I'm so happy to learn about this notebook because 68 gsm TR paper is my favorite, and I love a notebook that lays flat. ❤️✒️😇 My local store had one!!!! Its harder to find the notebooks with 68 gsm TR that have plenty of pages! I'm using up an old stock Bond Travel Gear A5 dot grid 68 gsm TR notebook but it has white paper & I enjoyed an Odessey Notebook that is lined and has TR 68 gsm. ❤
I'm SO SO happy that this company was able to get into B&N!! I found them (I think on etsy but not sure) a while ago when looking for fountain pen friendly traveler's notebook inserts! Thank you SO much for featuring this on your channel!
Finally--someone else who thinks TR paper is too thin and too see-through. I don't have a Barnes & Noble near me, but I may order from their website--huge selection of sizes and styles! Love seeing small businesses succeed and grow!
OMG! I've been a huge fan of Nuria and her brand for almost a decade. I think I ordered my first TN insert form her in 2016 or 2017. She was one of the first to offer 52 and 68gsm TRP notebooks in all the sizes and page counts. I'm so glad she's getting the visibility and regognition she deserves.
There are few options available, one being the Taroko shop with more page count, and another is the Odyssey note with more page count and a B5 size. Both carry Cosmo notes as well.
Love their paper. I found them on Etsy a while back. I didn’t know they had items at B&N!! That’s awesome!! They also make TN notebooks. Those are the ones I’ve ordered through Etsy.
I use this exact notebook every day. I found them on Etsy number of years ago and happy to support now that I see them in Barnes & Noble where I bought my last one. It is the best notebook I have and I have many. They also make many fantastic travelers inserts, which I use every day as well.
I love this video! I’ll probably rewatch it. I’m going to order several, I just found them on B&N’s website. I’ve been watching this maker on Etsy but haven’t ordered because I like lay flat notebooks over staple. So happy dance!!! 💃 🎉😅
Yaaaa same here! My husband and I usually use tomoe river, and we found this at B&N too! We found it interesting at 68gsm so got two and it’s literally his new favorite paper! I like it except I prefer a6 size so I’d love to find a6 ones one day.
The 68gsm is also my favorite paper, I used the take a note planners because of that. I will go to my local B&N soon to see if they have this journal available.
I believe Endless still has 68gsm TR paper journals. Goulet Pens have their own 68gsm staplebounds. The 52gsm is so much more widely prefered that the 68gsm got rarer in time. İt used to be very common (well as common as TR paper can be🙃). You might be able to find them from the actual brand 'Tomoe River'. They used to have loose paper only. But lately they make journals as well. And they have both 52 and 68gsm and a choice between cream and white paper. İt is interresting to see everyone's preferences when it comes to paper. I use both 52 and 68gsm TR papers, and I love them both. I do have a few cosmo papered journals. When I heard they weren't going to be made anymore, I bought a few from Galen Leather. They're waiting their turn to be used for now though 😊
I've heard of GoodINKpressions and bought from their Etsy shop before and while I love that they use Tomoe River paper, the fact that they always made staple-bound notebooks annoyed me. The fact that this is lay-flat thread-binding is what I've always wanted from them.
Yes, I feel ya. Not really big on staple-bound notebook either. It seems like this bound notebook is only offered through Barns & Noble (for now). Haven't found this specific notebook on their website or Etsy.
@@SeaweedKissesI think you’re right. I looked and looked. All I could find was 180pg and staple bound. So I just ordered online through B&N. Buy 2 and free shipping over $40.
Definitely! I LOVE the 68gsm and I have ordered a bunch of inserts from the Etsy shop. I really like the binding on that one! The staples didn’t bother me however. The craftsmanship is done so well. Congratulations on finding the beautiful 68gsm life changing Tomoe River paper!
🤩🥳more notebooks for me‼️ I’ve just purchased some fountain pens and I’m starting my journaling journey 🫶🏾 I’m so excited to get notebooks from them soon 💯🙌🏾
In addition to having an Etsy shop, they also have their own website. On both, you can choose your size notebook as well as the style of pages, blank, lined, etc.. I love their notebooks and have been using them for a couple of years. I did order a couple from Barnes & Noble, as my local store does not have them yet and discovered that the tax is approximate to the shipping, if you order from them directly. However, their website does not have a notebook with the same amount of pages as the Barnes & Noble version. It’s very exciting to see something I love being sold in a store I know. I hope it becomes a permanent part of the store products.
Yes, I noticed that. Just wish they offered more bound notebooks vs staple-bound with their 192 pg option. Just happy to see this particular one offered within B&N.
just when I said Im done buying notebooks for the year :)) so happy they have the dot grid also, not a fan of lined paper. i need to pick one of these up, that sound on the paper, gosh!
I know, I know! The things we try to tell ourselves!! 🤪Thought I was "done," too....Yet, here we are! hahaha! If you do pick this up, would love to know what you think! Pretty sure you'll like it!
I love the 68gsm tomoe river paper but I only had the staple bound regular TN insert(Toroko Shop?)! But I love the lay flat books! So if I ever get to Barnes and Noble, I’ll try to find that notebook 😊! Thanks for sharing 💕!
I've seen these at Barnes and Nobel the other day but didn't buy cuz I wasn't a fan of 52gsm paper. Was tooo thin and the ghosting bothered me too much. I literally used just one side of the paper in the entire book. BUT now I will check this out! Thank you so much for reviewing it!
Does anyone know whether the paper is the original Tomoe River or the new crap that is supposed to be the original formula but clearly is not? I've got a JetPens Kanso notebook made of the new stuff: It feather, bleeds, doesn't allow inks to shade or sheen...I can't wait to get to the end of it so that I can use some good paper again.
That's a smooth writing fountain pen. What is it? I've got to try this notebook. I love a paper and pen combination that makes you want to write and write!!! Good video Michelle.
