👉👉 For anyone new here, I want to clarify that I still enjoy using the Moleskine EXPANDED 400-page notebooks, even though they're not the best for fountain pen inks. As I often mention in my Moleskine videos, my creative practice mainly involves ballpoint and gel pens, which work great on this paper. I keep buying these notebooks (usually snagging them on sale from Amazon for $15-$20 instead of the $38 retail price) because I genuinely enjoy using them. This mini-series came about unexpectedly when I noticed that my latest Moleskine order performed differently from what I'd experienced in recent years. While I'm aware of other popular options like Tomoe River paper, it's just not my personal preference. For those curious about alternatives, check out my 'Better Than a Moleskine' video here, th-cam.com/video/aZJJzng7ZZ0/w-d-xo.html , where I share the other notebooks I love using alongside my Moleskines.
@moleskine you’ve found you’re most dedicated quality control checker! 🙌🏽 We’re in a world where things are constantly changing, so I know the feeling of wanting to stock up when you get a good find.
4:56 i don’t know if anyone else has said this in the comments, but paper in vietnam is always good for a reason! i’ve had it verified by vietnamese people many times. the reason paper made in vietnam holds up very well is because fountain pens are actually still used in schools in vietnam. the paper made there is made to withstand fountain pen usage. i almost exclusively buy notebooks with paper made in vietnam for this reason. :)
i literally just had my expanded Moleskine arrive yesterday, and it has the made in China and light yellow quality sticker. No bleed through, and i have even used my water color set. Its a wonderful notebook.
I use ballpoint pens and also pencils. Sometimes I use gel pens and the paper is great for me. I like the ballpoint pens because I can highlight over them. I enjoy any of the Moleskine videos you make, keeps me inspired 😊
Yes!! Great point with ballpoint pens- Works perfectly well with highlighters!! Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words! Stay tuned for more Moleskine videos then!😅❤
One thing I think people understand is that Moleskine has never claimed to fountain pen friendly, so I don’t understand why fountain pen users are so upset with the quality of the paper. I use fountain pens, gel pens and ballpoint pens and I choose my notebook depending upon what writing instrument I’m using. As far as I’m concerned Moleskine paper performs just as advertised.
I will always be a ballpoint pen user, I love the bold ones preferably 1.4mm. It just feels softer to me, pens that write very thin are just too sharp feeling to me. I just personally get an icky feeling when I use a sharp pen
I really love that you love the Moleskine expanded notebook, because you found your passion and you are true to it. I am sorry about negative comments but it is more about them than you. I love you use what you are drawn to a crayon, pencil or pen that makes me happy that you do not put guard rails on your art. Love & Light to you.
Thank you so much for recommending the Moleskine. I am a very tactile person and I'm in love with how the paper feels. I guarantee I will watch any video you post about these lovely notebooks.
Thank you! So glad you love the Moleskine! 🙌There's just something special about the feel of the paper, right? I know exactly what you mean. I’ll definitely keep sharing more about these notebooks. Thanks so much for watching and for your support!
I just got the dotted version. I decided to stick with it because I'd just spent a lot of time numbering 400 pages and creating a 10-page table of contents!
I have been thinking about getting the dotted one but I am very particular about how my inks write with my notebooks. How has your experience with the dotted been like? Are they similar to the blank ones on this review?
The paper thing is an enigma, but I always love Moleskine Expandeds. ❤ I’ve been BEGGING them to make a pocket expanded. I’ve been emailing them twice a month at least! 😂😂😂😂😂 but if I want a chic my pocket notebook…. Sterling Ink has my back.
Seaweed Kisses & My Moxie Dreams have turned me onto Moleskine…I got the expanded lined…love it! I asked Moleskine on IG if they were going to ever come out with the expanded in pocket…told me not yet, but they will consider. 🤷🏼♀️ I am going to a local printer shop next week and have them cut the expanded down to pocket…so we will see how that works.
I'd love an expanded pocket too. Hope your email campaign works! I'm currently using an old moleskine pocket daily as a notebook, because it's the closest we can get.
The Moleskine phenomenon is so strange. I've had books manufactured in China, Italy, Vietnam etc with all different types of QA stickers inside and some have been FP friendly and some haven't been, their quality control is all over the place.
As a Moleskine lover I'm so happy that the paper in the expanded is improving. Moleskine is SO inconsistent on paper - I did a video recently showing how my pocket soft cover paper is not as good as my pocket hardcover! Both same year. Makes no sense. Thanks for the tip of country of manufacturing. 😁👍
Michelle, I need to get more. I thought I had enough but apparently not 😂 Also I'm so glad that you shut down the haters about it. I get it our beloved Moleskine isn't for everyone but the people who come to random videos just to say the paper is trash... if you hate it why are you watching the videos about it.
Haha, it’s true-you can never have too many Moleskines, right?? 😂Now for the haters, I get it. I really do. BUUUT, everyone has their preferences, so there’s no need to rain on someone else’s stationery parade!🙌Moleskine may not be for everyone, but for those of us who love it, we're strongly loyal. Thanks for your support!! Moleskine lovers UNITE!
Ahhh! Yes! I used Moleskine many years ago. Now I am into fountain pens and always on the hunt for good paper. I am def gonna pick up a blank and lined notebook!
