Only my ugliest notebooks get filled up because I’m not afraid to use them. The beautiful ones get saved for important but as yet unspecified purposes.
Oh, so many. I'm a writer so I have a lot of different notebooks on the go -- one for each story I'm researching, one for a running list of ideas, one for quotes, etc., but I've landed on two I keep coming back to. When I travel, I use a Traveler's Notebook (usually 12, the sketch paper). It's usually large enough for a two-week trip—and light enough to throw another one in, just in case—but most importantly I can collage the cover as I go. I have a nice space on my bookshelf for these collages notebooks. The other is the teNeues A5 with the exposed spine. Great paper, but most importantly, the exposed spine means the notebooks lays flat. I think you'll all understand. They're harder to find, though, so snatch them up when you see them!
I'm an unabashed pocket notebook aficionado. I go through 15-20 a year as daily "bullet" journals, occasionally recording "traditional" journal entries as well, and often decorating with stickers and Zink photo stickers. I maintain a hiking log with writeups of trails that I do, a "commonplace book" of quotes and poems that strike me, a notebook of cocktail recipes, and most trips that I take are their own notebook.
I'm partial to the Field Notes brand, but I occasionally use Dapper Notes (beautiful handmade pocket notebooks with fabric covers), and Notegeist just started putting out some well-done pocket notebooks. My favorite Field Notes edition is America the Beautiful.
There is a really active Facebook group called Field Nuts that is dedicated to Field Notes notebooks, and tangential to all notebooks and journaling. It feeds my habit for sure!
I use composition books. I get the regular sized ones for my journals and the mini ones for my lists, and other notes, something to always have on hand.
I do get a few nice ones for gifts every year. I won’t turn down a Moleskine, but I never found they helped my writing any more than something cheaper. I used to use binders for my journals, and I’d punch holes in blank paper -but it got to be very cumbersome, even if allowing you to go back and add in later entries near an original one even years later.
I’ve tried multiple notebooks and keep going back to Midori MD Notebook Light - in A5 size. I like that they’re thin, staple bound and are available in line, dot, grid or blank pages. Pen and pencil both write beautifully on the paper. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive compared to other brands. $14 for a 3 pack of 8.3” X 5.8” 48-page notebooks.
Have the same difficulty! It’s an amazing resource to look back on when I have finished one, and even though the current one has gaps in I do keep meaning to get back into it. My current pocket notebook is from Paper Republic as they do a lovely leather cover for them.
I'm absolutely obsessed with Deconstruction spiral and composition notebooks. I use them for daily pages, hashing out story ideas, and general rambling brain-dumps. I use bright Pen Mate and Sharpie Fine-tip markers in wild colors to make sure I remember that I'm playing.
Planner-wise, I'm dabbling in the Hobonichi (mostly because I adore the Tomoe River Paper), but I've enjoyed Leuchtturms, Moleskines, and Field Notes, too. My favorite pocket-carry notebooks are those mini composition notebooks you can get in bulk. I like to carry them with a Pilot Birdie Mini Ballpoint pen that tucks nicely inside!
In a different part of my life, I sell books and am a bookbinder. The inserts are stupid easy to make when I need them, cheap, and I’ve used the same no-name cover for around 5 years now.
For reporting - I adore Field Notes’ reporter pads and stenos.
Intermittently lll use a standard traveler or passport/field notes size, but it’s rare now. I like the real estate of the A5 better.
I use mine as a combination sketchbook, commonplace book, and daily planner. Keep a box to file them in when they’re full.
I use a brand called Lemome that I found on Amazon. I tried the Moleskines and Leuchtturms and for me they're no better than the Lemome that I can get for a fraction of the price. I also only use gridded pages.
I was a Moleskine devotee until I met Leuchtturm 1917. The pocket, the table of contents, the cool colors, the options for lines/dots/squares. All great!
Since I discovered the world of handmade books about a decade ago I haven't bought a notebook. I've used up a fair few early attempts at various bindings (not all of which lie flat!) and currently have about 8 notebooks of various sizes on the go for different things - grocery lists/photography notes/sewing notes/meetings etc etc. I make refillable notebooks for gifts ie a leather/bookcloth/fabric cover with a strap and loop and any number of easy-to-make inserts. They're a great way of using up the stash! Well, making inroads into it anyway :)
Having said all this, I do find myself drawn to the Moleskins et al.... there are some beautiful examples out there. Step away from the counter..... ;)
Only my ugliest notebooks get filled up because I’m not afraid to use them. The beautiful ones get saved for important but as yet unspecified purposes.
💯
I love Leuchtturm 1917 notebooks.
They're sturdy, nice to touch, and always open fully.
Haven't looked back since I've started using them.
Same! The table of contents is such a good addition, too. I love that I'm basically writing my own book.
Very popular choice for good reason.
A good ol’ composition notebook (preferably quad ruled.) I’ve been using and filling them for years. Roaring Spring makes a great one.
Nice. Sometimes I do enjoy those $1 simple ruled notebooks that you can get from anywhere.
I second this! But did just order some Field Notes to try because of this post!
