12 Things I Wish Iâd Known About Travelerâs Notebooks As A Beginner
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 22. 07. 2024
- đż FIND my favorite art supplies for bullet journaling, functional planning, and watercolor
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đż SHOW NOTES
I've used travelers notebooks for nine years. These are useful tips I've learned along the way about planning and journaling in a TN system.
đż RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES
â»ïž denotes eco-friendly choices
Apple Pig Leather Art
--- Etsy Shop: shrsl.com/39gn1
--- Naughty Fox TN (start order here, choose Midori Regular): shrsl.com/39gnd
--- Added Super Pocket: shrsl.com/39gno
--- Added Exterior Pen Loop: shrsl.com/39gnb
--- Colors featured in the video: Naughty Fox (mine), Black Panther, Blue Bird, Matcha, Duke Duck, Apple Pig, Honey Beagle, Son Sun (note that you can mix and match colors)
--- My A5 is a custom design; if you'd like the same thing, ask for "Key Lime Ink's Custom A5"
Avery Repositionable Tabs
--- amzn.to/4crThY7
Binder Clips
--- amzn.to/4f3Gk9k
(gold, assorted sizes)
Carl Corner Rounding Punch
--- amzn.to/3QUpPCa
(made to punch cardstock or several sheets of thinner paper at once)
Etsy Traveler's Notebook Inserts
--- Digital printables: shrsl.com/4llx3
--- Printed for you: shrsl.com/4llx5
--- GoodInkPressions: shrsl.com/4llwy
(offers Tomoe River Paper inserts)
--- Paper Penguin Co: shrsl.com/4llx1
(offers all sorts of specialty papers including Tomoe River)
"Feather" Traveler's Notebook
--- amzn.to/3zFoLMi
(PU Leather; I got this when it was on a deep discount and use it for archiving)
Midori Traveler's Company Inserts
--- 007 Card Holder: amzn.to/3Qywp04
--- 011 Archive Binder: amzn.to/3RTjMhC
--- 018 Weekly Planner, Undated, Vertical: amzn.to/3u3MItZ
--- 019 Weekly planner, Undated, Horizontal: amzn.to/3Qywn8s
Niji by Yasutomo Watercolors
--- at Amazon: amzn.to/3Vw9BAv
--- at Blick: shrsl.com/4i70r
Paper House Life Organized Seasonal Sticker Book
--- at Amazon: amzn.to/3B9SThI
--- at Paper House: shrsl.com/3ui1u
--- use my Paper House Productions Coupon Code keylime20 for 20% off (for their website only)
(my favorite sticker book of all time)
Paper Sunday Personalized Scripture Journals and Planners
--- all styles: papersunday.com/key-lime-ink-...
--- use my Paper Sunday COUPON CODE keylime22
(made in the USA by a small, family-owned business)
Poromo Leather Travelers Notebook
--- amzn.to/3L8CoGp
(leather style may vary)
September Leather / Newestor Leather Traveler's Notebook Cover
--- Standard (as shown): amzn.to/3XtEcBo
--- A5: amzn.to/4bnmwL7
(please note: recent reviews say some of these have occasionally arrived with mold -- eek! -- and are frequently returned; when you get a good one, they're a nice choice)
Sovereign Gear Traveler's Notebook Inserts
--- square grid for my list book: amzn.to/3QuMF1Y
Staples Glue Tape
--- amzn.to/40Pw25N
Tombow Mono Correction Tape
--- set of 2: amzn.to/2RMxQwU
Tombow Mono Waterproof Drawing Pens
--- set of 3 sizes at Amazon: amzn.to/4614RpR
--- set of 3 sizes at Blick: shrsl.com/421dh
--- individual sizes and sets at Jackson's: tidd.ly/3XG9F39
Uniball Signo RT1 Waterproof Gel Pens
--- 0.5mm, black: amzn.to/42fbuDH
--- 0.5mm, black, refills: amzn.to/3VKiYvZ
--- 0.5mm, colors: amzn.to/3HJapMo
(0.28mm and 0.38mm also available)
Wanderings Leather Traveler's Notebooks With Pockets
--- at Amazon: amzn.to/3xDh3lx
--- at Etsy: not in stock
Wanderings Traveler's Notebook Inserts
--- at Amazon: amzn.to/3VqEVjX
--- at Etsy: shrsl.com/4kuxp
(my favorite inserts for watercolor)
Zebra Zensations Waterproof Brush Pens
--- set of 4 sizes at Amazon: amzn.to/42az04I
--- super fine at Amazon: amzn.to/3M49GYs
--- sets and individual sizes at Blick: shrsl.com/421dl
đż OTHER VIDEOS YOU MIGHT LIKE
2024 Plan With Me - List Book Setup In A Travelerâs Notebook
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12 Things About Watercolors I Wish I'd Known As A Beginner
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đż DISCLOSURES
KeyLimeInk is an affiliate of Amazon, Blick, Da Vinci, Etsy, Jackson's, Paper House, and Paper Sunday.
đż JOIN ME
blog: www.keylimeink.com/
instagram: / keylimeink
threads: www.threads.net/@keylimeink
đż TIME STAMPS
00:00 Introduction
01:42 1. Skip DIY
03:23 2. Economical Traveler's Notebooks On Amazon
07:34 3. Apple Pig Leather Art
11:53 4. Midori Travelers Company Card Pocket Holders
15:05 5. A5 TNs Are Heavy
18:40 6. Mix And Match Inserts
24:40 7. Binder Clips Are Essential
26:33 8. Water Stains?
