The envelope
What arrives each month?
A small numbered slide tin holding three short standard international cartridges in the month's shade, a letter about where the colour's name comes from, and a blank postcard for someone you'd like to write to.
Is each shade sent only once?
Yes. Each shade is sent once and numbered, beginning with Nº 001, Bleu de Chartres.
Will the cartridges fit my pen?
They fit Kaweco, Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Graf von Faber-Castell, Caran d'Ache, Waterman and most pens that take standard international cartridges. They don't fit Lamy, Pilot, Platinum, Sailor, Parker or Cross. See which pens take our cartridges.
A Year of Ink and the monthly plan
What's the difference?
A Year of Ink is a single payment of $204 for twelve envelopes, January to December 2027, with a Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen in the first one and Canadian postage included. It doesn't renew. The monthly plan is $19 a month plus postage, renews each month, and doesn't include a pen.
When is the monthly plan charged?
Your first payment is taken when you subscribe and covers your first envelope. After that, your card is charged on the 1st of each month, starting 1 February 2027.
Can I stop the monthly plan?
Yes. Stop or restart at any time before your next billing date, from your account or by emailing us, and you won't be charged again.
Can I add a pen to the monthly plan?
Yes. A navy Kaweco Classic Sport can be added to any order for $39.
Dates
When will my first envelope arrive?
The first envelopes are posted in the first week of January 2027, on or about 5 January, to everyone who orders by 27 December 2026. After that, an envelope is posted on or about the 5th of each month.
What if I order after 27 December?
Your first envelope will be the next month's.
Gifts
How do I give A Year of Ink?
Enter the recipient's name and address as the shipping address at checkout, and add your name and a short message in the gift note in your cart. We write the recipient an announcement by hand and post it, so they know a year of ink is on its way and who it's from.
When should I order for Christmas?
Order by Friday, 18 December 2026 for the announcement to arrive before Christmas.
Shipping
What does postage cost?
Within Canada, the monthly plan is $3 a month and A Year of Ink includes postage. To the United States it's $12 a month, duties prepaid, or $145 for A Year of Ink. Elsewhere it's $11 a month, or $130 for A Year of Ink. All prices are in Canadian dollars.
Is my envelope tracked?
Within Canada, envelopes travel by Lettermail, which isn't tracked. Canada Post usually delivers within 2 to 9 business days.
What if my envelope doesn't arrive?
If it hasn't arrived 15 business days after the posting date in Canada, or 30 business days elsewhere, email us and we'll send another, once per envelope.
How do I change my address?
Email us before the 1st of the month, so that month's envelope goes to the right place. Monthly subscribers can also update it in their account.
Refunds
What if I change my mind before January?
Cancel before your first envelope is posted and we'll refund your payment in full.
And after the first envelope?
Monthly envelopes that have been posted aren't refunded. For A Year of Ink, we refund the envelopes not yet posted at $17 each, less $39 if the pen has already been sent. The details are in our refund policy.
What if something arrives damaged?
Email a photo within 14 days of delivery and we'll send a replacement.
Everything else
Are taxes included?
No. GST (or HST in participating provinces) and, for BC addresses, PST are added at checkout.
How do I reach you?
Write to bonjour@bienavous.ca. We read every letter.