There is a particular kind of joy in sitting down with a fresh sheet of paper, a couple of good pens, and a soft satin backdrop, ready to write something that feels handmade. The image of hearts scattered across a page next to two pens is more than a pretty flat-lay — it is an invitation to slow down and make something personal. Whether you are writing to a pen pal overseas, decorating a journal spread, or crafting a heartfelt note for someone you love, the right supplies make all the difference. Below are 17 aesthetic journaling and letter-writing supplies worth knowing about, each chosen for the way it feels in the hand and looks on the page.
Table of Contents(Click to Toggle)
- Why the Right Journaling Supplies Change Everything
- 1. JetPens
- 2. Hobonichi Techo
- 3. Midori MD Notebook
- 4. Pilot Iroshizuku Inks
- 5. Zebra Mildliner Highlighters
- 6. Tombow Dual Brush Pens
- 7. Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
- 8. Washi Tape Shop
- 9. MT Masking Tape
- 10. Stickii Club
- 11. Papier
- 12. Rifle Paper Co.
- 13. Ferris Wheel Press
- 14. LAMY Safari Fountain Pen
- 15. Kaweco Sport
- 16. Leuchtturm1917
- 17. Etsy Handmade Paper Shops
- Bonus Mentions
- The Internet’s Best-Kept Stationery Secrets (So Far)
Why the Right Journaling Supplies Change Everything
Journaling and letter-writing are quiet hobbies, but the tools behind them are surprisingly deep. A good pen changes how long you want to write. A paper that resists bleed-through lets you use fountain ink without fear. A roll of washi tape turns a plain envelope into something worth keeping. The flat-lay aesthetic you see on Pinterest — hearts on a page, two pens, a satin background — is the visible result of choosing supplies that work together. The 17 picks below range from big stationery retailers to small independent makers, and each one solves a specific problem while looking genuinely lovely on a desk.
1. JetPens : The stationery superstore with honest pen reviews
What it is: An online stationery retailer stocking Japanese and international pens, inks, notebooks, and washi tape, backed by an enormous library of comparison guides.
Category: Stationery retailer and resource hub
Why it stands out:
- Detailed guides compare ink dry times, paper weights, and pen grip sizes so you can choose before buying
- Carries hard-to-find Japanese brands alongside everyday favorites
- Free shipping threshold makes it easy to build a starter kit in one order
Best for: Anyone building a first serious journaling kit who wants to compare options side by side.
2. Hobonichi Techo : The cult daily planner with Tomoe River paper
What it is: A Japanese daily planner famous for its thin, fountain-pen-friendly Tomoe River paper and one-page-per-day layout.
Category: Planner and journal
Why it stands out:
- The paper handles wet fountain ink with almost no bleed-through despite being remarkably thin
- Each day gets a full page, which suits both short diary entries and longer letters
- New cover designs release every year, making it collectible
Best for: Daily journalers who write with fountain pens and want a page to themselves.
3. Midori MD Notebook : Minimalist paper that lets ink shine
What it is: A cream-paper notebook from Japan with a clean, unadorned cover and a reputation for excellent ink performance.
Category: Notebook
Why it stands out:
- The cream paper shows off colored inks beautifully, especially soft pastels
- Lays completely flat thanks to its stitched binding, ideal for two-page spreads
- Comes in lined, grid, and blank versions
Best for: Letter writers who want a blank canvas and no branding on the cover.
4. Pilot Iroshizuku Inks : Bottled ink in jewel-toned shades
What it is: A line of premium fountain pen inks from Pilot, each named after a natural phenomenon or season.
Category: Fountain pen ink
Why it stands out:
- Shades like Kon-peki and Yama-budo are beloved for their smooth flow and subtle shading
- The heavy glass bottles look elegant on a desk and make thoughtful gifts
- Well-behaved in most pens, with minimal clogging
Best for: Fountain pen users who want ink that looks as good in the bottle as on the page.
5. Zebra Mildliner Highlighters : Soft, muted highlighters that never overpower
What it is: Double-ended highlighters in gentle, desaturated colors designed for journaling and note-taking.
Category: Highlighters and markers
Why it stands out:
- The muted palette layers without turning the page into a neon mess
- One end is a broad chisel tip, the other a fine bullet tip for underlining
- Water-based ink resists bleeding through standard notebook paper
Best for: Journalers who color-code entries and want a softer look.
6. Tombow Dual Brush Pens : Water-based brush pens for hand-lettering
What it is: A large range of dual-ended brush pens with a flexible brush tip on one side and a fine tip on the other.
Category: Brush pens and markers
Why it stands out:
- Blendable with water, so you can create gradients and soft washes for headers
- The fine tip works for small lettering and detail work
- 90-plus colors make matching a palette to a themed spread easy
Best for: Anyone lettering titles and decorative headings by hand.
7. Sakura Pigma Micron Pens : Archival fineliners for crisp line work
What it is: Pigment-based fineliner pens in a range of tip sizes, popular for drawing and journaling.
Category: Fineliner pens
Why it stands out:
- Archival, waterproof ink that will not fade or smudge over time
- Tip sizes from 003 to 08 cover tiny details and bold outlines
- Dries quickly, which matters when layering with watercolor or markers
Best for: Doodlers who sketch small hearts, borders, and icons in the margins.
8. Washi Tape Shop : Curated decorative tape in every theme
What it is: An online store specializing in decorative washi tape, often organized by theme and season.
