Welcome to Tip Tuesday! Today we are going to explore how to choose the perfect pen, paper, and ink combo — because your tools should complement not only your handwriting but also your personality and preferences. Whether you’re a dedicated fountain pen enthusiast (like me, hello Kaweco fountain pen owners!) or a casual note writer, the right stationery pairing can transform your writing experience.
The Pen!
If you decide to handwrite your letters, the pen is where your words begin, and your choice makes a big difference in how enjoyable letter writing feels. For me, the right pen is fundamental and I absolutely cannot start writing again if the ink bleeds through the paper or does not have the right flow of ink.
- Fountain Pens — A classic favorite among letter writers (and my personal go-to). Fountain pens “glide” across the page, allowing my handwriting to show through in every stroke. I love a medium nib size but recently I have started to experiment with fine ones and I love them too, especially when I want to write smaller so my text fits in a card or a specific number of pages.
- Gel Pens — Great for vibrant colors and smooth lines. These are a low-maintenance choice that work beautifully on most papers. They never dissapoint!
- Ballpoint & Rollerball Pens — Perfect if you want a good pen that’s less likely to smudge or feather. They’re practical, especially for longer writing sessions and added bonus if you choose those that can be erased with friction!
- Dip Pens or Brush Pens — For those Lettermoians who love a handcrafted, artistic feel, dip pens can add a touch of old-world vintage beauty to any letter or note.
The Paper: a similar experience to choosing a blank canvas
Even the most beautiful pen can underperform on the wrong paper and this is something that I know most of us in the letter writing community really care about. For those that type their letters, choosing the right paper can make the printed words extra special too!
- Weight & Texture: I try to look for paper that’s at least 80 gsm so my fountain pen doesn’t bleed-through.
- Color: Blue and white A4 paper are my go to choices — I personally love alternating between them depending on mood or theme. Lately I have also been tempted by cream, ivory, or even light gray tones for a distinctive touch that feels refined and vintage. Some of my penpals go above and beyond and use beautiful illustrated stationery paper that they buy in their local shops.
- Format: A4 is versatile and professional, but smaller formats like A5 or personalized stationery sets are wonderful for personal notes and compact letters.
The Ink: not only for tattoos!
I feel that the ink adds character to the letters that I write. From understated classics to bold statements, the right color (and quality) can completely change the experience. My favourite is blue and a couple of months ago I went hunting for the perfect ink tone, which believe it or not took me to one of the most incredible shops in Amsterdam!
However there are more options to consider, such as:
- Classic Colors: Rich black is timeless and easy to read — ideal for any correspondence.
- Expressive Tones: Warm browns, soft grays, or even muted greens can make your writing feel personal and inviting.
- Vibrant Shades: For creative letters or journaling, jewel-toned inks like sapphire, emerald, or burgundy add hint of expressivity to anything handwritten.
- And don’t forget the shimmer & sheen: Specialty inks can give your writing depth or sparkle — perfect for holiday greetings or even LetterMo beginnings!
And this is how a letter is born!
In my opinion, the best thing that you can do to find your personal style is to experiment with combinations until it feels just right. A fountain pen with smooth ivory paper and a smoky grey ink might evoke a nostalgic charm, while a gel pen on crisp white paper with bright fuchsia ink could feel cheerful and modern.
Ultimately, your stationery is an extension of your voice and it will make your letters feel like you.
I cannot wait to hear! What’s your favorite pen–paper–ink trio? Do you stay loyal to one setup, or do you mix it up depending on your letter’s tone? Share your favorites in the comments — your perfect combo might inspire my next letter.
I collect stationary (especially blank cards) to excess, so what I send out depends on how I’m feeling when I write. The medium can determine the pen I use, as my preferred Sharpie fine point pens tend to smear if used on paper of any gloss. While I have tried my hand at fountain pens, I am still overwhelmed by them, so usually stick to the sharpies. That said, I love getting the multi-color packs, with 12 or 24 shades of ink, and will use a color until it runs out, mixing in other colors for notes within my correspondence.