Grolier Grande Unlined Hardcover Journal, 240pg, 120GSM by Paperblanks (Grolier Ornamentali) Diary – January 1, 2010

I am an artist, and I’m a tad OCD (thus this explanation). I’ve been drawing on the gorgeous paper a wide variety of illustrations and notes, from gardening to bugs that sting (and how to make a garden that is bee-friendly), essential oil notes, and so on. Some include design ideas of home beautification, a wishlist garden, which plants will survive my benign neglect and Texas heat (daydreams of having a dream yard). Of course I have to doodle each plant. If I find beautiful stickers that match my artistic concepts, they work beautifully on the paper, markers, ink pens (that can bleed) do not bleed through. Some pages are filled with inspirational quotes. I especially love how I can sketch in pencil and then ink in my art...to have zero pilling from the paper from erasing, zero tears, and a magical erasure, really, as if the pencil markings never existed. If I inadvertently bend a page while erasing, it flattens well to its original state. It’s becoming my stressed go-to. The unique binding makes it especially easy to find amongst children clutter (which manifests magically) as well as stands up to random children events.

Stunning, thick material, great sketch book

Overjoyed that they make these larger unlined journals, they are magical. Been using the smaller ruled version for sketches and ideas for well over a decade. The paper is really excellent quality and allows for fine quality work. It also handles layering very well with peeling up for the large part, did have an issue once. Since the leafs are thick I was able to shave the peeling with an Exacto blade. Such a great value for this ornamental journal, the reproduction is glorious. It’s a mock leather exterior and hold up well if not thrown about, it never leaves my studio. Also to book has a hidden pocket in the back for loose papers, stickers, postcards, anything other you might want to stash. The metal enclosure clasps also provide beauty & function, totally wizard. All in all these have my professional artist approval, though they truly are suitable for everyone.

I just received the new journal and it’s everything I wanted but I was horrified at the way it was packaged. It was shipped in clear, thin plastic with a label on it. They might as well have slapped a label on the journal itself. The plastic was ripped in places exposing the book. The delivery people must have been pretty careful with it for it wasn’t damaged in any way. If it had been raining, it would have been ruined. Why would anyone ship a beautiful journal in that manner?

This book is beautiful! It's a little heavy but feels wonderfully constructed! The clasps are indeed metal and snap the book closed perfectly. Although, depending on what you put in it, if it grows in thickness, the clasps may not work after a while. The paper itself is nice. It's smooth and thicker than lined notebook paper but not really as thick as parchment paper....which honestly, I think would be better for this book. I haven't written anything in it yet, so I'm not sure how the paper does with different inks. There is an extra pocket to keep things in, on the inside of the back cover. It also has two long ribbon bookmarks, one red and one gold. Not a bad purchase!!

I have used these books for years to sketch in. The paper is not heavy enough for watercolor, but pencil, pen, ink pastel, and gouache (if not using too much water) would be ok. I tried to show the paper edge in one photo. This is the first time one has arrived damaged on the spine edge and corners. One of my older ones is slightly warped, but just barely. They are hardcover, but flexible. The edges of paper are nicely marbled, which gives an extra touch of elegance. These make wonderful gifts.

For the money, this is an absolutely fantastic journal/blank book. The paper is high quality woven paper that takes ink nicely, if you use the right ink. A regular rollerball pen ink tends to collect on the surface and get really sticky and messy, even smudging in most circumstances. Some pens with a felt tip will bleed right through on to the other side of the page. Some liquid ink (like Noodler's Ink) will smear very easily, even long after it's dry. But if you use a high-quality, like Pilot Iroshizuku, then it's perfect; no bleeding or smearing. I don't think the trouble with trying to find the right ink for this paper is enough to take off any stars because this journal is an absolute joy in every other way. I couldn't ask for a better shop journal for my instrument making that I can write and sketch in and keep my notes protected and nice-looking.

I do a LOT of research on things before buying online, and I always read reviews (pics are always a must) before choosing a purchase.. the product came in pristine condition, the bookbinding and cover edges were perfect and the cover is actually embossed (and NOT just a printed cover).. the metal clasps were such a vintage touch and the book itself is of amazing quality, especially for the price. It came in no time at all, and I'm very satisfied with my purchase. I will definitely purchase from this company again.