Which fountain pen are you referring to? I show a few in this clip with me writing with it? The opening shot is with a Benu Bourbon fountain pen (medium nib). The second pen I write with is a Kaweco in Medium nib, and the last shot is a TWSBI Eco with an Extra Fine nib. Can't really go wrong with any of them as they all write smoothly with this 68gsm paper. Thanks for watching!
I use the Midori notebooks for years now , beautifully minimalistic, ivory blank and dots....and also the awesome codex notebook...all temoe river paper!❤
Yes goodinkimpressions has been around awhile. You can contact them to special order stuff - there are people who even want a smaller grid because it’s hard to find on tomoe river paper. But orders might take months to be processed 😅 but I agree the 68gsm makes a difference! I have a stack of the 52gsm tomoe river paper and just don’t like it much!
I just found an a5 notebook of tomoe river paper, cream, 68gsm.. on Amazon.. different cover.. thank you for the opinion as to why you like it, it’s also what I’m looking for in a journal… Lonesome Dove is my all time favorite book/movie
You may have your prefer, but the lack of bleed through on that incredibly thin notebook you filled is an incredible testament to the thinner (yet very functional) version of this brand…
Michelle, I just bought 2 of these from Etsy. I have been eyeing these for some months now and just could not pull the trigger because of the price. And you are very correct on the number of pages. These have more pages than what is offered else where. The closest B&N that has them is 20 miles away from me and I am in Texas. I run Maruman, Kukoyo Campus, and a Black and Red it has nice paper.
If your Barnes & Noble is too far, there's always the option to order through their website. I linked this exact notebook in the description, if interested.🥰
If you don't mind, how well do you like the black n red paper as compared to Maruman? Any bleedthrough problems? Been considering those notebooks for college since they're affordable but hesitant to pull the trigger because I saw a review that observed some bleedthrough with it... How is it also with sheen and shading?
@@phisograph I like those notebooks. I believe they are 90 gsm. I get them at Office Depot. I don't see any bleed through. But I do not swatch the inks. I just write. The sheening does come through and shading writing with a broad nib. And it is smooth paper. It is real close to Clairefontaine/ Rhodia, I also like Apica, it is on the pricey side. But you can get a bunch of low paged notebooks of Apica from various sellers...Goulet, Jet Pens, Yoseka, Dromgooles. Maruman can't be beat, it is funny how hardly anyone says anything about it. It is alway Rhodia and Clairefontaine. I am sorry I thought I sent this out earlier, I don't see my comment anywhere. Any other question? Hit me up. I don't mind. Everything with paper is about exploring And I believe Michelle can help as well. Seems like she has become the Queen of notebooks. Thanks to her I have accumulated some off the wall (Walmart) brands.
@@tbayless8324 Thank you so much! If you don't mind, got another question - are hand oils an issue with black n red notebooks? Love maruman paper but I find that if I've been resting my hand a bit too much on the page, ink kinda feathers feathers around that area (which I assume is due to oil transfer from skin to paper)
I would really like the heaver weight on that Tomoe River. Tomoe River 52 gsm paper is discontinued, it has been replaced by Tomoe River S. I'm not sure about this different weight. Thanks for the tip on these!
❤📙❤📔❤📖 Hi Michelle, Love that you teach us about writing books helping us to make good decisions. Will add these thoughts to my B&N adventure. I always wanted an A5 so I'm looking forward to seeing what cover you may consider for this book? Sending Luv, Hugz, and Kisses always, Cynthia 🙏🌹🦋
Thank you, Cynthia! Hmmm, as far as a cover for this notebook...It may not need one as the orange cardstock cover is pretty durable! But, we'll see. You never know with me as I tend to change my mind with each passing creative thought😆
Although I'm ok with TR lighter paper, it's in large part because I use very specific pens and colours especially curated for my Hobo journals. My big beautiful adhd categorising hyper-fixation lol However, a paper that was almost the same but better at not ghosting would be amazing. I'm waiting for them to do an A6 version though as I just don't use larger journals. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I totally get the tactile thing.
Yes, I noticed that. Just wish they offered more bound notebooks vs staple-bound. And I didn't see any on their Etsy shop that were 192 pages. Perhaps I overlooked it?
What’s the smudge factor and drying time like? Ghosting doesn’t bother me, even some feathering is ok, but my left hand will smudge any ink that doesn’t absorb into the paper quickly.
I believe Odyssey Notebooks makes a 68gsm cream plain notebook. I have one and it is well made and the paper is awesome. Not sure if it’s Tomoe river paper though. You might want to check them out.
I’ve loved the Good Inkpressions notebooks, but wasn’t a fan of staple bound. These stitch bound notebooks look amazing! But sadly these are probably not available here in New Zealand.
I found the orange on the brand’s website, but also a ton of other colors as well! And you can pick from cream or white paper and all the types as well….dot, blank, etc. Def trying this out. I recently bought a midori but I’m not 100% loving it. But my Tamoe River paper I feel like I have to skip a lot of pages bcs of the ghosting.
I’m wondering if the reason you didn’t care for the 52gsm is because you had a batch from the 2nd, or #9 machine Tomoe River paper? Or was this the newest 3rd Tomoe River paper? Many people have said that it was crispy or crunchy compared to the original Tomoe River #7 machine and even the new and 3rd Tomoe River paper. However I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t know if it was just a bad batch from machine #9 of Tomoe River, (take 2) because that actually was reported as well. I’ve been considering all this myself. When I found out that Tomoe River was going to stop being produced I quickly started buying more Everyday notebooks from Galen Leather. I now have several. I think 6! So far I’m almost finished with the very first one. This paper does not feel crunchy at all so I’m thinking I may have some of the original Tomoe River. A couple of years ago, when this was all happening, I emailed Galen Leather and asked which paper they were selling at that point and they replied that it was still the original. So it’s very possible that at least a couple that I have are the original. I honestly do not know if I have any of the newest or not. It all was so very confusing and still is. 😆 At this point I’m just happy that they are still making it at this point. It’s better than having none at all. I do love the 68gsm as well as the 52gsm.
