Why notebooks are the coolest of all kid’s stationery
To-do lists, schoolwork, diary entries – have you ever given much thought to how useful notebooks are?! And yes, while you can use technology for your jottings, there is something really comforting about being able to scribble something down in a notebook.
At Smudge we love all types of stationery (who doesn’t!) but have to admit, notebooks are probably our favourite stationery item. Whether it’s a spiral notebook or a sketchbook we just love the fact you can take a notebook anywhere with you, don’t have to worry about being connected to the internet and can use it for whatever you want.
So, let’s take a look at the history of notebooks and why notebooks are so cool.
Every good notebook starts with good paper
Did you know paper was originally made out of a mixture of mulberry bark, fishing nets, old rags and hemp waste?!
Invented in China around 100BC by a servant of the Chinese Imperial Court, known as Cai Lun, he used cheap and easy to find items to create the first proper paper. Up to that point, the main writing surface was cloth of pure silk, but this new paper was not only easier and cheaper to produce but also allowed for better writing quality, so it quickly started to be used by everyone.
The Silk Road helped introduce paper to the rest of the world, but it wasn’t until the 11th century that it arrived in Europe. Even then it wasn’t appreciated by everyone, with the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II banning its use for public documents, because he felt it was inferior when compared to parchment!
Buy a Smudge notebook and you won’t need to worry about the quality, as lined paper or plain, we only ever use high quality paper.
Notebooks started to come into their own
Industrial manufacture of paper didn’t begin until the 19th century and as demand outstripped supply people started to look for cheaper ways of making it. Paper started to be made out of wood pulp and it quickly became a product of mass consumption.
And the oldest known pocket diary can be traced back to this period. When Thomas Jefferson finalised the Louisiana Purchase, which saw the US acquire the Louisiana territory from the French, he asked the explorers to take diligent notes about the new territories. So, next time you go off on your adventures, make sure you take a notebook with you to make notes about your own historic accomplishments.
The first spiral notebook
You’ve got to admit spiral notebooks are pretty special! They are super easy to fold open and lie flat when you’re writing or doodling! What more do you need!
And because they are so cool, it’s hard to believe that they haven’t been around forever! In fact, the spiral notebook is said to have made its debut in September 1934. This is when a short news article appeared which talked about ‘coil springs form flexible bindings for a new type of memorandum books’.
Everyone probably thought it was another invention that would never take off, but we’re glad it did and that we can offer notebooks in a range of colours and designs to help you stand out from the crowd.
Be like a great artist – carry a sketchbook
If you carry a sketchbook with you, then you’ll be in great company! Rembrandt, Da Vinci – they all carried sketchbooks with them so that they could record their surroundings or sketch out drawings to be finished off at a later date.
The earliest sketchbooks were made to order, but in the late 18th century, it become possible to buy them ready-made. But somehow, we doubt their sketchbooks looked as good as ours! Whether you’re into space, unicorns, monsters or graffiti, our sketchbooks give you an added boost of creativity as well as all the space you need to capture the outpourings of your imagination.
4 reasons why notebooks are so great
Whether you prefer spiral notebooks, sketchbooks or A4 notebooks, you’ve got to admit they are a great invention! Still not convinced? Well, here are Smudge’s 3 reasons why they are:
1. You never know when inspiration will strike!
Smudge is all about ‘Making your Mark’, but let’s face it you never know when you’re going to have a great idea! It’s why Mark Twain and even Beethoven carried around a notebook, so they could capture their flashes of brilliance no matter where and when they happened.
2. Notebooks don’t need batteries!
Technology definitely has a place, but if the battery dies it does mean you are a bit stuck. But if you have a notebook and a pen or pencil, you can make a note of whatever you need to.
3. Notebooks are versatile
Whether you need school stationery supplies or just want an A4 or A5 notebook for when you are out and about, notebooks can be used for just about anything! Birthday and Christmas lists, favourite places to visit, useful information you want to remember. Even better you don’t need to use notebooks just for writing, as you can use them for sketches and doodles as well!
4. Notebooks look great
Okay, we are a little bit biased, but Smudge notebooks look amazing! One of the things we love doing at Smudge is taking ordinary kid’s stationery and making it extraordinary. It’s why we are always coming up with new designs that just shout creativity and innovation. After all who wants a boring notebook, when you can have a Smudge one?!
Looking for school stationery supplies? We’re offering some great deals
Whether you’re looking for new A4 notebooks, a lined notebook or need other kid’s stationery we offer a full range of quality products, including backpacks, pencil cases and water bottles And even better we are holding a number of flash sales over the next few weeks where you’ll get 20% off all school stationery supplies plus free delivery!
Take a look today and find some kid’s stationery that screams your style.
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