Cream/Off-White/Beige Paper?

[Souldrifter]

A little background first. I've always disliked bright white paper to write on. It hurts my eyes. In high school, I would do all my geometry proofs and all my algebraic equations on yellow legal pads. It was easy to see which homework was mine when the graded papers were passed back... mine was the only yellow one.

 

To that end, I wanted to know if anyone could recommend some good cream colored paper... off white, beige, parchment colored, antique white, whatever one might call it. My lined Moleskine is feathering some with my Phileas F that's filled with my "most favoritest" ink ever right now, Air-Corp Blue-Black. I did a few forum searches on cream paper, off white paper, etc, and didn't come up with any relevant hits. I want something that's going to be easier on my eyes than the bright white Clairefontaine paper in the other journal I just got, or that's in the very nice Black n Red notebook I have for work. That, and I'm rather fond of a copper/brown ink on "aged" looking paper.

 

Thank you for any suggestions... I love the enthusiasm here. Finally, I have found somewhere I don't have to feel like a (bleep) just because I'm picky about paper and ink.

[HDoug]

I'm using a journal now with bright white (HP Premium) paper, but I prefer off-white paper too. I have had the hardest time finding a large, unlined, off-white journal, though. The best I've found so far is the Exacomta Basics sketchbook that I ordered from Swisher Pens. But my last order has been on backorder for some time now. Also, kind of pricey at $22 or so each.

 

To get an idea of its "off-whiteness" here is a photo with it in BACK of the HP journal that I'm now using:

 

http://homepage.mac.com/hdougmatsuoka/images/pen/080308/journal.jpg

 

The paper is very fountain pen friendly also. Here's a review of the Exacompta, but you can't see how off-white it is in these photos.

 

For writing letters, I use Crane's ecru which is 100% cotton but from what I see posted here, a little too "toothy" for some (not me!).

 

If you like or can tolerate lines on your paper, you will have a wider selection, but I'm ignorant of those papers.

 

Good luck on your quest!

 

Doug

Edited March 11, 2008 by HDoug

[satrap]

http://www.neenahpaper.com/SamplesAndPromo...dex.asp?ft=Home

 

For a nominal shipping fee, you can get samples of nice paper from Neenah paper. Look on the home page for the links to different papers (Classic Crest, Classic Linen, etc.)

 

You can order in bulk (case only) from http://www.lewispaper.com My favourite is Strathmore Elements, and will be treating myself to a case again soon.

[Souldrifter]

I'm using a journal now with bright white (HP Premium) paper, but I prefer off-white paper too. I have had the hardest time finding an large, unlined, off-white journal, though. The best I've found so far is the Exacomta Basics sketchbook that I ordered from Swisher Pens. But my last order has been on backorder for some time now. Also, kind of pricey at $22 or so each.

 

To get an idea of its "off-whiteness" here is a photo with it in BACK of the HP journal that I'm now using:

 

...

 

If you like or can tolerate lines on your paper, you will have a wider selection, but I'm ignorant of those papers.

 

Good luck on your quest!

 

Doug

 

Thanks for the photo! I also read the review you linked. You have very nice handwriting. I hope to work on mine to make it more legible. Problem is, I rush, and that makes my penmanship go to hell. So, why do you prefer blank to lined? I worry about writing on non-lined paper because I'm afraid I will start to tilt and slope off to the bottom as I go across the page. I like the shade of that sketchbook paper... I had considered that one when shopping around, but didn't have many details so settled on the Exacompta Journey notebook. This is a decision I am now regretting. I haven't used it yet, so maybe I can unload it somehow.

 

I did a little looking around, and it appears that a place called Vickery has those journals you use... and they appear to have unlined in stock, but the cover is black rather than tan. If I can manage to sell the Journey Notebook I have, I may try one of these instead. Thanks for the notes and hope to hear back soon on lined vs unlined.

[HDoug]

So, why do you prefer blank to lined?

 

I don't like lines because they are either too close or too far apart for the size of my handwriting. And the size of my handwriting varies depending on the pen I'm using, my mood, etc. Also, one of my goals was/is to write in straight lines without lines. You'll notice that my handwriting isn't really straight and it also veers off up or down, but it's getting better with practice...

 

Doug

 

[lingyuki]

From one student to another, I definitely recommend Apica notebooks/journals. You can get them from Taylorintherockies in ebay. I love how portable and easy on the eyes AND pens these notebooks are. They are sown in though, so for homework you have to turn in, you might want to write it on looseleaf.

 

G'luck searching!

[penguinmaster]

I'm the fence about using bright white paper. On one side, it really shows the color your using nicely. On the other side, its' boring to me. With that said I ordered 500 sheets of cream colored cardstock from our printing service on campus. I love it. It's extremely smooth, no feathering, and because it's so thick, absolutely no bleedthrough. Then to top it off, I found out our printing services can print out 250 copies on the stuff front and back lined or whatever else design I gave them for about $15 I was hooked.