I ordered the 400 page lined notebook, made in China, with a yellow “sticker” inside, from Amazon and my fountain pens bleed bad. My uniball gel bleeds too. The only pen that didn’t bleed was my Tul gel pen
OMG! I just discovered Bic Velocity last week! I've been hooked every since! And I also purchased the Moleskine 18 month Daily Planner because of you! 😃
I use a moleskine expanded for my grimoire!! I absolutely love it, I'm going to swatch watercolor and see how it holds up, I use my pilot g2 .38 now, used to use a muji and both are awesome in it 😊
I will say that I feel like the paper quality is good for a lot of moleskins and a lot of notebooks as well! I would recommend just looking at two things - hot pressed or cold pressed paper and the gsm of the paper! Moleskins are usually around a 70gsm while something like a lectrum notebook is around 80-100gsm (the higher the number the thicker or more resilient the paper). So there is usually less bleed through with higher gsm paper and potentially less warping too! With hot pressed or cold pressed - I don’t know if this applies to notebooks as much so take with a grain of salt- but hot pressed is usually a lot more smooth while cold pressed can be more toothy and bumpy. - and not saying cold pressed is bad either! With a combination of a higher gsm a colder pressed paper can do a lot better taking and holding mediums water colors or charcoals. These are things I usually for (at least the GSM part) in notebooks. I hope this helps - happy journaling!
there’s NO SHAME in using ball point pens!!! I LOVE my pentel rvsp pens. $1 pens and they write well, and don’t smear like my fountain pens do. I love a good fountain pen but there’s no shame in using a ball point pen. Keep doing you and be proud!!!
Well, I just ordered my first expanded. Excited! As I said on your last video, I've really been enjoying the 2024 pocket daily I got from your suggestion on the clearance. ((may have bought more than one - smirk_ )) I have to say, I like the soft cover. Also a first. I never tried a fountain pen until recently. This previously owned and used fountain pen with a box of open cartridges is one that was sent to me 14 years ago by a long distance boyfriend. Stainless steel Parker brand. It was his and his favorite. He sent it to me without any ink in it and at the time so I just put it in a drawer and forgot about it. I'd come across it from time to time over the years but didn't want to figure out how to put the cartridge in or use it. Sometimes my mind thinks things will be harder than they actually are. I know that sounds dumb but it was one of those "maybe later" things. But at the same time I got that pocket daily I came across the pen and thought, why not? I figured the ink was going to splatter all over the place when I tried putting it in, or the ink would be globby or dried up completely. I was wrong. Went in clean and writing with it is so smooth! I love it. It's my favorite now. I wish he and I were still friends so I could tell him lol. I just hope I can find more ink for it. Oh, and that daily's paper doesn't cause bleed through with it or my gel pens, so yay! What would you recommend for a fountain pen that is on the slim side? I do not like holding thicker pens. Let me also say... I'm so happy I came upon that first video of yours because it totally transformed my creative journey and I journal way more now than ever. I mean, my last journal wasn't even used up in 10 years that I wrote in it. CRAZY. And now my daughter is being influenced by me, although we always liked pen and paper, it has definitely brought us to a different level and it's fun! Blessed!
Id recommend a Lamy safari, it's a more slimmer pen compared to the Twisbi Eco. If you enjoy writing with a .5/.7 gel pen I'd recommend to get an EF nib since European made nibs run thicker than Japanese ones! But if you wanna play with inks and get any that are shimmery or super shady get an Medium or Broad nib!
So, so , so happy to hear you're loving the Moleskine notebooks! Welcome to the club! 🙌Once your Expanded version arrives, or once you have a chance to use it, I would love to know your thoughts! What a lovely story behind your Parker pen! Thank you for sharing that. Isn't it amazing how a little "maybe later" can turn into a special moment when the time is right? I'm so glad you find joy in using it and that the daily paper works well with it! Double win! As far as recommending a slim fountain pen, I'm not too sure as the smallest one used in my experience is the Kaweco. However, I've heard Lamy and Pilot make some good slimmer fountain pen models. It warms my heart knowing my videos have helped transform & inspire your deeper creative journey and brought you and your daughter closer to journaling. It’s amazing how something as simple as pen and paper can create such meaningful connections. Here’s to many more years of fun and inspiration together! 😊 Appreciate you being here and for the support! Your comments and kinds words made my week!❤
I hadn't tested my fountain pens on my Large extended notebooks because the XL notebook did so poorly. I just tried it today and there was no bleed both my extended notebooks! Now I have to figure out where I got all of them lol thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for letting me know that these note books are on sale. I just ordered one. Thank you. I love journaling in these books. I also love your videos. Thank you for sharing.
If a notebook is made in Vietnam, it's pretty likely to be fountain pen friendly. I've gotten random notebooks from Target, TJ Maxx, the dollar store, etc and they've been consistently great. I've seen some speculate it's b/c school children are taught to write with fountain pens and even "cheap" paper has to be higher quality than the paper we use in the US with our typical oil-based ballpoints.
I use Moleskine pocket cahiers and the 18-month pocket weekly planner with notes and the paper quality isn't brilliant (the paper quality in the 2022-23 planner was great, but it has gone downhill again). I tend to stick with them because of the size and layout, but even pale pink gel pen bleeds through. You're right about the elastic. It's tighter on the hard cover pocket planners and far looser on the equivalent soft cover. Enjoy your new notebooks!
I love the bic velocity!!! OMG! I found one of these pens in my timbuk2 messenger bag today and felt like I hit the lottery. I used it all day, and it made me so happy. 😊
I've just purchased my very first Moleskine planner, and I'm so excited to use it! When I lived in Germany years ago, I had a similar daily planner and loved it. I have no idea what brand it was, and try as I may I've not been able to find anything like it until I saw this Moleskine. I got the 18 month 2024-2025 daily planner with the hard cover. I have some fine point gel pens that I'll likely use on it. I wrote my name on the page for that info using one of the fine point gel ink pens, and I'm happy to report it didn't bleed through to the other side, but there is some ghosting. Not horribly so though. I do like some ballpoint pens and own a large mixture of gel, ballpoint and fountain pens. I may try my fine nib fountain pen to see how much bleed through I get. You should most definitely use whatever pen makes you happy. Sometimes I'm in the mood to use a ballpoint, and they used to be my go to. I don't think it's healthy to try to conform to whatever is trending at the moment, or what other TH-cam planning channels say we must or should use.
I got one last week and it was made in Italy. I tested my Kaweco sport medium nib and Conklin Raven fine nib. Lots of bleed through with the Kaweco using the Kaweco Caramel ink. I used Noodlers with the Conklin and there was shadowing and some bleed through at the points where I started and ended each word. Thanks for this video!
