The Journal

THE TOP FIVE MISTAKES YOU WISH YOU COULD ERASE.

We’ve all bin there,

We’ve all been there. You make your way through life hoping for the best, but sadly, sometimes you get it wrong. This could be a small wrong, like forgetting someone’s name at a party; or a big wrong like your entire summer wardrobe when you were 15. (Like, seriously, what was that?) Most of the time when we make a mistake we are left filled with regret, wishing there was a real life CTR+Z to take things back. But no matter how many times you delete those pictures on Facebook they still exist. And they exist somewhere out there, not just in your nightmares.

One glorious exception is with pencils and erasers. Do you remember being a tiny human in school, holding an over-large pencil in your hand, bravely tackling the daunting mountains of ‘What I did on my holidays’? Knowing that if you got something wrong you could erase it and start again? (Some people wonder why childhood is a glorious, carefree time. I don’t wonder, I know why.)

If only life was like stationery and our mistakes could be erased. Well, this very neatly segues us into the corporate goal of this article, which is to highlight our erasers. Based on some rigorous research and questioning of The Journal Shop customers which definitely happened, here are the Top Five Mistakes they wish they could erase:

1. THE HAIRCUT

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You know it was a bad haircut when it starts with a definite article. It’s difficult to know what the hairdresser was going for. Maybe they were angry with you. Maybe it was their first day. Was it a cry for help? If so, the series of hats, scarves and head coverings that you wore religiously till it grew out, meant no one ever heard it.

If only you could have tidied up the haircut with the Metaphys Viss eraser:

2. THE TATTOO

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In school, they told you not to get one. At work, people told you that you would regret it. Online, the pictures of terrible tattoos tried to tell you. But it was your body and you could do whatever wanted to it, damn it! Well now you share your body with a dying chicken. So, maybe they knew something you didn’t.

If only tattoos could come off as easily as pencil does when you use the Seed Super Gold eraser:

3. THE CREDIT CARD

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I’m not so sure this one is actually your fault. I mean, you’re only human. How can you be expected to not spend free money? I mean, it’s money. That you can use to buy stuff. For free. OK, it ruined your credit and now you need a responsible adult to co-sign when you try to order a McDonald’s delivery. But still. Free money.

If only you could clean up your credit score as easily as the Faber Castell 2001 GRIP eraser cleans up mistakes:

4. THE EX

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This one speaks for itself. Nothing more to say.

Only, if there is someone out there for everyone, some special soul that is the missing piece to your jigsaw, the peanut butter to your jam, the moon to your stars, then in our binary world it follows that there is someone out there who is the opposite.

The jagged edge that crushes your jigsaw piece, the anaphylactic shock to your system, the black hole that traps your stars and crushes them into an empty frozen void. And you might meet them in an ‘All Bar One’ in Clapham. Just saying.

Sadly, the excellent film ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ is not a documentary, and you cannot remove the memory of your ex as easily as the Milan 'Gigante' 403 eraser does its job:

5. THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

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No, not an awful episode of ‘Friends’. (You know, like all of them. #Friendsburn) We all have someone that we met and had an instant connection with. A person that for some reason just seemed special, like they knew something about life that made them glow from the inside. And… they seemed to like us! Now all we had to do was say something, do something, make some small sign to let them know that we felt the same way. And then maybe something could happen.

But instead we said nothing, did nothing and gave no sign that we felt that way. Why? Lots of reasons, some good, some bad. The point is, we let the chance slip away. Now we compare each new person we meet with the memory of what could have been. It’s not so bad really. I mean, it’s probably better this way. Probably.

If only you could get rid of regret as simply as the Metaphys Gum eraser magics away errors:

Shakespeare, Bob Dylan, J.K. Rowling, Someone once said we learn more from our mistakes than our successes. Rather than feeling remorse about them, we should see mistakes as opportunities to learn, grow and become better and wiser people. Which feels right, and is worth reflecting on.

The same oracle probably also said that it’s best to correct stationery mistakes with the finest erasers available online. And who are we to argue with that?

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Sketching is a great hobby for lots of different reasons: it's  fun, creative, relaxing, it helps you bring out the best ideas, and – last but not least – it gives you an excuse to use your favourite stationery (not that you need one).

Of course, all creative activities require inspiration. Most artists will agree that finding the right environment to be artistic produces the best and most inspired work.

Whether it's a world-famous museum or one of the city's best kept secrets, London's streets are filled with great, stimulating places to get your creative juices flowing.

We have listed our top 5 places in London to get some headspace and fill your sketchbook with your best drawings, ideas, whatever is on your mind.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM

The British Museum needs no introduction. Browse through thousands of beautiful objects and sculptures from all over the world while immersed in history and surrounded by stunning architecture. Pick your favourite object, grab a stool, get your pad and pencil out and let your creativity unfold.

BOROUGH MARKET

If you're looking for a colorful and exciting place to portray in your drawings, you may want to go for a walk in Borough Market. Easily the busiest and most renowned food market in London, Borough Market has more than 100 stalls filled with a huge variety of foods. Draw inspiration from the people, colours, scents and vibe of this unique London spot.

SERPENTINE BAR & KITCHEN, HYDE PARK

Image courtesy of theroyalparks.org.uk

Few cafes in London have a better view than the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen overlooking Hyde Park. If you prefer a chilled place to relax, sip a cup of coffee and get drawing, this might be the perfect place. Grab a table outside and enjoy the gorgeous view.

HAMPSTEAD PERGOLA

The Pergola is a true hidden gem located in Hampstead Heath. A charming terrace surrounded by gorgeous gardens, this is the perfect place not only to walk around and clear your head, but also to relax and get creative; the nostalgic vibe, beautiful surroundings and views over the Heath are guaranteed to inspire you.

TATE MODERN CAFE, LEVEL 6

Go to Tate Modern, take the lift up to level 6, sit down, relax, and let this stunning view of the riverside and St Paul’s Cathedral work its magic. And if you get tired of the London cityscape, you’re just a few steps away from Tate’s gorgeous galleries.

Feeling inspired yet? Good. Now before you get drawing, make sure you have all the beautiful and functional stationery you need for your next masterpiece.

BROWSE THE JOURNAL SHOP’S TOP STATIONERY PICKS FOR SKETCHING

PAPER:

• TOMOE RIVER PAPER PAD | A4
• FIELD NOTES SIGNATURE NOTEBOOK - PLAIN 2-PACK
• LIFE PLAIN REPORT PAD // B5
• MD NOTEBOOK - A5, PLAIN PAPER
• TRAVELER'S COMPANY SPIRAL RING NOTEBOOK B6 - WATERCOLOUR

PENCILS:

• BLACKWING PENCIL (BOX OF 12)
• 22 DESIGN CONTOUR SKETCH PENCIL
• HMM PENCIL BLACK
• TRAVELER'S COMPANY BRASS PENCIL
• YSTUDIO BRASS SKETCHING PENCIL

OTHER USEFUL STATIONERY ITEMS FOR SKETCHING:

• MILAN CAPSULE SHARPENER + ERASER COPPER
• BLACKWING LONG POINT PENCIL SHARPENER // WHITE
• MILAN NATA ERASER 7024

Originally a national trend from Japan, the concept of “Kawaii” has become a globally recognised movement. It spans many different areas and styles of the Western world, for example, the popularisation of big round letters illustrated with “cute” symbols such as hearts and stars, which makes it more popular than we first thought.

