MUCH BETTER Than Moleskine Notebooks!

[@SeaweedKisses]

✍JOIN my Patreon Journal Club for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/SeaweedKisses

[@KyleMaxwell]

The best journal is the one that you will actually use.

[@SeaweedKisses]

@@KyleMaxwell exactly 😉🩷

[@beelzebabe5112]

One more time for the people in the back, babe! ✨

[@wildbill23c]

I agree. Turns out for me its just a plain old spiral notebook LOL. I have a few different versions of Passport size Traveler's planners, but I don't really use them often...I have one I use to keep some notes in that I carry all the time for work, but I don't really do any sort of journaling like diary type stuff, mostly just keep track of daily tasks, notes, etc. The spiral notebook is cheap, especially during school supply season which is when I stock up on office supplies every year LOL. $100 journal, cool, but if you don't use it why would you spend that kind of money on it....yeah I did that, not that expensive, but $50 for a Traveler's Notebook, same difference, it makes no sense to spend the money if you ain't gonna do anything with it LOL.

[@askialuna7717]

Mine is one I made from no name Printer paper and a Cereal box

[@nancytestani1470]

But still which one.

[@janiekcarney5482]

I love quality paper!! It’s so important. Just the feel of it.

[@eugenebatstone5658]

100%, that along with a solid fountain pen! 😀

[@KarmicAngel]

Recieve hate? Over what journal you choose to use?? I will never understand people. 😢 I enjoy watching you. You could journal on toilet paper and I would still watch and not care what you use. I do appreciate your comparisons and honest opinions. Very helpful. I enjoy your channel, please keep doing what you're doing. Have a wonderful day!!

[@SeaweedKisses]

I guess the love AND "hate" comes with the territory.😅 Thank you so much for your support! I appreciate and value it!🥺🙏🥰*big hug!*

[@A4000]

@@KarmicAngel when you post online, you open yourself up to both praise and criticism. At this point, anyone who doesn't get that... Is as smart as a Moleskine user. /Jk

[@jojojo8835]

18:05 scarcity trauma is so real for me too 😢. Paper manufacturing is so messed up at the moment I can buy the exact same product three times a year and it’s completely different paper every time. Some stuff I’ve been buying occasionally for decades and suddenly gone from medium surface cartridge to mirror smooth Bristol board without any indication whatsoever in the specs. I’m scared to use anything and it’s killing my creativity.

[@KarmicAngel]

@@A4000 I never said I didn't get it just don't understand hate over journals. Have a good day

[@photom3]

I appreciate the exposure to all these different options. Helps me to settle on Moleskine, Muji and Pen&Gear. After many years I realized that the most important part was get the ideas on paper without regard to execution or spelling. Assuming I can still read it.

[@academieboheme99]

I use Moleskine with fountain pens in nib size F or EF and there's never been a problem for me there. I got them for cheap too, got lucky at a local Goodwill that had a few for 3$ each. I keep my art journaling in a mixed media Canson XL notebook and discovered that cheaper notebooks makes me more creative than the most luxurious ones. I struggle to finish (or even begin) notebooks I paid more for, and it's more important for me to use the products I buy than to accumulate them. I totally agree with you that using what works for us is the best course of action than using what is sold as "the best" because at the end of the day, what makes it the best is not what its made of but what we pour into it.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yes, I agree with you. It's better to actually USE our products than being too to use them. Happy to hear that you can relate and understand. Thank you for watching!

[@cackhanded]

Thin papers fine with low ink fountain pens so a pilot vanishing point ef is great but when you use a veteran variable nib eg a waterman form the 1930’s or Swann Mabey not so good.😅

[@RiverJanewayRoslin]

​@cackhanded I've realized also some inks no matter the nib are just incompatible with moleskine. I have a pelikan ef that when used with pelikan blue it's fine but the second I use ferris wheel, pilot ink, or any heavier ink it bleeds everytime. Still carry my moleskine but there are some nice alternatives out there.

[@melodyflurry]

I will never stop using Moleskine notebooks for my journaling. 😃 It’s ok if people don’t like it, I love my Moleskines! Do I have other journals? Yes, lots, but I am always using at least one Moleskine and sometimes 2 at a time. But I don’t use fountain pens because they just aren’t my jam. I think they are gorgeous, but I don’t like them for myself. It’s kind of like how I have a zillion pens but I always use a Bic crystal. I’m ok being a weirdo in the journal community. 😂 Love your videos!

