Paper For Stationaries

[mislav]

I asked similar question recently here on the forum. After few tips I decide to buy G. Lalo set. I am still waiting package.

[JLZenor]

Placing a wax seal on the same side as your writing, on the bottom before folding the letter will also help with protection. The recipient will enjoy the intact wax seal just as much.

 

That... is a fantastic idea. I like it!

 

I have a stamp that my dad bought me when he was overseas when I was a kid. I still have it, somewhere. I wonder if it would make a good wax seal stamp. Supposedly it's my name written in Chinese.

[LeonW]

If it is a stone Chinese stamp I would rather use the red stamping Ink than wax. Buying wax seals can range from inexpensive to very, very expensive.

[JLZenor]

It is a stone Chinese stamp. You don't think it would work with wax?

 

I have been pricing some wax seals, but my biggest problem is that I have no idea what I really want. This, at least, has sentimental value and I would love to use it, but that doesn't mean it's the best for wax.

[LeonW]

It is not meant for wax, it could be used with wax but clog the fine recesses. I wouldn't. Start with something as simple as a "Fleur-de-lis" or an embellished capital "J" - there are many techniques to use like two colours of of wax, using embossing powder on the stamp before pressing into the molten wax. Using a ribbon with wax, braid with wax and more.

 

Enjoy.

[LeonW]

Please check these links on FPN for more on wax seals, https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/212336-wax-seals-and-sealing-wax-redux/

2) https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/121092-show-us-your-wax-seals/

Please note, this is a hobby, not an obsession, whom am I kidding? 😆

Edited April 17, 2015 by LeonW

[Bookman]

If you're serious about not needing anything fancy, then I recommend you go to your nearby big-box office supply store. You can be home writing letters today.

 

Personally I like Staples. In any case you're going to buy white paper and ivory paper in 8½x11 sheets. Buy a ream of 24lb HP Laserjet paper. This will be your basic FP-friendly paper supply, not just for handwritten correspondence. If you need lines or dots on your paper or you'd like to have that option, go here, semi-customize some templates, download them free-of-charge, and then print them on some of the sheets you're buying. While at the store, buy a small supply (a box of 50 sheets) of Southworth 25% Cotton "business" paper in ivory. If you really like this paper you can buy it online in a standard ream later on. Meanwhile, this is a decent paper you can readily find in a B&M. Since you're wielding a Pilot Metropolitan F, I recommend the Antique Laid rather than the Linen. A Japanese F might get hung up in the linen finish. (Don't bother with Southworth's 100% cotton "résumé" paper. For decent results a very juicy nib is required. Or a Sharpie.)

 

Good luck.

Edited April 19, 2015 by Bookman

[Mr. Pink]

Check out a store named Papyrus. There are several in Colorado and they carry a lot of good paper, including Crane. Mail order, I like American Stationary

[graystranger]

Placing a wax seal on the same side as your writing, on the bottom before folding the letter will also help with protection. The recipient will enjoy the intact wax seal just as much.

 

There is also flexible "wax sealing" material available - check Goulet Pens for YouTube video.

 

Enjoy.

Yes, Goulet Pens sells J. Herbin's flexible sealing wax. Goulet also has videos showing how to use the wax and seals. This wax will not crack and break off, yet is just as beautiful as the regular wax in my opinion. It is also much easier to use. I doubt I will ever use my old wax sticks ever again.

 

Wax seals on the outside of a letter could hinder feeding in the high speed mail handling equipment (don't know for sure), so I like to place my seal at the bottom of the page. I have a sardonyx ring with an intaglio cut in the stone. It makes a great seal.

 

Placing the seal on a cold pack from my freezer for a minute before pressing it into the wax allows some moisture to condense on the cold seal face which keeps the wax from sticking in the tiny recesses. The chilled seal also hardens the hot wax more quickly so you can remove it more quickly. I practice on a piece of non-stick foil until I get the technique down. You can peel the seals off the foil and reuse them again.

 

Check out the seals at Goulet Pens and his video on using them: http://www.gouletpens.com/sealing-wax/c/299

 

http://www.gouletpens.com/h331-26s/p/H331-26s

[JLZenor]

If you're serious about not needing anything fancy, then I recommend you go to your nearby big-box office supply store. You can be home writing letters today.

 

Personally I like Staples. In any case you're going to buy white paper and ivory paper in 8½x11 sheets. Buy a ream of 24lb HP Laserjet paper. This will be your basic FP-friendly paper supply, not just for handwritten correspondence. If you need lines or dots on your paper or you'd like to have that option, go here, semi-customize some templates, download them free-of-charge, and then print them on some of the sheets you're buying. While at the store, buy a small supply (a box of 50 sheets) of Southworth 25% Cotton "business" paper in ivory. If you really like this paper you can buy it online in a standard ream later on. Meanwhile, this is a decent paper you can readily find in a B&M. Since you're wielding a Pilot Metropolitan F, I recommend the Antique Laid rather than the Linen. A Japanese F might get hung up in the linen finish. (Don't bother with Southworth's 100% cotton "résumé" paper. For decent results a very juicy nib is required. Or a Sharpie.)

 

Good luck.

 

Thanks! I hadn't thought of using printer paper for handwriting. I'll check it out. Along with the Cotton. I do enjoy using the F nib while writing most of my day to day stuff but I have a Medium that I don't mind using for something special. It is currently loaded with my blue ink anyway.

 

Check out a store named Papyrus. There are several in Colorado and they carry a lot of good paper, including Crane. Mail order, I like American Stationary

Thanks. I might have to stop by their store next time I have some free time in Denver.