68gsm TR has already been discontinued. It was only ever made by Tomoegawa, the original manufacturer's of TR. When Sanzen bought the name and existing stocks, Sanzen only decided to continue making 52gsm TR. Hence Sanzen TR 52gsm. As far as I know they have no plans to resurrect 68gsm. So 68gsm is the real TR unobtanium. Once they're gone, they're gone. Other brands that make 68gsm notebooks are Odyssey Notebooks and GLP Creations. Hippo Noto do huge 400 page notebooks, but they are pricy.
Local B & N managers are now being allowed to make some selections of the stock for their stores. So it likely will not be available in all stores but is on the web site. Yay.
I can totally relate to just wanting to write because the pen, ink and paper combo is a "chef's kiss." I have two notebooks that fit that category right now. I'll have to try out this notebook though. 😅 Thanks for the recommendation. 😊
I noticed that! Just wish their Etsy shop offered this bound notebook as well. Most of their Etsy notebooks are noted as "staple bound" and not the 192 pages like this one. But if I ever want to get individual inserts, I now know where to find them!
I just use a straight razor and metal ruler with a cutting mat. OR, you can get it done at any Staples or Office Max in your area. Cost is about $1-$3 for them to cut it down for you.
Can you tell me the name of the Clairefontaine notebook at around 7 minutes 40 seconds in your video? And FYI: there's a journal with 68 gsm Tomoe River paper, 192 pages. It's called "GLP CREATIONS The Author". It's roughly 5.5" x 8.25. I think they aren't in short supply. It's quite nice, with a soft textured cover, and the pages seem to be the color you like.
Yes yes yes. I stayed away from hobo cuz it’s 58gsm and I’m a heavy handed writer. I always use 68gsm but they are hard to find! If you are more tolerable, I found a brand on Amazon call Endless that sometimes offer tomoe river notebook. The price is lower but the binding isn’t perfect, but in a pinch I went for it
Endless also has its own website. If you’re not familiar they also have Regalia paper. It’s different than Tomoe River, but isn’t every other paper? It makes ALL inks pop like nothing I’ve seen before except Tomoe River but in a different way. It’s really something to see. Cheers
@@SeaweedKisses hmmmm I don’t mind it but I keep going back to the 52gsm TRP. Something about the way it holds the ink seems better. I don’t mind the shadowing. And I also use it for watercolour which it handles really well. Mourning the end of Machine 7 though. The new Sanzen paper just isn’t the same.
No need. Jet Pens sells loose leaf Tomoe River. They sell it in white and also cream. It’s my go to for Tomoe River paper. Btw, this is my third comment to you but it keeps disappearing and idk why. I have spent an hour commenting to people here in the comment section and all of them are now gone. Idk if I’ve been blocked or shadow banned for some reason. I’m clueless about suck things but I can’t figure out any other reason for it. I hope you see this message and grab yourself some Loose leaf Tomoe River over there. Cheers
I love the 68gsm Tomoe River. So much so thst when they discontinued the old version I bought a lifetime supply 😂. My casket will be lined with it when I go. 😂. Although I may need to raid my local B&N if they have it in stock. Buy all the TR 68gsm that you can while you can
You go me really excited about this notebook, so I went and looked at it at my local Barnes & Noble today. The paper feels great! But I didn't like the overall notebook and especially that it doesn't lie flat. The notebook was also a bit bent (from shipping, I guess), so it just didn't feel like the premium Japanese notebooks, like a Midori or Hobonichi. I decided not to buy it for the relatively high price. But thanks for sharing this find with us. I would have never thought that Barnes & Noble would carry such high quality paper. I wish I had liked the notebook more :(
Interesting that it didn't lie flat for you...The three I picked up do. At first impression, the paper doesn't "feel" that impressive. However, after testing it with inks and fountain pens, it's more of my preference when it comes to Tomoe River Paper compared to the super thin 52 gsm. At least now you know this may not be what you're looking for in terms of needs and style. Happy your location had it in stock to give it a look.😊
@@SeaweedKisses Thanks so much for replying. I am glad I got to look at this notebook. And I agree with you the the thicker paper is an advantage over the 52 gsm paper. It's great that we can share our experiences with different papers through your wonderful channel!
I found this at mine as well and am afraid to write and waste the paper 😂😂 what is the name of that copper fountain pen? I’m still getting to know pens 😊
The glittery copper fountain pen is made by BENU. It's their Bourbon model. It normally comes with a steel nib, but I changed it out with a gold one from another BENU model. 😊
Check out Nanami Seven Seas! It has 488 pages of this paper, lies flat at every page, and is very pretty to boot. Edit: I watched a little further and can see I’m dumb. Cheers!
Yes, blank pages, but in 52 gsm from what I saw. The feel of this paper is actually in between Moleskine & Leuchtturm, for me. Not too smooth. not too "toothy" or thin. It's just in the middle, if that makes sense 😆
Yes I do have that favorite notebook Pen and gear 4 x 6 notebook I love Erin condren papar. I'd love to find another notebook company that uses it. The smell and tooth is the paper it grabs the ink. Tomoe River is okay. I am not a fountain pen user. I like all point. Lol. I know blasphemy 😂
Yes, I saw that. Just wish they offered more bound notebooks vs staple-bound. And I didn't see any on their Etsy shop that were 192 pages full bound. Perhaps I overlooked it?
@@SeaweedKisses it isn’t exact but I see one with 180 pages 68 gsm Tomoe River paper that appears not to be staple bound with an elastic strap. Not the exact same, but fairly close.
This exact notebook with 192 pages, fully bound vs staple-bound? Could you provide the link? I'd love to share it as an option for others that may not be able to get these through Barnes & Noble. Thanks!