[@kathyhackney7950]

Idk if you've ever watched "kill Tony" but I read your first line in the voice of William Montgomery. If you haven't watched him, do it. You won't regret it. 😂😂😂

[@piperspurpose3005]

I'm a Bic crystal user and a Moleskine fan too. The combo works just fine for me, though I do love other journals also. But the Bic + Moleskine just feels right for me.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Haha, happy to see other Moleskine users/lovers still out there! You're right- We have sooo many other journals and pens, yet still come back to the BIC and Moleskine. Our home-sweet-home😂🥰

[@AlabamaCreative]

Bic is my favorite pen to journal with too!!

[@SeaweedKisses]

p.s. We can be weirdos together then🥰😄

[@mestimac]

It makes sense. Just like the best exercise is the one that you'll actually do.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yes, exactly!

[@rorilee9791]

I love Moleskine notebooks. Esp the soft cover expanded. SO fun when they start filling up and getting crunchy :)

[@cherylmiller1753]

At last! Someone on KZbin extolling the brilliance that is the Bic Crystal!! I have about 50 of the blue ones scattered through my world, they are reliable, affordable and just generally excellent pens. A true work horse and so much better than most of the higher price pens often discussed by KZbinrs. No matter which pens I try I always return to the Bic.

[@ashleyacri8988]

I was soooo anti-Leuchtturm for the longest time and now I love them beyond words! I also love Archer & Olive for just about everything creative. Takkti is also amazing quality.

[@anicame2]

Yes girl use what works! I am most productive w the stalogy cuz im not afraid to ruin it. Its pricey but not so much so that im afraid to use it but its just fancy enough to enjoy it daily. I use fountain pens and although tomoe river paper is better for displaying my beautiful inks, stalogy paper shows enough of the ink properties off where I still can admire them.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yes, Stalogy notebooks are great! Yes - We gotta use what works best for us!

[@janiekcarney5482]

I like paper comparison videos. Thank you!

[@kathyhackney7950]

My new obsession is actually the Leda sketchbook as a journal. It's 20$ it's cream pages, elastic, back pocket, blank...basically all the things you've said except it's paper is 120 gsm so it can handle a bit more mixed media. Even light watercolor does good in it Edit, I think it's only has 160 pages but it has an amazing crinkle❤ (where my crinkle lovers at?)

[@SeaweedKisses]

Okay! Now you're speaking my paper love language!😂😍 Definitely giving Leda sketchbooks a look! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@kathyhackney7950]

​@@SeaweedKissesOh it's also soft cover..I know some ppl don't like that but I actually prefer it. It doesn't get bent or torn easily though.

[@eb8791]

Does it lay flat? Does the ink bleed through? This Leda sketchbook you are talking about sounds good.

[@menm_91]

Thank you so much for sharing your time, thoughts, and experiences with us. I am so sorry that you have to defend yourself and your choices. You're not hurting anyone. You're not trying to persuade anyone to use one certain product. Why do people feel they can critique everything anyone does, just because they can?? You said it perfectly. Use what works for YOU and what YOU like. Ignore all the other noise 💙💙

[@SeaweedKisses]

Thank you so much for watching! And, no worries regarding the critics. I can see & understand why and where it's coming from. My hope is to just share that there are other options out there. For now, it's pretty hard to sway me away from something that has shown great results within my own creative journey. So it no longer bothers me, fortunately. I appreciate your support! Thank you kindly!!🥹🙏❤

[@perevision]

I’m always complaining about Moleskine paper quality, and yet I seem to fill them up so consistently. They are not worth full price but they’re often super discounted at places like TJ Maxx. I also have a ton of free ones from my old job at a bookstore that I keep going back to, like you! My favourite journals are Seawhite of Brighton, Paperblanks and Midori as well. Thanks for your lovely videos. Ps. I use almost exclusively fountain pens for drawing and journaling including my bullet journal, but a Preppy with plain Platinum Black is just fine in most notebooks including the Moleskine. Hope the haters stop pestering you!

[@Soul_Watcher]

17:38 The Crossfield notebook uses Tomoe River paper. So, the same as Galen Leather Everyday notebooks, which I love. I believe the Standard Nanami paper is Tomoe River as well. Its interesting that it’s different companies that may apply different inks and have different set ups but it’s Tomoe River. Cheers

[@dreamerlotus]

Love the river paper, used the Hobonichi Techo with it and it was truly the best journal experience for me.

[@kcsubotai]

I use the pocket Cahier Moleskine for everyday/common place writings and Paperblanks books for my "serious" journaling. I'm a Paper Mate Inkjoy pen lover, got the rainbow of colors, so its the beauty of the journal that draws me in and makes me want to add my inane thoughts/feelings to the its pages. Love what you love. Thank you for sharing your recommendations

[@SeaweedKisses]

Thank you so much for watching! Oh yeah! The inkjoy pens are great, too! Love all the colors they offer! I even came across a similar version of them at the Dollar Tree that I picked up and use.