IT'S THAT TIME... TJ MAXX has TONS of Moleskine RIGHT NOW. It's not my fave... But, they have ALLLLLLL THE SIZES. I'm in CALI, just went into my store yesterday and they had TONS in the planner, notebook section. 👍👍❤️
Just be warned that the paper isn't all the good stuff. I bought an 18-month lined one from TJ Maxx this week, and it's the paper that can only be used with basic cheap ballpoints. I love the thinness of the paper, so I'm determined to find a use for it, but it's NOT the good stuff. If you don't mind playing the paper lottery, your TJMaxx store might have some good ones, though.
I have to try one of these notebooks. I have a regular moleskin with blank pages in my traveller’s notebook. As I started listening to your video, I got so excited to try this, that I paused your video to order one to try from your Amazon link hahahaha. It’s coming on Monday 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
WOW!!! It really is a miracle! So do you think Moleskine has changed their paper? Thanks so much for sharing this…great results!! Have fun with your new notebooks! 😊 Meline
I am curious to hear about other versions. Are they the same as the expanded softcover, is the expanded hardcover different, do they all vary? It would be great to have a group or someplace individuals can post their results. I like the dotted and squared versions, also hardcover. Wondering if the Expanded Hardcover plain is the same as yours and also if different Expanded versions such as the dotted, squared vary. It makes me wonder if there is any consistency.
I picked up a Pen & Gear black lined journal that looks like a Moleskine dupe. I wish it didn’t have lines, but it was $13 and I just wanna try an art journal similar to yours!
💗 fast reply! I opened it to use it, and I love the paper and feel of the book, but can’t handle the lines. I’m gonna return it and try to find a moleskine right now. Ty!
Wonderland222 is using Tomoegawa Tomoe River Paper for 2025. They bought up a large stock during its last year and held on to it for this years printing.
I am a ballpoint pen user too. My favorites are Uni Jetstream, Zebra Blen (new find ❤), Bic Cristal Bold (😂). I tried the 400 page book but because it is so chunky it is uncomfortable to write on…. Even when I bend it back. I’ve fallen in love with the Planner Perfect books. The paper is great. I didn’t think I would like blank books but they are now my favorite. You should be hired as their QA person. You’d be like nope, send it back. 😂😂 It is true, you can never have enough notebooks.
Yay! Happy to see another ballpoint lover, too! I get what you mean about chunky notebooks. They can be a bit odd to write with even if you try bending them back. What has worked for me is placing another notebook on whatever side is lower. That way I have more of an even writing surface. So happy to hear you enjoy blank pages as well! We're a "rare" bunch😅 If Moleskine hired me, I would be the most feared QA auditor! haha! They'd be so scared to lose what would probably be half their current inventory 😂 "This whole warehouse has to go! Nope! BLEEDTHROUGH, BLEEDTHROUGH, BLEEDTHROUGH!!"😂
Hi there. Where do you get the stickers you have on your notebooks. The rest fragile ones too. I like that look. I'm used to putting cute kawaii stickers but I want to switch it up and like how your notebooks look.
Sorry to get away from the subject, but I'm really curious to know if you ever found a leather pocket size binder that lays flat when you open it? Thanks
Do you ever get tempted to buy a different colour notebook? I am journalling in a blank Moleskine Classic too, and it's the black one. I can't decide if i want to stick with black next time or switch colour 😅
Thank you for the video! I've noticed the different qualities too, and I find it very annoying that you can only see what you're getting when you remove the plastic wrap and see the label. I wrote to Moleskine some time ago and they said there was no difference in quality. Even though I sent them photos to prove it.
Yes, I wish they could figure out their own formula to keep these notebooks consistent. Doesn't look good on their brand, especially with other competitors offering better product for better prices.
I have a pocket weekly 2024 with 0 bleed thru. Unsure now of where it was made or what the QC is. But I did keep 2 with a green QC sticker and bleed thru and feather is awful.
Well I just got my Amazon order and the notebook is from China. My fountain pen bled through and the Sarasa just barely came through. :( I'm sure it also depends on supply in the warehouse that is near you (I'm in Northern CA). I'll try another reorder and see what I get. Lucky for you on your orders! 🖋🖊✒
Hi Michelle! I received a black one from China and a dark blue from Vietnam. Do you think the one manufactured in China will have the same quality paper? How is your made in China journal? Please let me know cause I’d like to order another one. I just don’t wanna get crappy paper. I like the newspaper. It’s amazing thank you so much. Susan.
Hello! It's really hard to tell until you actually test out with your pens. One I have from China performs well, along with one from Vietnam. Some purchased 2 years ago from China, do not perform well. It's really luck of the draw with these Moleskine notebooks, unfortunately.
Michelle, Is the paper smooth writing unlike the inkpressions I tried? I don't journal, draw or decorate in my books. I can't tell...Is any of the inks shading or sheening in the Moleskines?
Some notebook s are smooth, some have a more "dry" feel to them. It's really hit or miss. But, if you did not like the feel of Inkpression, then you may not like these.
So, I love this video and I had really high hopes, so I ordered some. Unfortunately, the batch that I got were not good at all. My Diamine Writer's Blood bled right through. That said, I ordered squared and lined. I didn't buy plain. I noticed that the seller's were different, so that could be part of the problem. Not sure which seller you bought from through Amazon, but they might have received a good batch. Also, some of the books were from Vietnam and some were from China. The paper felt different for both. The one from China was toothier and the one from Vietnam was smoother. Gel pens performed ok, but fountain pens were definitely terrible on both! :(
Found Moleskine too expensive when studying Uni and never bought one during studying. Now I sometimes can afford one...if they up the price I'm dropping Moleskin completely. Only buy them on sale or I buy nameless or Amazon basics notebooks. My wallet isn't endless... 37 bucks for a notebook is insane.
