fancy paper as a left-handed writer. If there there are lines above my current one that are still wet (the Organic Ink in the supplied photos takes 15 minutes on Tomoe), I guarantee I will smear it with my left hand while writing. To address this, I use a second sheet of printer paper to cover as I write, and the ink dries quickly against the printer paper. With the tracing table, you can cover directly above your current working line and still see what you've written.

One final trick. I paperclip the pieces of paper together and stick them to the board with a rubber band. This keeps everything aligned nicely so I’m not wrinkling the page with oil from my right hand as I’m trying to keep it steady.

I think these kinds of light tables were used extensively in the journalism department that I worked in when I was in college, so it just made sense to me. Those used to be big tables with fluorescent tubes in them, which made them super inconvenient. I think the new LED lighted plastic ones they have today are amazing.

To be sure, it's not especially convenient to use somewhere else than your desk at home, but the thin one I linked to above can fit next to your notepad in a briefcase or bag, and you can use it with an external USB battery pack like you use to recharge your phone if you're feeling particularly adventurous. People will go out of their way to talk to you about it if they see you using a fountain pen and portable light table in public, like a coffee shop.

Lots of people just want to keep things simple, and this might not be the best solution for you. However, I personally find it to be the easiest experience once you get everything set up!

Hey Janey,

First, let me thank you for the kind words. Second, I truly like your handwriting. The 'f' especially jumps out at me, you've added a distinctive elegance to that letter. Yes, looking at your writing again and again, I like it very much.

You asked about practice, so...I write all the time. I carry a work journal in which I document my day. I practice writing different peoples names a lot. Not to copy their signature, but to practice different letter combinations. And, let's face it, some people just have really pretty names when written. My version of doodling is writing different words or names in a little steno book or on a legal pad.

The pen is a Lamy Safari, the ink is Lamy brand as well. There are better fountains on the market, but I really like the simplicity of the Lamy Safari. It's durable and simple.

In my earliest posts, I was writing on Crane & Co. sheets. It's a linen paper which I use when I write letters. It takes a bit of practice though, because the ink bleeds if you don't hold the pen just so and write fast enough. Lately, I've been using Office Max Multi-Purpose paper for my notes here on reddit. It holds the ink, doesn't bleed too much, and photographs well under my desk lamp.

I think that's about it! I'd love to see more of your handwriting in the future, keep using it! It's slowly fading as they don't even teach it to kids anymore...

Hi DrUsual! :D

Here is a huge list of high quality stationery! :)

• Rhodia A4 Lined pad
  
• Clairfontaine Leatherbound notebook.
  
• This isn't from Amazon, but it is a website that makes leatherbound journals, and you can get refills for them too.
  
• Here's one that is like one of the ones on Goulet Pens, a Clairfontaine Triomphe.
  
  It really depends what you're looking for, but I've used the paper from all of those, and they're pretty good, especially since they all hold up to fountain pen ink quite well. The rhodia and clairfontaine stuff is not ink absorbent so they might take a little while longer to dry, but if you're a normal person who writes with their right hand and you don't tend to smudge the ink as you write, then you really should be okay. :)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

I've run through three of these Rhodia Meeting Books in the last couple years for work. The paper is great for fountain pens even with wet ink and the organization really worked well for me. I usually get the smaller size but I've linked the larger one here.

I also really love my travelers notebook for work with fountain pens but it meets none of your other requests.

Hope you find something!

edited to add I totally agree about leuchtturm. I've never understood why people like these for fountain pens. Too much show through.

Thought of another one that might be better for you. This is a bound full size Midori notebook. Midori makes travelers notebooks and the paper is generally great for fountain pens. No table of contents or page numbers but I've found those difficult to get right.

There's also this I've never used this brand but it hits all your requests and is heavy duty paper so it may work for fountain pens. No telling how smooth it is. Good price though. Dot Grid Version

Of course! I just wish international shipping didn't cost so much or I'd send you a spare I have. :(

Alternatively, there's also Tomoe River Paper, but it's a little pricey. I think that's like $29 USD there.
But, if you're willing to try binding loose sheets of paper, I would recommend this paper. I'm an amateur bookbinder and I've successfully made a journal out of this paper before and plan to do so again in the future.

