Humble Beginnings
To some, paper is paper. But for others, paper offers an appreciation as a multipurpose medium. An avenue of expression.
I remember vividly, standing mesmerized by Lisa Frank folders for the first time. The bright colors and animal theme spoke to me. Her designs stood apart from her competitors on the school supply aisle. I imagine this is where stationery lovers are introduced to their beloved, during school supply season. Wide or college ruling, mechanical or wooden pencils, blue or black ink…slim pickings for a future connoisseur.
As my love for stationery evolves, so does the desire for a particular substrate. Ink, paper, and other tools tempt my pocketbook, varying in quality, color, and size. The exploration of stationery is finite. Herein lies a challenge. Where does one start?
Paper Passion
I began with paper. First I set out to discover my ruling type. I purchased cheap grid notebooks, dot ruled journals, and plain paper. My amateur self chose college over wide-ruled but my curiosity led me to see what the hype was about using other ruling styles.
My first ever premium notebook purchase was a Clairefontaine notebook with Seyes-ruling or French ruling. This style of ruling uses a combination of grid and lines originally intended to help those learning handwriting maintain consistent height and spacing of letters. While the ruling and quality of paper impressed me, I had chosen a cover and size that wasn’t for me. My search continued.
Down the rabbit hole I went. I was floating in a paradise of paper. Admittedly, I got distracted and purchased pretty notebooks with poor-quality paper. I needed focus. With so many options and no preference for ruling, I switched my attention to finding a brand that I align with. I set down some guidelines and off I went.

What I Gathered
Impulse buys taught me that I do not want the ruling to stand out. It distracts me. I prefer white over cream-colored paper. I also concluded that bleed-through is not acceptable. Ever. With these specifics in mind I forged forward on my quest.
In Support of Community
I will not list all of the brands that impress me. But I will say that commercially produced stationery is no longer an option. Not for my personal use. Instead I scout out other passionate stationery enthusiasts to make my purchases. On my mission, looking for a brand to support, I stumbled upon Galen Leather.
Enough can’t be said about this company. You should check em out. Their story is beautiful and the craftsmanship, top notch.
By this time I caught wind of the cult-like following of Tomoe River paper. With child-like exploration I dove head first into the frenzy. I could barely contain my excitement when I saw The Everyday notebook filled with this glorious paper on Galen Leather’s website! And even better, the notebook boasts 400 pages of this luxury paper. I pulled the trigger and never looked back. If you would’ve asked me 5 years ago if I would spend thirty dollars on a notebook, I’d think you were crazy.
But wait! There’s More
In true Candace fashion, while I was satisfied, I couldn’t extinguish the flame to try the dot grid. My exploration continued once more. I took to the world’s largest retailer, Amazon. I popped Tomoe River dot grid notebook in the search bar and up pops the Namani Crossfield Seven Seas notebook. featuring cross grid. Yes. Instead of a dot, there is a faint cross that helps guide horizontal and vertical lines. Much to my surprise, this notebook has 80 more pages!! I couldn’t resist. I sent the link to my boyfriend and within a few days, I held it in my hands. Finally, paper peace, packaged in a flat-lay notebook (click the link above for specs).
I have arrived.
Are you looking to spoil yourself? If so, I highly recommend both of these notebooks. The paper is fountain pen friendly, no bleed-through, thin, smooth…ah Best of all, you can use watercolor with beautiful results. My quest is a self-funded exploration. I am not an affiliate. You don’t have to be a paper lover to appreciate these notebooks. Give one a try!!
What excites you?
I love your paper addiction! I’m like that with oracle decks and anything rainbowy. I love the notebook you sent me, and I still use it; and another favorite is this one from Amazon that I bought for traveling! Do an Amazon search for B07N1WKM83 !! I love that notebook!!
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The cover suits you 😉 You should splurge and get the one I use. It’ll last you awhile. You can use it as a journal, for art, or just to have as an everyday book. That is after you fill the one I sent you 😉
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I’m super particular about my journals and the lines/spacing and all of that too. I’ve found a home with the company “Graphic Image” and always order my journals from them now. Plus, you can inscribe the front cover, so I think that’s awesome. I always try to put a quote on the front that matches the theme of what I think the journal will end up being about.
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That’s a great idea! I try to use travel notebook inserts for specific ideas but I always end up doing/writing whatever. Lol. Maybe one day I will stick to a topic. I’ll check out Graphic Image.
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omg. I relate to this post so, SO much! Lisa Frank soothes my need for nostalgia. I got so excited when her son took over and started making products again during the Covid shutdown.
And, yes, I get tingly when browsing aisles of office and stationery supplies. I could easily spend hours just opening different notebooks and comparing pens. Even reading this post gave me a flush of excitement!
What is it about paper? I don’t know, and I don’t need to. I just love it!
Great post!
XoL
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I used to be so ashamed of my love for it because it never made much sense. Now I shout it out to the world 🤓😂 I gave up on trying to make sense of it and just accept it as my favorite pastime. Once I discovered thousands of Instagram accounts dedicated to the love of stationery, I came out of the closet 🤗 I hope you consider one of these for your next notebook purchase.
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I’m drooling over the Galen Leather Co. site right now 🤤
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😃
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