Celebrating MIDORI's 10th Anniversary Event at Paper-Ya

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Midori 10th Anniversary Event at Paper-Ya!

We have been proud to carry MIDORI's MD Notebook products for many years, and now we are honoured and excited to be hosting a 10th Anniversary event right here at Paper-Ya! From March 24th - 25th 2018, we will have MD Paper available for testing with an assortment of pens and pencils. Bring your creativity and leave us a message or a doodle to commemorate this special event!

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                                                                                                                  Photo by Paper-Ya

You will also have access to an exclusive MD PAPER PRODUCTS 2mm pencil only available at Paper-Ya. Quantities will be limited though, so don't wait too long! 

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For their 10th Anniversary, MIDORI has released their MD Notebook in limited edition styles. This includes dotted journals, and unique lined and gridded designs. We are excited to have these available here at Paper-Ya! They will be available only for a limited time, so be sure to take advantage of our event!

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About Midori's MD Notebooks

The MD Notebook embodies the notion of sophistication through simplicity. From the very first steps in making the paper to the final binding process, MIDORI has perfected their craft, eliminating unnecessary excess and focusing their efforts where it really matters.

With an emphasis on the quality of their products, MIDORI carefully monitors the entire process to ensure that there are no flaws in their paper, as a single mistake will result in the loss of an entire batch.

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MD Paper goes through rigorous inspection to ensure top quality for each journal. Each completed batch of paper is first tested for the right thickness, weight, and colour. They are then tested with various writing tools to check for writing quality, bleed-through, texture, and the reaction of ink upon the paper. If it fails any of the tests, it is discarded and the process must be started all over again.

Though using the traditional thread-stitching method is more time-consuming, it ensures durability as well as the ability to lay flat for ease of writing. The exposed binding and lack of a cover also make the journal more flexible and easier to use. 

Their website is full of beautiful photos and it details the different steps they take to ensure only the best quality.

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Interview with Midori

In a small interview with our MIDORI representative, we asked a few questions to get some insight into their MD Notebook and its future:

Q: Will any of the MIDORI 10th Anniversary designs become regular stock?

A: We haven't decided yet. We will consider many things, such as the market demand.
 

Q: Which 10th Anniversary design is MIDORI most excited about, and why?

A: Every design comes from the commitment to quality that makes writing a pleasure, so we are excited to release all 10 types of MD Notebook. We hope that MD Notebook can be a creative tool for everyone. We also hope that these lines can be a guide for people to put their ideas freely on the paper.


Q: Which regular stock MD Notebook is the best-selling style?

A: MD Notebook A5 Blank, Lined, and Gridded are the popular size and style. 

 

Q: Will MIDORI do more special edition notebooks in the future?

A: It's possible, but we haven't planned anything yet. We would like to focus on 10th Anniversary items to be successful this year. 

 

Q: Will there be any new MD PAPER PRODUCTS in the future?

A: Yes, we always examine the possibility of new item launch. 

 

Q: What are MIDORI's goals regarding their notebooks for the next 10 years?

A: In welcoming the 10th Anniversary of the MD Notebook, we would like to once again convey the essence of the material we use for "MD Paper" to users around the world. We would make MD PAPER PRODUCTS into "a paper product for writing", where no other notebook can meet our level without diminishing the concept of minimalism. We are pursuing to make MD Notebook as a standard notebook, with which people can feel the pleasure of writing in daily life. 

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Whether you're an avid MIDORI fan or are merely curious about the journals, we hope to see you at our event!

All photos Copyright MIDORI (Unless otherwise noted)

Blog by Christine Wiebe

The Sound of Music: All About Audio Pro's Addon Bluetooth Soundsystems

The moment we heard the Audio Pro Addon Soundsystems, we knew we had to bring them in. 

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Audio Pro is a Swedish company that has been making audio products for almost four decades. Their products are ground-breaking and award-winning. 

The Addon systems are small and, we feel, rather cute. They feature two tweeters and a woofer in the front, giving it that distinctly speaker-like feel, only in miniature form.

With genuine leather handles and solid aluminum details, these systems are solidly built. No gimmicks, just pure quality.

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Space is a high commodity for most of us, so one of Addon's biggest selling points is how easy it is to place on a bookshelf or tuck into a corner out of the way. It looks great displayed and - most importantly - it sounds great. 

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With clear treble and a deep bass, these systems are the best models in their price range.

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We have brought in two of their models: the T3 and the T5. Both have won Hi-Fi awards from critics such as What Hi-Fi and Digital Life.

Both models also come in a variety of colours - white, grey, black, and more.

T3

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The T3 is the portable system. It has a battery life of up to 30 hours (12 hours at full volume), which means you can easily bring it with you on all of your adventures. If you want something that you can slip into your backpack or bring outside for a beach barbeque, we highly recommend this model!

T5

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This model is slightly larger than the T3, though not by much. It has no battery, so it needs to stay plugged in when in use. Due to the slight increase in size, it can reach lower frequencies than the T3 and has a slightly clearer mid-range as well.  If you`re not looking for portability, then this is your best choice!

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Both systems can connect to your devices via bluetooth 4.0 or an aux in 3.5mm stereo.

Whether you enjoy indie, hip hop, rock, or classical, the Audio Pro Addon systems will give you beautiful sound. 

Blog by Christine Wiebe

A Simple Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Celebrating Valentine’s Day is a wonderful way to show how much you love each other. It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. But it’s a great excuse to treat your loved one just a little bit more specially than usual. 

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Consider a handwritten letter. Sometimes it’s easier to write your love than it is to say it, and the effort you put in will speak louder than words.

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For the artists and the dreamers we have so many beautiful crafting items and beautiful papers and art supplies. 