Also, I should point out that the maker of Tomoe River paper is no longer making the 68 GSM version. The company making these notebooks must have a good stock of it. But when it’s gone, it’s gone.😢
Tomoe River paper at Barnes & Noble?? That’s pretty awesome. I’m not a big fan of the 68gsm though. It’s not the thickness of the paper, I don’t care about that…I just prefer the feel of the nib on the 52gsm. For a while when the 52gsm wasn’t available, I bought Endless Recorders and a few others that were 68gsm, was so happy when the 52gsm came back. I barely even notice the difference between the new version and the old.
I have a hard time figuring out which versions I have to be far. I really don’t know. I could have any combo of the 3 kinds. 😆 The chaos ensured when whole thing hit the fan a few years ago about them ending production and then moving from machine number seven, the original, to machine number nine for a while. Throw in the fact that there was some bad batches from machine #9 that made everything worse. Then saying they were completely ending production. Then Sanzen buying the rights and now producing a third type of it. All that to say, for those who know which version they have they have said that the paper is a tiny bit toothed than the original but most barely notice it. When it comes to inks, it’s Dasani’s the shades look a tad darker. That shading and shimmer aren’t as brilliant. But again, unless we can compare side by side I personally cant know. Cheers
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This is part of Barnes and Noble pivot to allowing local managers to curate products to their area’s preferences
Oh, nice!! Love that B&N are doing that! It's apparently working out!
One of the very few companies that gets it and pays attention
I'm so happy to learn about this notebook because 68 gsm TR paper is my favorite, and I love a notebook that lays flat. ❤️✒️😇 My local store had one!!!!
Its harder to find the notebooks with 68 gsm TR that have plenty of pages! I'm using up an old stock Bond Travel Gear A5 dot grid 68 gsm TR notebook but it has white paper & I enjoyed an Odessey Notebook that is lined and has TR 68 gsm. ❤
I'm SO SO happy that this company was able to get into B&N!! I found them (I think on etsy but not sure) a while ago when looking for fountain pen friendly traveler's notebook inserts! Thank you SO much for featuring this on your channel!
And I'm so happy I stumbled across these!! This paper is a game-changer!
They also sell them in their website and send worldwide@@SeaweedKisses
@@matildedelgado6647 I saw their website and looked for this exact notebook. All I saw were 180 pgs, or staple bound booklets. Not bound.
OMG! The nib sound on that paper….music to my ears!!!
the sound, and the feel!!! I'm here for this smooth writing!🤤❤❤✍
Sounds incredibly scratchy to me.
I was thinking it sounded like nails on a chalkboard to me lol
Finally--someone else who thinks TR paper is too thin and too see-through. I don't have a Barnes & Noble near me, but I may order from their website--huge selection of sizes and styles! Love seeing small businesses succeed and grow!
Yes, it's wonderful! So happy for them!
Man……this company…out of Spain …..has a gorgeous collection of notebooks! Also inserts for all TN’s and Hobonichi as well! Visiting BN tomorrow
OMG! I've been a huge fan of Nuria and her brand for almost a decade. I think I ordered my first TN insert form her in 2016 or 2017. She was one of the first to offer 52 and 68gsm TRP notebooks in all the sizes and page counts. I'm so glad she's getting the visibility and regognition she deserves.
Oh, that’s wonderful! So happy for her brand and company! Their notebook is a game changer for me! ❤
There are few options available, one being the Taroko shop with more page count, and another is the Odyssey note with more page count and a B5 size. Both carry Cosmo notes as well.
Love their paper. I found them on Etsy a while back. I didn’t know they had items at B&N!! That’s awesome!! They also make TN notebooks. Those are the ones I’ve ordered through Etsy.
So happy I now know about their brand! Just wish their TN inserts came in bound options vs staple-bound.
Wow, so pretty. I would have never seen wings until you stamped them. So very creative and i love your coloring.
I use this exact notebook every day. I found them on Etsy number of years ago and happy to support now that I see them in Barnes & Noble where I bought my last one. It is the best notebook I have and I have many. They also make many fantastic travelers inserts, which I use every day as well.
I love this video! I’ll probably rewatch it. I’m going to order several, I just found them on B&N’s website. I’ve been watching this maker on Etsy but haven’t ordered because I like lay flat notebooks over staple. So happy dance!!! 💃 🎉😅
If you enjoy lay flats (like I do), then you'll really love this one!
Yaaaa same here! My husband and I usually use tomoe river, and we found this at B&N too! We found it interesting at 68gsm so got two and it’s literally his new favorite paper! I like it except I prefer a6 size so I’d love to find a6 ones one day.
They might have A6 on their Etsy
She has all different sizes on her Etsy.
The 68gsm is also my favorite paper, I used the take a note planners because of that. I will go to my local B&N soon to see if they have this journal available.
I have the dot in mustard yellow and it is such a favorite of mine.
I just bought it today. Literally so happy I remembered this video
Hope you’re enjoying it!❤
Me2! Just bought the last three at my BN. Thanks SeaweedKisses for the tip!
Endless does a 68gsm variant of the tomoe river paper. You could give them a try if you haven’t already to see if you like their paper.
I believe Endless still has 68gsm TR paper journals. Goulet Pens have their own 68gsm staplebounds. The 52gsm is so much more widely prefered that the 68gsm got rarer in time. İt used to be very common (well as common as TR paper can be🙃). You might be able to find them from the actual brand 'Tomoe River'. They used to have loose paper only. But lately they make journals as well. And they have both 52 and 68gsm and a choice between cream and white paper. İt is interresting to see everyone's preferences when it comes to paper. I use both 52 and 68gsm TR papers, and I love them both. I do have a few cosmo papered journals. When I heard they weren't going to be made anymore, I bought a few from Galen Leather. They're waiting their turn to be used for now though 😊
I've heard of GoodINKpressions and bought from their Etsy shop before and while I love that they use Tomoe River paper, the fact that they always made staple-bound notebooks annoyed me. The fact that this is lay-flat thread-binding is what I've always wanted from them.