If you want to try your hand at bookbinding, join us over at r/bookbinding. There's a lot of guides there that can help! :D Personally, I just used thread and a thin needle for Tomoe. It's cheaper and more fun than finding a binding place.

Thank you for your help. I've not tried either of those yet thank you, I've not seen them in the UK yet.

I know it's a problem with the card being uncoated but have been struggling to find some that is heavy enough that doesn't cost the earth to experiment on.

These are some of the most recent I've tried from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002YCH5OG/ <- was way too thin more like thick paper

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0030UIQWQ/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00TQUPSKC/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/cn/PREMIUM-THICK-WHITE-PRINTER-CRAFT-CARD-300gsm/B002OR23Y8

Not a card but a thicker paper whick gets fantastic results but I need something stronger -> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Diamond-exceptional-Results-Applications/dp/B0037D5QEC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502023080&sr=8-1&keywords=black+diamond+canvas+paper

This one is on order: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00B3IJNYM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you for your help

If by "good deal", you're asking whether that's a good price for five Clairefontaine notebooks with 96 sheets of A5-sized paper, well, yes, it does seem to be.

If by "good deal" you're asking whether this paper is worth paying more for than a pad you can pick up at the grocery store for super cheap... it depends. This paper is very good, if you like super-smooth paper that minimizes feathering, ghosting, and bleedthrough. I've had some trouble writing on it with a fountain pen, which had more to do with the pen than the paper- the nib wasn't quite set up to handle paper that smooth.

But you are paying a premium for higher paper quality, and only you can say whether that is worth the extra cost. (And remember: the "extra cost" here is not just in comparison to bargain-basement stuff; it's also in comparison to paper that is just a bit cheaper than this.) That's not very satisfying, I know, so I'll leave you with this: if I had $50 in my notebook budget this week and a Massdrop account, I would get it.

Not identical, but similar idea and have heard great things about Lihit lab products. I ordered a couple and am still waiting for them to arrive. If you're stateside, I think jetpens carry them as well.

First option

Second option

I ordered both in the cream color and am looking forward to the bag-in-bag option, as a woman I tend to rotate my bags and always forget something. Hoping this will help keep everything together easier.

That's an awesome gift! They must feel very happy to your kind present.

There are not so many medieval-looking notebooks out there. You can find a few on Amazon with the keyword "medieval notebook." But paper quality is questionable on those products. If you have no other options but these, then you have to be careful on your ink choices. Iron-gall inks tend to feather less and behave well on cheap papers. Check out Platinum Classic inks. They are iron-gall and perhaps the vintage sepia green/black/brown color you are looking for.

(EDIT: sorry, forgot that the notebook must be vegan. But inks should be alright.)

Platinum Classic ink series: https://www.jetpens.com/search?q=platinum+classic&v=2

My idea is: how about using a parchment? What I know is that J.Herbin and other manufacturers sell parchments at reasonable prices. This way you will waste less papers than using a notebook.

Here's one I just found on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Southworth-Parchment-8-5x11-Sheets-984C/dp/B00006IE2D/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1503235181&sr=8-17&keywords=parchment

Reviews say this is suitable for fountain pens. This is not real parchment so it might be okay?

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Parchment-Illuminated-Manuscript-Quality/dp/B00NOFJGGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503235535&sr=8-1&keywords=genuine+parchment

Unlike the one above this seems like a genuine one. (It may not be okay for vegans.) Wonder if it would work with a dip pen? If anybody has an experience with a genuine parchment, please leave your thoughts here :D

Hope this helped!

I use C.R.Gibson. It is simple, but classy. If you'd like something fancy, try searching etsy. They have a ton of vendors that make beautiful stationary.

:-D I would love to get some snail mail! As for stationery, I really like the look of aged paper, or just like really chunky paper stock. Y'know, the kind of paper that feels good just to touch? Lol!I'll go hunt some down on Amazon right now. Anyway! Have fun on your cruise! I've never been on one but that sounds like it will be a blast. Aphrodite-Walking stinks! (LIKE ROSES!!) Edit: This gold paper looks old and touchable! Yikes, thats a combo of words you don't expect ta here.

