Cosmo Air Light Notebook Review | Best Fountain Pen Paper Ever!

[@BeradadisiniVlog]

OMG this is amazing! A thick TN insert!!! am all for it! :D

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I feel your excitement! Give me all the standard notebooks, haha😁

[@jamesaritchie1]

Standard size as compared to what? To me, there's nothing standard about it. It's a very, very weird size, and completely useless, as far as I'm concerned. As for being the best paper you've ever used, no, it isn't. You need to say you like it more than any paper you've ever used. That's accurate. Then I can say I hate it more than any paper I've ever used, with only one exception. The best way to be economical is to buy a much cheaper notebook that hold much better paper for fountain pens.

[@rosemarywiseman3922]

Very nice but you lost me at dot grid. I use lined. Too bad!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I understand! She's open to offering different sizes and layouts so that could be a future possibility.

[@moniw7626]

Hi Sarah, hello everyone. Sorry to write here, but there's a thing that's bugging me and perhaps someone could help me. If you're familiar with a channel SamPlans, whose owner is a lovely lady Samantha, please tell me why she's disappeared from You Tube, if anyone knows. Once again sorry for spamming here. Sarah, I enjoy your videos and greatly admire your cover and stationary collection:)

[@sunny8254]

She announced on IG that she needs a break to focus on more important things like Faith and Family. It might be permanent, but she doesn't know yet. Her IG was also then hidden shortly after.

[@moniw7626]

@@sunny8254 Thank you very much🌷

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Unfortunately, I’m as clueless as the next person😬

[@peachyplanner4834]

@@sunny8254 did she delete her channel? I don’t see her listed on my subscriptions anymore. I’ll miss her videos but I understand.

[@sunny8254]

@@peachyplanner4834 I don't know about that. But I do know it is possible to just hide your channel for a while. Perhaps that's all she did.

[@seasigh]

It's really nice to see more thick notebook options for the standard size! I'd consider buying it for sure if the notebook came with less pages (~200 pages) and had a smaller dot/grid size (3mm - 4mm). My handwriting's pretty tiny. 😂 I've never heard of the paper before, though; it looks really intriguing! I might get a pack to try it out. I love using my Traveler's Company TNs, so if a notebook doesn't fit inside, I usually don't buy it. I have to cut and bind my own notebooks and inserts myself, which I'm okay with, but sometimes... I'm lazy! Although I'll probably have to pass on this notebook, I'm thankful Danika58 and you made it into a reality. I hope more brands and companies take note and consider offering thicker options for the standard size. Thanks for sharing! 💗

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I really hope you’re able to sample the paper! I think everyone should try it at least once. Isn’t it such a challenge to find our Goldilocks notebook?! Haha, I feel like I get pickier by the day. Thank you for watching♥️

[@FridaBeautyBird]

I love when you use this fabric as your background. It reminds me of my grandma's table cloth. Not in a bad way lol. In a happy memories type of way.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Haha, I love vintagey grandma things♥️♥️

[@jeffreyclayman6922]

Great review! Has Cosmo Air Light been discontinued?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Yes I believe it’s no longer being made

[@MissVickybee]

Less than 2 mins in and I bought one!! ahhhh stunning!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@TheNatsimard]

Same! I could not click fast enough!! LOL

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

@MissVickybee 😂😂 I hope you love the paper! I just want to put it in everyone’s hands! I would love to know what you think of it🤗

[@gailsbookishthings5191]

Yay! Another standard TN option! A dream come true!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Haha, keep ‘em coming, I say!😄

[@YumiA211095]

would they ever do a grid version like the stalogy? I'm not really a fan of dot grid.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

She might! I will definitely suggest other paper layouts for future versions if the notebooks continue to be successful.

[@jeffstyr]

Thank you, that was an incredibly useful video. I especially appreciated the comparison of the different paper colors.

[@karencolum]

Sarah!!!! I got my notebooks today and totally LOVE the paper. Superior the beloved tomoe river paper. My fountain pen inks look so beautiful on this paper and I have the small amount of tooth the paper has to allow me better control of my pen. Thank you so so very much for this suggestion. I am happy to pay this higher price just for the experience! I will just have to buy in bulk for my next order.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much for letting me know, Karen!! I’m so glad you’re impressed with the paper! It definitely goes to the top tier for me as well. TRP and Midori MD are sitting solidly in second place 😂. I’m working on more size and page options with Danika58!