Yes, I feel ya. Not really big on staple-bound notebook either. It seems like this bound notebook is only offered through Barns & Noble (for now). Haven't found this specific notebook on their website or Etsy.
@@SeaweedKissesI think you’re right. I looked and looked. All I could find was 180pg and staple bound. So I just ordered online through B&N. Buy 2 and free shipping over $40.
Definitely! I LOVE the 68gsm and I have ordered a bunch of inserts from the Etsy shop. I really like the binding on that one! The staples didn’t bother me however. The craftsmanship is done so well.
Congratulations on finding the beautiful 68gsm life changing Tomoe River paper!
Yes!! Thank you. It’s definitely a game changer!
🤩🥳more notebooks for me‼️ I’ve just purchased some fountain pens and I’m starting my journaling journey 🫶🏾 I’m so excited to get notebooks from them soon 💯🙌🏾
I have the same notebook for calligraphy practices. The binding of this notebook is great.
In addition to having an Etsy shop, they also have their own website. On both, you can choose your size notebook as well as the style of pages, blank, lined, etc.. I love their notebooks and have been using them for a couple of years. I did order a couple from Barnes & Noble, as my local store does not have them yet and discovered that the tax is approximate to the shipping, if you order from them directly. However, their website does not have a notebook with the same amount of pages as the Barnes & Noble version. It’s very exciting to see something I love being sold in a store I know. I hope it becomes a permanent part of the store products.
Yes, I noticed that. Just wish they offered more bound notebooks vs staple-bound with their 192 pg option. Just happy to see this particular one offered within B&N.
just when I said Im done buying notebooks for the year :)) so happy they have the dot grid also, not a fan of lined paper. i need to pick one of these up, that sound on the paper, gosh!
I know, I know! The things we try to tell ourselves!! 🤪Thought I was "done," too....Yet, here we are! hahaha! If you do pick this up, would love to know what you think! Pretty sure you'll like it!
Thanks for posting. I will definitely be checking this out!
Nearly $30 is simply too expensive. You can get a Midori MD notebook which is as good for fountain pens if not better (faster dry time) for like $14.
@@phototristan I love the Midori notebooks too! This is just a good option for thinner paper thus a lighter notebook
I love the 68gsm tomoe river paper but I only had the staple bound regular TN insert(Toroko Shop?)! But I love the lay flat books! So if I ever get to Barnes and Noble, I’ll try to find that notebook 😊! Thanks for sharing 💕!
If you love a good lay flat bound book, then I think you'll really enjoy this notebook! It's great!❤❤
The only other place I've see 68GSM TRP is in the Take-a-Note planner. I used it for 2023 and I loved it. But I do Love the 52GSM as well.
I've seen these at Barnes and Nobel the other day but didn't buy cuz I wasn't a fan of 52gsm paper. Was tooo thin and the ghosting bothered me too much. I literally used just one side of the paper in the entire book. BUT now I will check this out! Thank you so much for reviewing it!
I saw that notebook at my local B&N. I'll have to try it. I love Tomoe River Paper.
Went to B&N on Saturday. Totally sold out!!! I’ll wait to see if they restock. I have too much stuff! lol!
Tomoe river paper makes me Always happy. My favorite paper for writing. Love his sound, texture. 💖🫰
I love 68 GSM Tomoe River also! Especially from Good Inkpressions! Thank you for the heads up about B&N
You are so welcome!❤️
I love goodINKpressions! I buy there all the time! :D
I love this shop so much. I love ordering inserts from Nuria, bot i havent tried one of the notebooks yet. Definitely on my wish list!
I have had a few of her notebooks in my cart for a long time and finally today I purchased two! They are on sale so it makes it even easier!
Does anyone know whether the paper is the original Tomoe River or the new crap that is supposed to be the original formula but clearly is not? I've got a JetPens Kanso notebook made of the new stuff: It feather, bleeds, doesn't allow inks to shade or sheen...I can't wait to get to the end of it so that I can use some good paper again.
That's a smooth writing fountain pen. What is it? I've got to try this notebook. I love a paper and pen combination that makes you want to write and write!!! Good video Michelle.
Which fountain pen are you referring to? I show a few in this clip with me writing with it? The opening shot is with a Benu Bourbon fountain pen (medium nib). The second pen I write with is a Kaweco in Medium nib, and the last shot is a TWSBI Eco with an Extra Fine nib. Can't really go wrong with any of them as they all write smoothly with this 68gsm paper. Thanks for watching!
I use the Midori notebooks for years now , beautifully minimalistic, ivory blank and dots....and also the awesome codex notebook...all temoe river paper!❤
Thank you for sharing. I really enjoying listening to your excitement about stationary, matches my own. And, the ASMR at the end...😁
hehe! thank you! ❤
Yes goodinkimpressions has been around awhile. You can contact them to special order stuff - there are people who even want a smaller grid because it’s hard to find on tomoe river paper. But orders might take months to be processed 😅 but I agree the 68gsm makes a difference! I have a stack of the 52gsm tomoe river paper and just don’t like it much!
Check out Hippo Noto notebooks. They can be hard to get a hold of, but it's the 68gsm with LOTS of pages.
Oh, thank you! Will do!❤️✍️
I just found an a5 notebook of tomoe river paper, cream, 68gsm.. on Amazon.. different cover.. thank you for the opinion as to why you like it, it’s also what I’m looking for in a journal… Lonesome Dove is my all time favorite book/movie
Stone paper feels nice and smooth too.
Stone paper is smooth...however, it gets heavier with the more pages it has.
Also...Stone paper could eventually wear down the tipping on your nib.
I love this paper also got the passport weekly and a monthly one and grid notebook in passport size I love them
Just went on bn website, they have a bunch of colors so I ordered two w free shipping. :) thanks for the review. I also like the thicker paper!