Famous Manga comics, such as Death Note, Vampire Knight and Attack on Titan, can be found easily in bookshops everywhere. Japanese fashion looks inspire Western fashion; with the bright colours and bold patterns from Harajuku fashions and pastel colours and childlike-innocence from Lolita fashion. Video and trading card games are also affected with the kawaii craze - hardly surprising as Nintendo is a Japanese company. Pokémon Go!, the augmented reality smartphone app which has world wide success, is obviously included in the Kawaii hype.

So, the Kawaii trend has, in one sense, taken over the West, but what exactly does it mean?

Source: Pixabay

WHAT DOES “KAWAII” MEAN?

“Kawaii” is best translated into “cuteness” and is a type of Japanese culture from the late 20th Century. In the 1970s, teenage girls started to create thinner and rounder handwriting, often embellished with cartoons, in order to make it more “childlike”. Many school banned this type of writing, but it was soon picked up by advertisers who used that style in their campaigns to attract a younger audience. Now, it is recognised everywhere thanks to the export of Japanese literature and media. The most famous example of this is Hello Kitty, who is the official tourism ambassador for Japan. Other examples include Pikachu, from Pokémon and Kirby, a Nintendo video game character. Many “kawaii characters” follow the same design model; they are small and fluffy cartoons with heads bigger than their bodies, minimal facial features and big round eyes - suggesting a quality of shyness and lovability.

Government offices in Japan, such as their police force, and also prefectures employ a Kawaii character as their mascot. They reflect both the local and national culture, and help increase tourism to the area. The emojis that we often use on our social media accounts can also be viewed as an upswing of the Kawaii culture rendering itself in different cultures globally. While many Western emojis don’t always flaunt big round eyes and minimal features, the idea of communicating with “cute”, bright and childlike cartoons can be rooted to the Kawaii culture, which has taken over the world!

KAWAII STATIONERY

The Journal Shop have introduced their own range of Kawaii Stationery, which include paper clips, magnets and flash cards all in a kawaii style that promise to make learning more creative and fun! Kawaii iterations of both real and fictional animals and other character designs in bright colours and simple outlines for an adorable desk set. Cute as they are, these products boast of being practical! The need for cute cartoons doesn’t just stop at the aesthetic sense. The products by The Journal Shop make doing homework or paperwork a lot more visibly appealing; as according to research conducted at the University of Hiroshima, candidates that were exposed to cute images of animals increased their productivity in certain fields.

In their new range, The Journal Shop have incorporated many other popular designs from Japan as well, such as cats, dogs and alpacas. Cats are considered lucky in Japan, and many businesses have a “beckoning cat” - also known as a Maneki Neko - to bring in money to their store. With a range of cat (neko) products, it will likely prove true for The Journal Shop, too!

Despite cats being the number one pet in Japan, dogs are still loved by many. Due to the limited amount of space, Japan’s dog owners tend to go for smaller breeds to love. Shiba Inus originated from Japan and still remains one of the more popular breeds. Other famous breeds are the toy poodle and the dachshund, both originating from Germany, mainly because of their small size. The Journal Shop has all three breeds as dog-style paper clips in their Kawaii Collection, and they’re just as adorable as the real things!

Other designs include non-sentient (but still cute!) things, such as strawberries (ichigo) and robots (robotto)!

Shop: Kawaii Stationery

Using these stationery items may be more beneficial than you first thought. Studies and scholars have suggested that the images and silhouettes of fluffy cartoons might root from a desire to use colour and ‘cuteness’ as a neutraliser against the stress of the world and everyday life. The bright colours of Kawaii are also an ideal counterweight to the dull and monotonous neutrals of the corporate realm - like an office. The innocent, cute and lovable emotions evoked by Kawaii perfectly cancel out the negative emotions induced through personal and profession distress many face in the real world. In a volatile society, where technology is forever changing and developing, the innocence of Kawaii characters also reminds people of a simpler and more organic time.

Indeed, kawaii culture has become a global sensation very quickly since its inception. It is a culture that takes people away from their everyday burdens and pressures, almost like a rebellion against the “Adult” world we must inevitably become part of. However, the Kawaii range from The Journal Shop, with its cute memo pads and magnets, means we don’t have to look at boring old stationery again! Long live the Kawaii Culture!

SHOP: KAWAII STATIONERY

Whether it’s a shopping list, memo to your partner or writing your Magnum Opus, we use pens a lot in everyday life. However, we never give much thought to the writing instruments we own. At The Journal Shop, you could say we know a bit about stationery, so we’re giving you the facts and science about these pens so you can make your choice which to go for.

Source: Pixabay

WHAT IS A BALLPOINT?

Originally, ballpoint pens were patented in 1888 by John J. Loud. they could write on coarse surfaces, such as wood and leather, unlike the more common fountain pens. On the other hand, they proved too rough for letter writing. 50 years later, a Hungarian newspaper editor, László Bíró, worked with his brother György, a chemist, to develop a new viscous ink for the ball point pens and filed a British patent in 1938.

A ball point is a pen that dispenses ink over a metal ball at its point, hence the name. It is the world’s most used writing instrument and is available in both refillable and disposable versions, like the Faber-Castell Grip 2020 Ballpoint pens from The Journal Shop.

Shop: Faber-Castell Grip 2020 Ballpoint pens

WHAT IS A ROLLERBALL?

Rollerball pens were introduced in 1963 by the Japanese company, Ohto. They use liquid ink or gel ink for a smoother writing experience, rather than the viscous ink used in ballpoints. The liquid ink mimics the ink and ink supply system of an fountain pen, but with the ease of use of a ballpoint pen.

The line produced by a rollerball pen is thick and vivid, due to the ink type. Gel inks have a greater range of colours and styles because of the bigger choice of water-soluble dyes and the capacity to allow heavier pigments, such as glitter. The Journal Shop have a fantastic selection of rollerball pens, like the Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust Pen (pictured below).

Shop:  Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust Pen

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BALLPOINTS AND ROLLERBALLS

Ballpoint pen dry instantly on paper, but can feel “scratchy” to use and produce a thin and less vivid line when writing. Rollerballs, due to the excess amount of ink it produces, is much smoother on paper, but it can smudge since there is more ink on the paper. This pen also runs out of ink faster than a ballpoint, which is more economical to buy.