[@katismith]

I can see that the Moleskine expanded gives you joy, so keep enjoying them. And be unapologetic about it. I only have a pilot metropolitan and pilot velocity fountain pens because being a lefty, I'm not sure I want to invest in fountain pens. This year I started using the weeks Mega as my medical journal with a Uni-ball Jetstreams and Uni-ball Signos. They are the perfect match. And maybe that's what it's all about. The perfect match. But one thing I'm glad about, for sure, is this community has got me journalling, sometimes drawing, sometimes painting, just all the things. I have one of those flip spirals, I write down my vitals before transferring them to the weeks, but I also write down ideas. They might become a journal entry or a sketch or they might come to nothing, but the point is I write. Happy journaling in whatever form it takes.

[@deborahbeatty]

For the elastic band on journals that don’t have one or has broken, I use the elastic hair bands from Dollar Tree. I can get them in packs of 3 or 6 and, depending on the journal (I prefer the 9x6” size) they work great!

[@nicola4789]

It's nice to find deals. Recently I bought Markings by CR Gibson 260 pages grid pages for 3.00$. In Canada they go for 26.85$. I had never heard of CR Gibson....extremely good quality, love it! A good pen for our dear Moleskine is the Uniball Jetstream. Also the Markings CR Gibson has rounded corners. Enjoyed your video! Thank you!

[@AnnaBowling]

Big yes on Pen + Gear. I have never had a product by them that I didn't like. Also at WalMart is the Exceed notebook, which comes in sizes from pocket to B5, is a staple for me. For thicker paper (140 gsm) I have recently fallen in love with the Royal Talens brand.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Oh yeah! Forgot to mention the Walmart Exceed notebooks! Those are nice, too!

[@suzan1mal]

Exceed is my favorite as well, but recently can’t find them at my local store.

[@cassandrascott2613]

Yes I like Exceed notebooks because they remind me of the Scribbles That Matters paper, just cheaper

[@DianneVelazquezHunt]

The Bic in blue is my go to pen. Just the regular one that you can buy in a pack

[@BigMexican151]

I've become an avid fountain pen user the last two years, it adds something special to my writing time. I use one as an EDC. The fountain pen and Leuchtturm combo is unbeatable for me!

[@cebukitty]

I used to love moleskines too when I was into ballpoints and rollerballs. Now that I’m into fountain pens I use Hobonichi and Midori. Thanks for all these fp friendly journal recommendations.

[@Voltergeist]

To your point about art journalers using fountain pens, we're out there, but it's more likely we're using dip pens for drawing. And a lot of times when I do see other artists using fountain pens for drawing, it's usually because it's a practical on the go solution for quick sketching that's close to a nib, but dip pen nibs are for achieving certain effects and finish as they're more flexible than fountain pen nibs! Like, it wouldn't be the first kind of pen i'd personally reach for, and even then the inks used are often not water resistant! But you are right about preferences. I have all different types of notebooks and the different types of tools that are best compatible for them. I'm not using my fountain pens or inkier tools in my moleskines, that's not what they're for. I like the form factor of moleskines and the way they bulk up over time with writing/art. If I was in the mood to use my fountain pens I reach for something else. Excellent video! I love the seven seas and Midori is a staple for me.

[@Amyduckie]

I go between using fountain pens and gel pens and I choose my journals accordingly. I’m the total opposite regarding changing things out, I buy shorter notebooks because the faster I use a book, the more accomplished I feel and it keeps me journalling. I’ve even used a kids picture book as a journal. 😊

[@mysticfox1105]

I love that we share the same passion for notebooks, teehee 😊. I enjoy hearing your thoughts on each one; I too have an eclectic collection. I just love them all, regardless of paper quality. That doesn’t always matter to me. It just depends on what I plan on using it for..

[@cindyprice9599]

I really love Rhodia notebooks. The paper is substantial and so smooth!

[@bedsitdiary4391]

I still use the Moleskine Expanded but a lot less now, filling just one a year but that's because the last couple of years I've been using the Leuchtturm 120gsm. It is my holy grail now and I fill around 4 a year. The paper is still off-white, rounded corners, page numbers (even on the plain), it has 7 colour covers now. Nothing shows through, I can paint, write, use anything (except alcohol markers of course). It's A5 and deliciously chunky. Hope you try it one day.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Good suggestion! Yes, I'm currently using the Leuchtturm 120gsm as a one of my project notebooks. The pages are great!