I’m guessing you mean refillable rather than reusable.

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks figuring out the system I wanted after keeping a bujo since August.

Here’s what I decided to use:

Tul Junior discbound
https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/1053367/TUL-Custom-Note-Taking-System-Discbound/

I didn’t get the leather because it has credit card sized pockets on the inside cover that makes writing a little bumpy. I didn’t get the plastic cover because I wanted a firm surface so I could write without sitting at a desk.

I didn’t get a six ring binder like Filofax or a simple half size 3 ring binder because I found the rings made it harder to write. Discbound lets you fold the notebook back on itself. I chose the smaller discs. Larger ones started interfering with my writing.

The Arc system from Staples is equally nice. I got the Tul because I found a Tul paper punch at the thrift store for $5. I looked at the Happy Planner because Michael’s carries it and has all those great 40% off coupons, but it was a little too cutesy for me. I like the minimalist bujo.

The key to refilling a discbound is to use a heavier paper than just copy paper. I’m so darn ADHD, I need two pages for a daily entry...one to scrawl notes, site grocery lists, to dos for the next hours etc to get myself back on track, etc, and the other is a page page that’s actually legible and useful with info to preserve. I intend to toss my scrawly pages. When I was using a bound book, there was too much clutter. Bujo is so great because everything’s in one place, but I don’t need to save all my daily anxiety for posterity. But I’d go broke paying the retail price for little filler packs of 50 sheets.

PAPER
After looking quite a bit, I settled on this very good deal on paper: https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Weight-White-Sheets-Letter/dp/B01EKHNVRW/ref=sr_1_29?keywords=Paper+box+32+lb&qid=1573008633&sr=8-29

It’s already cut in half. I was just overwhelmed with choosing from the paper reams and I don’t have a trimmer so this saves me having to cut pages in half.

I’ll probably use this link on this page to download a dot grid to print on my paper. I haven’t tried this yet so I’m not sure it works but it should. nIf not there are other dot grid templates around. https://savorandsavvy.com/dot-grid-paper-printable/

Before I decided to go discbound, I had tried a moleskine and this very nice inexpensive hardcover dot grid from Michael’s (extra cheap with 40% off coupon.) https://www.michaels.com/black-dot-journal-by-artists-loft/10532092.html. But I need to be able to rearrange pages and keep tweaking the pages/format I use.

I did the calligraphy for our envelopes: https://imgur.com/CL6HMGa


This thing was a HUGE life saver for writing on the envelopes: https://www.michaels.com/we-r-memory-keepers-laser-square-and-mat/10514521.html

It helps you keep the text straight, especially for dark envelopes or envelopes with liners. You could always get a cheap laser level from Home Depot, too. They work just as well. This is also a good option: https://www.amazon.com/Envelope-Address-Template-Calligraphy-Invitations/dp/B06XQBMYLX


If you have white or light envelopes, you could always print an envelope guide and slip it inside the envelope to use to guide you.
http://margaretshepherd.blogspot.com/2012/02/write-better-envelope.html

The best I could do. One of my friends has been raving about this movie and I've seen snippets and gosh it's a pretty movie. Old Georgie.

I recently came up with a brownie creation...while I was formulating the recipe I kept thinking I honestly have no idea what I'm doing. The brownie came out very well and everyone loves it. Really instilled in me that I can cook. I also gave me confidence to do the 52 week cooking challenge next year.


Here is the double layer bacon and pecan brownie...there's even dark chocolate ganache on it...

Edit: Forgot the Item

My absolutely favorite for bullet journaling is the grid Midori MD Notebook A5 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Midori-MD-Notebook-Grid-Paper/dp/B0091GBD00/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=midori+md&qid=1557587047&s=gateway&sr=8-2 only £11!)