 

 

[Souldrifter]

I don't like lines because they are either too close or too far apart for the size of my handwriting. And the size of my handwriting varies depending on the pen I'm using, my mood, etc. Also, one of my goals was/is to write in straight lines without lines. You'll notice that my handwriting isn't really straight and it also veers off up or down, but it's getting better with practice...

 

Doug

 

Ah! You know, that makes sense. I have a couple of F nibs, but find they're not F enough for me, so am shopping around for an XF or even XXF... if I can find one around or below $50 (I'm seriously considering the Lamy Al-Star, after reading a bunch of reviews here). Anyway, yes... I can see how that would make a huge difference. What if I wanted to try a broad nib, or maybe experiment with a more flexy nib (in the future... baby steps for me ) those lines would certainly get in the way. You've definitely given me food for thought.

 

From one student to another, I definitely recommend Apica notebooks/journals. You can get them from Taylorintherockies in ebay. I love how portable and easy on the eyes AND pens these notebooks are. They are sown in though, so for homework you have to turn in, you might want to write it on looseleaf.

 

G'luck searching!

 

Well, high school was a good 20 years ago for me, so no more homework to turn in. But I have read a lot about Taylorintherockies and the Apica books/journals. I may pick up one of the samplers on ebay just to play with. After all, that's what it's all about.. enjoyment, right?

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

[hardyb]

FPN Post: April 15, 2007, Paper & Pen Paraphernalia Reviews and Articles Ampad Gold Fibre 20-007 008:

 

 

"Has anyone tried these lovely writing pads from AMPAD? They are spiral-wire bound at top and have brown-to-burgundy old-fashioned covers, with a label that claims "America's First/America's Finest." The paper is an ivory cream color and quite smooth. The smaller 5x8 brings 50 sheets, the larger 81/2 x 113/4 contains 70 sheets. Their item numbers are, respectively, 20-007 and 20-008. At Staples."

 

 

 

The best minds and the best advice on the Web.> FPN

Edited March 11, 2008 by hardyb

[CharlieB]

"Has anyone tried these lovely writing pads from AMPAD? They are spiral-wire bound at top and have brown-to-burgundy old-fashioned covers, with a label that claims "America's First/America's Finest." The paper is an ivory cream color and quite smooth. The smaller 5x8 brings 50 sheets, the larger 81/2 x 113/4 contains 70 sheets. Their item numbers are, respectively, 20-007 and 20-008."

 

I've tried them and had both good and bad experiences. The quality of the paper seems to vary from batch to batch. If you have a good batch, you'll fall in love with the brand. If you get a bad batch, you'll be disappointed.

 

[HDoug]

I've tried them and had both good and bad experiences. The quality of the paper seems to vary from batch to batch. If you have a good batch, you'll fall in love with the brand. If you get a bad batch, you'll be disappointed.

 

Ditto! Same with Tops Docket Gold.

 

Doug

 

[JDFlood]

I am not too fond of bright white paper, but I don't think it would effect my purchases. However, the writing characteristics do. I was looking for a job five years ago and did a "high end writing campaign". In the process found 1) Strathmore paper and 2) Laid paper. Strathmore Writing paper is laid, the process as I understand it was specifically for the fountain pen. I use Strathmore Soft Gray... if you just handed it to someone, they would probably think it was white... there are a number of colors, they are very subtile. But what is important is they are outstanding for the fountain pen. No bleeding or feathering. They have a very subtile lined appearance embossed in the paper. This stuff is great. I have just gotten fed up with all the other paper I am exposed to and bought a couple reams.

 

Journals. I started using Levenger Circa books as journals because for most of my life I have had several journals. And none have consequtive entries, because I have one for travel, one in my backpack, car, bicycle and my current lost one. So I bought four of the Circa books in journal size and I always start a new date on a new page and then I reassemble them every six months or so into the correct sequence in a larger Levenger binder (1.5" rings). This has worked well. However, the Levenger paper is, well not terrible for the fountain pen, but not good. So, I finally got fed up with it and have purchased a bunch of Strathmore Writing paper. For a $1.50 a cut my local Kinko's cut the paper to the Levenger notbook size and I bought a Levenger hole punch (so for $3 I now have 1,000 sheets for my journal). At last great paper and my Levenger system.

 

I really like the Strathmore Writing paper. I had mentioned to my Printer that I was under the impression Crane was the best paper and he politely told me, not true, that Strathmore was, so far I must agree with him (for American non-homemade Paper). The Strathmore laid, has a bit of tooth to it, so if you are going for the ultimate smooth paper I would try an Strathmore non-laid. I compared to the HP 32# laser last night, and must admit, there is not comparison as far as quality, however the HP is smoother. I am not very price sensitive so about $30 a ream is not an issue for me, especially since I got over a thousand sheets for it, what, 20 years worth? But FYI.

 

JD

[WhosYerBob]

To that end, I wanted to know if anyone could recommend some good cream colored paper...

I really like Fabriano buff colored papers - I use their correspondence cards all the time.