@@SeaweedKisses yes, when I click on your Amazon link listed below your video, being in Australia, I get Australian Amazon prices, which in this case is $50. I did pick up a 2024-25 Moleskine daily a while ago on Amazon for $20 so there are occasional bargains to be found!
21:13 lol wondering if moleskine decided to change their paper? So are you going to still utilize the daily moleskine with the lines? Wow 🤩 so happy that these notebooks paper quality are good 😊
Some people stock up on food, others notebooks. 😂. I bet it is just bad batch mixes or something. But you’d think they would QA them prior to churning them out and reject that batch.
@@SeaweedKisses I just wanted to give you a little feedback on my purchase. The ruled expanded Moleskine notebooks I bought all have, on the "FSC" label, "Supporting responsible forestry." When I got them I just stuck them on my bookshelf because I'm still about 2/3 of the way into a Nanami (Tomoe River) notebook. But YESTERDAY I decided to do NaNoWriMo again this year and it starts on FRIDAY. And I thought to myself "I should do NaNoWriMo by hand this year, instead of using a typewriter." And that made me think about the Moleskines. So I opened one up and started writing in it, both with fountain pens (several different ones) and also with a pencil (Blackwing 602). I can happily report that the paper was entirely fine for fountain pen use. Is it as smooth as my Tomoe River or a Clairfontaine? Of course not. But it ain't bad! Thank you so much for all of your detective work to crack the Moleskine code!
👉👉 For anyone new here, I want to clarify that I still enjoy using the Moleskine EXPANDED 400-page notebooks, even though they're not the best for fountain pen inks. As I often mention in my Moleskine videos, my creative practice mainly involves ballpoint and gel pens, which work great on this paper. I keep buying these notebooks (usually snagging them on sale from Amazon for $15-$20 instead of the $38 retail price) because I genuinely enjoy using them.
This mini-series came about unexpectedly when I noticed that my latest Moleskine order performed differently from what I'd experienced in recent years. While I'm aware of other popular options like Tomoe River paper, it's just not my personal preference. For those curious about alternatives, check out my 'Better Than a Moleskine' video here, th-cam.com/video/aZJJzng7ZZ0/w-d-xo.html , where I share the other notebooks I love using alongside my Moleskines.
Pls make more Moleskine videos! Love hearing your passion for Moleskine notebooks!
Thank you!! Okay, I shall then!
@moleskine you’ve found you’re most dedicated quality control checker! 🙌🏽
We’re in a world where things are constantly changing, so I know the feeling of wanting to stock up when you get a good find.
If Moleskine ever needs to expand their team, I'm their gal!! "Nope! BLEED-THROUGH, BLEED-THROUGH, BLEED-THROUGH!!"😂 I got notes to share!!
4:56 i don’t know if anyone else has said this in the comments, but paper in vietnam is always good for a reason! i’ve had it verified by vietnamese people many times.
the reason paper made in vietnam holds up very well is because fountain pens are actually still used in schools in vietnam. the paper made there is made to withstand fountain pen usage. i almost exclusively buy notebooks with paper made in vietnam for this reason. :)
i literally just had my expanded Moleskine arrive yesterday, and it has the made in China and light yellow quality sticker. No bleed through, and i have even used my water color set. Its a wonderful notebook.
Lucky !
Mine’s also made in China with light yellow sticker and the bleed through is crazy 🥲
Yup china light yellow major bleed even with extra fine nibs
OMG! So happy to hear that!! Yay for your new Moleskine WIN!!🙌
Lucky, the one I received is from Italy. Fountain pens soak through and the paper is so thin you can read through it. 😢
I use ballpoint pens and also pencils. Sometimes I use gel pens and the paper is great for me. I like the ballpoint pens because I can highlight over them. I enjoy any of the Moleskine videos you make, keeps me inspired 😊
Yes!! Great point with ballpoint pens- Works perfectly well with highlighters!! Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words! Stay tuned for more Moleskine videos then!😅❤
One thing I think people understand is that Moleskine has never claimed to fountain pen friendly, so I don’t understand why fountain pen users are so upset with the quality of the paper. I use fountain pens, gel pens and ballpoint pens and I choose my notebook depending upon what writing instrument I’m using. As far as I’m concerned Moleskine paper performs just as advertised.
Look at your cute desk! The little critters and pumpkin house. Awwww 😍
I love my daily 18 month Moleskine notebook. It’s great. It’s compact and so sturdy. I don’t care about bleed though it gives my notebook character.
Love that!!❤
I always want more Moleskine updates and all the things. 🙂
Okay! I'll keep them coming then! ❤
I will always be a ballpoint pen user, I love the bold ones preferably 1.4mm. It just feels softer to me, pens that write very thin are just too sharp feeling to me. I just personally get an icky feeling when I use a sharp pen
Same here. All the .3 and .5 pens ive tried literally cant even write smoothly.. a total waste of money for anything < 0.7 for me lol
I love Walmarts pen+gear ballpoint pens - dark rich black and colors ones are good too
@@ElinWinblad I’ll have to try them out! I get scared to stray from the ones I like and tend to not try anything new. I could be missing out :)
Yes!! You get it! We're on the same page 🫶
I really love that you love the Moleskine expanded notebook, because you found your passion and you are true to it. I am sorry about negative comments but it is more about them than you. I love you use what you are drawn to a crayon, pencil or pen that makes me happy that you do not put guard rails on your art. Love & Light to you.
Thank you so much for recommending the Moleskine. I am a very tactile person and I'm in love with how the paper feels. I guarantee I will watch any video you post about these lovely notebooks.
Thank you! So glad you love the Moleskine! 🙌There's just something special about the feel of the paper, right? I know exactly what you mean. I’ll definitely keep sharing more about these notebooks. Thanks so much for watching and for your support!
Bic ballpoint lovers unite! ✨
Yes!!
Bic rules!
@@planningcalmBic Round Stick here... love it!
Yes!
@@vcrouch6041BIC ROUND STIK YES~! I love the blue ink specifically!
I just got the dotted version. I decided to stick with it because I'd just spent a lot of time numbering 400 pages and creating a 10-page table of contents!