I think it’s really cute, very aesthetically appealing and there isn’t much bleed through! I’ve actually used copics for an art spread in mind and honestly I didn’t mind the bleed through (although with copics it was obvious unsurprisingly)!

I'm always writing down my random ideas, and these notebooks fit perfectly in my back pockets. They are the perfect starter for any of my harebrained ideas.

crafty turtle.

Yes, it’s pretty expensive. If you find a cheaper source in Europe please let me know :)

I don‘t know where in Europe you are. At German Amazon is the 68 gsm for ~15€ + 6 € shipping.

Tomoe River FP lose Tabelle 8.27 x 11.7" (A4, 68 gsm) WHITE (LOOSE SHEET) https://www.amazon.de/dp/B06XR7RJTD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1rkXCbMC11XBE

If you otherwise use legal pads, I like Ampad Gold Fiber - they make a heavier weight, I think 24lb, legal pad that even with wet stub nibs has very minimal showthru, doesn't feather, and no bleed thru.

For unlined paper, or paper that you can print your own patterns/guides/lines on, I like Strathmore. I just started my second ream, and it feels premium and behaves very well, plus the watermark makes it look more expensive.

Tomoe River FP Notebook, 5.85" x 8.27", 368 pages (184-Sheet), Hard Cover, Dot Grid, White (TMR-A5NDW) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079XXYWMZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wQcyDb04S7P2T

They’re pretty pricey.
But you can find other brands using very similar paper. They’re amazing with fountain pens so I’m sure it’d handle your pen well.

Japanese Stationery has got to be a favourite topic of conversation for me. Check out these videos (and search for more if you want to learn more).Begin Japanology - Stationery

Tokyo Eye 2020 - Stationery Wonderland

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Personally, I enjoy using the Midori MD Notebook which you can get with grids, blank, or ruled. I also use the LIFE Notebook which you can get in ruled, gridded, or blank. Pay attention for the sheet size and number before you purchase them. A4 is approximately the standard American 8.5x11.2 inch sheet. Do you already have your preferred pens and pencils? You can get some good ones with tips as thin as 0.28mm (though I used 0.3mm and 0.5mm).


Edit: why did someone downvote me?

On amazon https://www.amazon.com/Tomoe-River-Loose-Sheets-TMR-A4P-W/dp/B00S66EYNE/ref=sxin_0_ac_d_pm?ac_md=2-0-VW5kZXIgJDI1-ac_d_pm&keywords=tomoe+river&pd_rd_i=B00S66EYNE&pd_rd_r=5baf5dee-dd88-4f66-8e51-e3cc644f6b56&pd_rd_w=4IRQf&pd_rd_wg=vrayx&pf_rd_p=24d053a8-30a1-4822-a2ff-4d1ab2b984fc&pf_rd_r=X8K65CKRBRRG9GACGK34&psc=1&qid=1570849781

If you order is over 25 dollars you get free shipping, so order 2 or 3 packets and you can get free shipping. Each packet has 100 pages.

I was recently told of Tomoe River Paper by another redditor and it is absolutely fantastic for absorbing ink! It’s very thin and smooth and I have yet to see ink feather or bleed through it. I would highly recommend!

The foam board I used was just normal foam board. I had a glossy white one and a matte black one. I do not suggest using super glue on the matte black as it will absorb into the paper and leave behind a oil-slick looking halo around the insect.

What I did was glue parchment paper (something like this) to the foam backing. I really liked the contrast it made with the insects, and it also gave it a classy and more professional look, I thought.

As far as clear covers go, I got the one offered by nanami, but ended up hating it because it was too loose. I later picked up a clear midori cover and it's much nicer and snug, plus it has a pen holder.

Then I realized I didn't like the feel of plastic so I got a paper midori cover and I've been pretty happy with it. It's plain, but keeps the cover from getting too messy.

I tried a couple other cases but it was too hard to write with pockets and seams in the way, so I've been sticking with the plastic and paper covers.