Glad I could help! Hope you enjoy it!
You may have your prefer, but the lack of bleed through on that incredibly thin notebook you filled is an incredible testament to the thinner (yet very functional) version of this brand…
Michelle, I just bought 2 of these from Etsy. I have been eyeing these for some months now and just could not pull the trigger because of the price. And you are very correct on the number of pages. These have more pages than what is offered else where. The closest B&N that has them is 20 miles away from me and I am in Texas.
I run Maruman, Kukoyo Campus, and a Black and Red it has nice paper.
If your Barnes & Noble is too far, there's always the option to order through their website. I linked this exact notebook in the description, if interested.🥰
@@SeaweedKisses I am always interested, I have been obsessed with paper since I was little, when I discovered my grandmother's onion skin paper.
If you don't mind, how well do you like the black n red paper as compared to Maruman? Any bleedthrough problems? Been considering those notebooks for college since they're affordable but hesitant to pull the trigger because I saw a review that observed some bleedthrough with it...
How is it also with sheen and shading?
@@phisograph I like those notebooks. I believe they are 90 gsm. I get them at Office Depot. I don't see any bleed through. But I do not swatch the inks. I just write. The sheening does come through and shading writing with a broad nib. And it is smooth paper. It is real close to Clairefontaine/ Rhodia, I also like Apica, it is on the pricey side. But you can get a bunch of low paged notebooks of Apica from various sellers...Goulet, Jet Pens, Yoseka, Dromgooles.
Maruman can't be beat, it is funny how hardly anyone says anything about it. It is alway Rhodia and Clairefontaine.
I am sorry I thought I sent this out earlier, I don't see my comment anywhere. Any other question? Hit me up. I don't mind. Everything with paper is about exploring And I believe Michelle can help as well. Seems like she has become the Queen of notebooks. Thanks to her I have accumulated some off the wall (Walmart) brands.
@@tbayless8324 Thank you so much! If you don't mind, got another question - are hand oils an issue with black n red notebooks? Love maruman paper but I find that if I've been resting my hand a bit too much on the page, ink kinda feathers feathers around that area (which I assume is due to oil transfer from skin to paper)
Thanks for providing information on another great notebook to consider. Love my Midori and Tomoe paper. A little thicker would be nicer. 🙃
I'm going to have to visit Barnes and Noble and pick up one.
Yes! I hope you get one!
You can use a traveler journal to bind those, without gluing them 😊
I would really like the heaver weight on that Tomoe River. Tomoe River 52 gsm paper is discontinued, it has been replaced by Tomoe River S. I'm not sure about this different weight. Thanks for the tip on these!
❤📙❤📔❤📖 Hi Michelle, Love that you teach us about writing books helping us to make good decisions. Will add these thoughts to my B&N adventure. I always wanted an A5 so I'm looking forward to seeing what cover you may consider for this book? Sending Luv, Hugz, and Kisses always, Cynthia 🙏🌹🦋
Thank you, Cynthia! Hmmm, as far as a cover for this notebook...It may not need one as the orange cardstock cover is pretty durable! But, we'll see. You never know with me as I tend to change my mind with each passing creative thought😆
@@SeaweedKisses Love it! xoxo
Although I'm ok with TR lighter paper, it's in large part because I use very specific pens and colours especially curated for my Hobo journals. My big beautiful adhd categorising hyper-fixation lol
However, a paper that was almost the same but better at not ghosting would be amazing. I'm waiting for them to do an A6 version though as I just don't use larger journals.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I totally get the tactile thing.
Ha! I went to check and they have it in A6 (& lots of sizes), woohoo. lol
YAAAY omg Nuria’s notebooks are in B&N now? (I live in Spain and order her notebooks directly all the time haha)
Where did you get that glittery pen you use? So beautiful
Thank you! It's made by Benu company. It's their Bourbon model. I just changed out the nib to a gold one from another Benu model.😊
BTW, their Etsy shop offers blank, dotted, lined and graph.
Yes, I noticed that. Just wish they offered more bound notebooks vs staple-bound. And I didn't see any on their Etsy shop that were 192 pages. Perhaps I overlooked it?
@@SeaweedKisses They appear to do “made to order” as well, so you might try writing them.
What’s the smudge factor and drying time like? Ghosting doesn’t bother me, even some feathering is ok, but my left hand will smudge any ink that doesn’t absorb into the paper quickly.
I just did a smudge test. In my experience, the paper does need a few seconds to avoid smudging with both gel and fp ink.
I believe Odyssey Notebooks makes a 68gsm cream plain notebook. I have one and it is well made and the paper is awesome. Not sure if it’s Tomoe river paper though. You might want to check them out.
Will do! Thank you for the suggestion!
😅 just when I thought I didnt need a new notebook. Here I come B&N ❤
😂😂🙌
I’ve loved the Good Inkpressions notebooks, but wasn’t a fan of staple bound. These stitch bound notebooks look amazing! But sadly these are probably not available here in New Zealand.
I found the orange on the brand’s website, but also a ton of other colors as well! And you can pick from cream or white paper and all the types as well….dot, blank, etc. Def trying this out. I recently bought a midori but I’m not 100% loving it. But my Tamoe River paper I feel like I have to skip a lot of pages bcs of the ghosting.
Yes, I noticed the other color and page design options. Just wish they offered the bound notebooks in 192 pages vs staple-bound.
It's possible that I went and cleaned out my B&N of these notebooks....
😂😂🙌❤ You’re not alone…
Lochby uses the 68. I love their journals.
Good to know, thanks!
I’m wondering if the reason you didn’t care for the 52gsm is because you had a batch from the 2nd, or #9 machine Tomoe River paper? Or was this the newest 3rd Tomoe River paper? Many people have said that it was crispy or crunchy compared to the original Tomoe River #7 machine and even the new and 3rd Tomoe River paper. However I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t know if it was just a bad batch from machine #9 of Tomoe River, (take 2) because that actually was reported as well.