[@MsEnelin]

It is so wild that you feel the need to defend what notebooks you use. Very thankful that you share your thoughts on different options. ❤ I used to love Moleskine in the past but switched to Leuchtturm and Hobonichi once I started with fountain pens. However, when the 400 p. Molskine came out - I got one with the intention of brain dumping into it. It’s something very compelling about that particular one! Haven’t gotten around to it yet but after seeing this I’m thinking it will be a perfect work companion instead. Almost never use fountain pens at work so I will try that! Great video!! 🎉

[@janiekcarney5482]

The most important part is to get your ideas on paper. Collecting different papers is my thing.

[@Ongaliman]

Platinum Carbon inks work perfectly in Moleskine (fine nib). Iroshizuku's too. So you can find inks that work great with Moleskine. I would actually say that archival and other permanent inks work better in Moleskine than in fountain pen friendly notebooks. I love Moleskine for my writing. Carbon Black Forest is perfect for Moleskine.

[@sluggytube]

I have a love-hate relationship with Moleskines because (in MY experience, YMMV of course), their QC can be hit-or-miss. Not just with fountain pens but overall quality control--ribbon bookmarks fraying or coming loose, pages coming out, etc. But if they work for you and you like them, then who cares? And I still go back to them a lot. TY for the video!

[@hidilley]

I am a Stalogy girl all the way but I used to use Moleskine all the time, and I’ve always had pretty good luck w/them, even w/fountain pens but I lean toward EF and F nibs which probably helps. Loved seeing all of your recommendations!

[@SeaweedKisses]

Thank you for watching! Yeah, I imagine EF nibs doing okay with Moleskine paper. Stalogy notebooks are great! Love how reliable they are!

[@PinkHawk191]

My mom gave me a bunch of Moleskin journals. I really like it. My gel pens work just fine with it. I use the Bic Gelocity gel pens as my normal every day pen.

[@andrewhodgson8753]

Clair Fontaine are great. Good paper and cheap. If you can find a suitable hard cover you have smashed it.

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Thank you for the video! My favorite ball point is the Uni Jetstream. It has low viscosity ball point ink and it writes very smooth. A lot of artists do use fountain pens. Especially watercolor artists. I didn't notice unitl I started using fountain pens myself.

[@90crl.]

Your videos always inspire me 🤩 I wish there were so many types of different journals to pick from in my country. For now, I'm enjoying just watching them in your videos 💖 thank you for sharing

[@mirandalemon2469]

I really enjoyed your video. I like to see all the things you're doing. I have always thought that Moleskine was a nice fancy brand, so I was surprised to hear that people have said that to you.

[@lizzieblades]

I need to shout out Kinbor. You'll never guess what is sitting on my desk, blank..... my hobonichi weeks mega. The analysis paralysis is winning. But my $7 Kinbor weeks that I almost slept on holds all of my actual planning. Kinbor has different sizes, different designs such as Sanrio, etc.. They have a white tomoe river paper. So if anyone wants to use one for creative purposes, you don't have to suffer the Hobonichi cost. // Thank you for this video! So many notebooks I have never heard of before :o

[@ladyflimflam]

It’s not Tomoe River paper in the Kinbor, it’s a Chinese made paper that has many of the same qualities. I agree that the Kinbor products are great.

[@suruboogies]

walmart's exceed brand is also pretty awesome. There are lined and grid dot options. They have the typical moleskine size and then traditional a5 sizes, and all under like $15

[@SeaweedKisses]

Oh, that's right! Totally skipped my mind that Exceed offers those nice moleskine/a5 size notebooks, too! Thanks for the reminder!!

[@lauraholleman3560]

Great video! I use moleskine notebooks for lots of things, both the expanded and the cahier. They are readily available and work well. I use Leuchtturm for bulletin journal and for morning pages. I use fountain pens for morning pages, lists, etc because it makes me happy. Rollerball for fast writing, gel pens for some art journaling. I do plan to try a Midori now that I know they offer b6 slim!

[@CeruleanCzarina]

I have a Moleskine Expanded that I enjoy for Bible study. It’s perfect for deep note taking and I don’t have to be precious about the space. Maybe because I use mainly Fine and Extra Fine nibs, I don’t have any issues with fountain pen ink on the Moleskine paper. It works just fine for me. But my current favorite paper for note taking and sketching with ink and colored pencil is the Midori MD Cotton paper. I use an A5 pad for notes, and I sketch in the F0 size notebook. The MD Cotton paper is fantastic, and I enjoy using it far more than Tomoe River paper. It has a slight tooth which makes it the best paper I’ve ever used for colored pencil. Even cheap pencils perform well on it. My one gripe is the unconventional sizing for the notebooks. The MD Cotton paper used to come in A sizes, but Midori decided to get fancy and changed to F sizing, which is based on the golden ratio. This allowed them to lean into marketing this paper to pencil artists. I wish they’d reconsider since my preferred journal size is A6 and no one even makes covers in the F sizes. F0 is almost a B6, so I have my MD Cotton sketchbook in a B6 Chic Sparrow TN cover. The cover is a hair too small, but it will have to suffice. Nevertheless, I enjoy using the Midori MD cream paper in an A6 blank, and this is my preferred notebook for journaling, even though the regular MD paper is smoother and doesn’t accept colored pencil quite as well as the cotton variant. Ahhh preferences and limitations!