 

Yes, Goulet Pens sells J. Herbin's flexible sealing wax. Goulet also has videos showing how to use the wax and seals. This wax will not crack and break off, yet is just as beautiful as the regular wax in my opinion. It is also much easier to use. I doubt I will ever use my old wax sticks ever again.

 

Wax seals on the outside of a letter could hinder feeding in the high speed mail handling equipment (don't know for sure), so I like to place my seal at the bottom of the page. I have a sardonyx ring with an intaglio cut in the stone. It makes a great seal.

 

Placing the seal on a cold pack from my freezer for a minute before pressing it into the wax allows some moisture to condense on the cold seal face which keeps the wax from sticking in the tiny recesses. The chilled seal also hardens the hot wax more quickly so you can remove it more quickly. I practice on a piece of non-stick foil until I get the technique down. You can peel the seals off the foil and reuse them again.

 

Check out the seals at Goulet Pens and his video on using them: http://www.gouletpens.com/sealing-wax/c/299

 

http://www.gouletpens.com/h331-26s/p/H331-26s

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to look into this when I have the money.

[ThePenGnome]

The HP 32lb Premium Laser Paper is actually really nice, and feels quite posh. It's not Rhodia, has a bit more tooth, but it prints well if you want to embellish it. And if you buy a ream, it comes out to like 3 or 4 cents a page.

[JLZenor]

I have it on my list to buy this week. Now I just need to find time to write.

[webgeckos]

I had no idea there would be stores devoted to stationary. I'll have to look into that. I know we have a Hallmark store, maybe they have something.

 

Anyway, thanks for the feedback everyone.

 

There is 2 Hands Paperie in Boulder, west end of Pearl Street Mall (where it is not longer pedestrian only.) Its at 8th & Pearl. Next door to Peace Love & Chocolate.

 

I haven't been there, but my coworker Jesse (aka PenJockey) said there is a great one at Park Meadows Mall has a pen store. I haven't been to it yet, will go when Fireant visits me for a week.

[JLZenor]

 

There is 2 Hands Paperie in Boulder, west end of Pearl Street Mall (where it is not longer pedestrian only.) Its at 8th & Pearl. Next door to Peace Love & Chocolate.

 

I haven't been there, but my coworker Jesse (aka PenJockey) said there is a great one at Park Meadows Mall has a pen store. I haven't been to it yet, will go when Fireant visits me for a week.

Fascinating. I don't get up to Boulder all that often, but I make it to Denver once a month or so. I think I'll have to plan on a visit to the Park Meadows Mall next time I'm up that way.

[JLZenor]

Personally I like Staples. In any case you're going to buy white paper and ivory paper in 8½x11 sheets. Buy a ream of 24lb HP Laserjet paper.

 

While at the store, buy a small supply (a box of 50 sheets) of Southworth 25% Cotton "business" paper in ivory.

I was at Staples yesterday buying award certificate paper so I picked up the Laserjet paper and wrote with it last night. It isn't bad. I think I like the Clairefonte Triomphe paper better, but this is definitely cheaper.

 

I also looked at the Southworth and that's a bit outside my budget right now. I can't drop $30 on a box of paper. Maybe after I run out of the Laserjet paper I'll get some though. Maybe Amazon has it for cheap...

 

While there I picked up one of those large desk calendars. I found out quickly that the paper used for that is NOT fountain pen friendly at all...

 

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions.

[graystranger]

 

I also looked at the Southworth and that's a bit outside my budget right now. I can't drop $30 on a box of paper. Maybe after I run out of the Laserjet paper I'll get some though. Maybe Amazon has it for cheap...

I wanted some of Southworth's parchment paper for calligraphy, etc. I found it on Amazon for much less than Staples. I assume the same will be true of the 25% Cotton paper. I have most of a box of that left from years ago, and it is very good paper.

 

I also found a box of Crane 32 lb resume paper that I'd forgotten about, all squirreled a way in the bottom of a desk drawer. I have no idea what I paid for it or how many years ago I bought it. I probably would not pay today's price for it!

[fountainpenlady]

I am participating in the snail mail/letter exchange. Currently, for all correspondence, I am using the paper which I have provided the link to below. I purchased 2 boxes of it. It is fountain pen friendly to my experience. My only issue is the paper white, I prefer cream, but can't beat the price and they offered it with an additional coupon, which made it even less. As far as I can recall the shipping was rapid.

 

http://www.crgibson.com/journals-office/stationery/boxed-letter-paper-white.html#.VUEp1ZMrnZQ

Edited April 29, 2015 by fountainpenlady

[Mr. Pink]

I wanted some of Southworth's parchment paper for calligraphy, etc.

I love Southworth, but their parchment paper is NOT for fountain pens.

[thudthwacker]

I'm new to fountain pens and their trappings (I've had my Lamy Safari for about a month), and I've been trying to find a good paper for correspondence. I'd prefer something lined (narrow rule -- 6 or 6.5mm), on the large side (A4 would be ideal), and so far my favorite paper is in my Rhodia pad (which, alas, is ruled at 7mm, which is a little too wide for me). You, who have much more experience than I do: is this a lost cause? Should I just learn to use a writing guide and pick up a pack of good blank paper?

[WirsPlm]

I'm new to fountain pens and their trappings (I've had my Lamy Safari for about a month), and I've been trying to find a good paper for correspondence. I'd prefer something lined (narrow rule -- 6 or 6.5mm), on the large side (A4 would be ideal), and so far my favorite paper is in my Rhodia pad (which, alas, is ruled at 7mm, which is a little too wide for me). You, who have much more experience than I do: is this a lost cause? Should I just learn to use a writing guide and pick up a pack of good blank paper?

If you get printer paper you can use templates to pick the ruling you want and cut it to whatever size you want, that's unfortunately my only suggestions.