Some notebooks are so good, they make you want to write something just for the pleasure of using them.
Tucked into Lansing’s Old Town, Odd Nodd Art Supply is the kind of small shop where a quick stop can turn into a serious stationery hunt.
Its shelves are packed with paper goods, pens, and art supplies that feel a world away from the usual office-supply aisle.
Japanese notebooks and writing tools are a big part of the fun.
From carefully made notebooks to pens that glide across the page, these are the sorts of finds that can make journaling, doodling, studying, or list-making feel fresh again.
If you love paper, collect pens, or simply cannot resist a great notebook, Odd Nodd deserves a spot on your Lansing itinerary.
Step Into Lansing’s Specialty Art Supply Shop
Some stores feel like a treasure chest the moment you open the door. Odd Nodd Art Supply is one of those places.
It opened in 2019 and later found a new home in Lansing’s historic Old Town district.
Old Town is a neighborhood known for its brick buildings, local businesses, and creative spirit. That makes it a great match for a shop built around art and writing.
Walking the streets nearby, you will spot galleries, cafes, and small boutiques that make a visit feel like a mini adventure.
The shop serves local artists, writers, and stationery fans who are tired of hunting online for special supplies. Instead of guessing how a notebook feels from a photo, you can pick it up, flip the pages, and test it in person.
That hands-on experience matters when you care about paper quality.
Here is a tip for first-timers. Give yourself extra time to browse, because the shelves are packed with small surprises that are easy to miss on a quick walk-through.
Browse Japanese Notebooks Made for Everyday Writing
Ask any stationery lover why Japanese notebooks are special, and you will probably hear one word: paper. Japanese brands are famous for smooth pages that handle ink well without much bleeding or ghosting.
At Odd Nodd, the notebook shelves include names like Midori, Kokuyo, Traveler’s Company, and Yamamoto Ro-Biki. Each brand has its own personality.
Some lean simple and clean, while others feel a bit more artsy or travel-ready.
You will find different sizes, paper styles, and formats. Lined pages work well for school notes, blank pages invite sketching, and grid or dot pages help with planning and bullet journaling.
So how do you choose? Think about how you actually write.
If you carry a notebook everywhere, grab a smaller size that fits your bag. If you love long journal entries, pick something thicker with roomy pages.
Not sure yet? Buy one small notebook first and test it with your favorite pen.
You will quickly learn what you like.
Find a Midori MD Notebook
Plain on the outside, wonderful on the inside. That sums up the Midori MD notebook pretty well.
The cover is simple and unfussy, which lets the paper take center stage.
MD stands for Midori Diary, and the brand designed this paper with writing in mind. The pages have a soft cream color that is easy on the eyes.
Many people say pens seem to glide across it, whether you use a gel pen, a pencil, or a fountain pen.
Fun fact: Midori is a Japanese company that has been making paper products for decades, and the MD line is one of its most loved designs. Writers often describe it as calm and peaceful to use.
Shoppers who enjoy slow, thoughtful writing tend to fall for these notebooks. They are great for daily journaling, letter drafts, poems, or story ideas.
Want a pro move? Leave the cover bare at first.
Over time, the notebook picks up little marks and wear that make it feel truly yours.
Discover Traveler’s Company Notebooks and Refills
Imagine a notebook that never really ends. That is the magic behind Traveler’s Company notebooks.
Instead of tossing the whole thing when pages run out, you simply swap in a fresh insert.
The system starts with a leather cover and elastic bands that hold paper refills in place. You can mix and match inserts, such as lined pages, blank pages, grid pages, or calendars.
Over time, the leather softens and darkens, telling the story of everywhere you have been.
Odd Nodd carries both regular and passport-size options. The regular size is tall and slim, great for journaling.
The passport size is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket for quick notes on the go.
Many fans decorate their covers with charms, stickers, and ticket stubs. It becomes part notebook, part scrapbook.
Thinking about starting? Pick one cover and two different refills.
Use one insert for daily thoughts and another for sketches or plans. You can always add more as your needs change.
