I'm writing out Valentine's day cards, and I always run into the same problem: My ink won't dry on the card stock, and it smears, and I have to switch to a cheap-o rollerball. Anyone else share my frustration?

Isn't it because you're using the glossy type? I have encountered the same darn problem but then I use a paper towel as a blotter.... :ph34r:

More than one? Shame on you.

Ray

Understandable; never put all your eggs in one basket.

When I shop for cards I try to guess what the paper will be like, but I don't do better than 50/50. For some of them, even rollerballs will thread. So many seem to place a higher priority on appearance than actually being written on.

Solution: don't send V-day cards...

Ha!...I nearly never do. But this year the four I'm sending go to my mom, two sisters, and a non-romantic friend and her dog, with little boxes of Godiva. The fifth one is the "real" Valentine, and I nearly screwed up the nice card because I couldn't tell that it was glossy. I hate having to write messages with any other sort of instrument, since it screws up my handwriting.

It is really depend what paper you select.

You can try to use tissue paper cover in your hand writing. DON'T hurry to move up the tissue paper or heavey press tissue paper on your card.

Be care to slight press tissue paper, you must prepare a lovely V-card to your lover.


Jojo :bunny1:

Yes, greeting cards can be frustrating. I've actually cracked out the blow-dryer, and even then....

I recently wrote on a card to a friend of the family, and had the exact same problem. It was the first time that I had used a fountain pen on a card, so I was quite surprised. I didn't expect to run into this kind of problem. I'll have to be more careful from now on. After I use up the box (20 cards), I'll be sure to select better ones next time.

Check out the cards sold at Swishers. I haven't looked for Valentines Day cards but at Christmas time they stocked some very fountain pen friendly cards. They are also a good source for pens, ink and stationery needs generally. I have no financial interest in Swishers. I am merely a satisfied customer.

http://www.swisherpens.com/

Thank you!

When I buy a box of greeting cards, I sacrifice one card and one envelope - testing out my various pens and ink. If I find out the cards simply are not suitable for FPs, I cut a sheet of 32# HP premium laser paper slightly smaller than the card. I fold it [landscape or portrait - however the card is folded], then run one line of glue-stick glue on one side of the fold and glue it to the inside of the card. I write on this inner leaflet which gives me more writing space than the card - the front of the leaflet and the two sections above and below the fold on the inside. Occasionally I see store-bought cards that have these inner leaflets so I don't think adding this leaflet compromises the appearance of the card.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Judybug

I bought a card that happened to have an inset and it took fountain pen ink very nicely. The envelope, however, was a different story. It looked uncoated, but turned out to have some sort of coating that repelled ink. I ended up using a Sharpie to address the envelope!

Judybug, that's a tip worthy of Heloise!

That's a pretty nice idea....if you've got the patience
Thanks for sharing!