[@erikaramirez6558]

we all get into a rut when were testing out new products. i feel like i hit a stride when i finally found the regular tried and tested economical notebook for myself! i was searching for a graph paper, folds back on itself and can be somewhat compact notebook. i like the AHGXG notebooks on amazon. this way i dont get distracted & overwhelmed at the store lol i normally dont like spiral bound bc i feel like i wreck the wires after prolonged use but this one is firm double wirebound and holds up the whole time. plus i love the clear covers bc i usually cut up cards i get from framily and use them as covers (or even postcards or whatever memorabilia) bc it makes my heart just smile. its also professional looking so i use the same one for work but usually add a sticker to the cover instead of a card i cut up. for my purse slash grocery list notebook, i used pocket hard cover lined notebooks from daiso for a while then switched this year to a moleskin softcover pocket.... i love it bc it's a mini planner too so I can reference dates w/out looking at my phone. happy journaling to us all =)

[@SeaweedKisses]

Oh, interesting! Based on your experience, I'm now curious to check out this AHGXG notebook myself! Thanks so much for sharing! Appreciate it!

[@jdblack9703]

Leuchtrum1917 is the brand I use every year now for my calendar. I used the Moleskine for years before. I use fountain pens at home but whatever is handy away usually a Fisher Space Pen. Thank you for a great presentation.

[@Bashertxo]

Lamy make excellent fountain pens and amazing notebooks that are perfect for using with fountain pens. As a long time Moleskine user I’ve now switched over to Lamy ❤

[@SeaweedKisses]

@@Bashertxo what nib size and ink colors?

[@JasonThe_13th]

I carry a 3.5x5.5 leather cover with 2-3 inserts every day. It's just easier as a man with pockets instead of a purse/bag. I only use fountain pens and carry a space pen for signatures on heat transfer paper. Anyway I've found over the years that clairfontaine and rhodia are the same company / same paper. So if you can't find your clairfontaine you like, see if you can find a rhodia! I also tried to get down with field notes but that paper is so poor. I typically keep a 3.5x5.5 clairfontaine staplebound lined book for daily tasks and notes (I think it's almost 100 pages or more) and then 2 thinner tomoe river inserts from either galen or goulet in dot grid and blank for mind maps, sketches, large single topic notations etc. Keep on writing!

[@justineggnn]

I love love loveeee clairefontaine paper!! But to me something less premium, thinner and even something more see-through like moleskin feels better for daily use for some reason! I like the sketchy/used look I guess!

[@RoundSeal]

I have a soft spot for Moleskines; I kept a pocket while doing a lot of traveling when I was younger and I loved it so much. I'm a big advocate of trying out lots of different brands, big or not, and really don't like how gate-keepy the journalling community has gotten. Some of my favourite journalling has happened in euro store books with whatever random ballpoint I could find. I adore Midori and always try to chuck in a fresh book whenever picking up inks. I prefer cream paper as well, it's so much softer on the eyes! I definitely feel the same way about Moleskine being a kind of a workhorse journal - chuck it in a backpack with any old pen and you're good to go. ✌️

[@SeaweedKisses]

I like that! Moleskine as a "workhorse." Yes, well said. And you're right, the cream paper does seem softer on the eyes!

[@wendyhoward2699]

Love your videos! Haven’t seen you in a while,but so glad to see you again. Many blessings.

[@shethewriter]

Peter Pauper Press is so underrated! The paper is great and they are affordable.

[@BoomerVonsMom]

Agreed, they are my go to.

[@lyssanicole5823]

Rhodia Goalbooks spoiled me with 3 ribbon bookmarks a back pocket, 120gsm Clair Fontaine paper, a perpetual calender in two styles and a pre built index. Ik they're more "bullet journal-ey' but they could easily become an art journal.

[@marygiuliano1891]

I love the midori page a day. It has the bottom corner perforation. I also have the other sizes. LOVE THEM

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yes! Midori is tough to beat! Their paper really is that great.

[@simplymarisa8]

I hope you re-stock your zines!! I missed out!! I always come back to your videos for reference and inspo!!