Since ballpoints use more viscous, oil based inks, whatever you write when using it can be manipulated or altered with the use of solvents. Having said that, using a rollerball pen to write over correctional fluid that has not fully dried can clog/jam the pen, rendering it useless.

Rollerballs are not good for the absent-minded, as if left uncapped, it can leak in your pocket and dry out. Ballpoints rarely have this problem, as the ink is thicker and so can’t get past the ball in the nib as easily.

Source: Pexels

ROLLERBALL OR BALLPOINT

For left-handed people or those who use right to left script, a ballpoint is the better option because it dries instantly. In order to write no matter the angle, the Fisher Space ballpoint pen can write upside since it uses pressure to push the ink to the nib. Since ballpoints are mass-produced quite cheaply, replacing your pen is quite cost-effective.

For the ones writing letters, invitations, or scrapbooking, a rollerball would be ideal as the thicker and more vivid line will “pop” more than the classic ballpoint viscous ink. The smoother glide of the rollerball also means you can write more clearly and less pressure is required to write, so is also a great option for those who experience hand cramp easily.

Source: Pixabay

So, which do you think? Would you prefer to glide like the Rollerball or stay classic with the Ballpoint? Whichever you choose, The Journal Shop have an amazing and wide range of both Rollerball pens and Ballpoint pens. Try out our guest brands, like Schneider or Pilot, and their products at our competitive prices. The Journal Shop is the best place for stationery in the UK, so explore why today!

Shop Our Brand:

Stationary - Bookmarks, Clips, Scissors, Storage, Stickers, Rulers

Writing - Pencils, Ballpoints, Fountain Pens, Gel Pens, Multicolors 

Paper - Address Books, Diaries, Letter Writing, Books and Prints

You’ve seen them on blogs, pinterest and instagram, but what exactly is a Bullet Journal?

Ideal for artists and minimalists alike, it seems like everyone’s getting involved. We’ve looked into Ryder Carroll’s journalling system to bring you the bare bones of how to journal, why this method works, and the ways it can be tailored to suit you. Bookmark this guide for Bullet Journal ideas and inspiration.

Bullet Journals are easy to set up - the perfect excuse to get a coffee and buy a shiny new notebook. Taking some time out of your day to unplug and stare somewhere other than the computer screen can’t be a bad thing, and if it helps you plan your day more productively, that’s a bonus.

Get ready for your new (somewhat stress-free) organised life. Read on to find out more.

Get more organised with a planning system that adapts to you. Source: Pixabay.

GETTING STARTED

When in doubt, go straight to the source. Watch the video below for an explanation of the Bullet Journal by creator Ryder Carroll.

Digital product designer in Brooklyn NY, Ryder Carroll set up the Bullet Journal system to help him capture intense moments of focus into a workable planning technique. It needed to be flexible to adapt as his circumstances changed - this is one of the foundations of this form of journaling.  Once a series of methods, his trial and error attempts have become a system that people around the world follow every day.

 Grasping the basics of the Bullet Journal with Ryder Carroll. Source: Youtube.

NOTEBOOK & PEN

Google the Bullet Journal and you’ll be confronted by beautiful snaps of intricately-designed journal pages with incredible illustrations.

If you’re inspired, great - get out those coloured pens and start making your journal look amazing.

Terrified? Don’t be. All you need to start bullet journaling is a notebook and pen.

There aren’t any rules as to how to craft your Bullet Journal, just some suggestions to make your life easier. Go for a high-quality notebook that you can carry around with you and a black pen that won’t bleed through the page.

As your Bullet Journal becomes indispensable, invest in highlighters, coloured pens and pencils, stickers and washi tape to make your journal your own.

QUICK TIP: Try a graph or dot journal - this makes it easier to draw lines and boxes for more effective planning.

Here are some of our favourites. Clockwise from bottom-left: Tombow Reporter 4 Smart Ballpoint Pen, CIAK Appuntino Notebook Medium (2-Pack), Pilot V7 Hi-Tecpoint Liquid Ink Rollerball Pen, Blackwing Slate Notebook.

RYDER CARROLL’S ESSENTIALS

Starting a new project is always a little daunting, so we’ve broken down the key elements of Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal system to help you get started. While experimenting in your journal can only be a good thing, bullet journalers around the world keep coming back to these four foundation points.

Just in case you’re still feeling a little lost, we’ve included some great examples to give you some inspiration.

INDEX

The index should be the first page of your journal, ready for you to list all of the important pages that come after it. This is a great way to keep track of your collections and spreads without having to flick through the entire notebook.

Start off by numbering the first twenty or so pages of your journal - you can number the rest when you get to them. As each page gets filled, label it in the index. Don’t feel as though you have to write down everything in your index; only note important spreads to maximise time.

Keep your index simple and easy to add to. Clockwise from left: Cerries Mooney, The Organized Brain, The Lazy Genius Collective.

FUTURE LOG

This is essentially your calendar of events and appointments for the foreseeable future. As the Bullet Journal encourages on-the-go planning, and your journal will be ever-evolving (as it’s supposed to!) this is one of the few permanent pages.

Divide two pages into three sections that cover the next six months. Whenever you get a wedding invite or a plan a trip, stick the dates in here so you don’t forget.

You’ll use the Future Log to help you plan short-term spreads, so don’t worry about it too much. Just fill in any birthdays and national holidays, then turn to the next page.

QUICK TIP: If you’re someone who has events pre-planned quite far ahead, repeat this structure to use up four pages and cover your entire year.

Adapt the basic principle with calendars and colour to suit you. Clockwise from bottom-left: maryj13, Boho Berry, christina77star.

MONTHLY LOG

The Monthly Log is your month at a glance, where all of your month’s appointments are laid out on one page. Number the left page with days and dates, i.e. 1M for Monday the 1st, ready to write in significant events. Turn back to the Future Log to see what you’ve already scheduled for that month. This is for reference, so be short and snappy.

On the right page, note down your tasks. This can be added to throughout the month. You can either list these in a jumbled list (remember, convenience is key!) or split the page into useful labelled categories.

QUICK TIP: Always flick back to the previous month’s task page. If you have tasks that still need to be completed, move them into the new month.

Include the month’s tasks and events all on one spread. Clockwise from bottom-left: Study Petals, Tiny Ray of Sunshine, Buzzfeed, grey.and.copper.

DAILY LOG

Every day that you use your Bullet Journal, you’ll start a new Daily Log. List all appointments for the next day and note down any tasks; try to do this in the morning or the night before. Use your journal during the day to keep on track.

This is where you can get really creative - your Bullet Journal can be used as a list of things to do, or a space where you jot notes down, or a scrapbook-like retrospect of whatever happened that day. Don’t draft out your Daily Logs so that you can take up as much space as you need.

Be personal or practical, it’s up to you.

