Nuances of Paper

"I could never write in this!" I hear it all the time...
There's no doubt, as a writer I know that everything from a paper coffee cup to a napkin is fair game for jotting a phrase, idea, or observation; but, once I felt pen on fine paper I was hooked! I choose sumptuous papers for Nuance Journals because there is inspiration in considering what to write and appreciating the look of your written word. Friends who initially said 'I could never' about my journals have since agreed that writing on fine papers is truly wonderful. The expert craftsmanship of these papers yields nuance to each style, color, weight, and surface.

My kid brother - a photographer - says every artist is obsessed with some aspect of their craft. Paper is my obsession. I seek wonderful papers and research mills so you can enjoy beauty without study.
Here is more information about my favorite papers featured in Nuance Journals: 		Fabriano Paper Mill
Roma • Tiziano • Academia • EcoWhite

Magnani Paper Mill
Firenze • Revere • Velata

Zerkall Paper Mill
Zerkall Book paper

Lamali Paper Mill
Lokta

Endpapers

Fabriano, my first love. I use four papers from this benchmark mill in Italy: Roma handmade in earth tones, vibrant Tiziano colors, Accademia drawing paper, and EcoWhite 100% recycled and hydro-powered paper.

About Fabriano Paper Mill:
The cradle of papermaking in the western world is found in the city of Fabriano, Italy. For more than seven centuries, Fabriano has been famous the world over for its production of the finest art and writing papers that embody the perfect marriage of innovation and tradition.

Papermaking at Fabriano mills began in 1283 and the remaining examples of paper that exist from this time indicate the advanced state of papermaking at the mills.

Artists and writers such as Giambattista Bodoni, Albrecht Dürer, Michelangelo, Raphael and Francisco Goya have praised Fabriano papers for their unequaled quality. Works from these artists that exist today are a testament to the enduring quality of Fabriano paper.

Fabriano is the only papermaker that continues to employ both traditional and hi-tech production methods in its dedication to high quality artist paper. Both styles are available in Nuance Journals.
 

  • Roma

    for many artists is the pinnacle of Fabriano's artistry in papermaking. I call it paper of the gods! No other binder - that I know of - offers blank journals with such paper. My first order was a mistake, to be honest (I misread the price sheet!), but when I tested the paper with various pens and pencils, and handled Roma for binding, I was speechless. Despite the outrageous price, I ordered more. My paper supplier says clients wait years for the particular Roma colors they love. I am among the zealots now! The colors are rich and deep, but not dark or heavy. Romanino (Deep Blue) is my absolute favorite. Muretto (Venetian Red) is stunning as well, reminiscent of the aged brick in the architecture of New Orleans.
    As romantic as the Italian countryside that inspires it, this exquisite handmade 100% cotton paper proudly bears the ancient Romulus and Remus "she-wolf" watermark. The wide laid surface is created from wire screens that evoke 13th century European papermaking. Roma paper has a neutral pH, which guarantees that it will not change over time. It is also totally chlorine-free. Internal and external light sizing, 130 gsm, four-deckle edges.

  • Tiziano

    Where Roma is understated in color, Tiziano is showy. This paper, manufactured according to ISO 9706 "LONG LIFE" regulations, is eye-catching. At 175 gsm, Tiziano is heavier weight than most papers in Nuance Journals. Made with pure pulp and a high cotton content, it is acid free with lightfast colors and good sizing to guarantee long permanence.

  • Academia

    is lightweight (120 gsm) drawing paper made of 100% cellulose (lignin-free and acid free), with a natural grain surface. Internal and external sizing make Academia suited to various mediums.

  • EcoWhite

    is a bright white paper that's green! 100% recycled paper from 100% post-consumer fiber, acid-free, cold-press. Over 50% of the energy used to produce this paper comes from hydroelectric sources.



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Magnani, Italian art. Firenze is harmony to the Roma melody. Revere Suede Book paper, aptly named, features a suede like texture and pedigree deserving reverence, and Velata, a sumptuous off-white delight.