I have been thinking about getting the dotted one but I am very particular about how my inks write with my notebooks. How has your experience with the dotted been like? Are they similar to the blank ones on this review?
Yes, I've experienced that frustration as well 😣 That's why I always create that "Ink Test" page in every notebook.
The paper thing is an enigma, but I always love Moleskine Expandeds. ❤
I’ve been BEGGING them to make a pocket expanded. I’ve been emailing them twice a month at least! 😂😂😂😂😂 but if I want a chic my pocket notebook…. Sterling Ink has my back.
Seaweed Kisses & My Moxie Dreams have turned me onto Moleskine…I got the expanded lined…love it!
I asked Moleskine on IG if they were going to ever come out with the expanded in pocket…told me not yet, but they will consider. 🤷🏼♀️
I am going to a local printer shop next week and have them cut the expanded down to pocket…so we will see how that works.
I'd love an expanded pocket too.
Hope your email campaign works!
I'm currently using an old moleskine pocket daily as a notebook, because it's the closest we can get.
Yes!! A pocket expanded would be WONDERFUL!!😭💗
I've suggested it too! Let's hope they'll give it a try.
The Moleskine phenomenon is so strange. I've had books manufactured in China, Italy, Vietnam etc with all different types of QA stickers inside and some have been FP friendly and some haven't been, their quality control is all over the place.
Yeah it feels like they just batch buy random paper that is the right gsm with no consideration. 😂😂
Same. I’ve stopped trying.
It really is! 😭
As a Moleskine lover I'm so happy that the paper in the expanded is improving. Moleskine is SO inconsistent on paper - I did a video recently showing how my pocket soft cover paper is not as good as my pocket hardcover! Both same year. Makes no sense.
Thanks for the tip of country of manufacturing. 😁👍
Michelle, I need to get more. I thought I had enough but apparently not 😂 Also I'm so glad that you shut down the haters about it. I get it our beloved Moleskine isn't for everyone but the people who come to random videos just to say the paper is trash... if you hate it why are you watching the videos about it.
Wondering the same thing, if you don’t like moleskine why you watching vids and taking time to comment 😂😂😂
Haha, it’s true-you can never have too many Moleskines, right?? 😂Now for the haters, I get it. I really do. BUUUT, everyone has their preferences, so there’s no need to rain on someone else’s stationery parade!🙌Moleskine may not be for everyone, but for those of us who love it, we're strongly loyal. Thanks for your support!! Moleskine lovers UNITE!
@@SeaweedKissesI love moleskine they feel so fancy! Too bad I am not consistent with writing in notebooks and have a lot of unfinished notebooks
Ahhh! Yes! I used Moleskine many years ago. Now I am into fountain pens and always on the hunt for good paper. I am def gonna pick up a blank and lined notebook!
I love watching all your videos. 😊. I love the view from your desk. Too cute!!!!
Thank you so much!! My desk is certainly my cozy happy place ❤
I ordered the 400 page lined notebook, made in China, with a yellow “sticker” inside, from Amazon and my fountain pens bleed bad. My uniball gel bleeds too. The only pen that didn’t bleed was my Tul gel pen
You got the old paper. Moleskin changed there paper to better suit fountain pens.
Oh nooo!! It's so unfortunate that it's really luck of the draw with their notebooks 🥲
OMG! I just discovered Bic Velocity last week! I've been hooked every since! And I also purchased the Moleskine 18 month Daily Planner because of you! 😃
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! The Daily Planner is nice! And welcome to the BIC club! hehe
🎉🎉🎉 I also loooove ballpoint pens! Thank you for always sharing! I love your content! So inspiring! ❤❤
Yeess!! Ballpoint pens for life!! Thanks for your support! Much appreciated! 🥹❤
I use a moleskine expanded for my grimoire!! I absolutely love it, I'm going to swatch watercolor and see how it holds up, I use my pilot g2 .38 now, used to use a muji and both are awesome in it 😊
Love that for you!! Yay!
I will say that I feel like the paper quality is good for a lot of moleskins and a lot of notebooks as well! I would recommend just looking at two things - hot pressed or cold pressed paper and the gsm of the paper!
Moleskins are usually around a 70gsm while something like a lectrum notebook is around 80-100gsm (the higher the number the thicker or more resilient the paper). So there is usually less bleed through with higher gsm paper and potentially less warping too!
With hot pressed or cold pressed - I don’t know if this applies to notebooks as much so take with a grain of salt- but hot pressed is usually a lot more smooth while cold pressed can be more toothy and bumpy. - and not saying cold pressed is bad either! With a combination of a higher gsm a colder pressed paper can do a lot better taking and holding mediums water colors or charcoals.
These are things I usually for (at least the GSM part) in notebooks. I hope this helps - happy journaling!
Maybe they’ll keep their game stepped up since you’re letting everyone know!😂👏🏾👏🏾
Let us hope so!! Keeping fingers tightly crossed!
Would love a planner or composition notebook update.
Planner video coming up soon. Composition notebook put on pause as I primarily use my Moleskine notebook for almost everything now
Love your moleskine videos! I have now purchased 2 because of you. LOL
Thank you! Hope you're enjoying your Moleskine notebooks! 🙌
there’s NO SHAME in using ball point pens!!! I LOVE my pentel rvsp pens. $1 pens and they write well, and don’t smear like my fountain pens do. I love a good fountain pen but there’s no shame in using a ball point pen. Keep doing you and be proud!!!
I wish their A5 was a true A5 then it would be perfect for me. Like that extra .8 inch really helps with making spreads.
Totally understand that. I find their Large since so unique and perfect for my preference as it's not too square.
I hit subscribe at the part where you stir your cup of tea/coffee and say "im anxious" hahahaha. I am you.
Thanks for watching and subbing! We're in this together 😅🫶
I love all your hauls no mater what it is.
thank you!! 🥹❤
Well, I just ordered my first expanded. Excited! As I said on your last video, I've really been enjoying the 2024 pocket daily I got from your suggestion on the clearance. ((may have bought more than one - smirk_ )) I have to say, I like the soft cover. Also a first.