Daily Logs help you save time and stay stress-free. Clockwise from bottom-left: Study Vibes, Boho Berry, But First Create.

SYMBOLS & SIGNIFIERS

Ryder Carroll has developed a way of writing notes called Rapid Logging, using a variety of bullets to quickly identify points. This means you don’t need to carry around a case of coloured pens to colour coordinate - though you certainly can, if you’d like to!

Here are some examples of how you might use the following symbols to Rapid Log the day’s events:

(•) Tasks: Things that need doing - i.e. Email boss

(X) Task Complete: Mark a task when it’s been done

(>) Task Migrated: Move this entry to the next Tasks page

(<) Task Scheduled: Add this date-related note to the Future Log

(O) Events: Dated entries - i.e. Dinner @ Meg’s House (8pm)

(-) Notes: Thoughts or observations - i.e. Tube strike tomorrow

(*) Priority: Important memo -  i.e. Buy Meg’s birthday present

(!) Inspiration: Ideas and insights - i.e. Kids loved that new Christmas movie

(Ø) Eye: More information needed - i.e. WiFi might be down this weekend

QUICK TIP: As you delve further into the Bullet Journal system, create your own signifiers specific to your needs. Use these whenever you note down Daily Logs.

Stick to the same symbols and signifiers for a consistent journal. Left to right: Happy Phantom , studywithinspo, sosteffso.

USEFUL BULLET JOURNAL EXTRAS

Now that you’ve got you head around the Bullet Journal basics, it’s time for some additions to make your journal as effective as possible. We’ve trawled the web for the very best extras to make your Bullet Journal pop.

KEY

Remembering the Key can be tough even as a seasoned journaler. Keep a copy pinned with washi tape as a fold-out or write it down on the front page.

Colour coding works as an alternative to symbols. Clockwise from bottom-left: Boho Berry, dismalnitch, my_blue_sky_design.

CALENDAR

Make event planning a breeze by including a yearly calendar - don’t forget to index this nitfy page!

Get creative with a colourful calendar. Clockwise from bottom-left: Djeva, Journal Sanctuary, Lisa Studies, my_blue_sky_design.

HABIT TRACKER

Having trouble keeping track of expenses or want to drink more water? Use a Habit Tracker to make daily records and look back at the end of the month to see how you did.

Tracking habits makes you more self-aware, helping you achieve more. Clockwise from left: my_blue_sky_design, b.studies, the.petite.planner, knitashajanice.

COLLECTION PAGES

Too many good movies to see? Deciding on which trips to take next year? Already shopping for Christmas? Fill up blank pages with collections.

Bullet Journals are more than just calendars - brighten up yours with a few collection pages. Clockwise from bottom-left: paperandinkco.heidi, christina77star, its.stefh, Sweet Tea & Saving Grace.

WEEKLY SPREADS

If you prefer to plan your week in advance, you’re not alone. Many journalers choose weekly spreads over dailies - try a new layout to see if it makes you more productive.

QUICK TIP: Don’t worry if you make mistakes, your Bullet Journal is your personal notebook. Find the beauty in faults and start re-designing something epic.

Open up your week to something beautiful. Top: bumblebujo. Left to right: leuchtturm1917, my.first.bu.jo, paperandinkco.heidi.

SETTING GOALS

Start climbing that mountain with attainable goals. Make lists of what you’d like to achieve this year, month or even today.

Increase productivity by setting goals. Clockwise from left: emschwartzrdn, Boho Berry, jtraftonart.

BEING CREATIVE

Bullet Journals give you the freedom to plan the way that you wish. Indulge in some me-time and squeeze in daily mindfulness by adding colour and illustrations to your journal. Take as much time as you’d like - a quick doodle in the corner of a page, or a entire seasonal spread, it’s up to you. If you’re feeling especially creative, why not sit back and dedicate a full page to some sketching.

Quick Tip: Get out the coloured pens, stickers and washi tape to make your journal beautifully unique.

Fill blank spots with art or try your hand at faux calligraphy. Clockwise from top-left: bumblebujo, kou.ffee, nicoles.journal, unistudydiary, christina77star, bujo_maniac.

GO FOR FUNCTIONALITY

Don’t feel as though you have to be imaginative - journalling isn’t an art project. Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journals are simple and effective, designed to make your life easier. As long as you put pen to paper, you’ll be Rapid Logging in no time.

Be as scruffy as you’d like, nobody’s watching. Clockwise from left: planner.cat, Lifehacker, yukikosakamura.

A system that adapts to you, Bullet Journals are taking the web by storm and the planner community is only growing. With the flexibility to be as simple or creative as you like, this method of journaling suits everyone.

Turn off the phone and step back to writing. All you need is a notebook and pen.

Shop Our Brand:

Stationary - Bookmarks, Clips, Scissors, Storage, Stickers, Rulers

Writing - Pencils, Ballpoints, Fountain Pens, Gel Pens, Multicolors 

Paper - Address Books, Diaries, Letter Writing, Books and Prints

Have a history of not sticking to your New Year’s resolutions? Break the pattern this year with a stylishly sleek new calendar. 

Being more organised and making time for family and friends is one of the most common promises made at the start of the year. To get you started on the right note, we’ve selected our favourite diaries and planners to help keep you on track.

HOBONICHI TECHO PLANNER

Our bestselling planner is also a star gift for yourself or a friend. Kick off the New Year with the Hobonichi Techo Planner 2018 (£40.00), formulated to support demanding lifestyles in its compact A6 size. Each spread is laid out as a week to two pages, accompanied by useful blank pages for jotting down notes and calendars dividing the months. Excerpts from Japanese history and folk tales are further included. To keep you motivated (and on track to stick to that New Year’s resolution!) you’ll also find a weekly inspirational quote.

Available in a classic weathered black, and featuring gold debossed Japanese characters for Techo (planner) and the ARTS&SCIENCE logo, this planner is perfect for those both looking for a cult planner and interested in Japanese culture.

CIAK LARGE DAILY DIARY

Busy people need accommodating planners, and the CIAK Large 2018 Daily Diary (£19.95) is no exception. Ideal for use as a work-based organiser, this A5 diary is small enough fit in your handbag or briefcase, while still containing enough pages for a day-to-day format. Handmade in Italy from acid-free recycled ivory paper, this is a durable diary that retains its soft and flexible outer shell.

The CIAK range includes a bold variety of colours, ranging from elegants reds to vibrant blues. Pages are lined to encourage time management, for an exceptionally clear layout. Our favourite feature is the horizontal elastic band, a CIAK staple, working to secure the planner and act as a pen loop for optimum organisation.

TRAVELER'S NOTEBOOK

Notebooks come and go, but this one is meant to last a little longer. Ideal for bullet journalers and those who prefer to design their own planner pages, the Traveler’s Notebook (£45.00) offers great freedom to be creative. This notebook is comprised of one or more refills housed inside a leather cover, allowing you to keep multiple diaries in the same space. Made from vegetable-tanned leather, this handmade notebook looks and feels comfortably well-travelled.

