Let me begin with credit where credit is due. The quotes used in today’s post are the unintentional courtesy of Gray Summers. Who in my humble opinion, has a way with words beyond equal.
World Stationery Day is an annual event observed every last Wednesday of April – HEY, that’s today. Stationery is used for written correspondence and is an important part of the correspondence. Since prehistoric times, humans have made use of a wide variety of implements to write letters, convey messages, or preserve information. Today, stationery still plays a major role in our society despite technology.
“This joy in providing the experience of seeing ink simply appearing on paper. No thought” is given to the magic before my eyes. ~ Gray Summers
This day was established in 2012 to help make sure the art of writing would not go extinct. Embrace the effort of writing, though less practical than other methods of communication.
“We take the pen, the ink, and the paper for granted. We assume they will perform with little to no thought given to the alchemy associated with each.” ~ Gray Summers
You can celebrate World Stationery Day with a visit to a local stationery store, or handwrite a letter, poem, or greeting card. And don’t forget to mail or share your work. However, if you are crafty I have other options – read on.
“Does this ink/pen/nib combination suit the paper within? Will it ‘letter feather’ and bleed spidery web-like into surrounding spaces? Will it show an unwanted echo script, a reversed ghostly imagery, through to and on the back of the page? Useless to use.” ~ Gray Summers
For the crafty, super geeky, and those looking for a more personal touch – might I recommend handmade paper, envelopes, faux gold leaf, antique paper, or ink.
- Add some pizzazz to your journal. I found a simple and easy way to decorate your journal with a touch of gold, welp faux gold leaf that is.
- Making antique/old looking paper is as easy as a cup of tea or 12.
- Why recycle when you can make your own stationery, yes I’m talking about making your own paper.
- Learn more about the jeans of homemade stationery.
- Handmade envelopes are always the right size.
- With all the handmade stationery, where can you store it? Save the covers from old journals.
- Ready to see if that stationery is fountain pen friendly? Before you reach for that favorite ink, consider making your own ink. (I would only try these inks using a dip pen)
What did you do on this day?
COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.
Chronicles of a Fountain Pen 
Love the Danny/Gray duo 😍
You’re right, his passion for stationery comes through so perfectly and uniquely in his words.
I’m afraid I’ve been busy teaching all day, so not had time to dream of or use stationery today … yet 😁
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I was wondering if I would write anything then Gray published a couple topics and BAM! It all fit together. Thanks
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Thanks for the inclusions Danny. Much appreciated. Having a way with words is definitely your strength as seen in blog inclusions. I have been visiting my daughter and family over the last few days in Worcester, England. Took my granddaughter a selection of Sheaffer italic pens with different nibs and ink colour cartridges. We spoke about the paper choices and she says she prefers blank notebooks and using a guideline sheet underneath. Buys from a Japanese shop rather like the Flying Tiger shops. I bought some A4 sized Cuban paper made from tobacco leaf from a charity shop and some beautiful Semikolon paper too. Also started making templates for very small envelopes for rustic hand made business cards. Love your links at the end of the blog. I’m about to go looking and reading ! Paper making is a great idea you mentioned before in a post. Currently, I have been looking over the last few weeks for decently made wooden frames. Good to read customer comments feedback re: performance. All the best.
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All my pleasure. this post was only possible because your posts gave me the idea. The paper options sound intriguing. I am pleased you could share your enthusiasm with the younger generations. My daughter just looks at me like I am weird. Customer reviews can be very insightful. I’ve always considered frames to be as important as artwork. All the best.
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My granddaughter is 10. I gave her a Parker 45 about 2 months ago. She loves writing with it. Not allowed at school though. My daughter writes beautifully and has tried fountain pens, but prefers roller ball style pens. She’s always doodling more art wise. The paper making is next up to try and I’m thinking of making a wooden double frame for deckle edge. Great links by the way. Had a quick glance. Will take time to read fully later. Cheers Danny.
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I bet she feels special
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She writes close to the nib. That’s why she chose the Parker 45 Flighter as favourite. It wasn’t about not liking inky fingers. Like us both she isn’t at all bothered about ink stains. She was really pleased with the calligraphy books I gave her too.
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Clever idea for a post. Thanks for the mention. Today I discovered that a hole punch can make small dots from the gold foil that are perfect to decorate a journal or scrapbook. No artistic skills required. That’s was my contribution to the day.
I like the idea of reusing covers but any book will do. There is a nearby bookstore that sets out a box of free, old books. Bet I can find a useful cover in that lot. Don’t you love recycling?
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I live under the idea that everything has more than one use. Recycling is a big part of my life. The used cover idea is an amazing idea. I try to embrace the Japanese art of Kintsugi (repairing broken pottery).
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Making my own paper would be great. I just got to interview a book binder and it was interesting to see how she made her own paper—and more interestingly, bound them together. If I ever revert to Traveller’s Notebooks, I’ll definitely start buying hers.
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Book binding is a process that must be wild. Making paper is an idea I’ve toyed with but lack the motivation. Something you may have written about. All the best.
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