I never tried a fountain pen until recently. This previously owned and used fountain pen with a box of open cartridges is one that was sent to me 14 years ago by a long distance boyfriend. Stainless steel Parker brand. It was his and his favorite. He sent it to me without any ink in it and at the time so I just put it in a drawer and forgot about it. I'd come across it from time to time over the years but didn't want to figure out how to put the cartridge in or use it. Sometimes my mind thinks things will be harder than they actually are. I know that sounds dumb but it was one of those "maybe later" things. But at the same time I got that pocket daily I came across the pen and thought, why not? I figured the ink was going to splatter all over the place when I tried putting it in, or the ink would be globby or dried up completely. I was wrong. Went in clean and writing with it is so smooth! I love it. It's my favorite now. I wish he and I were still friends so I could tell him lol. I just hope I can find more ink for it. Oh, and that daily's paper doesn't cause bleed through with it or my gel pens, so yay!
What would you recommend for a fountain pen that is on the slim side? I do not like holding thicker pens.
Let me also say... I'm so happy I came upon that first video of yours because it totally transformed my creative journey and I journal way more now than ever. I mean, my last journal wasn't even used up in 10 years that I wrote in it. CRAZY. And now my daughter is being influenced by me, although we always liked pen and paper, it has definitely brought us to a different level and it's fun! Blessed!
Id recommend a Lamy safari, it's a more slimmer pen compared to the Twisbi Eco. If you enjoy writing with a .5/.7 gel pen I'd recommend to get an EF nib since European made nibs run thicker than Japanese ones! But if you wanna play with inks and get any that are shimmery or super shady get an Medium or Broad nib!
@@ximsbite Thank you! I will try that!
So, so , so happy to hear you're loving the Moleskine notebooks! Welcome to the club! 🙌Once your Expanded version arrives, or once you have a chance to use it, I would love to know your thoughts! What a lovely story behind your Parker pen! Thank you for sharing that. Isn't it amazing how a little "maybe later" can turn into a special moment when the time is right? I'm so glad you find joy in using it and that the daily paper works well with it! Double win! As far as recommending a slim fountain pen, I'm not too sure as the smallest one used in my experience is the Kaweco. However, I've heard Lamy and Pilot make some good slimmer fountain pen models.
It warms my heart knowing my videos have helped transform & inspire your deeper creative journey and brought you and your daughter closer to journaling. It’s amazing how something as simple as pen and paper can create such meaningful connections. Here’s to many more years of fun and inspiration together! 😊 Appreciate you being here and for the support! Your comments and kinds words made my week!❤
I hadn't tested my fountain pens on my Large extended notebooks because the XL notebook did so poorly. I just tried it today and there was no bleed both my extended notebooks! Now I have to figure out where I got all of them lol thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for letting me know that these note books are on sale. I just ordered one. Thank you. I love journaling in these books. I also love your videos. Thank you for sharing.
You're so welcome! Glad you snagged one, too! 🥰
If a notebook is made in Vietnam, it's pretty likely to be fountain pen friendly.
I've gotten random notebooks from Target, TJ Maxx, the dollar store, etc and they've been consistently great. I've seen some speculate it's b/c school children are taught to write with fountain pens and even "cheap" paper has to be higher quality than the paper we use in the US with our typical oil-based ballpoints.
I use Moleskine pocket cahiers and the 18-month pocket weekly planner with notes and the paper quality isn't brilliant (the paper quality in the 2022-23 planner was great, but it has gone downhill again). I tend to stick with them because of the size and layout, but even pale pink gel pen bleeds through.
You're right about the elastic. It's tighter on the hard cover pocket planners and far looser on the equivalent soft cover.
Enjoy your new notebooks!
I love the bic velocity!!! OMG! I found one of these pens in my timbuk2 messenger bag today and felt like I hit the lottery. I used it all day, and it made me so happy. 😊
Yes! The BIC velocity is one of the best ballpoints! So soft and bouncy!
I've just purchased my very first Moleskine planner, and I'm so excited to use it! When I lived in Germany years ago, I had a similar daily planner and loved it. I have no idea what brand it was, and try as I may I've not been able to find anything like it until I saw this Moleskine. I got the 18 month 2024-2025 daily planner with the hard cover.
I have some fine point gel pens that I'll likely use on it. I wrote my name on the page for that info using one of the fine point gel ink pens, and I'm happy to report it didn't bleed through to the other side, but there is some ghosting. Not horribly so though.
I do like some ballpoint pens and own a large mixture of gel, ballpoint and fountain pens. I may try my fine nib fountain pen to see how much bleed through I get.
You should most definitely use whatever pen makes you happy. Sometimes I'm in the mood to use a ballpoint, and they used to be my go to. I don't think it's healthy to try to conform to whatever is trending at the moment, or what other TH-cam planning channels say we must or should use.
I wish i could get that paper in the pocket size
Ditto!! That would be a dream come true!!
I got one last week and it was made in Italy. I tested my Kaweco sport medium nib and Conklin Raven fine nib. Lots of bleed through with the Kaweco using the Kaweco Caramel ink. I used Noodlers with the Conklin and there was shadowing and some bleed through at the points where I started and ended each word. Thanks for this video!
I should also mention I tested my Saris Vintage gels and they did well with this paper.
Yes, more videos 🙏 ❤
Okay! Thanks for watching!
I enjoyed this soooo much ☺️ thank you🙏❤
Saw the Moomin mug and expected to see Finnish content. Nice to learn something new. Didn't know Moleskine was so high quality.
Love your leather pen holder
Thank you! It comes with a pouch to slip them all inside as well.