[@karencolum]

​@@sarahmartinezjournals I would love page numbers BUT that is not a deal breaker as that might add another layer of difficultly with printing. I bought two sizes, the standard for my journal and then the A5 for my work bullet journal and the page numbers come in handy here. I'm switching over to this for November because the paper is such an enjoyable experience and I'm constantly in my work bujo. Thank you again Sarah!!!!!!!!!

[@karencolum]

@@sarahmartinezjournals I have to say that I have a beloved cross pen that I use ballpoint ink in a broad tip that writes like butter and I tried it on the Cosmo Air Light paper and WOW the ballpoint ink even look beautiful!!! Ballpoint ink! Unbelievable!!!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

@Karen oh wow! Ballpoint ink! Now that’s saying something🤣

[@TheNatsimard]

Every time I watch one of your videos it ends up costing me money! Lol! I guess we have similar tastes! I have just paused your video and ordered the notebook! Thank you for sharing and for the enabling!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Haha🙈. I really hope you enjoy it. I find myself finding excuses to write things in it throughout the day!

[@eberhartstudio3547]

I was so excited about this but I agree with some other commenters that the 320 page size is way too thick for me haha. If they would make a slightly thinner version, I might be a lot more willing to buy one! With paper like this, it's almost for certain that the target audience is people who journal in them (long drying time just doesn't work well as a planner, and the watercolor friendly paper would be perfect for journaling). But journals chunk up a lot more than planners for most people with watercoloring, etc. Maybe they would consider making a thinner version? The Soumkine paper has a very fast drying time and I love it for that!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

You have great thoughts on this! She’s considering more size options and thinner versions (even a thin TN insert) once she gets a good gauge on how her current stock is selling. I’ve been passing on your and everyone else’s suggestions because she really wants to know what the journalers want!

[@Kindlelover88]

I just bought 250 individual sheets of 92gsm Cosmo Air light from Shigure Inks online. I emailed John to see if there is a difference between 75 and 92. His blog did not say. Thank you for your review. I'm going to use it to write letters with my fountain pens!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Oh that’s awesome! I’d probably start writing letters again if I had loose sheets of it. I’m also interested in the 92gsm experience!

[@soltrajik5467]

I'm honestly hoping this paper becomes more widely accepted and used. With the change in TRP I won't want to use it anymore once I go through my old stock. It would be lovely if there were fewer pages in this, an option for a grid (I dislike dot grids so much!), and even smaller books for smaller inserts. I want to see tn insert makers start to use this paper badly. oh! and cahier size, my favorite size.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I totally agree that I’m done with TRP once it’s just the new stock. I’m hoping more makers pick up Cosmo as well! Danika58 will be offering B6Slim dot grid in 192 pages in about a week and Standard & B6 dot grid, 192 pages, by the end of the month. She reads these comments and considers your suggestions so thank you for your comment! I have also suggested thinner TN style booklets.👍🏼

[@shivasheawrites]

Hi Sarah I was wondering if the notebook fits inside the standard travelers company notebooks because that would be amazing.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

It will fit with the string down the middle of the notebook but the notebook comes right to the edge of the leather. There wouldn’t be any room to bulk up if that’s what you wanted to do-it would cause overhang.

[@gailsbookishthings5191]

Now that I have the Cosmo air notebook and have used it for a few weeks, I’m finding that I really am liking most of my inks on it. There’s something I’ve noticed though on my pages and wondered if you’ve experienced the same: occasionally, toward the edges, it’s like inks don’t stick to the paper...almost like there is some sort of coating, or missing coating. It’s not really a big deal to me since it’s on the edges, and only occasionally, but I’m curious why that’s happening. Any thoughts?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

The oils from your hands can soak into the paper, so if you touch your paper a lot you’ll create areas where your ink won’t stick as well. Next time pay attention to where your hands and fingers rest on the paper and see if those are the same areas with the ink issue. I think that might be it!

[@gailsbookishthings5191]

@@sarahmartinezjournals Thank you, Sarah! I never thought of that and I’ll definitely take notice.

[@Jassy5]

i just ordered the A5 and standard :) it's cheaper than soumkine. i just can't justify a AUD120 notebook. not yet anyway :)

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Great choice! Right now, I'm partial to Cosmo over Soumkine😉

[@TwoMiceOnMyBookshelf]

Thank you for this! Tomoe River paper has been my home base for the past year and a half. I am ready to explore new grounds!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I was excited to find other papers too! And I’m so glad to see this one being offered by more companies and becoming mainstream😊

[@sunny8254]

Agree with your final point, just get an A5 and cut it down. Much cheaper than paying $42+ for one of these. Great review though! Very thorough.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Yep! There’s still a huge hole in the market for the low end price range. Thank you for watching♥️

[@nikolasalmodovar6420]

Thank you!! Is it possible to use guide lines under Cosmo Air Light Paper? Is it translucent enough?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I think you could use guidelines with it, if they’re dark enough. I can lay a sheet over black lines drawn with my gel pen and see them well!