[@SeaweedKisses]

Oh, thank you!❤❤ I have a new zine edition being released some time in April. Will share here on YT once launched! Yeah, I was surprised how quickly the first edition sold out!😅

[@NotaMew]

I greatly appreciate the reference with Chipotle that your coworker used for her diet. Reason why i state such a thing. I follow a similar diet to her but I do weigh under 100lbs... I do not recommend attempting to find out my diet since i do eat things that are seen to be unhealthy. I just manage the portions like your coworker did. Same situation with notebooks that are able to hold onto fountain pen ink. I am currently using a TJMaxx product that I purchased for $6... The paper is light but it still is "crunchy". The brand itself is "The Original Morris & Co" 192 pages. The only draw back to me is the dark bullet points. Nonetheless I am in love with this notebook. I use abnormally heavy fountain pen inks but it is beyond nice to use this notebook. Ok... I am going to vanish and continue watching your amazing informative videos. 💕

[@iChiefGadget]

Loved your video! People always think they know better than you. I like the cheap wines in Walmart and people will complain I should drink the more expensive wine for better flavors. I have gone that route and GOD has made my pallet to like the cheap wines. A notebook I like to use is the Hobonichi Techo Accessories grid Notebook (A6) 240 pages and also the STALOGY 365 Days Note A6 365 pages. I have recently also found the Zequenz series of books, they come in all sizes and colors and their pages are lined, blank, grid and dot. Thanks for your video! GOD Bless!

[@SeaweedKisses]

Thank you! And you're right! Only we know what works best for our style, preference and tastes!

[@jsgraham67]

I started using Moleskine Cahier notebooks in college. My graphic design teachers required us to turn in sketches and notes once a week. So they were handy. Great for graphite but not so much for gel inks. I keep a journal of some kind with me wherever I go. I carry a hard cover Walmart ruled journal now. The brand is XCEED. It is the pocket size A6. Currently the price is under $3.00. These \are the 160 page versions, but I love them for EDC, jotting my thoughts and sketches whenever I need to get something out of my head. These notebooks are fountain pen friendly.

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I never used the original Tomoe River paper but love both the “new” and the new Sanzen. I have two transcription projects in Seven Seas, turned a Cafe Notes into a DIY 5year journal, have another as my current journal, and use a B5 Danika58 as my work notebook. I also plan to save up and order some Galen Everyday B5s for a long term project. I calculated and found the Seven Seas are more bang for your buck than the bookstore journals I started off using and totally justified the price for daily use lol. I tried both Midori and Cosmo Air Light and low key hated both. CAL was wonderful to write on but the barest brush of skin oil would show as soon as you wrote on that portion of the page so it needed to be babied (I am using some Danika58 CAL B5s for a long term transcription project but am being extremely careful not to touch the page). I filled one journal and still have another in my stash but am going to watercolor the pages before writing in it. Midori was just not pleasant to write on, all my pens skipped across the rough page whether EF or B unless it was a particularly juicy ink. I also discovered I have a strong preference for white not cream paper.

[@ChiseledDiamond]

I actually bought this after seeing this and I LOVE it, I love ballpoint and some gel inks that work on it!

[@SeaweedKisses]

happy to hear you're loving it!!

[@shaunamcilwraith1064]

I am new to fountain pens so didn’t really pay much attention to the paper until recently and so I started journaling in my notebooks that I already had.. kinda like you. I have a couple, but I’ve been really using the Classic Notebook - Ruled/Lined (XL) and absolute love it. Have had no problems. So far I’ve bought two Lamys and aTWSBI Eco and have used the Lamy ink, as well as Herbin and Diamine inks to write in it.

[@HazelWalkerSpeaker]

I use fountain and gel exclusively in my mole skins. Never an issue and have 46 filled!

[@VereneLemieux]

I love Bic!! Never failed me ever!! So cheap too. I love Bic and Faber Castell!! Truly underrated

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yes! The true workhorse type of pens!

[@LewisLittle66]

If you're struggling to find a Clairefontaine notebook, look for Rhodia instead. The covers are different but the paper is exactly the same. Edited to add an answer to your later question - I do sometimes use my fountain pens for drawing but not art journalling. My journals are strictly functional, otherwise I'd get nothing done.

[@briansbraindump]

I can recommend the Sakura sketchbooks for art. They hold a bunch of different media, are quite sturdy and have both an elastic and a pocket.

[@sohinidutta97]

One suggestion for fountain pen/wet ink friendly journal that i would recommend is getting super cheap sketchbooks from dollar tree or something. They can take writing media like a pro and will also usually have that cream finish you love. I started doing this after getting frustrated with the price of regular notebooks

[@SeaweedKisses]

@@sohinidutta97 you’re so right! I still enjoy a good Dollar Tree notebook. Here’s a video sharing the ones that take ink pens well- kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHukeaOEr56HmdUsi=DPfYPI_A9cGRJhmC

[@nematarot7728]

Love the Moleskine! Its always been my go to. But I haven't heard of any of the other brands you shared, and I'm excited to try some new brands! And in defense of the Moleskine, there are tons of inks and pens that work for it, you just have to find the right brands. I mainly use the sharpie pen 🖤 Zero ghosting.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Oooh! I'll have to keep the sharpie pen in mind! Thank you for sharing!