I’ve been considering all this myself. When I found out that Tomoe River was going to stop being produced I quickly started buying more Everyday notebooks from Galen Leather. I now have several. I think 6! So far I’m almost finished with the very first one. This paper does not feel crunchy at all so I’m thinking I may have some of the original Tomoe River.
A couple of years ago, when this was all happening, I emailed Galen Leather and asked which paper they were selling at that point and they replied that it was still the original. So it’s very possible that at least a couple that I have are the original.
I honestly do not know if I have any of the newest or not. It all was so very confusing and still is. 😆
At this point I’m just happy that they are still making it at this point. It’s better than having none at all.
I do love the 68gsm as well as the 52gsm.
68gsm TR has already been discontinued. It was only ever made by Tomoegawa, the original manufacturer's of TR. When Sanzen bought the name and existing stocks, Sanzen only decided to continue making 52gsm TR. Hence Sanzen TR 52gsm. As far as I know they have no plans to resurrect 68gsm. So 68gsm is the real TR unobtanium. Once they're gone, they're gone. Other brands that make 68gsm notebooks are Odyssey Notebooks and GLP Creations. Hippo Noto do huge 400 page notebooks, but they are pricy.
lucky for us they did its already in production.
Seriously?? So this is original tomoe river for the original company??? That would be awesome.
@KG-ro8ft Sorry, I meant Sanzen bought the right to produce the 68 in addition to the 52.
I believe Sanzen has the entire rights, but they have no plans as far as I know to produce 68gsm TR. :(
Local B & N managers are now being allowed to make some selections of the stock for their stores. So it likely will not be available in all stores but is on the web site. Yay.
Michelle, Are you still liking these Good ink-xpressions? I am sitting on the fence with these.
yes! I am!! 😍
I can totally relate to just wanting to write because the pen, ink and paper combo is a "chef's kiss." I have two notebooks that fit that category right now.
I'll have to try out this notebook though. 😅
Thanks for the recommendation. 😊
Yes, give this notebook a try! I think you'll enjoy it!
They have an Etsy shop too!
I noticed that! Just wish their Etsy shop offered this bound notebook as well. Most of their Etsy notebooks are noted as "staple bound" and not the 192 pages like this one. But if I ever want to get individual inserts, I now know where to find them!
Nanami at the Etsy shop. 68 GSM 390 pages...I believe
How do you cut your notebooks? What do you use for that? I also love Moleskine size.
I just use a straight razor and metal ruler with a cutting mat. OR, you can get it done at any Staples or Office Max in your area. Cost is about $1-$3 for them to cut it down for you.
Can you tell me the name of the Clairefontaine notebook at around 7 minutes 40 seconds in your video? And FYI: there's a journal with 68 gsm Tomoe River paper, 192 pages. It's called "GLP CREATIONS The Author". It's roughly 5.5" x 8.25. I think they aren't in short supply. It's quite nice, with a soft textured cover, and the pages seem to be the color you like.
Hello. It’s the Clairefontaine “My Essential” notebook. Thank you for the TMR notebook suggestion. Will give GLP Creations a look. Appreciate it!
Yes yes yes. I stayed away from hobo cuz it’s 58gsm and I’m a heavy handed writer. I always use 68gsm but they are hard to find! If you are more tolerable, I found a brand on Amazon call Endless that sometimes offer tomoe river notebook. The price is lower but the binding isn’t perfect, but in a pinch I went for it
Good to know as another option. Thank you for sharing!
Endless also has its own website.
If you’re not familiar they also have Regalia paper. It’s different than Tomoe River, but isn’t every other paper?
It makes ALL inks pop like nothing I’ve seen before except Tomoe River but in a different way. It’s really something to see. Cheers
@@Soul_Watcher that’s interesting. I’ll have to give it a try next time I’m buying notebooks. Thank you 😊
Love these notebooks. But why is your FP sound so scratchy? Paper should be lovely and smooth. Is the 68gsm less smooth than the 52gsm.
It’s probably because I was writing right so close to the microphone 😅
@@SeaweedKisses yeah I tried it out and mine sounded the same!🤣🫣
@@krakentowa8727 sound doesn’t bother me much as it writes so smooth❤️ What are your thoughts on the notebook? Enjoying the 68gsm paper?
@@SeaweedKisses hmmmm I don’t mind it but I keep going back to the 52gsm TRP. Something about the way it holds the ink seems better. I don’t mind the shadowing. And I also use it for watercolour which it handles really well.
Mourning the end of Machine 7 though. The new Sanzen paper just isn’t the same.
I see that exact book in Etsy, so I would check it out again.
Oh, really! I didn't see this in their Etsy shop that was 192 pages and bound vs staple-bound. Perhaps I overlooked it?
Thanks for sharing. Can the paper be easily torn out? I want to use it primarily for letter writing….thanks!
Easily? Not without the edges being frayed as this is a bound notebook
For letters....Claire Fontaine make a loose a4...and a5 loose sheets....as well as Tomoe River loose sheets...
No need. Jet Pens sells loose leaf Tomoe River. They sell it in white and also cream. It’s my go to for Tomoe River paper.
Btw, this is my third comment to you but it keeps disappearing and idk why. I have spent an hour commenting to people here in the comment section and all of them are now gone. Idk if I’ve been blocked or shadow banned for some reason. I’m clueless about suck things but I can’t figure out any other reason for it. I hope you see this message and grab yourself some Loose leaf Tomoe River over there. Cheers
Thanks so much for the jetpens info..I’m heading over there now!!
@@elizabethevans5931 you’re very welcome!