Oh, so many. I'm a writer so I have a lot of different notebooks on the go -- one for each story I'm researching, one for a running list of ideas, one for quotes, etc., but I've landed on two I keep coming back to. When I travel, I use a Traveler's Notebook (usually 12, the sketch paper). It's usually large enough for a two-week trip—and light enough to throw another one in, just in case—but most importantly I can collage the cover as I go. I have a nice space on my bookshelf for these collages notebooks. The other is the teNeues A5 with the exposed spine. Great paper, but most importantly, the exposed spine means the notebooks lays flat. I think you'll all understand. They're harder to find, though, so snatch them up when you see them!
Gosh the lay flat is so hard to find. When I don't go with Field Notes, I use spiral bound notebooks for this reason.
No pesky coil with these babies though!
I'm an unabashed pocket notebook aficionado. I go through 15-20 a year as daily "bullet" journals, occasionally recording "traditional" journal entries as well, and often decorating with stickers and Zink photo stickers. I maintain a hiking log with writeups of trails that I do, a "commonplace book" of quotes and poems that strike me, a notebook of cocktail recipes, and most trips that I take are their own notebook.
I'm partial to the Field Notes brand, but I occasionally use Dapper Notes (beautiful handmade pocket notebooks with fabric covers), and Notegeist just started putting out some well-done pocket notebooks. My favorite Field Notes edition is America the Beautiful.
There is a really active Facebook group called Field Nuts that is dedicated to Field Notes notebooks, and tangential to all notebooks and journaling. It feeds my habit for sure!
Thanks for the tips on the pocket notebooks! So great.
I also love Field Notes and I make notes but also love to collage in them. I love their size!
Like you, the only one I actually use is pocket sized. I’m currently been using the moleskine pocket sized and it’s been great.
I use composition books. I get the regular sized ones for my journals and the mini ones for my lists, and other notes, something to always have on hand.
Simple gets the job done for sure.
I do get a few nice ones for gifts every year. I won’t turn down a Moleskine, but I never found they helped my writing any more than something cheaper. I used to use binders for my journals, and I’d punch holes in blank paper -but it got to be very cumbersome, even if allowing you to go back and add in later entries near an original one even years later.
I’ve tried multiple notebooks and keep going back to Midori MD Notebook Light - in A5 size. I like that they’re thin, staple bound and are available in line, dot, grid or blank pages. Pen and pencil both write beautifully on the paper. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive compared to other brands. $14 for a 3 pack of 8.3” X 5.8” 48-page notebooks.
That's a great price point indeed! Thanks for the tip.
Have the same difficulty! It’s an amazing resource to look back on when I have finished one, and even though the current one has gaps in I do keep meaning to get back into it. My current pocket notebook is from Paper Republic as they do a lovely leather cover for them.
I'm absolutely obsessed with Deconstruction spiral and composition notebooks. I use them for daily pages, hashing out story ideas, and general rambling brain-dumps. I use bright Pen Mate and Sharpie Fine-tip markers in wild colors to make sure I remember that I'm playing.
Planner-wise, I'm dabbling in the Hobonichi (mostly because I adore the Tomoe River Paper), but I've enjoyed Leuchtturms, Moleskines, and Field Notes, too. My favorite pocket-carry notebooks are those mini composition notebooks you can get in bulk. I like to carry them with a Pilot Birdie Mini Ballpoint pen that tucks nicely inside!
Nice, thanks for all these recs!
I use an A5 traveler’s notebook.
In a different part of my life, I sell books and am a bookbinder. The inserts are stupid easy to make when I need them, cheap, and I’ve used the same no-name cover for around 5 years now.
For reporting - I adore Field Notes’ reporter pads and stenos.
Intermittently lll use a standard traveler or passport/field notes size, but it’s rare now. I like the real estate of the A5 better.
I use mine as a combination sketchbook, commonplace book, and daily planner. Keep a box to file them in when they’re full.
Love it, thanks for sharing Lance!
pigna blocknotes a7 ringed
I like ringed notebooks too. Need the lay flat!
or a6 ‼️
I use a brand called Lemome that I found on Amazon. I tried the Moleskines and Leuchtturms and for me they're no better than the Lemome that I can get for a fraction of the price. I also only use gridded pages.
Sometimes those off brands get the job done just as well. Nice find!
I currently use a Leuchtturm 1917, but I may have to check out Lemome. I like the look and price of these. Thanks for the recommendation!
I was a Moleskine devotee until I met Leuchtturm 1917. The pocket, the table of contents, the cool colors, the options for lines/dots/squares. All great!
It's a great notebook. My employer provides them free of charge, so I have a bunch lying around. :)
I have Smythson Panama Notebook tastes on a Field Note budget
Ha! Love it.
Since I discovered the world of handmade books about a decade ago I haven't bought a notebook. I've used up a fair few early attempts at various bindings (not all of which lie flat!) and currently have about 8 notebooks of various sizes on the go for different things - grocery lists/photography notes/sewing notes/meetings etc etc. I make refillable notebooks for gifts ie a leather/bookcloth/fabric cover with a strap and loop and any number of easy-to-make inserts. They're a great way of using up the stash! Well, making inroads into it anyway :)
Having said all this, I do find myself drawn to the Moleskins et al.... there are some beautiful examples out there. Step away from the counter..... ;)