[@DL-idk]

I can’t believe you have so many options in local stores! I feel that I’m living in a stationary desert where it’s very hard to find anything at all😅 Most of the time when I want something from Japan, I have to buy it from Amazon Japan and pay for a hefty shipping plus import fee

[@RosieRealmenteYT]

Thanks so much for your thorough review of journals. It's helpful to know which ones work best with certain pens. I used to love writing with ballpoint pens, but now I find it easier to write with a fountain pen. I agree that fountain pens don't work well on Moleskine paper. I splurged on an A5 Clairefontaine dot grid notebook. BTW I use the fountain pen for my Morning Pages (freewriting in the morning). I use a gel pen with my bullet journal.

[@mattboerio]

Canson hardbound sketchbooks have always been a go to back in my days when I sketched and journaled a lot.

[@deniseplasse5126]

I am a fan of the OG #9 Tomoe River paper! I have a hoarders stash that I bought in 2023 when I heard they were gonna be obsolete. ❤ I think I have enough to last me 10 or more years! 🎉

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Just found your channel today. Great comments not only about brands but about choices that are right for each person. -- In the past few days I've what you might call re-evaluating my relationship with Moleskine. If I'm understanding right, Moleskine paper is of good quality, but significantly thinner than the paper used in other brands and apparently as the result of production now being outsourced. Your video confirmed for me that Moleskine notebooks are good if you're using a ballpoint pen or a rollerball pen. I keep a diary and am currently using a lined Moleskine classic, I guess it would be called. I rotate through many pens (living in a college town and working on campus I've found a lot of pens over the years!) and have found that if I want to make diary entries with liquid-ink pens or fountain pens, I'll have to use a brand of notebook other than Moleskine. Not long ago and very close to where I live an art supply store opened and I'm going to see about getting sketch books that are fountain pen friendly with non-acidic paper. A relative of mine has given me for Christmas Moleskine notebooks or sent the money for purchasing those notebooks. I have eight of them that have not been used yet. I'm thinking about donating those notebooks to the Little Free Library down the street or to the Salvation Army thrift shop nearby, but I may just keep those Moleskines for diary writing and use other notebook brands as well so I can use more of my pens.

[@tspacefullstop4161]

I do remember you talking about the Clairefontaine and I love that notebook brand. Its such lush paper and I definitely only use it sporadically due to it being like unicorn paper.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Same! Only used sparingly.😅😅Why do we do this to ourselves? haha

[@marshahostetler]

I found I love the Stalogy does so well with watercolor and I do use a gel pen. Plus the expanded Moleskine grows out of my B6 leather folio. But I celebrate anyone that has found what they love in a notebook. I so agree finding a notebook blank is so so hard. I do watercolor my pages for background I hate a white page. Love and light to you!

[@constancewebb2191]

I got my first moleskine for xmas and have enjoyed using it with uniball jetstream rollerball pen and sometimes the bic cristal pen. Im enjoying so far.

[@SeaweedKisses]

wonderful to hear you're enjoying!!🥰

[@laurameszaros9547]

I use Moleskine expanded version journals and enjoy them, but only for "rough" or draft work. For "final" work, or writing with fountain pens I love Leuchtturm 1917, also because they offer A5, which is my preferred format. It's just as pricey as Moleskine, but the paper quality is much better, and it has several other useful features included, such as double ribbons, useful stickers for labelling and marking the journal, and a "Contents" section. They are fairly easy to get hold of in retail outlets and come in many varied, attractive colours. Waterstones in York UK has started stocking them and if you use their loyalty card to spend on books you can buy Leuchtturms for very reasonable prices.

[@Melserable]

One of my favorite brands for journals is Pentalic. Paper is thick and works with all pens/markers I use (I haven't used fountain pens on it though) it's got rounded edges and soft covers. Also with a closure band. Most of them are white paper though. I have seen some black paper which seemed interesting.❤

[@nyteacher7960]

I’m new to your channel…I had no idea there was a community that loved journaling, notebooks, pens, etc!! There is a blank, hardbound notebook that I loved that sadly I can’t find anymore..😢 I’m going to go back and watch past videos. ☺️

[@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin]

Pen & Gear notebooks are working great with all my various fountain & gel pens. I have seen other fountain pen channels rave about them, too. Apparently, it matters where the paper is manufactured. If it's Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and other places whose cultural is that if pen aficionados, then the paper is done right. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Something like this. I believe it was Doodlebud who reviewed budget paper alternatives.