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Whether you just want a small token to show your love, or feel like splurging a little more, we’ve got you covered!

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Sometimes a classic gift for guys is exactly what you need.

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Sometimes you need something a little different. 

And of course we have so many beautiful papers and ribbons to top it all off! 

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Whether you prefer extravagant or simple Valentine’s Days, we wish you love and joy this year! 

A Simple Guide to Handwriting Letters

There's something special about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. 

It's much more of a rarity these days, but there is a growing movement to revive it in this age of text messages and emails.

Paper

We get our letter paper from all over the world. From Montreal to Japan to France, we have a selectively curated selection of the best paper.

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We also carry decorated papers to add a bit of flair to your writing.

Pens

Choosing a pen is a large part of writing. A pen that you love using will make the process truly enjoyable.

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There are many types of pens - ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, fine liners, fountain pens... the list could go on.

In this post we have focused on just a few of the pens, but don't let that limit you when you browse our selection - you never know what you'll end up enjoying!

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Ballpoint pens are some of the most popular pens. They are simple and easy to use and hassle-free. When you don't have time to sit down and fiddle with your pen or think about the type of paper you're using, a ballpoint pen is a great choice.

Rollerball pens are much like ballpoint pens but use a gel ink that flows more smoothly and has more colour to it. Since they are a thicker ink, however, you must be sure to choose paper that is thick enough to handle it.

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Fine liners tend to be very smooth but also put more ink on the page than a ballpoint pen. They are often waterproof and fade-resistant or archival, but tend to be a one-time use pen. They come in a variety of colours and widths, which allows for unique customization.

Fountain pens are a little bit more complicated, and may take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, they are a joy to write with. They are refillable with a wide variety of coloured inks, and sport beautiful nibs. They require thicker paper to prevent any bleed-through of the ink and need to be handled a little bit more delicately.

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Dip pens are probably the trickiest, but they are also the most versatile. In our previous post we made a video to help you learn how to use a dip pen. With all the inks and various nibs, they are a whole lot of fun to use!

Inks

Inks come in every colour of the rainbow and more! You can get inks that are scented and even inks that sparkle!

With fountain pens you may need to be a little bit more selective with your ink to make sure that it does not get clogged, but with dip pens you have free range!

Envelopes

Matching envelopes are available for most of our letterhead paper. You can also mix and match and make some fun combinations! 

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We have so much more in store, including ways to decorate your letters, improve your handwriting, and even little gifts you can include in your mail.

We love helping our customers pick the perfect combinations for their projects. If you're not sure where to start, just ask any of us and we'd be happy to help you out! 

Blog by Christine Wiebe

Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas at Paper-Ya

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Choosing personalized wrapping paper and ribbon is always a blast here at Paper-Ya. With so many options in store, we can help you truly customize your gift wrapping. Even though we cannot wrap it for you, we can do everything else to make sure it's easy for you to complete it when you get home!

To get your ideas rolling, we have brought together some beautiful combinations of ribbon and paper.

For a mature, festive look, we love red and purple tones. Bold ribbons provide a beautiful accent of colour.

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For a more traditional look, choose reds, golds, and greens. Add an extra little flare to the gift by adding small ornaments to the bow. Layering ribbon also helps add beautifully contrasting texture to an otherwise simple paper.

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Don't be afraid to be bold. And don't forget, raffia is a great way to uniquely dress a gift!

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For a fun, whimsical look we recommend brighter, airier colours.

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If you need any help or suggestions, just come see us here at Paper-Ya, and we'll help you find the perfect combinations. And don't forget, we've got you covered for gifts and cards as well!

Blog by Christine Wiebe

Merry Gifting at Paper-Ya!

In order to make your Christmas shopping a merry experience, we've filled our store with unique gifts! To jump start your shopping, we have compiled some gift ideas for all the wonderful people in your life.

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Even if you’re not sure what to get for the guys (we always find it hardest to shop for them), you’ll be sure to find some fantastic presents here at Paper-Ya. 

We have so many beautiful choices for all of the wonderful ladies in your life. Let your gift speak for itself and show how much you appreciate them!

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Christmas can be a stressful time, so don't forget to give your host or hostess a special thank you for all of their hard work.

Show your coworkers how much you appreciate them with thoughtful gifts!

Bring joy and laughter to the little ones with games, toys, and activities for their creative hands.

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And don't forget those stocking stuffers!

If you need something for the person who has everything, there’s always our gift card.

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We wish you the very best of holiday seasons!

Blog by Christine Wiebe

Get Inspired: Make Your Own Christmas Cards!

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There’s something special about a handmade card. You get to add all your own personal touches, whether you enjoy drawing, lettering, or decorating with stickers and stamps. It also allows you to get creative, and make each one unique! 

 Our favourite blank cards are brought in from Italy. They have a beautiful texture and gorgeous deckled edges. There are matching envelopes to go with them, and a choice of the white and cream colours. We also have a variety of coloured envelopes and card stock paper to help you make any kind of card!

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With thicker paper, you don’t need to worry about what kind of pen you’re going to use. You can choose any type of pen you'd like!

One of the most fun parts is, of course, decorating your cards! 

We also have so many different papers that you can use to collage your card! Go nuts with shapes and layers and textures of paper. You can make little winter scenes or keep it simple and classic. The choices are endless!

Our favourite way to finish up our cards is, of course, to seal it with sealing wax! With a whole rainbow of wax colours to choose from, you can put a different colour on each envelope!

Whether it’s for Christmas or birthdays or just to send a bit of love, handmade cards are sure to convey your sincerest feelings.

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Just don’t forget to get your cards out nice and early so that they arrive in time for Christmas!

Handmade cards by @Recchiaprints.
Blog by Christine Wiebe