Ink & Lead Blog

In our increasingly digital world, wood pencils are the ultimate analog tool. The grainy appearance of the lines, the smell of the wood, the sound of the lead scratching against the paper, appealing to almost all of our senses at once. They are uncomplicated–no mechanisms, no refills, just wood and graphite. 

Writing by hand has numerous benefits that can improve various aspects of our lives. From cognitive development to emotional well-being, the simple act of writing with a pen and paper can have a significant impact.

Japanese stationery has a cult following around the world. Its reputation for quality and innovation is well-deserved as top stationery companies constantly work to improve common, everyday items. We are here to celebrate some of those innovations by looking at a dozen genius designs in stationery. 

Since their arrival in the US in 2018, Zebra Mildliner has taken the stationery world by storm. Once a niche imported item, now you can find them at any stationery store from boutique to national chain. This level of notoriety is pretty impressive for a pen once thought of as just a tool for studying. But what’s so great about these highlighters anyway? Let’s take a look at the features that set Zebra Mildliner apart from its competition. 

You’re convinced of the benefits of hand-writing letters. You’re motivated to send letters to everyone you don’t see on a regular basis. And you’ve even amassed a small collection of stationery sets in anticipation of all the letters you’re going to write. You get your favorite pen, a cup of tea, you sit down, and...blank. You have no idea what to write. This was me about once a week...

I love a small gift-giving occasion. Not Christmas because there are too many presents to get, and it is always a little stressful. And not necessarily birthdays because there's sometimes pressure to get the perfect gift. But an occasion like Valentine's day where the bar is set lower (you can always fall back on candy and flowers), that's where I shine. 

Shopping for someone else can be tricky. You want the gift to be thoughtful and personalized, and also practical, but still fun. Well, stationery gifts can be all of those things, if you do it right. And we have a few simple rules and tips for putting together the best stationery gift sets for any recipient. 

When we buy a pen, we often give little thought to the type of ink inside, and how that affects our writing. Well, it turns out there are just a few key factors that can help you make an informed decision the next time you’re shopping in the stationery aisle for a new pen. Let’s take a deep dive into ink, shall we? 

If there’s a journaler in your life, you know that they likely have an insatiable appetite for stationery. As journaling has evolved from the ‘Dear Diary’ days of simply writing your thoughts down on paper to what seems like a boundless medium for self-expression, journalers are looking for new ways to do everything from organizing their thoughts, to planning their lives, creating their art, and...simply writing their thoughts down on paper. This means trying out new notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, stickers, stamps, and you get the point.