[@MsNikkiCrucio]

Whew Bic Cristal, the pen snob in me…CANNOT 😂 Thanks for sharing

[@SeaweedKisses]

😂😅🫣

[@peaceandquiet1983]

Me too, I was like whatttt....however the Dollar Tree pen she mentions is spectacular. It's so juicy.

[@erikaf1215]

I also forgot to Thankyou for sharing this because I just started writing with a fountain pen and is good to know which notebooks works best.

[@PlanYourOneLife]

I was surprised when you said that Moleskine wasn't your favorite notebook. I appreciate your explanation. I've been wanting to try out Clairefontaine notebooks, but they are very hard to find.

[@James_taylor810]

My go to is a a5 Moleskine cashier ruled with a Lamy safari fountain pen. I haven’t found another that does the 5-6mm ruled pages, the 8-9mm of Clairfontain is too big for me.

[@SIMulatedSara]

I'm a Bic Cristal girlie through and through. It's been my ride or die pen for over 15 years. I will be buried with my Cristals 😅 For notebooks, I'm an aspiring author and I use an A5 Leuchtturm for each novel. I love seeing them lined up on my shelf, all loved and worn. They're great notebooks, and I get my money's worth out of them for sure. They're all dinged up, spilled on, and the back pockets are stuffed! Great video, and I'm going to have to check out some of these other notebooks you mentioned!

[@milltownmolly4164]

here in the UK I have found that the Ryman is fantastic quality paper and has all of the other qualities of the Moleskin without the back pocket. Not so many pages but reasonably priced and great for both writing and sketching with my VBall pens.

[@DvorahDavida5778]

Stalogy notebooks have my heart. ☺

[@connectee9332]

My favorite are Paperblanks. Thanks for the video.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Oh, yeah! Paperblanks are good!

[@mandyhartzler2388]

Really good recommendations! One that I haven’t seen anyone show, maybe they aren’t that common, but the brand is Bindeworks- made in Germany, I think they are my favorite- the paper is nice( I love fountain pens) and the binding- the binding is incredible, it can handle it when you stuff your journal with collage materials and extra papers/ they hold up better than any journal I’ve ever tried, and I’ve tried many. Probably have 60+ filled journals over the years. You can google the brand and there are some local sellers who carry the brand

[@SeaweedKisses]

Thank you for the suggestion! I'll have to give it a look!

[@tshaa]

I am obsessed with Leuchtturm journals as a fountain pen user

[@Merklinginc]

What a great video!! Thank you 💫💫💞

[@jolynngood2746]

I thought I had a lot of notebooks! People make fun of me and roll their eyeballs at me when they see my stash.

[@phillipstroll7385]

Daler rowney makes the best pocket journals. All their paper is fountain pen, watercolor, oil pastel, chalk pastel, acrylic and oil paint friendly. They cost $4.99 and are ten times as good as moleskin. They are sold at Walmart.

[@emillyw5622]

I discovered the Midoriya in the last 3 years and I will never look back, it’s my ultimate favourite. Although Moleskin is easier to access locally for me and I use it for random lists and notes on the go.

[@Fclwilson]

Journals I gravitate to are Hobonichi. Leuchturm, and Archer&Olive.

[@c.a.FlemingAK]

I use the Midori page a day everyday, and a pocket Sterling ink with 500+pages daily (has trp) love those two. I work at a restaurant and take orders on a pen and gear spiral. I have a bajillion pens, but don’t like ballpoint or rollerball much…if a notebook has bleed through, I will not use back pages, it satisfies for me.

[@horsdubleu0]

i always use moleksine b6 slim with uniball for journaling and i LOVE it!!!! ♥️♥️ also i agreed with you about tomoe river paper i’ve tried many times with them but i cantt so i gave up buying them 😭😭

[@SeaweedKisses]

Oh yes! The uniball balls are great too! I tried loving tomoe river like the majority, but it just doesn't "click" with me. Happy to see I'm not the only one.😅

[@machaontarot5514]

I have been finding Moleskine and Lechterms at TJ Maxx recently at great prices.😊

[@idrisgrey]

Have any of you tried the royal talens sketchbooks? They have blank cream paper, come in a variety of sizes and colors, and are pretty affordable. They might be worth checking out.

[@Bma34]

You turned me on to the moleskine a few years ago. I still use and love it. Thank you, and you shouldn't have to explain yourself. I love looking at your moleskine.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Great to hear! So happy you enjoy using it, too!! 🥰🥹

[@RivkaPotchebutzkyArt]

Love love Muleskine! From estetic point of view they are unbeatable!