Category: Washi tape retailer
Why it stands out:
- Themed sets make it easy to build a coordinated spread without hunting
- Tape is low-tack, so it peels off paper without tearing
- Frequent new arrivals keep the selection fresh
Best for: Decorators who plan spreads around a color story or season.
9. MT Masking Tape : The original Japanese washi tape brand
What it is: The brand that popularized washi tape, known for clean patterns and reliable paper quality.
Category: Washi tape
Why it stands out:
- Consistent adhesive that sticks to paper but lifts cleanly
- Huge catalog of patterns from simple stripes to intricate florals
- Works well for sealing envelopes and taping small photos into journals
Best for: Journalers who want dependable tape rather than novelty designs.
10. Stickii Club : Monthly sticker subscriptions for journal lovers
What it is: A subscription service that sends a themed pack of stickers each month, with plans organized by style.
Category: Sticker subscription
Why it stands out:
- Each pack follows a cohesive theme, so stickers work together in a spread
- Multiple plan tiers let you choose a lighter or fuller envelope
- Good way to build a sticker stash without picking each one yourself
Best for: Journalers who love a monthly surprise and themed spreads.
11. Papier : Personalized notebooks and stationery
What it is: A stationery brand offering customizable notebooks, notecards, and writing sets.
Category: Personalized stationery
Why it stands out:
- You can add a name or short message to covers and cards
- Notebook interiors are available in lined, dotted, and plain formats
- Designs lean toward soft, illustrative styles that suit a romantic aesthetic
Best for: Gifting a personalized journal or writing set to a friend.
12. Rifle Paper Co. : Floral and heart-print paper goods
What it is: A design studio producing notebooks, cards, and desk accessories with signature botanical and heart motifs.
Category: Paper goods and stationery
Why it stands out:
- Distinctive illustrated patterns that make an envelope feel like a gift
- Card sets come boxed and ready for pen pal letters
- Coordinating notebooks and desk items let you match a whole set
Best for: Letter writers who want a polished, coordinated look.
13. Ferris Wheel Press : Decorative inks in collectible bottles
What it is: A Canadian ink and stationery brand known for ornate bottle designs and story-driven color names.
Category: Fountain pen ink and stationery
Why it stands out:
- Bottles are designed to be displayed, not hidden in a drawer
- Ink colors often include shimmer and shading for decorative writing
- Pairs well with the brand’s own notebooks and writing accessories
Best for: Collectors who treat ink as part of the desk aesthetic.
14. LAMY Safari Fountain Pen : A durable beginner fountain pen
What it is: A lightweight fountain pen with a molded grip and a wide range of bright and classic colors.
Category: Fountain pen
Why it stands out:
- The triangular grip section helps new users hold the pen correctly
- Swappable nibs let you try different line widths without buying a new pen
- Sturdy plastic body survives being tossed in a bag
Best for: First-time fountain pen users who want something reliable and affordable.
15. Kaweco Sport : A pocket-sized pen that travels well
What it is: A compact fountain pen that extends to full size when the cap is posted on the back.
Category: Fountain pen
Why it stands out:
- Fits in a pocket or small pouch without taking up space
- Available in metal and plastic finishes, including soft pastel colors
- Uses international short cartridges, easy to find anywhere
Best for: Writers who carry a journal everywhere and want a pen that fits.
16. Leuchtturm1917 : The dependable everyday journal
What it is: A German notebook brand with numbered pages, an index, and a back pocket.
Category: Notebook
Why it stands out:
- Pre-numbered pages and a table of contents make it easy to find old entries
- Elastic closure and ribbon marker keep everything in place
- Paper weight handles most pens well, with only minor ghosting
Best for: Journalers who want structure and a notebook that lasts a full year.
17. Etsy Handmade Paper Shops : Small-batch paper and heart-motif extras
What it is: A marketplace where independent sellers offer handmade paper, custom stickers, and letter-writing sets.
Category: Marketplace for handmade stationery
Why it stands out:
- Sellers offer custom heart-print paper and die-cut stickers you will not find in big stores
- Many shops sell letter-writing kits with paper, envelope, and wax seal together
- You can request custom colors or names for a truly personal touch
Best for: Anyone who wants one-of-a-kind paper goods and supports small makers.
Bonus Mentions
Moleskine : Classic notebooks with a familiar feel
A widely available option with a rounded-corner cover and elastic band. Good for everyday notes, though the paper is thinner than Japanese alternatives.
STABILO : Reliable pens and highlighters for everyday use
Known for the classic pastel highlighters and fineliners that work well for color-coding without a big spend.
Canson : Art paper for mixed-media spreads
If you paint or collage in your journal, Canson’s mixed-media paper handles water and glue without buckling.
Winsor & Newton : Watercolors for soft washes
A trusted name for small watercolor pans, useful for painting soft hearts and borders in the margins.
The Internet’s Best-Kept Stationery Secrets (So Far)
The best journaling and letter-writing supplies are not always the loudest ones. A slim Japanese notebook, a well-behaved bottle of ink, or a roll of washi tape that lifts cleanly can quietly transform how a page looks and how it feels to sit down and write. Start with one or two items that solve a real problem — paper that resists bleed-through, a pen that fits your hand — and build from there. The heart-covered page in that flat-lay did not happen by accident; it came from tools chosen with care. What is the one stationery item you reach for every single time you write?