The incredible planner is available in multiple soft and versatile colours, including black, brown and camel. For a unique look, catch one of our last notebooks in 2017’s beautiful limited edition olive tones.

MD NOTEBOOK DIARY

Structured without stifling your organisational creativity, the Midori MD Notebook Diary (£10.00) comes in elegant creams and whites to encourage you to make this planner your own. Made from high-quality paper, and available in a pocket-sized A6, this monthly diary is ideal for off-desk use. At 175 pages, it’s just the right weight, and the plain memo pages are perfect for scribbled notes and the occasional doodle.

This 2018 diary’s other features include the annual calendar (for long-term planning), monthly schedule (with wide margins for improvisation) and weekly ruled double spreads (divided into eight spaces that can be used as days). Midori is famous for the way their planners lie perfectly flat, so you can rest this diary on your lap for on the go planning.

CIAK MEDIUM WEEKLY DIARY

If recording every day of the year in detail is unnecessary, CIAK are still the brand to go for if you’d like a portable planner that has an excellent, if unconventional, firm yet flexible cover. Durable, water resistant and crushproof, the CIAK Medium 2018 Weekly Diary (£11.95) will keep your plans safe and secure.

In its medium size, this CIAK diary sports a week-to-view format for seven days of organisation and a small section for notes. Handmade in Italy from acid-free recycled paper, and featuring a horizontal band that also acts as a pen loop or holds loose sheets, the weekly diary comes in CIAK’s eye-catching range of bold colours.

CARTESIO POCKET DAILY DIARY

Ideal for scheduling on the go, this cream-coloured and soft-covered diary is available in perfect pocket size. The Cartesio Pocket 2018 Daily Diary (£15.00) doesn’t let its small stature hold it back, as all plans are welcome through its day per page format. A pleasure to use, this diary is made in Italy from exemplary recycled cream stock to contrast with the vibrant selection of outer cover colours.

Featuring a distinctive ‘embossed’ pattern, the Cartesio planner is also notable for its innovative rear pocket, which acts as both protective pouch and fold-out page marker. Crafted with high-quality simplicity, this little diary is one of our bestsellers.

HOBONICHI TECHO COUSIN PLANNER

In a specially-crafted A5 size, this is Hobonichi’s most spacious diary. The Hobonichi Techo Cousin Planner 2018 (£60.00) comprises lighter backgrounds, made from printed graph paper with suggested layouts that can be observed or totally ignored. The perfect desk item, this Hobonichi diary features 180-degree flat binding, allowing it to lay open on your workspace as you go about your day.

A true cult stationery item, the planner is made from high-quality tomoe river paper, smooth and resistant to bleeding for a luxury writing surface. Available only in Japanese, evident its daily quotes, this planner is ideal for those wishing to integrate a little Japanese culture into their day.

HIGHTIDE PAPILLON DIARY

The epitome of functional retro chic, the Hightide Papillon Diary 2018 (£14.00) is an excellent monthly planner. In a clear and simple design, this diary is made from the finest materials, including the unusual cotton cover. The protective plastic jacket will also ensure that your notes stay dry even in the inclement New Year weather.

At just under A5 but bigger than A6, adopting a slim fit, the Hightide diary is very travel friendly. With annual and monthly pages, the compact planner is large enough for all your scheduling needs. Manufactured in Japan, this is an excellent companion to organising your next year.

ICONIC ESSAY BOOK NOTEBOOK V.6

An unconventional notebook designed for creative types, the Iconic Essay Book Notebook v.6 (£12.50) has been laid out in such a way that it also makes an excellent diary. Filled with square, lined, blank and grid pages interspersed throughout, the self-proclaimed Essay Book gives you the freedom to plan differently - ideal for journalers who like to meld scheduling with original designs or innovative scrapbooking.

The perfect compact size, and featuring a durable hardcover, this is an ideal journal for slipping into your bag for on-the-go inspiration. Available in six classic colours, this is a wonderfully nostalgic way to keep track of your week.

HIGHTIDE IRIS DIARY 2018

Known as the pocket-sized diary with its own pocket, this 18 month planner features a convenient insert on the front cover. Whether you keep functional items like pens and sticky notes with you at all times, or go for creative extras like clips or washi tape, the Hightide Iris Diary 2018 (£24.00) is undoubtedly useful. With monthly and weekly spreads, you’ll have plenty of room to organise your day.

The Hightide planner also includes pages for personal data and notes, as well as lots of potential for customisation. Available in six chic colours, this makes a fantastic luxury treat or would put a smile on the face of any stationery fan.

The New Year is the perfect time to get organised. Start afresh with a new diary or planner to kick 2018 off in style.

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Starting a diary can have many benefits. 

If you have stomach complaints, a food diary helps you understand which foods are causing you discomfort. Dream diaries are a tool often used by psychotherapists to assess mental well-being, and, in order to improve/track your general fitness, you can start a health diary.

Think ‘diary’ and you probably imagine angsty, acne-ridden teens scrawling down their every emotion and whim.    

In fact, diaries range from one-year personal journals that reflect on each day in your life, to planners which track your day-to-day appointments and meetings. You can also keep an academic diary to log classroom experiences and assignments.  

However, making a habit of keeping diary or journal is easier said than done.

For this reason, here at The Journal Shop, we’ve put together this article to help get you started.

WAYS TO START A DIARY

Journaling is a great way to record your personal growth and development. The more entry writing you do, the more you’ll look back and see what has changed over time. Also, the earlier you start, the more thankful you’ll be later on.

Getting diary supplies that you like and will use, setting a writing schedule and deciding what you want to write can all help you get started on your new diary.  

Scroll down for more ways to motivate yourself …  

How to build a habit of writing a diary

Your diary is where you empty your thoughts onto a piece of paper. Your diary is a little part of you.

To build a habit of writing a diary, you need to do a few things:

BEFORE YOU PUT PEN TO PAPER

First, set a date. The start of a new year, for example, is a fitting occasion.  

Of course, it doesn't have to be the 1st January. Perhaps you start your diary after a significant event in your life, such as getting married, having a child or starting a new career.   

Then, your first diary entry will be something to look back on:

GET PROPERLY EQUIPPED

If you are keeping a paper diary, ensure you get a pen you enjoy writing with.

Some people prefer fountain pens, others prefer ballpoint pens. For some, pencils are better, as they can be rubbed out with an eraser.  

Interestingly, which type of pen/pencil you use says a lot about your personality. You can, actually, quiz yourself. 

Also, make sure you get a decent, good quality diary that will last some time—you don’t want it to fall apart after a few weeks!

