Paper Solutions for Levenger Circa System

[stnnorman]

I am recent convert to the fountain pen community, and I am a new user of the Levenger Circa system. I love my fountain pens, and the Circa system is a great organizational tool that meets my needs. I am committed to the continued use of my fountain pens, and I do not want to stop using the Circa system. I do not, however, like the paper. In fact, the more I try to make the paper work, the more frustrated I get. The Levenger paper is unacceptable. I have read the frustrations of other Circa users on this site, but I have yet to see a viable solution. I am reconciled to the fact that I will have to purchase the Levenger paper hole punch to accommodate some other type of paper, but I am still too new to the fountain pen/paper world to make a truly informed decision on what to do about the paper issue. I don't know what type of paper to use, how to get ruled lines on it, etc. Any suggestions?

[StyloBug33]

I have been using my own paper in the Circa system for a long time. I use HP 32# Premium Choice Laser Paper. I get it cut to the size I want at Office Max (I use the Jr size) and then hole punch it myself. I also print lines on the paper.

 

Being the paper perfectionist that I am, I also use a corner rounder, like you would use for scrap booking, to round out the corners where they are rounded on the plastic covers. It really turns out very nice.

 

There is no need to be stuck to the Circa paper. I think there are quite a few people around here that punch their own.

[kadymae]

I've been very happy with cotton fiber resume paper -- anything between 24-28lb works nicely.

 

I've used both 25% cotton and 100% cotton fiber paper with good results.

 

You'll want at least 24lb paper, whatever you choose to use, and if you are using paper that's made with recycled content, make sure that it doesn't exceed 25% or you'll start getting bad feathering.

 

If you go to this site, you can make a custom downloadable template.

 

I invested in the circa punch and a rotary papercutter and have been very happy with the results.

Edited May 22, 2010 by kadymae

[Deirdre]

Recently, Steve Leveen told me their heavier weight paper is better -- and it is. I deem it acceptable and I've been frustrated with circa paper for a LOOONG time.

 

I got one of these.

 

Only problem is, I'm not sure how to tell the good paper from the less good when ordering....

[stnnorman]

Thanks for the guidance; much appreciated. Are the paper types/qualities suggest available at my local office supply store (Staples), or would I be better served in quality and price to purchase paper elsewhere? Regarding the paper grid templates, I assume that I would be able to print these and have the office supply store copy these on my choice of paper? BTW: what is the appeal of the rounded corners; never paid much attention this, but I am guessing there is a reason for this other than aesthetics. Right?

[tonybelding]

I am committed to the continued use of my fountain pens, and I do not want to stop using the Circa system. I do not, however, like the paper. In fact, the more I try to make the paper work, the more frustrated I get. The Levenger paper is unacceptable.

 

I've found the Levenger Circa paper to be excellent. It's very opaque and absorbent, so you can scribble notes on-the-go and have the ink dry almost instantly. No smearing when you handle the paper. That's what they're designed for, and they do it quite well. If the spreading bothers you, just use a size smaller nib. Go EF. It's not going to be beautiful, but so what? It's a notebook, not a hoity-toity stationary set.

 

If you want something prettier -- and can sacrifice the fast-drying utility of Levenger paper -- then I suggest trying Rollabind paper. It's compatible with the Circa system, and my fountain pen inks look beautiful on it. You'll save money too. (Caveat: I've only had one sample of Rollabind paper. It was great, but I don't know if every batch is like that.)

[jleeper]

I prefer to punch and print my own Circa/Rollabind paper with a copier and Exact Ice or Domtar Courgar paper in the 60-70lb text weight range. Both have a much smoother surface than Rollabind or Levenger Circa paper, and are rather nice with most pin/ink combos. I can buy the Exact Ice in a natural color that I really like locally. For me 20lb copy paper is too thin for Circa. 28-32lb copy paper might compare, weighwise, with the 60-70lb text.

[jmw19]

I've been using HP 28 lb color laser paper with my Circa punch for some time, and been pretty happy with it. I print my own lines or grids, and cut it down if needed. I haven't been rounding the corners, though I do have a punch for it - mostly used when I make my own covers, since rounding them seems to slow wear in a bag.

 

However, I recently bought an Annotation Grid notebook from Levenger (it was on sale, and it's a bargain for the covers and rings). The paper seems fairly good, though a wider nib will encourage more spreading. Drying times are markedly faster on the Levenger paper compared to the HP, and as a lefty, I can appreciate that. There've been multiple posts here about varying paper quality with the Circa stuff, so perhaps I got lucky. I've also used some of the Rollabind paper, from Staples, and it feels thinner and is more prone to ink spreading, but it dries almost instantly.