I love the 68gsm Tomoe River. So much so thst when they discontinued the old version I bought a lifetime supply 😂. My casket will be lined with it when I go. 😂. Although I may need to raid my local B&N if they have it in stock. Buy all the TR 68gsm that you can while you can
😂😂I totally get it! Only us paper lovers understand this. haha
I love your fountain pen and ink. Which brand do the fountain pen and ink belong to? BTW your writing sound can make an ASMR video :)
Thank you. The pen is Benu Bourbon w/ Medium nib. Ink is Diamine Ancient Copper 🙂
192 pages for almost 30 bucks...I would love to find a cheaper option for the 68 gsm or even 52 in the cream TR in A5 or B5 400 pages +
You go me really excited about this notebook, so I went and looked at it at my local Barnes & Noble today. The paper feels great! But I didn't like the overall notebook and especially that it doesn't lie flat. The notebook was also a bit bent (from shipping, I guess), so it just didn't feel like the premium Japanese notebooks, like a Midori or Hobonichi. I decided not to buy it for the relatively high price. But thanks for sharing this find with us. I would have never thought that Barnes & Noble would carry such high quality paper. I wish I had liked the notebook more :(
Interesting that it didn't lie flat for you...The three I picked up do. At first impression, the paper doesn't "feel" that impressive. However, after testing it with inks and fountain pens, it's more of my preference when it comes to Tomoe River Paper compared to the super thin 52 gsm. At least now you know this may not be what you're looking for in terms of needs and style. Happy your location had it in stock to give it a look.😊
@@SeaweedKisses Thanks so much for replying. I am glad I got to look at this notebook. And I agree with you the the thicker paper is an advantage over the 52 gsm paper. It's great that we can share our experiences with different papers through your wonderful channel!
I found this at mine as well and am afraid to write and waste the paper 😂😂 what is the name of that copper fountain pen? I’m still getting to know pens 😊
The glittery copper fountain pen is made by BENU. It's their Bourbon model. It normally comes with a steel nib, but I changed it out with a gold one from another BENU model. 😊
@@SeaweedKisses thank you! I must look into this 🤭
Check out Nanami Seven Seas! It has 488 pages of this paper, lies flat at every page, and is very pretty to boot.
Edit: I watched a little further and can see I’m dumb. Cheers!
do they have blank pages?? also the pages, do they feel almost like moleskine/leuchtturm?? im curious 😮
Yes, blank pages, but in 52 gsm from what I saw. The feel of this paper is actually in between Moleskine & Leuchtturm, for me. Not too smooth. not too "toothy" or thin. It's just in the middle, if that makes sense 😆
Yes I do have that favorite notebook
Pen and gear 4 x 6 notebook
I love Erin condren papar. I'd love to find another notebook company that uses it. The smell and tooth is the paper it grabs the ink.
Tomoe River is okay. I am not a fountain pen user. I like all point. Lol. I know blasphemy 😂
Wow they are in Barnes and nobles, gotta go!
They are also on Etsy
Yes, I saw that. Just wish they offered more bound notebooks vs staple-bound. And I didn't see any on their Etsy shop that were 192 pages full bound. Perhaps I overlooked it?
These are available on Etsy as well.
Not this exact bound notebook with 192 pages, unfortunately. Most of their Etsy offerings seem to be staple bound
@@SeaweedKisses it isn’t exact but I see one with 180 pages 68 gsm Tomoe River paper that appears not to be staple bound with an elastic strap. Not the exact same, but fairly close.
Is this the same company that has sold on Etsy for years?
Yup
Yes, from what I’ve been told
Temoe river paper does not have to be thin always!
SAKAEテクニカルペーパー iroful 75 gsm Notebook, 8.27" x 5.85", 160 pages, 5mm Dotted, White, 1 pack (PI-A5DBW)
It is still sold on Etsy.
This exact notebook with 192 pages, fully bound vs staple-bound? Could you provide the link? I'd love to share it as an option for others that may not be able to get these through Barnes & Noble. Thanks!
I’m running out to my B&N…hopefully none of your followers are in my area and beat me to this notebook. Lol😂
😅😂Even if they beat you to it, there's still the option to get it through their website (which I linked in the description, if interested).
Also, I should point out that the maker of Tomoe River paper is no longer making the 68 GSM version. The company making these notebooks must have a good stock of it. But when it’s gone, it’s gone.😢
Oh noooo!!! Guess I need to stock up! 😭
I'm familiar with goodinkpressions for TN inserts. These notebooks just do not have enough pages for me. Too skinny.
Goulet Pens makes notebooks in several sizes with 68gsm Tomoe River paper. They just call them “Goulet Notebooks”
Nice and cheap.
Good to know! Thank you for the recommendation!
TR paper is too thin. I prefer Midori. Love the fountain pen
That’s why I love this notebook. It’s right in the middle. Not too thin but not too thick and heavy. It’s just right😊
Tomoe River paper at Barnes & Noble?? That’s pretty awesome. I’m not a big fan of the 68gsm though. It’s not the thickness of the paper, I don’t care about that…I just prefer the feel of the nib on the 52gsm. For a while when the 52gsm wasn’t available, I bought Endless Recorders and a few others that were 68gsm, was so happy when the 52gsm came back. I barely even notice the difference between the new version and the old.
I tried using the 68 hoping for just slightly less ghosting, but had to go back to the 52. I just LOVE the feeling of it.
@@xJillie yes, I agree. Huge difference. There is nothing like the 52!
I have a hard time figuring out which versions I have to be far. I really don’t know. I could have any combo of the 3 kinds. 😆
The chaos ensured when whole thing hit the fan a few years ago about them ending production and then moving from machine number seven, the original, to machine number nine for a while. Throw in the fact that there was some bad batches from machine #9 that made everything worse. Then saying they were completely ending production. Then Sanzen buying the rights and now producing a third type of it.
All that to say, for those who know which version they have they have said that the paper is a tiny bit toothed than the original but most barely notice it. When it comes to inks, it’s Dasani’s the shades look a tad darker. That shading and shimmer aren’t as brilliant. But again, unless we can compare side by side I personally cant know. Cheers
👋🏽💚