[JakobS]

"Has anyone tried these lovely writing pads from AMPAD? They are spiral-wire bound at top and have brown-to-burgundy old-fashioned covers, with a label that claims "America's First/America's Finest." The paper is an ivory cream color and quite smooth. The smaller 5x8 brings 50 sheets, the larger 81/2 x 113/4 contains 70 sheets. Their item numbers are, respectively, 20-007 and 20-008."

 

I've tried them and had both good and bad experiences. The quality of the paper seems to vary from batch to batch. If you have a good batch, you'll fall in love with the brand. If you get a bad batch, you'll be disappointed.

 

 

I've tried them and had both good and bad experiences. The quality of the paper seems to vary from batch to batch. If you have a good batch, you'll fall in love with the brand. If you get a bad batch, you'll be disappointed.

 

Ditto! Same with Tops Docket Gold.

 

Doug

 

Doug and Charlie, are you talking about Ampad the brand in general, or the specific 20-007 and 20-008 notebooks mentioned. as I have used three of the 5x 8's and two of the 8x11's and found the paper quality to be very consistent, smooth, and enjoyable between each notebook. I cannot speak for Ampad's other notebooks or legal pads, but this series of notebooks provide quite a nice writing experience. The paper is a beautiful cream/ivory, with no bleed through, or feathering. These are the notebooks I would recommend, they scream "aged" paper!

[inkdesigner]

 

 

I am not too fond of bright white paper, but I don't think it would effect my purchases. However, the writing characteristics do. I was looking for a job five years ago and did a "high end writing campaign". In the process found 1) Strathmore paper and 2) Laid paper. Strathmore Writing paper is laid, the process as I understand it was specifically for the fountain pen. I use Strathmore Soft Gray... if you just handed it to someone, they would probably think it was white... there are a number of colors, they are very subtile. But what is important is they are outstanding for the fountain pen. No bleeding or feathering. They have a very subtile lined appearance embossed in the paper. This stuff is great. I have just gotten fed up with all the other paper I am exposed to and bought a couple reams.

 

I really like the Strathmore Writing paper. I had mentioned to my Printer that I was under the impression Crane was the best paper and he politely told me, not true, that Strathmore was, so far I must agree with him (for American non-homemade Paper). The Strathmore laid, has a bit of tooth to it, so if you are going for the ultimate smooth paper I would try an Strathmore non-laid.

 

JD

 

JD,

 

Do you have a link to where I might be able to purchase some of this paper? Thanks.

 

Inkdesigner

 

[Ridgepeach]

I might have missed it, but I didn't see anyone mention G.Lalo's Verge De France. The glued top pad has half cream and half lite brown(?). Great for writing & unlined. Very FP friendly. If you'd like, I could send you a couple of sheets & the matching envelopes, so you could see if you like it?

 

Becca

[Kelly]

I might have missed it, but I didn't see anyone mention G.Lalo's Verge De France. The glued top pad has half cream and half lite brown(?). Great for writing & unlined. Very FP friendly. If you'd like, I could send you a couple of sheets & the matching envelopes, so you could see if you like it?

 

Becca

 

 

I, too, give a high vote to G. Lalo - their ivory (or champagne colored) paper (glue-top) is wonderful but not sure how pricey it would be for everyday note taking.

 

You might see if you have any Japanese paper stores in your area, like Mai'do. There are many Japanese notebooks with ivory/off-white paper (all the ones I've tried are super fountain pen friendly with zero feathering). There's one I use called Boston Note by Maruman that is great (although lined but they might make it in blank, unsure), however I've head a heck of a time finsing any on-line for folks who don't have Mai'do nearby.

 

Good luck in your search and keep us updated on your finds

[JDFlood]

Do you have a link to where I might be able to purchase some of this paper? Thanks.

 

Inkdesigner

 

 

The manufacturer's site is here:

 

http://www.strathmore.com/

 

You can order direct... their shipping is $12... however, good service. If you are not price sensitive, I would just do that. White is readily available on the internet. If you want another kind, get the number from the Strathmore site and do specific Google search to find it. Also, Strathmore is frequently available locally. You have to find a "paper warehouse" to find someone that carries all colors, these are frequently wholesale outlets, that retail people can go to. Anyway, if you have a problem, I'm pretty good with the internet, if you have trouble, send me a message. JD

[JDFlood]

Just as a follow up. I recommend trying before buying. Mostly, I use medium nibs with high ink flows. With my Montegrappa's the paper seems to have little tooth. However, with a fine, cursive italic, it has a lot. If you like XXF, I would imagine it would feel pretty rough. JD

[amper]

Do you have a link to where I might be able to purchase some of this paper? Thanks.

 

Inkdesigner

 

 

You should have no trouble sourcing Strathmore paper at any local paper house. Strathmore is one of the largest paper mills in the country. Personally, my choice in Strathmore is Strathmore Writing 100% cotton, wove (smooth) finish. It performs quite similarly to Crane's Crest.

 

The distributor I use locally is usually Xpedx, which has locations in Spokane, Seattle, Yakima, and Wenatchee. I hope that helps you out in WA.

Edited March 31, 2008 by amper