CHOOSE A WRITING SPACE

Writing in the same location every day can help you stay committed. It will create structure and help to develop a routine.

It doesn’t matter where you choose—it could be your bedroom, on the train to work, your favourite coffee shop, even a bar!

The important thing is to write in the same setting every day as this will reinforce your regime.

CREATE A SCHEDULE

If you want to log entries every day, create a routine for yourself. That way, writing your diary will quickly become habit.

Depending on what sort of diary you are keeping, adjust your schedule accordingly.

Those keeping dream diaries, for example, need to make entries as soon as they wake up in the morning (or in the middle of the night) when their dreams are still fresh in their mind.

If you are keeping a food diary, though, make entries after each meal, and remember to include everything you’ve eaten.

If you’re keeping a personal diary, perhaps you’ll write first thing in the morning about what happened the day before.

Or, maybe you’d prefer to make your entry at the end of the day, as a way to destress and collect your thoughts.

To make sure you stick to your writing schedule, set an alarm on your smartphone to remind you to write at the same time each day.

WRITING DIARY ENTRIES

Starting a diary can be a daunting prospect; being disciplined with your writing regime is tough, to begin with. 

Read on for advice on how to fill the first few pages of your diary.

Soon, it will become second nature!  

DATE AND MARK EVERY ENTRY

Make a note of the date on the top of the page so that you don’t forget when you logged your entry:

One idea is to begin each entry with the same prompt each day. Something like: ‘Dear diary’, ‘Today I…’ or ‘Right now, I’m...’:

JUST WRITE

If you don't know what to write, write about why you want to keep a diary. Write about your hopes, dreams and aspirations; write about your regrets.   

START SMALL

Don't worry about writing the next Ulysses. Your diary is personal and not an epic piece of literature. 

Write short entries, to begin with. A paragraph that sums up your day is all you need, especially when you’re starting out.

You don’t always have to write short entries, however. As time goes on, gradually build up their length and detail.   

BE OPEN AND HONEST

The idea of a diary is that no one can judge you for it—provided you keep it well-hidden, that is! 

Log your deepest emotions, secrets and desires. Open up and let loose as this form of catharsis can be really beneficial for your mental well-being.

RECORD WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Each day, it’s the little things that make us happy. It’s all too easy to forget these moments as time goes on.

Try recording the moments that make you smile.

SAMPLE OF DIARY WRITING 

For some inspiration, here’s a sample of diary writing:

PARTING TIPS

There are three key ways to successfully start a diary:

1.  Be excited - look forward to engaging in this fun and productive habit.

2. Be reflective - reflect on yourself and those around you, use your diary to consider the state of the world.

3. Write freely - don't hold back, write about whatever pops into your head. This will develop a kind of ‘stream-of-consciousness’ that you’ll be able to look back on in years to come.

Keeping a diary isn’t easy, but as we said at the start, if you do you’ll thank yourself in later life.

So, don’t delay, buy yourself a shiny new journal and get going!   

We hope this article has encouraged you to start a diary. If it has, we wish you happy writing!   

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The creation of the pen has essentially facilitated the very basis of our civilisation. It is through writing that we have been able to create, share, and learn.

Pens have made it possible to retain and communicate knowledge and information and create works of art. The writings of Shakespeare and Milton wouldn’t exist if they didn’t have the tools to somehow immortalise them physically.

Today, there’s so much choice when it comes to pens. But how did it all start? We’ve taken a look at the history and evolution of the pen.

WHO INVENTED THE PEN?

There are several different answers to this question because of the varying types of pens there are available in the 21st century.

However, the first people to invent the pen as a basic tool to write were the ancient Egyptians. The oldest piece of writing on papyrus dates back to 2000 BC. This evidence suggests that they were the first to create a tool that allowed them to make their language tangible and permanent.  

To answer the question in more depth and address each particular invention, we’ve put together an in depth timeline of the pen’s evolution:

PEN TIMELINE

2000 BC: EGYPTIAN REED PEN

To write upon parchment and papyrus, the Egyptians created a reed pen. These early pens were fashioned from the hollow, tubular stems of marsh grasses - especially bamboo plant.

One end of this tool was cut into the shape of a pen nib or point and then the reed’s stem was filled with a writing fluid that would flow down to the nib when squeezed.

600 AD: QUILL PEN

Of all the writing instruments, the quill pen was in use for the longest period of history - from 7th to the 19th century. Europeans used bird feathers to produce this tool; the best feathers were those taken from living swans, turkeys and geese.

These feathers were then dried with a gentle heat to remove any oils that may interfere with the ink. Next, the end of the feather must be shaped and sharpened with a knife. This was then dipped into an inkwell to fill the hollow shaft of the feather that acts as a reservoir.

These ink pens were durable, but had to be sharpened often. To do this, the writer needed a specific knife, which is where the term "pen-knife" originated. This type of pen actually also changed the way that people wrote. At first, language was written using all capital letters, but as the pen became smoother to use, they developed faster styles, more decorative styles of handwriting with smaller letters.

Source: William Zhang

1822: STEEL-POINT PEN

The reign of the quill ended when John Mitchell from Birmingham began developing a machine-made steel-point pens on a mass scale.

These were still ink pens and functioned in the same way as quill, needing to be dipped into ink, but were sturdier and much less expensive. Their popularity took off and historians believe that by the 1850s half of all dip pens were made in Birmingham. Even the development of education and literacy can be attributed these more accessible writing instruments. 

Although this was the point of mass production and popularity for the steel-point pen, archaeologists have discovered metal nibs in Ancient Egypt and bronze pen points in the ruins of Pompeii, dating them back to around year 79.

1827: FOUNTAIN PEN

Frustration is the real mother of invention, and that is precisely how the fountain pen came about. The inconvenience of having to keep dipping a pen to replenish its ink supply fuelled the creation of the fountain pen, which holds in a reservoir and passes it through to the nib.

It was first Petrache Poenaru, a Romanian inventor, who received a patent for the invention of the very first fountain pen with an ink barrel in 1827. However, the design was never perfected and had major flaws: the flow of ink was not regulated and resulted in either no ink at all or blotting

It was in 1884 that Lewis Edson Waterman developed and gained a patent for the three-channel ink feed fountain pen. The design ensured a smooth flow of ink during writing, and revolutionised the pen into a portable tool.

Throughout the 20th century, the design underwent a number of innovations, including the use of a replaceable and refillable ink cartridge and range of plastic, metal and wooden fountain pens.

1888: BALLPOINT PEN HISTORY

The ballpoint pen was a turning point in the evolution of the pen that takes us up to modern day. It was a durable, more convenient writing pen that could write on surfaces such a wood, cardboard and even underwater. At that time during the 19th century, this was a revelation that essentially ended the era of ink writing.

Now the most popular and widely used pen, the ball pen has an interesting history that is first linked to American inventor John H. Loud. Loud received a patent - one of many during the development stages - but yet the design never actually produced a satisfactory flow of ink for the writer.

