A Realistic Routine for Paper Tests & Tomoe River That Fits a Busy Life
As a calligrapher and fountain pen conservator, I often find myself in the thick of ink and paper, wrestling with the nuances of different papers. My passion for Tomoe River paper is unwavering, but finding a testing routine that slots into my busy Edinburgh life has been a journey filled with trial and error. Today, I’m excited to share a realistic routine that not only helps me test papers efficiently but also allows me to embrace the beauty of my craft without feeling overwhelmed. ### Understanding Tomoe River Paper Tomoe River paper is a beloved choice among fountain pen enthusiasts for its unique qualities. It’s lightweight, incredibly smooth, and offers a sublime writing experience. However, its thinness can lead to bleed-through and feathering, especially with certain inks. My goal with testing is to find out how different inks perform on this paper without devoting an entire weekend to the task. ### My Busy Life's Testing Routine After years of tweaking my process, I've settled on a realistic routine that fits into my life. Here’s how I do it: #### 1. Set Up a Dedicated Testing Station I’ve turned a corner of my workshop into a dedicated testing station. This keeps my testing materials organized and within reach, which is essential when I have only short bursts of time to spare. Here’s what I keep on hand: - **Tomoe River Paper**: I cut sheets into A5 size for easier handling. - **Fountain Pens**: A selection of my go-to pens, each filled with different inks. - **Ruler**: For measuring ink swatches. - **Notebook**: To jot down notes and observations. - **Timer**: To keep sessions focused. #### 2. Quick Testing Sessions I’ve learned that I don’t need hours to conduct a thorough test. Instead, I set a timer for 15-30 minutes. During this time, I focus solely on a few inks. Here’s how I break it down: - **Ink Swatches**: I create swatches with a ruler measuring 2cm wide. - **Writing Samples**: I write a few sentences, noting how the ink flows and dries. - **Dry Times**: I record how long it takes for each ink to dry completely on the paper. #### 3. Simplified Results Tracking After a testing session, I organize my results in a table format for easy reference. This helps me visualize which inks perform best on Tomoe River paper without sifting through endless notes.| Ink Brand | Dry Time (seconds) | Bleed-Through (1-5) | Feathering (1-5) | Sheen (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamine Earl Grey | 12 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| J. Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor | 15 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Pelikan Edelstein Topaz | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Robert Oster Fire Engine Red | 20 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
💡 Eleanor Wright's Rule of Thumb: Always write with the same pen for each ink during a session. This eliminates variables and gives you a clearer picture of how the ink interacts with the paper.
### The Importance of Consistency
Consistency has become my mantra. I aim for at least one testing session each week, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. This allows me to gradually build a comprehensive database of inks and their performance on Tomoe River paper. It’s a system that fits seamlessly into my daily life, and the results are incredibly rewarding.
### FAQ Section
How do I prevent bleed-through when using Tomoe River paper?
Choose inks that are known for their low bleed-through properties, and always test before committing to a full writing project. Sticking to medium to fine nibs can also help.
Is it worth investing in Tomoe River paper?
Absolutely! The smooth texture and unique writing experience are unmatched. Once you find inks that work well with it, you’ll see why it’s so beloved.
What’s the best way to store my testing results?
I recommend using a digital format or a dedicated notebook. This allows for easy updates and access when you need to refer back to your findings.