Pick Up a Yamamoto Ro-Biki Notebook
Curious paper lovers, this one is for you. Yamamoto Ro-Biki notebooks are not something you will spot at a regular drugstore, which is exactly why they are fun to find.
Yamamoto Paper is a Japanese company known for exploring different kinds of paper. The Ro-Biki line is a favorite among people who enjoy trying new writing surfaces.
At Odd Nodd, you can look for grid and dot formats.
Grid pages are handy for drawing diagrams, designing room layouts, or practicing lettering. Dot pages are a little more relaxed.
They give you just enough guidance while leaving space for doodles, charts, and creative layouts.
Compared to many ordinary American notebooks, these feel different in your hands. The paper texture and design have a quiet, thoughtful style.
Here is an easy experiment. Write the same sentence with three different pens on one page.
Notice how each ink looks and feels. It is a simple way to discover which tools work best with this unique paper.
Go Pen Hunting for Japanese Writing Tools
Warning: once you try a great Japanese pen, cheap ballpoints may never feel the same. Pen lovers can easily lose track of time at Odd Nodd.
The shop’s selection features brands like Uni, Ohto, and Zebra. Keep an eye out for popular picks such as the Uni-ball One, Uni-ball Signo, Zebra Sarasa Clip, and Ohto pens.
Each one has its own charm. The Uni-ball One is known for bold, rich ink colors.
The Signo is a trusted gel pen that many students swear by. The Sarasa Clip has a sturdy clip that grips pockets and notebook covers, plus it comes in lots of fun colors.
Ohto pens often have a sleek, clean look.
Did you know? Japanese pen makers often offer super fine tip sizes, which help you write tiny, neat letters in small planners.
A smart way to shop is to buy a few single pens instead of a big pack. Try them out for a week, then return for your favorites.
Explore Fountain Pens and Ink
There is something old-fashioned and a little bit magical about writing with a fountain pen. The ink flows smoothly, and your handwriting can suddenly look more elegant.
Odd Nodd has a dedicated section for fountain pen fans. You will find brands like Platinum, LAMY, BENU, and Noodler’s.
Platinum is a Japanese brand with a long history. LAMY comes from Germany and is famous for sturdy beginner-friendly pens.
BENU is known for bold, eye-catching designs, and Noodler’s makes inks in a huge range of colors.
New to fountain pens? Start with an easy, affordable model and a bottle of ink in a color you love.
Practice on smooth paper, like the Japanese notebooks in the shop, since rough paper can make ink feather.
A few care tips help a lot. Store your pen with the cap on so it does not dry out.
Rinse it with water now and then when changing colors. With a little care, a good fountain pen can last for many years.
Explore the Rest of the Art Supply Selection
Came for a notebook, leaving with a sketchbook, watercolors, and a new hobby? It happens more often than you might think.
The Japanese stationery is only one corner of what Odd Nodd offers.
The shop also stocks drawing supplies, sketchbooks, specialty paper, and painting materials. Whether you prefer pencils, markers, or brushes, there is plenty to explore.
Artists working on school projects or personal pieces can find tools that go beyond the basics.
Bookbinding supplies are another fun surprise. Bookbinding is the craft of making your own books by folding, stitching, and gluing pages together.
It is a great project for anyone who loves notebooks so much they want to build one from scratch.
Not sure where to begin? Ask the staff for ideas.
Small shop employees often know their products well and can point you toward beginner-friendly supplies.
Try picking one new material each visit. Little by little, you will build a creative toolkit that fits your style perfectly.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to go? Odd Nodd Art Supply sits at 317 E.
Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Lansing, MI 48906, right in the heart of Old Town.
The store lists its phone number as (517) 258-2509. Current hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.
That gives you lots of chances to stop by after school, after work, or on a lazy weekend.
Keep in mind that specialty stationery moves fast. Popular notebooks, refills, and pens can sell out, and new items arrive often.
If you are hoping for a certain Japanese notebook, pen, or brand, check the store’s website or give them a call before you head over.
A few friendly tips can make your trip even better. Bring a list of what you need, but leave room for surprises.
Pair your visit with lunch or coffee nearby in Old Town. Then settle in somewhere cozy and test your new treasures.