Yes do more of the Moleskin haul videos 😃😃😃 This one got me
To pause mid-video and order one to try out for myself. 😂😂🙌🏼❤️
IT'S THAT TIME... TJ MAXX has TONS of Moleskine RIGHT NOW. It's not my fave... But, they have ALLLLLLL THE SIZES. I'm in CALI, just went into my store yesterday and they had TONS in the planner, notebook section. 👍👍❤️
Just be warned that the paper isn't all the good stuff. I bought an 18-month lined one from TJ Maxx this week, and it's the paper that can only be used with basic cheap ballpoints. I love the thinness of the paper, so I'm determined to find a use for it, but it's NOT the good stuff. If you don't mind playing the paper lottery, your TJMaxx store might have some good ones, though.
Yes, you're right! TJ Maxx had some weekly notebooks for $9 in my area. Love when I see a good Moleskine on sale! Thanks for sharing!
My favorite Robert Oster Ink is Cherry Blossom. 🙂
Thank you for sharing! I'll check it out!
I have to try one of these notebooks. I have a regular moleskin with blank pages in my traveller’s notebook. As I started listening to your video, I got so excited to try this, that I paused your video to order one to try from your Amazon link hahahaha. It’s coming on Monday 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
I use a lot of different pens and I love a good ballpoint!
Gotta love the good ol classic ballpoint!! They're so light, reliable, and work best with highlighters!
I love your excitement!
thank you!! It's the little things in life that get me happy!
Ballpoint pen lover here! The pen and gear ballpoint pens are my fave.
I always enjoy your videos.
thank you!! Truly appreciate your support! 🥰
I love a 1.6 ball point too! I've got the Zebra Tapli clip because I can get refills.
Happy to see someone else who loves the a 1.6 ballpoint, too!! 🙌
i clicked on the video cuz i saw big notebooks... also, ballpoint pens are so valid! i use a pentel calme myself.
Where did u buy those little mouse creatues from? They're so amazing!
WOW!!! It really is a miracle! So do you think Moleskine has changed their paper? Thanks so much for sharing this…great results!! Have fun with your new notebooks! 😊
Meline
I am curious to hear about other versions. Are they the same as the expanded softcover, is the expanded hardcover different, do they all vary? It would be great to have a group or someplace individuals can post their results. I like the dotted and squared versions, also hardcover. Wondering if the Expanded Hardcover plain is the same as yours and also if different Expanded versions such as the dotted, squared vary. It makes me wonder if there is any consistency.
I picked up a Pen & Gear black lined journal that looks like a Moleskine dupe. I wish it didn’t have lines, but it was $13 and I just wanna try an art journal similar to yours!
Keep an eye on Amazon as you can get the Moleskine Blank version with 400 pages for $19-$20. Not too far off from the Walmart notebook
💗 fast reply! I opened it to use it, and I love the paper and feel of the book, but can’t handle the lines. I’m gonna return it and try to find a moleskine right now. Ty!
Just as side note/ I found several Moleskine planners at our Marshall’s yesterday evening! Happy hunting!
Now we know who Sanzen sold the good paper to. 😂 (Re: 2025 Tomoe River Paper planner debacle)
Wonderland222 is using Tomoegawa Tomoe River Paper for 2025. They bought up a large stock during its last year and held on to it for this years printing.
😂 Hmmm....
I am a ballpoint pen user too. My favorites are Uni Jetstream, Zebra Blen (new find ❤), Bic Cristal Bold (😂). I tried the 400 page book but because it is so chunky it is uncomfortable to write on…. Even when I bend it back. I’ve fallen in love with the Planner Perfect books. The paper is great. I didn’t think I would like blank books but they are now my favorite.
You should be hired as their QA person. You’d be like nope, send it back. 😂😂
It is true, you can never have enough notebooks.
Yay! Happy to see another ballpoint lover, too! I get what you mean about chunky notebooks. They can be a bit odd to write with even if you try bending them back. What has worked for me is placing another notebook on whatever side is lower. That way I have more of an even writing surface. So happy to hear you enjoy blank pages as well! We're a "rare" bunch😅 If Moleskine hired me, I would be the most feared QA auditor! haha! They'd be so scared to lose what would probably be half their current inventory 😂 "This whole warehouse has to go! Nope! BLEEDTHROUGH, BLEEDTHROUGH, BLEEDTHROUGH!!"😂
I love your recommendations! I bought my Moleskin expanded plain soft cover. Thanks so much! Do you have your desk blotter linked anywhere? Thank you!
Hi there. Where do you get the stickers you have on your notebooks. The rest fragile ones too. I like that look. I'm used to putting cute kawaii stickers but I want to switch it up and like how your notebooks look.
Thank you! Here's a video I share going over all the stickers, if interested -th-cam.com/video/tsaoqiZeOro/w-d-xo.html
Robert Oster Thunderstorm or Soda Pop Blue are my favs from RO.
Oooh! I was considering Thunderstorm! What size nib do you enjoy it with? Does it come out pretty dark, leaning more towards black?
Hi! Where is the cute green ring from? I love the color 💚
I just got one that was made in Italy and it's not a unicorn. At this point I think I'll just use ballpoint forever and adapt 🤷♀️
Sorry to get away from the subject, but I'm really curious to know if you ever found a leather pocket size binder that lays flat when you open it? Thanks
Do you ever get tempted to buy a different colour notebook? I am journalling in a blank Moleskine Classic too, and it's the black one. I can't decide if i want to stick with black next time or switch colour 😅
No, I enjoy the black. It helps that I switch things up with stickers, though
The green TWSBI pen. Is that the glow green color pen? Cause I love it!!!
Yes! The glow green one!
The QC tags are all stickers. Some are really thin but if you start at the corner you’ll be able to peel them. 😊
aah, okay! I'll give it another try then!
Got a daily and a weekly for 2024, no bleed through, as well. The paper quality might have become better in general
Let's hope so! Keeping fingers tightly crossed!!
Thank you for the video! I've noticed the different qualities too, and I find it very annoying that you can only see what you're getting when you remove the plastic wrap and see the label. I wrote to Moleskine some time ago and they said there was no difference in quality. Even though I sent them photos to prove it.