The Seven Seas notebook is great for the number of pages you get. They sell out fast though so you have to be on top of it.
Midori also makes an a5 book with lots of pages: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091GBD00/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2K885P3IMHHG8&coliid=I1ODW8QAO7UDUZ

They've been sold out of the "Writer" (the lined version) for what seems like an eternity. I've given up on waiting for it and have purchased other notebooks in the meantime. It would be great if they actually had it in stock!

PS there are plenty of stores that sell loose Tomoe River paper. Although I haven't seen any A5 dot grids. Just A4 dot grids:

https://www.amazon.com/Tomoe-River-Loose-Sheets-TMR-A4P-W/dp/B071YGYPDX/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526656895&sr=8-1&keywords=tomoe%2Briver&th=1

Awesome! Is this it ? Southworth Linen Résumé Paper, Almond, 32 Pounds, 100 Count (RD18ACFLN) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00260SASG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Z.X5Cb17ZD2RH

Midori MD is fountain pen friendly, A5, gridded, and comes in packs of notebooks as well. It’s cheaper than both Rhodia/Leuchtterm in the short and long term.

Midori MD is a great option. It opens flat as soon as you open the book - no need to break the spine. The catch is that is has 88 sheets = 176 pages.

The paper is toothier than most FP-friendly paper I've used, but it holds up to Western medium nibs very well.

I just ordered a Lihitlab notebook cover. Technically, it's a notebook with a cover, but I bought it for the cover. They come in A5 and I think also B5. They do not seem to be waterproof but they seem to be made of a decent material that could be sprayed with something like Scotchguard. Functional and non-fussy design.

Here's a AZ-UK link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/LIHITLAB-Smart-Multifunction-Cover-Notebook/dp/B00BBNNYE4/

If you look at the "also viewed" bit, they also get listed under other product names ("durable notebook", etc.) and come in a variety of colors. I ordered mine in green.

Like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00260SASG/

https://www.amazon.com/Midori-notebook-jacket-H220-W310mm-light/dp/B00UX6S6VQ

https://www.amazon.com/Midori-MD-Notebook-Grid-Paper/dp/B0091GBD00/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_229_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=YTSQ5W1JGBD3AZQYSPFY

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Comes out to 19.46 and has Prime & Amazon customer service. I dunno about this one.

Cult Pens used to sell them but you are right they don't do that anymore. I think your choice is Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tomoe-River-Loose-Sheets-TMR-A4P-W/dp/B00S66EYNE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=tomoe+river&qid=1571491876&sprefix=tomoe+&sr=8-2

Amazon Link - https://www.amazon.com/Southworth-Cotton-R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-Finish-RD18ACFLN/dp/B00260SASG

[Is this what you guys are talking about?](Tomoe River Artist-Grade Letter Writing Pad, White (TMR-A4P-68W) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XR7RJTD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_udn3CbKHQ9CXY)

It’s the Midori md a5 notebook. I’ll add a link: Midori MD Notebook - A5 Grid Paper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091GBD00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qczADbGVAMHVP

If it’s for a small amount of writing such as lettering on cards or addressing envelopes then you could try a calligraphy lettering & envelope address template/line guide eg
https://www.amazon.com/Calligraphy-Template-Envelope-Straight-Invitations/dp/B06XQBMYLX/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_201_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FTVSJG7DR3QWZYS5RDZF

These can possibly be used for longer pieces of writing but are a bit fiddly for that purpose.

Tomoe River FP Notebook, 5.85" x 8.27", 368 pages (184-Sheet), Hard Cover, Dot Grid, White (TMR-A5NDW) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079XXYWMZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LNPPCbSV112VH

You would have to cut the paper in half, but otherwise... https://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B00S66EYNE/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_5?smid=AEKS62ZGHS8RI&psc=1

I bought this expecting a softcover notebook. Turns out that it’s thin but deceptively sturdy. It’s harder than average cardstock used on planner covers. I’m not even sure how to explain it. 368 page, 52 gsm, white dot grid paper is shown below, but they have other options I think.

Tomoe River Notebook

I don't care for the rings in that.
I have this:


https://www.amazon.com/LIHITLAB-Smart-Multifunction-Cover-Notebook/dp/B00BBNNYE4

tomoe river loose sheets


Is this what you use?