It was not until a couple of decades later in the 1930s that another attempt at the ballpoint pen is made by Lazlo Biro, a Hungarian journalist living in Argentina during World War II.

As a journalist, he was all too familiar with the annoyance of ink smudging on paper. He came up with the idea to use quick-drying ink instead of the usual India ink and to introduce a small metal ball that rotated. The ball would work to keep the writing pen from drying out and would distribute the ink smoothly.

In 1943, Lazlo and his brother Georg, a chemist, were granted a new patent. They went on to make their first commercial models: the Biro pens - now a household name that has become synonymous with ballpoint pen. The British government would then go on to buy the rights for the pens so they could be used by Royal Air Force crews. They favoured the ball pen since it was a sturdier and could write at high altitudes unlike the fountain pen that would flood under such conditions. The Biro was so successful in the RAF that they became widely used by the military, which brought it to the level of popularity it still has today.

Different Types of Pens

Since these key breakthrough in pen design, each continues to be modified.

For example, the rollerball was only invented by the 1980s by Japanese company Ohto. The rollerball pen is the same design as the ballpoint pen, but instead utilises water or gel-based liquid ink that provides a writing style very similar to the fountain pen.

Fountain pens continue to be used and admired, although these refillable ink pens are often seen a collectors’ items. Some of the most expensive fountain pen ink can cost around £30, but the most expensive fountain pens are around £100,000 - not the sort of thing you want to take to work just for Sarah in HR to accidentally nick it…

Other developments include the modern felt-tipped pen which was developed by the Yukio Hore. These pens are used in many creative environments and renowned for their ability to write on many different surface - these have even been developed into permanent markers or suitable for specific surfaces like CDs.

Even in the era of technology, the pen remains a crucial tool within our society. The act of writing has formed a very unique part of our culture and humanity. The wide range of pens continues to be used in many different facets of life, from the business person to creatives alike.

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The invention of paper revolutionised society. We use paper to create bank notes, newspapers, bandages, books; even if we don’t always notice it, it’s an integral part of our everyday lives. 

So, what are the origins of the invention of papermaking that changed civilisation so drastically? This versatile material has an in depth and fascinating history that goes back as far as the 2nd century.

We go right to the beginning of this creation to find out more about how it became one of humankind’s most important inventions.

WHO INVENTED PAPER?

It’s difficult to give one answer to this question since the invention of paper has been influenced in so many ways to produce the final product we have today.

The word ‘paper’ derives from the Ancient Egyptian writing material called papyrus, which was woven from the stems of the papyrus plant. This material was being produced in Egypt and Greece as early as 3000 BC.

However, many define the origins of standardised, mass-produced paper to China in 105 AD.

For a more thorough answer and look at the evolution of paper, we’ve created a timeline following its key developments.

PAPER TIMELINE

PRE 105 AD: PRIMITIVE WRITING MATERIALS

Writing was established long before the invention of paper, so humans had to find materials to either carve into or apply ink onto.

Natural resources such as clay, silk, wood, stone and leather were utilised. The Egyptians also used parchment paper. This was made from animal skins, usually sheep or cow. The skin was soaked the skin in water with chalk or flour and then salt was added to give it a smooth surface to write on.

However, in China, many early writings were scribed on long strips of bamboo with ink that was then bound together to make books.

Source: Peter Griffins

105 AD: CHINA’S STANDARDISED PAPER

Although these primitive writing materials existed, they weren’t the most convenient solution. These were often very heavy or, in the case of silk, very expensive.

It was in 2nd century China that Ts’ai Lun, a Chinese court official of the Han Dynasty, documented the first modern method of papermaking in China. It seems Ts'ai Lun made the paper by mixing finely chopped mulberry bark and cotton/hemp rags with water, mashing it flat, and pressing out the water and drying it in the sun.

Over time, these papermakers experimented and produced a number of different types of paper: sized, coated and dyed. These developments significantly helped China advance as a country. By the 10th century,  the Chinese had introduced paper money to their monetary system.

Because of China’s secrecy over their production techniques, other countries throughout Central Asia and the Middle East began didn’t begin setting up paper mills until around the 600 ADs.

13TH CENTURY: EUROPEAN PAPER

Eventually, the papermaking in China arrived in Europe. Italy invested the most within the industry and actually implemented improvements upon the Arabian technique they’d learned from.

It’s believed that when Italian traveller Marco Polo came back from his exploration in China, he reported their ingenious paper currency. This caught on in some European countries such as Spain who began using paper notes in 1483.

17TH & 18TH CENTURY: INNOVATION & WHITE PAPER

The Europeans’ papermaking technology significantly advanced throughout these two centuries. More mechanical solutions were being introduced to replace hand and manual labour, such as Nicolas-Louis Robert’s flat-screen papermaking machine.

Robert’s design was further developed in England, and his invention became the core of the Fourdrinier machine: the basis for modern papermaking today.

To add to the innovations, Claude-Louis Bertholett, a French chemist, invented the chemical bleaching of pulp in 1785. This produced the level of white paper that is widely used today. It’s most likely that the French Revolutionaries were the first to use such white paper.

However, with this rise in technology and the qualities of paper came an increase in demand. This lead to a shortage in cotton rags, the key material in the process. Laws and regulations were introduced to try and govern the trade of rags.

Source: University of Iowa

19TH CENTURY: WOOD-BASED PAPER

A quest to replace cotton rags with a substitute raw material began in Europe. Different materials were tested, such as straw. However, often quality concerns would arise - nothing seemed to produce the same consistency. 

Then, in 1843, Saxon Friedrich Gottlob Keller invented a wood-grinding machine that produced groundwood pulp ideal for papermaking. Soon after in 1854, Hugh Burgers and Charles Watts invented an alternative way to turn this wood into pulp: chemical pulping.

19TH & 20TH CENTURY: INDUSTRIALISATION OF PAPER PRODUCTION

With the success of the groundwood pulp, it became the leading raw material for papermaking. The paper industry began to develop industrial plants that specifically produce wood-based paper on an industrial scale to meet the growing demand. 

The innovation in mechanical papermaking processes increased drastically throughout the 19th and 20th  century. Eventually, it became entirely automated. Everything from the prep, pulping to the drying and packaging. The process had increased in speed, productivity and qualities of paper.

This level of innovation lead to more specialised types of paper grades, for example, lightweight coated papers for magazines, flyers, vouchers.

21ST CENTURY: NEW POSSIBILITIES

Today, the paper industry continues to grow and show new possibilities and applications.

So far, the 21st century technology has allowed us to do things like invent paper that can display whether a product is past its sell-by-date by changing colour or produce batteries from paper.

With the contemporary environmental concerns, paper companies are becoming increasingly aware about their impacts. New technology is being developed and invested in to reduce energy consumption from paper mills and generate biofuels.

