Lama Li Journals

From the 2-Part Series “Choosing a Journal for Penwork” by Sandra Strait.

“Lama Li makes a wide range of journals using the Lokta shrub, a renewable source that produces a variety of sturdy paper types. They can be hard to find and the paper varies considerably in each. But you can feel good about buying a ‘green’ choice; they’re attractive, and great to work in. I’ve used four varieties and fully intend to try them all.

Lama Li Passport Journals are softcover and come in three sizes, 3.5″ x 5″, 3.5″ x 7″, 5.25″ x 8.25″, each with 40 pages. The thin paper is smooth and gives an excellent line. There is no bleed with permanent or water-based ink pens, but a shadow does show through if you hold the paper up to the light. The small size and price makes them a good choice for a beginner, who isn’t sure how much of a commitment they want to make, and they are compact and portable. Last year I filled up eight of these and gave them as Christmas gifts.

The Lama Li Tibetan Flower Journals are hardcover, available in two sizes, 3″x4.5″ and 4.5″x8.5″, both with 50 pages. There is spring to the pages, but they will lie flat without much effort on your part. The paper is heavier than you find in most journals this size. Another great choice for beginners or travelers.

The Lama Li Thick Journal has a hardcover. It comes in one size, 4” x 6.25”, with 120 pages. The deckled edges and heavy grain make for an attractive paper. This is my favorite of all journals, but I don’t recommend it for everyone. The rough handmade texture requires you to respect the paper. The book doesn’t lie flat. If you are willing to put in the effort, your work will be rewarded, but this isn’t a beginner’s journal.

The Lama Li Travel Journal comes in 2 sizes, 4.5″x7″, 7″x9″, both with 150 pages. It has a highly textured Lokta softcover with elastic band. The paper resembles newsprint, but is far sturdier. However, the bleed through is tremendous, so I can’t recommend this journal for everyone. I use mine for gel pen or pencil when I want to travel light but still have a larger size to work in.”

Find Lama Li Journals

Some of the journals Sandra recommends are not available online, so make good notes about the ones that interest you so that when you visit your favorite art supply dealer you know exactly what you are looking for.

Be sure to read Sandra’s entire article here. She shares a wealth of knowledge and valuable experience about choosing a journal for penwork.

Share your tips

Please feel free to share your experience with Lama Li Journals in the comments.

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