Yes, I wish they could figure out their own formula to keep these notebooks consistent. Doesn't look good on their brand, especially with other competitors offering better product for better prices.
I’m so happy for you!! I love your currently inked too lol! I wonder if the lined ones are also good!
Thank you! I think at this point, it's really luck of the draw
I have a pocket weekly 2024 with 0 bleed thru. Unsure now of where it was made or what the QC is. But I did keep 2 with a green QC sticker and bleed thru and feather is awful.
Will this also be true for the dotted version?
Well I just got my Amazon order and the notebook is from China. My fountain pen bled through and the Sarasa just barely came through. :( I'm sure it also depends on supply in the warehouse that is near you (I'm in Northern CA). I'll try another reorder and see what I get. Lucky for you on your orders! 🖋🖊✒
Where do you get the brown pen holders from please?x
Galen company, and the other was a custom (with inside slip pocket) from @lecow_tn on IG
I ordered one and if my fountain pen inks are good then I will order more
11:49 I love this fountain pen! Where is it from please?
I purchased a moleskin from Marshall’s I was excited but soon as I wrote in it. The paper was trash! I took it to work so it wouldn’t go to waste.😅
Mild liners bleed through my expanded but it is the dot grid I dont know if that makes a difference
I am sad - I ordered off the link you had but mine is from Italy - maybe it just depends on the area you live or who pulls your orders
Aw, I am so sorry to hear that. 😭 Yes, it really is luck of the draw at this point, unfortunately
Hi Michelle! I received a black one from China and a dark blue from Vietnam. Do you think the one manufactured in China will have the same quality paper? How is your made in China journal? Please let me know cause I’d like to order another one. I just don’t wanna get crappy paper. I like the newspaper. It’s amazing thank you so much. Susan.
Hello! It's really hard to tell until you actually test out with your pens. One I have from China performs well, along with one from Vietnam. Some purchased 2 years ago from China, do not perform well. It's really luck of the draw with these Moleskine notebooks, unfortunately.
Michelle, Is the paper smooth writing unlike the inkpressions I tried? I don't journal, draw or decorate in my books. I can't tell...Is any of the inks shading or sheening in the Moleskines?
Some notebook s are smooth, some have a more "dry" feel to them. It's really hit or miss. But, if you did not like the feel of Inkpression, then you may not like these.
@@SeaweedKisses okay. Thanks for answering. Appreciate it.
What gsm is the paper?
So, I love this video and I had really high hopes, so I ordered some. Unfortunately, the batch that I got were not good at all. My Diamine Writer's Blood bled right through. That said, I ordered squared and lined. I didn't buy plain. I noticed that the seller's were different, so that could be part of the problem. Not sure which seller you bought from through Amazon, but they might have received a good batch. Also, some of the books were from Vietnam and some were from China. The paper felt different for both. The one from China was toothier and the one from Vietnam was smoother. Gel pens performed ok, but fountain pens were definitely terrible on both! :(
How do you know if it's the unicorn paper
@@inkyfingers1045 I don’t know until I do an ink swatch and see that there is no bleed through on the other side, unfortunately
What size is that notebook?
Okay okay okay, I need to know more about that cute pen holder!! Is there a video about that? (I'm a new subscriber here)
Hello, and welcome! Which pen holders exactly?
@@SeaweedKisses the one all the way on the left, with the stripy pants, holding your TWSBI
Found Moleskine too expensive when studying Uni and never bought one during studying. Now I sometimes can afford one...if they up the price I'm dropping Moleskin completely. Only buy them on sale or I buy nameless or Amazon basics notebooks. My wallet isn't endless... 37 bucks for a notebook is insane.
Yes, finding them on sale is best!
On Amazon in Australia these are $50 each!!
😭Ouch!! Even through Amazon?
@@SeaweedKisses yes, when I click on your Amazon link listed below your video, being in Australia, I get Australian Amazon prices, which in this case is $50. I did pick up a 2024-25 Moleskine daily a while ago on Amazon for $20 so there are occasional bargains to be found!
More videos please:)
Thanks for watching! I'll certainly try!
Moleskin notebooks can be frustrating, but I love them dearly even with their faults. Your excitement is contagious!
21:13 lol wondering if moleskine decided to change their paper? So are you going to still utilize the daily moleskine with the lines? Wow 🤩 so happy that these notebooks paper quality are good 😊
Yes, I do plan on using them! 🥰
Some people stock up on food, others notebooks. 😂. I bet it is just bad batch mixes or something. But you’d think they would QA them prior to churning them out and reject that batch.
Is it bad if I stock up on all of the above? 🤣 Moleskine can hire me as their QA auditor. I'd apply asap! 😅
I just got mine and it’s Made in China. Did a fountain pen test and the bleed through and feathering is so bad 😭
I thought the stickers just indicate they were quality control checked and indicate what batch they are from.
Amazon had the ruled version for $20 today. I bought 5.
hope they work out for you! Happy Journaling!
@@SeaweedKisses I just wanted to give you a little feedback on my purchase. The ruled expanded Moleskine notebooks I bought all have, on the "FSC" label, "Supporting responsible forestry." When I got them I just stuck them on my bookshelf because I'm still about 2/3 of the way into a Nanami (Tomoe River) notebook. But YESTERDAY I decided to do NaNoWriMo again this year and it starts on FRIDAY. And I thought to myself "I should do NaNoWriMo by hand this year, instead of using a typewriter." And that made me think about the Moleskines. So I opened one up and started writing in it, both with fountain pens (several different ones) and also with a pencil (Blackwing 602). I can happily report that the paper was entirely fine for fountain pen use. Is it as smooth as my Tomoe River or a Clairfontaine? Of course not. But it ain't bad!
Thank you so much for all of your detective work to crack the Moleskine code!
@@GordonTillmanTexas Yeees! SO happy to hear your new Moleskine expanded is a win! Thank you for sharing! Happy NaNoWriMo🙌 📚