Source: Ben Kerckx

HOW PAPER IS PRODUCED

After centuries of streamlining the process, the modern day paper production now consists of the following steps:

LOGGING, STRIPPING & CHIPPING

The process starts with industrial quantities of tree trunks and logs are harvested. This wood is then put through a stripping machine that removes their bark. The wood is then ready to go into a chipping unit, which shreds it down into small strips.

PULPING & DE-MULCHING

These small strips are then loaded into a large pressure boiler. When the strips is boiled with the large quantities of water it works to produce a paper pulp. The pulp is then de-mulched: water is removed from the pulp with a mesh screen.

DRYING & PRESSING

The product of the de-mulching is a raw fibrous paper layer, which is then passed through several drying cylinders to solidify its structure. After the drying process, the paper is put through a pressing unit. The weight of it works to equalise its surface texture and produce the desired thickness.

TREATING

To end the process, the paper is treated with a starch solution or special chemicals to give a specific colour, texture, strength or resistance. The starch solution works to seal the surface of the paper to prevent excessive ink absorption during printing and writing.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAPER

Today, paper is used in so many different capacities. Diaries and notebooks still play a huge role in this electronic era. We still receive many of our documents in letters delivered to our doors, we gain certificates on high quality cotton linen paper and decorate gifts in wrapping paper.  

What’s more, we’re finding new ways to use paper, like housing insulation can now be made from recycled paper. The paper is treated to be fire retardant, eliminating any health and safety risks and showing how far we’ve progressed in paper technology. 

The invention of paper completely revolutionised first the Asian, then Western societies. Paper will remain a huge part of our everyday lives, but in a more planet friendly capacity with the help of recycling.

Despite being surrounded by technology, there’s just something a bit more special and meaningful about writing a thank you letter or sending a wedding invitation...

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In a festive rush to find the perfect present for that difficult someone? We’ve selected our favourites for those who love everything stationery.

Finishing your Christmas list can be hard work, so we’re sure there are still a few names that need crossing off. If you find yourself shopping in the lead up to Christmas, keep reading our gift guide for last minute snazzy presents that will suit any stationery fan.

THE FOUNTAIN PEN LOVER

Showcase beautiful handwriting with effortless charm: the Kaweco Perkeo Fountain Pen is the perfect pen for any fan of the traditional stylus. Both the fine and medium nibs have an appealing spring to them, with a wonderful potential for beautiful handwriting.

Available in four different colours, from blonde to bold, this sleek fountain pen is an ideal gift for any burgeoning writer. Featuring an unusual, but incredibly comfortable, ergonomic triangular grip, this luxury pen will suit jotting down notes or practising calligraphy. Lightweight and hard-wearing, this is an affordable fountain that has been built to last.

THE DESIGN AFICIONADO

A bespoke accessory for the design obsessed, this solid organiser embodies industrial chic. The Danzo Landscape Organiser Hill has varying levels that act as a convenient holding place for design equipment or to artfully display personal jewellery, making it the perfect fit for studios and bedrooms, homes or the workplace.

Made from authentic aluminium alloy, and left in its original raw state, this useful little accessory can be purchased in rustic metallic or one of four matte pastel shades. Charmingly vintage without losing its industrialised core, this is an interior statement piece that would make a wonderful gift for any creative or stationery addict.

THE VINTAGE ENTHUSIAST

Crafted in one of the historical districts of Tokyo, this elegant pen is made of high-quality brass for a luxury finish. At the heart of vintage glamour, the Traveler’s Company Brass Pen may begin glaringly new but the colour will develop into the characteristic vintage warmth associated with brass. With a smooth writing tip, this is a pen to use with ease.

The Traveler’s Company has designed this writing instrument to be ultra-portable, with a ring on the top of the pen to be used as a keyring or to customise with accessories. Refills make sure that this pen will last the test of time, aging gracefully into a timeless gift.

THE BUDDING JOURNALER

Keep work safe and secure, whilst still handsomely presented, with the CIAK Medium Ruled Notebook. This classic notebook is not only durable but water resistant, so your scribbles and scratchings will survive the winter weather. Find an innovative horizontal band wound closely around the notebook, a CIAK signature, removing the need for a separate pen loop as a practical finishing touch.

This is a soft cover notebook made with eco-friendly acid-free recycled ruled ivory paper, flexible enough in which to write on the go. If pink doesn’t tickle your fancy (or won’t appeal to the recipient), this robust notebook is also available in a variety of bold colours.

THE SCRAPBOOK EXPERT

Any creative person will appreciate this adorable selection of sticker sheets with a variety of colourful illustrations. The Iconic Diary Deco Pack V.7 comes complete with characters, patterns, spots, numbers and cute little icons to suit all styles. The ultimate customisation tool, stickers make an unexpected, fun gift for those who enjoy capturing memories in an imaginative format.

With nine sheets in total, there’s bound to be a sticker for every occasion, perfect to showcase your personal style and accessorize  journals and diaries, as well as iconic scrapbooks and photo albums. Pop these in a desk draw as a secret surprise.

THE WORKAHOLIC

This is the planner to beat all others. The Hobonichi Techo Planner 2018 is a compact A6 size diary ready to support demanding lifestyles. This planner comes in elegant black with a weathered effect and gold embossed Japanese characters. An ideal gift for anyone interested in Japanese culture, you’ll also find pages on Japanese history, holidays and folk tales pinned inside.

This is a thick planner that has been carefully designed to aid in organisation. Laid out as a week to two pages, each spread features an inspirational quote, with each month sporting blank pages for jotting down quick notes and separate monthly calendars. Stick to that new year's resolution and be more productive with a chic start to the year.

STATIONERY STOCKING FILLERS

Looking to fill up those stockings? We’ve selected a few little gifts that are guaranteed to put a smile on their face come Christmas morning.

These adorable Midori Whale D-Clips are a practical gift with a fun twist. In a classic, cute design, with a trusty pocket-sized case, these d-clips are one of our most popular products for a reason. If you’ve got a friend who’s always in need of paperclips, you can be sure they won’t lose these ones.

Go for gold and keep up the festive spirit with MT Masking Tape in a glamorous sheen. Ideal for use in scrapbooks and arts projects, this fashionable washi tape embodies the season, perfect to decorate yuletide snapshots. A stylish stationery staple, this is one accessory we’re hoping for in our stocking.

If you’re shopping for the travel-obsessed, why not remind them of their fabulous adventures with a beautiful reading helper. This Hightide Bookmark features the iconic Eiffel Tower, reminiscent of wandering through the Louvre and strolling alongside the Seine. Have a friend off to the City of Lights in the New Year? This is a thoughtful anticipatory gift.

Buying a present for someone especially tricky? Browse our full festive collection of stationery goodies for a wealth of options.

Merry Christmas!

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