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!

New Hand Painted Cat Cards For Some Special Friends

Here a few newly hand painted cards. I used with a combination of inks: J.Herbin inks , J.Herbin Calligraphy inks, J. Herbin Pearlescent inks, Dr.Martin's India inks - and just a touch of Golden Interference Red/Gold. These will be off to new owners this morning. One a "huury back" rather than a "good bye" for a favorite doctor who is leaving and one for his nurse who will, once again, have to 'train' another new doc. The third card goes to the great, friendly people at the front desk of our Medical Center who somehoe seem to manage to always answer those blasted phones with a smile! Did I mention they get home made sugar cookies too?!

Two Ways To Happiness

I have started a series of these small mixed media pages which will showcase some of my favorite new J.Herbin inks - and experimenting with some of my new dip pens. The top photo uses J.Herbin Pearlescent Pink (for calligraphy) and J.Herbin Rose Cyclamen (for fountain pens and drawing). For the nibs I used a Brause nib in a great Brause holder - the holder allows for two ends - two nibs on one holder is a great idea!

This 'happiness' was made using a combination of J.Herbin and Sakura inks. Hopefully I will manage to get the 20 page series done - using a varity of Kanji and J.Herbin inks, Clairefontaine watercolor paper (my fav) and a wide variety of fabuous Brause nibs.

The A Doodler's Journey; An Improbable Romance of Pen & Ink

I have, indeed, succumbed to the fountain pen bug, or perhaps it is, rather, that I have returned to the fountain pen fold after a prolonged absence. What is new - to me at least - is that the fountain pen ink industry has blossomed in my absence. As I recollect ink was generally a matter or blue,black or blue-black. Parker Super Quink did make a beautiful turquoise that I remember fondly while Sheaffer had an amazing green. There were reds to be had at that point as wel l- I especially remember that Osmiroid made a red that I used in a calligraphy pen. In general though, there was a dearth of color in fountain pen ink....which made doodling with a fountain pen less enjoyable. No more !!! Fountain pen inks are now as beautiful & varied as any artist's medium - ink purveyors are now truly artists & their inks have become a true art medium. There are 'wet' inks, 'dry' inks, lubricating inks, inks in every color, shade and tone that you could wish for .. and did I mention that most are blendable as well?! There are even highlighting inks. Ooolala!! Check out some of the amazing colors available at J.Herbin inks (one of my favorite companies that also makes dip pens and sealing waxes), or Noodlers inks - with an amazing palette of inks available made right here in the USA. Another of my favorites is Private Reserve ink. You will be amazed at the variety!

I have, therefore, been spending an inordinate amount of time learning about pens and inks, collecting them & recently even trading them. I have also been enjoying doodling a lot - as I try out each new pen and ink in various combinations. They have become a revelation, much like using Caran D'Ache Neocolor crayons or Stewart Gill paints have been. This is the beginning of my doodling journey so I thought I would show you a couple of pages of my doodles - wrought as I try a new pen, or a new ink or various combinations of both! Inks are magical, intriguing and they have really captured my imagination. Go out and buy a fountain pen - you really won't regret it and your writing & doodling life might change - just as mine has ! I was astounded at how many wonderful pen companies are out there now- willing to help you choose just the right pen for you. Of course, because of where I live I had to depend on on-line resources - and there are PLENTY of them! I got my first pen from jet pens - they have an amzing array of pens available - Japanese pens like Pilot for instance. Their prices are very reasonable and they sell lots of cool new art supplies - like water brushes, markers, crayons, water colors etc. After that I decided I needed to do some research. I joined the Fountain Pen Network. This is a very well though out site with some of the nicest, most helpful people you will ever find in an on-line site. There are always great pens being sold through their 'market place' feature. I Sell Pens is another online site taht insures fast service, great prices and an array of reasonable priced entry level (or high level) pens. I could on - and probably will in the future - about the amazing resources for pen fanatics like I am becoming. Ink On!..and have a very happy weekend !