Tales of Papers, Inks and Finding The Perfect Journal. Thanks Exaclair!

Note: gray fonts indicate links - fort some reason I have not been able to change the color in this template.

I have reviewed the Quo Vadis Habana journal in the past. It has become my favorite journal for general use. When friend Karen from Exaclair asked if wanted a new colored plain Quo Vadis Habana journal I say "of course". She asked if I wanted raspberry, lime, red or black. Of course I chose Lime. What I did not know until it arrived that it is so much better than just lime. The color is called anise green and it "the" green that makes my heart sing. This plain paper journal is 6" X 9" and contains 80 sheets of Clairfontaine premium 90 gr paper. Totally yummy stuff to work on! Clairefontaine makes - IMHO - the best of the best papers for writing, drawing, painting, sketching etc. They are also, in a world that sometimes seems mad with unending waste - very environmentally correct. They manufacture their own papers made only from sustainable forests. and are PEFC  rated. The Habana journal's cover is made from a silky smooth material that feels warm to the touch. I love it!. The corners are rounded- another small detail that I love, it has an elastic closure (color coordinated of course!) and an expandable pocket in the back of the journal for all of those little bits of ephemera that you always seem to find along the life's way

Knowing that I go through sketch pads at a sometimes alarming rate Karen also graced me with a chance to have a look a Clairefontaine sketch book too. This book (8.5" X 11") is filled with 160 pages of 90 gr lovely white  paper - it's great for all general sketching and mediums and even will handle a light wash with something like watercolors - which I am know to spritz about with wild abandon at times - who needs hair color if one has a watercolor spritz?! (only joshing!). While it is true that I am indeed grateful to be able to review Exaclair products my being enamored of them has ONLY to do with their superiority and excellence. My opinions on not biased - if I found anything wrong or inadequate I would chime in....I just have nothing but praise. If you are looking for fine art papers - go with Calirefontaine. Need a new journal, blank, lined or day planner style? - go with Rhodia, Quo Vadis or Exacompta. For any paper need Exaclair offers a superior product that will suit. They also market my favorite fountain pen inks - J.Herbin. Who can;t get excited about glorious colored inks made by a French company that has been in business since 1670?!

Speaking of inks and J.Herbin - here is their newest ink - an anniversary issue called, simply enough, 1670. It is a deep rich red. I could not wait for it's release here in the states so I had to order it from France directly. Problem is that I hate to break that authentic looking seal! Think of all the history that this company has endure and prospered though. Amazing! Unusual and wonderful!

A Lovely Article About Moi!

I am a self professed junkie for J.Herbin inks, Clairefontaine & Rhodia paper and notebooks, Brause Nibs and pen holders, Pollen Stationary. What is the thread that runs through all of these fabulous things? They are all Exaclair products!

Karen from Exaclair was gracious enough to want to do a small article on me on the Quo Vadis Blog. Today was the day. Thanks Karen !

To see Karen's article go to:
The Quo Vadis Blog

Other than that it was arather wacky week and I am happy that it is now Friday. This full moon totally messed up my sleep for almost this whole week. Tonight I need my z-z-z-z-zz---zzzzzz!!!!!

A Tale Of Fine Paper: Quo Vadis Habana Notebooks Offer A Smooth Writing Experience

Size comparison between the Quo Vadis Habana and my Moleskine

Journaling has been a part of my daily routine for many years. I always had a 'diary' as a kid & I began more regular journaling in the mid 80's. For a few years I used nothing more than an engagement calendar to recount only the most salient points of my day. Gradually my needs changed & I began to require considerably more space. I began using Moleskine journals about ten years ago & they have served me well. Recently, however, I decided that it was time for a change and, thanks to a surprise bit of generosity, I became the happy owner of a beautiful large size Quo Vadis Habana journal/notebook. They are available in two sizes - a small 4"X6" and the large (what I have) 6.25"X9.50".

Quo Vadis Habana journals are, first and foremost made with a 'green agenda'. The paper used is Clairefontaine. Originally made in France, Clairfontaine paper - and Habana journals- are now made in upstate New York &, as the advertisements say, the paper really is superior. Smooth, silky, clear white paper that makes ink colors pop in a way that the ivory/cream paper in my Moleskine journals don't. The press for Clairfontaine paper states that the naturally occuring mineral calcium carbonate is responsible for the ultra smooth surface and lovely whiteness of the pages. No chlorine is used in the processing of the paper either - which really is a feat as far as papermaking processing goes. The pulp is made from sustainable forests as well. One of the best features of Clairefontaine paper, to my way of thinking, is that there is almost no bleed-through no matter what ink you use (the caveat to that is that Sharpies do bleed though - but not as badly as with Moleskine paper). I have recently rekindled my love affair with fountain pens - as many of you who read my blog regularly are probably all to well aware! I am able to use my wettest writers with no problems. Additionally, pencils don't smudge on this paper, unless of course, you want them to! These journals offer a handy back pocket for those treasures that you don't want to lose or forget & it also has a color coordinated elastic to hold the journal closed.

What about color? Color really IS important to me - even when it comes to my journals. It's always good to have choices & Quo Vadis Habana journals come in several great colors. Naturally, I especially love this orange gem! The cover material really looks like leather & it's soft and warm to the touch. I always choose lined paper for my writing journals & the Habana has what I would call a medium width ruling - it's wider than Moleskine at any rate.

I am very pleased to have found another choice of journals that suits my needs so well & I welcome this beautiful orange Quo Vadis Habana into my journal writing world. If you are in the market for a new journal or want to try one that really does offer a superior, pleasurable writing experience (with a choice of color too!) you won't be disappointed by investing in a Quo Vadis Habana!

I auditioned a variety of different pens and inks

Here you can see the difference in page color between the Moleskein on the left
and the Quo Vadis Habana on the right

Here you can see the "bleed through factor". On the top (the Quo Vadis) this is, virtually none. You can see the difference in the Moleskein paper on the bottom - using the same pens and inks.
Bleed through bothers some, but not all, writers.