 

Regardless, I'd recommend the punch, if only for the ease of adding preprinted pages to your notebooks, or making custom-sized pads, or creating your own covers. Having control over your paper is worth the cost to me, and the desk punch is fairly overbuilt, and should last decades. They do turn up on Ebay from time to time, either from private sellers or the Levenger Outlet.

 

I'd also recommend taking your frequently used pens to a print shop, and trying single sheets of papers. I've read plenty of tales of people getting lots of help from the staff, and finding a favorite paper or two. The price per ream ought to be lower than the prepunched stuff as well, so you'll amortize the punch after a while.

Edited May 24, 2010 by jmw19

[NateB]

Levenger just came out with an improved punch. The holes are are larger to make page turning easier. Anything you buy on ebay will probably be the older style. I have an older punch and have never had problems, but I justed wanted you to know that there are now two different models.

 

If you use the juinior size, you can have an entire ream of paper cut in half at a copy shop for only a few dollars. I think it is easier to print on 5.5x8.5 sheets than to print on an 8.5x11 and try to cut it in half (and I have a nice guillotine paper cutter).

[jmw19]

Levenger just came out with an improved punch. The holes are are larger to make page turning easier. Anything you buy on ebay will probably be the older style. I have an older punch and have never had problems, but I justed wanted you to know that there are now two different models.

 

If you use the juinior size, you can have an entire ream of paper cut in half at a copy shop for only a few dollars. I think it is easier to print on 5.5x8.5 sheets than to print on an 8.5x11 and try to cut it in half (and I have a nice guillotine paper cutter).

 

Aah, I wondered at the difference, but I try to avoid the Levenger site - too much temptation. They've got some nice looking Clairefontaine notebooks with bright polypro covers, for instance. I have a milk crate full of notebooks and journals, and a storage ottoman filled with Circa and regular notebooks, so I really don't need any more, but I want them.

 

Back to the topic, I actually prefer the snugger holes of the self-punched paper, versus the precut Levenger stock. I find the precut stuff moves a little too freely, and can come loose too easily, where the self-punched pages are a little more firmly in position. Personal preferences, though, and I'll admit turning a bunch of pages at once is easier with the precut.

 

I've actually made a pile of junior-size pages by printing vertical lines on 8.5 x 11 paper, and cutting it in half, leaving me with two horizontal-ruled 5.5 x 8.5 sheets, though they have no margin on one side. Not a huge deal for me, but chances are very good a print shop cutter will do a much nicer job than any office tool, and most printers won't have a problem with smaller sheets. Excellent tip.

[Anne-Sophie]

I wanted to do just that, custom print my own paper to have fountain pen friendly paper with my own layout.

 

However, I found out that black and white copies were around 8 cents each. If color copies are around 10 cents each, for 80 pages it would be around $8.

 

 

A 80 pages Rhodia letter size notepad is around $6.

 

http://www.rhodiapads.com/collections_orange_18.shtml

 

 

Doane Paper makes fountain pen friendly notepads of grid+line paper, around $10 for 3 pads of 50 sheets each.

 

http://doanepaper.com/

 

 

 

You could try those ready made papers first and use a Circa Punch to fit them into your notebook.

 

 

It is less work and most probably less money if you consider gas price and your time.

 

 

You can also buy a ream of inkjet paper to make templates very specific to your needs.

 

Fountain pen and ink collection chart or template.

 

Pet needs planner; toddler or teen pleasing family activities; bike, boat, plane, motorbike, rv, truck, semi-truck maintenance schedule and cost...

Edited May 26, 2010 by Anne-Sophie

[KeatsPhD]

I have both Levenger paper and my own punched paper in my notebooks. I was able to get some of the micro-grid annotation paper before it was discontinued and I use that for my circa grade book (so much better than the cheap grade books at the university bookstore!). Some of the other papers do seem to be a bit hit-or-miss in terms of fp friendliness, but I find that they generally suit my needs with my finer nibs - I wouldn't use a broad nib in my grade book anyway.

 

I print lines on HP 32lb laser paper or Staples heavy weight laser paper on my laser jet and punch it for my circa journals. These papers work with all the nibs and inks I have (from a Sailor fine to a Montblanc BB nib). I've even gotten my mom addicted to circa and I print off lined paper for her. She prefers the junior size, so I cut it down and punch it for her once I've printed the lines. I used the free template generator and experimented with line spacing and line color. I find a paler grey line looks better on the white paper.

[NateB]

I forgot to mention DIY Planner. There are a lot of nice templates on the site.

[stnnorman]

Recently, Steve Leveen told me their heavier weight paper is better -- and it is. I deem it acceptable and I've been frustrated with circa paper for a LOOONG time.

 

I got one of these.

 

Only problem is, I'm not sure how to tell the good paper from the less good when ordering....

 

How are you able to tell which Levenger paper is the better paper for fp's?