[@marshahostetler]

I am glad you found a notebook which is wonderful for fountain pen. I am still stuck on my Midori notebook. I love how you break it down for us.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I'm glad to hear it! I hope you can try it out one day. She's going to be releasing a thinner version (192 pages) in B6 slim and Standard soon. I'm sure she'll have more options down the line!

[@ssd1453]

Sarah can you show what covers will fit this notebook? I know you make your own but for those of us who have zero skills LOL

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I don’t have many covers from other makers anymore but Miss Vicky Bee has a YT video where she tries on covers on this notebook👍🏼. I’m away from home until the new year so I don’t have access to the few covers I have.

[@tac612]

If you had to go with this or TRP, what would you choose? Also, how is the weight of the paper compared to TRP?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Cosmo, hands down. But I also prefer heftier paper and don’t really care for the “crinkle” for which TRP is loved. Cosmo is 75gsm so similar to the 68gsm TRP but still a completely different feel. 😊

[@BurgessTaylor]

I loved the video. You did a great job. I just got Nanami Paper's new Crossfield with the New TRP, and now I'm wondering if you've tried it and compared it to this paper. I ordered one today in the B6 size, and if I like it I'll order another one but in A5 and one in Standard, however, the new TRP is great but it is quite noticeably different than the old TRP.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much, Burgess! I don’t think I’ve officially tried the new TRP but I’m definitely curious. I might have to dabble with that at some point. The ink tests I’ve seen on the TRP Facebook page look really disappointing😕

[@BurgessTaylor]

@@sarahmartinezjournals I did a review of it on YT, and from what I've seen and read it's not for the fountain pen users who use the shimmery, sheen type inks, it's different than the old TRP. However, it's wonderful for regular ink and for watercolor. I don't use shimmer inks (haven't tried any yet), I mostly use document inks, pigment inks, etc. It feels different, it dries quicker, and the colors are vibrant on the page. I'd love to see it compared to the one you showed, maybe I'll compare them when I get the B6 in. :D

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

@@BurgessTaylor oh awesome! I would love to see you compare it with the Cosmo paper for sure😊

[@idolshe]

Would you happen to know how this Cosmo Air light paper compares to Midori MD paper?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

It’s in another league! Midori MD is my favorite Paper next to TRP but the MD paper doesn’t show all the fountain pen ink qualities as well as the Cosmo. The MD paper feels a bit slicker and smoother where the Cosmo feels slightly velvety. The MD and Cosmo are similar in their thickness in that they both feel a bit hefty and not as delicate as TRP.

[@awefull-gold]

YAY! Another thick standard size notebook!!! Thank you for sharing and all the comparisons!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Right?! Keep em coming!

[@WitchofCrowSummit]

Wow! I am SO excited to see this! I have wanted a BOUND TN for the longest time!!! Yay!!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I totally get it! I’m constantly on the hunt for perfect bound standard size notebooks and this is the most magical one I’ve come across!

[@karenkelsall1516]

Thank you for a really thorough review. I too would love a B6 slim size with about 200 pages as as I live in the U.K and there are very few on offer here, mainly just the Midori md notebook's. I really hope these different sizes are bought to the market.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Shes very close to deciding on the next batch of journals and a 200 page version is at the top of the list along with B6 slim size! 🤞🏼

[@karenkelsall1516]

@@sarahmartinezjournals Yaay!!! Can we pre order now, lol xxx

[@keishachambers1231]

Pebble Stationery Co. has a 200 page 52 gsm TRP notebook. I almost purchased one this week.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much for the recommendation, Keisha!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Ok, I purchased and my order arrived today. I’m so disappointed 😞. I got the notebook and the A6 planner. The notebook isn’t cut straight at the top and the planner is a Chinese planner with quotes at the bottom that weren’t on the website photos. Can’t win ‘em all, I guess!😆

[@tereaplant]

Will this book fit into the standard/original Travelers Notebook?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

It will fit in the regular traveler’s notebook with the string down the middle but it comes right to the edge. There’s basically no room to allow for bulking up your notebook!