About the mill:
The Magnani paper mills date back to the 15th century, when the first settlers developed the mill along the banks of the Pescia river, famous for clear waters - an essential requirement for the production of paper.
By the 18th century, the Magnani mill was exporting papers all over the world to such notable customers as Napoleon Bonaparte, most of Europe's reigning families, and the Crown family of Italy. Many artists - such as De Chirico, Guttuso, Annigoni, Maccari, Bueno, Guarnieri, Morandi - had their own paper produced by Magnani as a sign of distinction. Magnani has also proudly produced currency paper for many central banks of the world including their own country, Italy.

 

  • Firenze

    is handcrafted in Italy of 100% cotton in rich earth tone colors, 130 gsm with deckled edges. I'll admit, I thought Firenze would merely play second fiddle to the rare and highly coveted Roma by Fabriano, but working with Firenze inspires a love of it's own! The heavy laid texture is the same style as Roma, but the surface of Firenze is almost velvety. Each sheet has invitingly colorful nuance without the guilty pricetag of Roma. Decadent, to be sure, this paper inspires thoughtfulness and an honesty of expression. Don't be shy!

  • Revere

    which means to regard with respect tinged with awe, is an appropriate name for this beautiful ivory 100% cotton, neutral pH, chlorine-free, internally sized, deckled paper mouldmade in Italy.

    Revere was not a range of fine art papers that was created overnight; but rather, a dedicated project by the Magnani paper mill that was two years in the making. The result was a fine art paper range of superior quality, consistency and versatility.
    Revere is manufactured utilizing energy generated by Magnani's own water turbines, and is composed of fibers sourced from tree-free 100% cotton linters, naturally acid-free, neutral pH and chlorine-free to endure the tests of time.

  • The Velata paper

    is a luxurious 100% cotton mouldmade sheet. Velata, which translates as "wove," has a slightly textured wove finish. Acid-free and weighted at 130 gsm, this lovely ivory paper is classy and decadent.



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Zerkall, a new favorite! This velvety cream colored Zerkall Book paper with beautiful deckle edges has stolen my heart.

About the mill:
Zerkall Renker & Sohne paper mill, run by the Renker family in its fourth generation, dates from 16th century in the valley of the river Kall between Cologne and Aachen. Although the mill now only manufactures mouldmade papers, their sheets mirror papers of the past while incorporating modern technology to insure stability and permanence. Zerkall mixes exacting amounts of cotton rag and high alpha cellulose to obtain sheets that are strong, yet able to absorb ink without bleeding. All their papers are acid free, neutral sized, alkaline buffered with calcium carbonate and contain no optical brighteners.








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Lamali

 

  • Lokta

    Lokta paper is completely natural, acid-free, and tree-free, handmade from the fiber of the Lokta bush - Daphne Papyraceae - using age-old papermaking traditions. The bush is a renewable resource with the ability to regenerate within six years. The lightweight (90 gsm) Lokta papers are prized for durability and strength because of the long fibers. The vegetable dyed papers have a rich, rustic appeal and intoxicatingly beautiful colors.



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ENDPAPERS

To protect the elegant papers of each text block from oils in the leather, I use a variety of decorative papers. My favorite is Egyptian Papyrus. Papyrus was, and continues today to be handmade from the papyrus reed that grows in freshwater marshes along the river Nile, though today this growth is rare and controlled. Egyptians considered it the "everlasting" paper because it has been found in perfect condition in tombs dating back to 2700 B.C.

Another favorite is the Amate Bark, handmade in Mexico by the Otomi Indians as it was in the 1300's. The bark comes from downed Fig and Mulberry trees. It is collected, washed in stream water, and boiled in limewater until the fiber is pliable, then beaten and sun-dried. Amate is acid-free and rich with texture and personality.

For Nuance Wine Logs, I use Corkskin paper. The exciting Corkskin is handmade in Portugal of thin layers of natural cork laminated to a coated, colored base paper. It is one of the most environmentally sensitive materials available, and makes absolutely beautiful books.


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