I was wondering about when our love of stationery first started?

Where did the pull of a gorgeous notebook come from? Or the hankering after a gorgeous set of Stabilo pens? The must-have sticky note set.

There is always a sense of optimism when buying stationery.  It can signify the start of a new project, setting goals or provide that sense of taking control over circumstances that you are finding challenging.

For me, it was a number of places and people.

I always loved a new exercise book at school, putting the caps back on a thick Berol pen and placing them in rainbow colour order.

Mainly, I realised my appreciation for all things pens and paper came from getting ready to return to school in the six weeks holidays. My mum would take me to our local Woolworths and I’d always make a bee-line for the stationery aisle.  Each year, I could not wait to see what fresh designs covered the pens, pencils, folders and notebooks.  I remember the joy when pencil tin pencil cases came into fashion.

One of my earliest memories was buying a A4 folder with Mickey Mouse on it. I loved that folder and would delight in tracing the character.

What I realise most about my love for stationery – is the colour and pattern that helps to liven up our world.  It would be a pretty dull world otherwise.

Where did your love of stationery first start?

What about you? When did you first discover your love of stationery?

• Was it a favourite shop that you visited with your school friends on that Saturday morning trip to town?
• Or the smell of a highlighter pen when marking revising for school exams?
• A special member of the family who provided you with pens, paper and pencils that set your imagination running wild?

Let me know in the comments below!