[@sportzone24112]

Hi, thanks for your video! Do you have information on how it performs with stickers or washi tape? Like are stickers or washi tape repositionable after you place it down or does it too the surface of the paper? Also do you have a video or recommendations on where to start with getting into fountain pens?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I haven't had issues with stickers or washi tape I normally use, but I think it depends more on the adhesive. I have some tapes and stickers with stronger adhesive, but the repositionable ones have come off fine. Regarding fountain pens, I still feel like a newbie myself so I don't have a starter video. I know there are a lot of "fountain pen for beginners" videos out there so I would search that on KZbin! Have fun!

[@sportzone24112]

@@sarahmartinezjournals Thanks for your reply!

[@Eversew139]

Hi Sarah. I appreciate the research you do on the many products you share.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much!🤗

[@JulieloopsJAM]

Ok, I haven't even watched your video yet but I was so excited! This paper is my FAVOURITE paper!! I make my own notebooks with it ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@JulieloopsJAM]

Ok, now I've watched the video. Great review!! I'm with some of your other subscribers here, that the notebooks are too thick for me. I do use A5 but would also love for it to be available in A6. Even 100 pages would be enough for me!! ♥️

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Omg now I remember watching your video of the A4 multi paper catalog! I knew I saw someone with it! I got ahold of one with some Cosmo paper in it. You’ve been holding out on us!!😂. It looks like her next order to the notebook craftsmen will be to reduce the amount of pages to 200. I also asked about getting them made in 30-45 page traveler’s notebook inserts. So we’ll see!

[@JulieloopsJAM]

@@sarahmartinezjournals I've since bought packs of the Cosmo Air Light paper. I almost felt guilty, like I was cheating on TR but I still use that, too!! 😂

[@swtanime]

Hello! Do you feel that the covers/binding of this book could handle TN strings? Or is a folio cover a better way to go?

[@sunny8254]

You should check out Sarah's folder tutorial for putting a thick notebook in a TN. It works great and you don't have to invest in a folio 😉

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I personally don’t like putting thick notebooks in TN strings. In my experience, prolonged use has damaged my notebook cover or spine. A folio is a better option or as @sympatheia suggested, using a slip pocket on your strings like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y37QnmmFrc-jf68

[@ssd1453]

Will you be showing how you decorate the cover etc? Xoxo

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

No because all I did was glue down scrapbook paper and put the label on😆. Nothing exciting!

[@ssd1453]

Sarah Martinez we still wanna see it!! Lol

[@CeitDeVitto]

It would be nice if they have B6 Slim. Thanks

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I think she’s open to more sizes once she knows the demand! I’ll be sure to pass it along👍🏼

[@CeitDeVitto]

@@sarahmartinezjournals Thanks I contacted her through etsy she is thinking about it she will let me know in about 2 weeks. She wanted to know who are the other makers. As far as I know there are really only 2 Nanami and Madori.

[@ellenl9774]

Sarah, great review! Do you prefer this notebook over the Soumkine?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

From preliminary testing, I do prefer this paper over the Soumkine. I don’t like to make a definite decision until I’ve used a whole notebook. Once I’m done with the Cosmo, I’ll dive into a Soumkine!

[@ellenl9774]

As it happens, I have that pad of sample papers but hadn’t used it yet. Last night after watching your videos, I tore out a sheet of the Cosmo paper and threw everything at it I could possibly think of. It really impressed me, and I love Tomoe River paper and thought nothing could sway me away from it. The old Tomoe River anyway; I have not seen or used the new version. But the Cosmo! No ghosting or bleed through with heavily inked stamps or strong washes of color. It does have a different feel to it, but it’s the performance that matters. So you see? Your videos really have an impact! I would not have discovered this paper for a long time otherwise. Thanks again!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Oh my gosh! You had buried treasure! I’m glad you discovered it🤩

[@Elizkleincaz]

Wow, I'm really excited for this. I am interested to try this new paper. I wish it was a little less than 320 pages, as that would get very chunky very quickly, but I'm going to try it anyways. Maybe no watercolors for me for awhile lol. I would also love to have a B6slim option, as I tend to switch in between standard and B6slim. Thanks for your great review, Sarah!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m so interested to hear what others think. Robin thought it was good paper but she wasn’t blown away like me. Everyone’s tastes are so personal! I will make sure to pass along your preference for B6slim. I would actually like a thin TN insert and perhaps a 200 page perfect bound notebook with this paper. So we’ll see what happens!

[@Elizkleincaz]

@@sarahmartinezjournals yeah, I agree those thicknesses would be awesome. I am interested to see how I like the paper because I agree that often TRP feels like my pen is going to fly right off the page, especially if I am using a smooth nib. And watercolor pools a little weird on it too, because of the coating.

[@cerealnana]

I would also like a thinner version as I really chunk my journals.