Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/100 sec, ISO3200 “Traveler’s Notebook” Cedar Park 2017
こんばんは。How’s it going?
So, I’ve been getting into the sketchbook/pen scene lately as you may have noticed, and while I love all the “stuff”, I was worried about actually using the items. For instance, now I have a nice notebook and fountain pen, but how will I use them? I mean, I like to use the computer to blog, so using the notebook to journal is redundant.
But then I thought I should just start just putting pen to paper and see what happens. Similar to the spirit of the video in the previous post, I decided not to worry too much about the quality of the content or even the subject matter, and just use the ink.
I’m still early in the notebook “journey”, but I like how it’s going. Basically, the ink has been used to sketch people, eyes, practice hiragana, and take a few notes. Sounds simple and maybe not very productive, but it’s fun and improves my well-being. So it’s worth it!
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/8, 1/10 sec, ISO3200 “Sailor Ink Bottle” Cedar Park, 2017
こんばんは。How’s it going?
Today’s photo is of my first ink bottle: Sailor “Souten”. It’s a beautiful blue color, but I don’t think I’ve been able to appreciate it fully yet because my Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen (medium nib) writes in a very fine line. So I’ve only been able to get a hint of what the color looks like. But soon I will have a second pen, a LAMY Safari, with a broad nib and then perhaps the ink will show its “true colors”. 😂
When I was growing up, we had a calligraphy set, which had a couple pens with different nibs and several different colors of ink cartridges. I used to love writing with the nib that would give a really thick line. I guess it was a broad nib, and I was expecting the Pilot Metropolitan pen to give a similar experience and line, but I was disappointed when it was very thin. Hopefully, the new LAMY will give the same line quality that I remember the old pen had. And back then, my favorite color was a turquoise/aqua, which was even more vibrant than the Souten. Would love to get something similar someday! I think it is like the “Yuki-Akari” ink in this image. I think it’s a nice color.
Anyways, the Pilot Metropolitan is a really nice pen, and the thin line is good for writing and sketching on the small passport-sized paper of my Traveler’s Notebook. I’m enjoying using it for practicing hiragana/katakana too!
Photo info: SONY SLT-A77V, 35mm, f/2.4, 1/1500 sec, ISO640 “Traveler’s Notebook (Passport)” Cedar Park, 2017
こんばんは。How’s it going?
Today my brand new Traveler’s Notebook (passport size) arrived on my doorstep. I’ve been looking at these notebooks (formerly named Midori) for a while now, and after watching numerous YouTube videos and reading reviews, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered mine.
I went with the “camel” color leather, which not only looks great but smells nice too. If you aren’t familiar with a Traveler’s Notebook, it’s basically a plain leather cover, with inserts that are held in place with elastic bands. There are two sizes: the regular size and the smaller passport-sized version, which is the one I went with.
The most common inserts are notepads (lined, graph, or blank), monthly planner, weekly planner, and daily planner. In addition, there are craft folder sleeves, plastic zipper pocket, and plastic sticker pockets.
My starter set came with a blank notebook and two extra elastic bands. I ordered a craft sleeve and zipper pocket separately, and these three inserts are a nice start. It’s not too bulky, so I think I can add one more notebook (probably a lined version) and it will be perfect. I also attached a couple of small binder clips to the craft sleeve which acts as a little loop for me to attach my pen.
What’s great about the Traveler’s Notebook system (and there are many cheaper clones available) is that when you fill up one insert, you can just pop in another one. It’s super versatile!
If you do a YouTube search for Traveler’s Notebooks or Midori Notebooks, you’ll see that many people love to use them for artistic journaling. Some of the examples are pretty amazing, especially the sketchbook notebooks. Just check out this Flickr group to see some awesome sketches.
I’m using mine to do some little sketches, practice writing hiragana/katakana, and take notes. I’m also using it to replace my wallet – to hold a couple credit cards, blank checks, and some cash. And of course a couple Instax prints of the family.
I’m really happy with my Traveler’s Notebook and can see myself using it for a long, long time. 😄
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/100 sec, ISO2000 “Traveler’s Notebook (Passport)” Cedar Park, 2017
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