[stnnorman]

I have both Levenger paper and my own punched paper in my notebooks. I was able to get some of the micro-grid annotation paper before it was discontinued and I use that for my circa grade book (so much better than the cheap grade books at the university bookstore!). Some of the other papers do seem to be a bit hit-or-miss in terms of fp friendliness, but I find that they generally suit my needs with my finer nibs - I wouldn't use a broad nib in my grade book anyway.

 

I print lines on HP 32lb laser paper or Staples heavy weight laser paper on my laser jet and punch it for my circa journals. These papers work with all the nibs and inks I have (from a Sailor fine to a Montblanc BB nib). I've even gotten my mom addicted to circa and I print off lined paper for her. She prefers the junior size, so I cut it down and punch it for her once I've printed the lines. I used the free template generator and experimented with line spacing and line color. I find a paler grey line looks better on the white paper.

 

Seems to me that printing each page individually on the printer would be somewhat costly (I have an HP inkjet). Is it not more feasible (and cost effective) to print a template page, have the office supply store copy the template on the paper, and then punch it?

[stnnorman]

I have been using my own paper in the Circa system for a long time. I use HP 32# Premium Choice Laser Paper. I get it cut to the size I want at Office Max (I use the Jr size) and then hole punch it myself. I also print lines on the paper.

 

Being the paper perfectionist that I am, I also use a corner rounder, like you would use for scrap booking, to round out the corners where they are rounded on the plastic covers. It really turns out very nice.

 

There is no need to be stuck to the Circa paper. I think there are quite a few people around here that punch their own.

 

From what I have read on this site in other posts, the HP 32# seems to be a favorite.

[stnnorman]

I prefer to punch and print my own Circa/Rollabind paper with a copier and Exact Ice or Domtar Courgar paper in the 60-70lb text weight range. Both have a much smoother surface than Rollabind or Levenger Circa paper, and are rather nice with most pin/ink combos. I can buy the Exact Ice in a natural color that I really like locally. For me 20lb copy paper is too thin for Circa. 28-32lb copy paper might compare, weighwise, with the 60-70lb text.

 

I am unfamiliar with the paper brands you have mentioned (Exact Ice and Domtar Courgar paper). I have little success in locating them online for purchase. Suggestions to locate for purchase.

[jleeper]

I prefer to punch and print my own Circa/Rollabind paper with a copier and Exact Ice or Domtar Courgar paper in the 60-70lb text weight range. Both have a much smoother surface than Rollabind or Levenger Circa paper, and are rather nice with most pin/ink combos. I can buy the Exact Ice in a natural color that I really like locally. For me 20lb copy paper is too thin for Circa. 28-32lb copy paper might compare, weighwise, with the 60-70lb text.

 

I am unfamiliar with the paper brands you have mentioned (Exact Ice and Domtar Courgar paper). I have little success in locating them online for purchase. Suggestions to locate for purchase.

 

http://www.paper-papers.com/Wausau-Exact-ICE-WHITE-85-x-11-Paper-70lb-Text-500-PK.html

 

http://www.paper-papers.com/Cougar-Opaque-WHITE-8.5-x-11-Paper-60lb-Text-500-PK.html

 

I've not purchased from them, but they seem to be selling at an OK price and SEEM to be on the up and up.

 

I've been able to buy locally from a paper distributor, the cost of shipping a ream of paper is a bit much for my tastes

[dizzypen]

I have been using my own paper in the Circa system for a long time. I use HP 32# Premium Choice Laser Paper. I get it cut to the size I want at Office Max (I use the Jr size) and then hole punch it myself. I also print lines on the paper.

 

Being the paper perfectionist that I am, I also use a corner rounder, like you would use for scrap booking, to round out the corners where they are rounded on the plastic covers. It really turns out very nice.

 

There is no need to be stuck to the Circa paper. I think there are quite a few people around here that punch their own.

 

From what I have read on this site in other posts, the HP 32# seems to be a favorite.

 

If you plan to carry notebooks around with you you should note that 32# paper will weigh you down a bit. It can get quite cumbersome. If you pulled back to 28# I think you'd be happy with it.

[physicsgirl]

I have been using my own paper in the Circa system for a long time. I use HP 32# Premium Choice Laser Paper. I get it cut to the size I want at Office Max (I use the Jr size) and then hole punch it myself. I also print lines on the paper.

 

Being the paper perfectionist that I am, I also use a corner rounder, like you would use for scrap booking, to round out the corners where they are rounded on the plastic covers. It really turns out very nice.

 

There is no need to be stuck to the Circa paper. I think there are quite a few people around here that punch their own.

 

From what I have read on this site in other posts, the HP 32# seems to be a favorite.

 

If you plan to carry notebooks around with you you should note that 32# paper will weigh you down a bit. It can get quite cumbersome. If you pulled back to 28# I think you'd be happy with it.

 

I use the 24lb paper in mine, and it is great! The 32lb is heavy!