29:22 9. Archiving Inserts
32:47 10. Midori's Back Bump
34:14 11. Alllllll The TN Inserts On Etsy
35:45 12. TN Community - Jak na to + styl
đż TIME STAMPS
00:00 Introduction
01:42 1. Skip DIY
03:23 2. Economical Traveler's Notebooks On Amazon
07:34 3. Apple Pig Leather Art
11:53 4. Midori Travelers Company Card Pocket Holders
15:05 5. A5 TNs Are Heavy
18:40 6. Mix And Match Inserts
24:40 7. Binder Clips Are Essential
26:33 8. Water Stains?
29:22 9. Archiving Inserts
32:47 10. Midori's Back Bump
34:14 11. Alllllll The TN Inserts On Etsy
35:45 12. TN Community
I bought an affordable TN from Amazon years ago just to test it out and Iâm still using it to this day. Despite buying others this is my companion which comes with me on my journeys. I just couldnât replace it.
To help protect your leather covers, treat them occasionally with something like saddle soap or leather conditioner (or similar products). Let them sit overnight, then buff with an old t-shirt rag, removing any of the soap or conditioner that the leather did not absorb.
It's Ali Brown's fault I went down the rabbit hole of Traveler's Notebooks. I'm a loyal Chic Sparrow frequent flyer,
Same!!! Iâm forever a chic sparrow fan. Theyâre my go-to TN covers!
While I have never found the elusive planner peace - I generally consider myself an A5 gal and for that carry, I have consistently used my Kokuyo Systemic cover. I was lucky enough to get the all Cordura version without the weird pleather. It is, by far, my favorite way to carry A5. I know it's not really TN related, but I just love the way it's configured.
I made my own with a piece of leather from Michaelâs. Works great.
Lovely, informative video as always. I donât see your water spot as being a negative, just a snippet of a relaxing day at the pool (and opportunity to add to patina đ.) I have, thanks to you, the Wanderings notebook and inserts. I also have Travelers Co. notebook and inserts. What Iâm using now is the standard size Chic Sparrow notebook with Sterling Ink Common Planner. That is what I love!
I'm so glad you found your planner peace! I really like the formats of the Sterling Ink Common Planner, but despite trying sooo many times I cannot get into Tomoe River 52gsm.
I own multiple Travelers company Travelers notebooks, and the knot in the back is no issue at all. In none of them. I always stuff them with a lot of folders and inserts and I do not even recognize the knot when writing. Maybe you should give them a try. đ
Same here :) the type of material of the elastic i think somehow makes it lie flat. Got mine from The Superior Labor Japan, wonderful quality product
Same here! I donât understand that part bc Iâve never seen anything like that. Also, they make fantastic watercolor inserts! â€
Glad to hear this as Iâm almost ready to buy my first TN! Do you use a zipper insert?
I'm afraid I don't have any tips for the water stain, but what I will say about it is that I think it adds to the look of the leather, adding to the travel-worn look and feel. Thank you for introducing me to traveler's notebooks. I've been using more traditional style journals with a wrap-around cover. Maybe I should look for a traveler's notebook instead because I love the idea of the customizability of it.
I hated my first (off brand) traveler's notebook. I hated the elastic closure and the metal bead at the top of the spine. I got a leather cover with the elastic in the spine and no bead. I removed the elastic closure and stuck two elastic penloops inside the front and back covers, slightly staggered apart. Close the notebook and put the pen through both loops and the cover stays closed (and you're extremely unlikely to lose the pen). Very happy with this one.
Excellent notion with the pen loops!
My favorite is apple pig. Have bought three so far from him in naughty fox. It's really a rabbit hole, I can't stopđ đ€He is sooo talented and I looove his coversâ€
Yes! He's such a delight, too. His own artwork is just as spectacular as his leather skills.
One thing you can try when you get a water stain (right as it happens), is to slightly wet down the entire surface, then let it all dry. It might darken the entire piece of leather slightly, but it won't look like a stain spot any more.
I made my one cover for a b5/composition size. Used duck canvas scraps and heavy stabilizer and even put a flap on so i can remove the stabilizer and wash the cover if needed.
I def wouldn't do a diy cover from paper tho. It just wouldn't take the wear and tear off a daily driver. But it is a great option of you want a TN system in a totally non TN size.
Thank you for all of this information! This helps me so much!
This was a really good video. When I first discovered TN's several years ago I did a lot of research. I didn't like the Midori TN's either for several reasons, the bump, the metal thing on the spine and inserts sticking out the front. I went with Chic Sparrow and Lady Falcon. I have a couple others but the first two I mentioned are my favorites. My favorite leather of all time is the Chic Sparrow Maverick. I have a Chic Sparrow Maverick in passport plus size that I use for my calendar(I'm not a planner person) just to write down appointments and I have a couple other inserts in that one for notes and passwords. I don't need a lot of room so I just use the Midori monthly that I fill out myself. I use my other TNs for memory keeping(I make my own junk journal inserts and I don't bind them till they are complete and ready to be stored away. And I use them for art journals. I have a composition size Chic Sparrow that is wonderful. It's the Patina leather that gets darker over time. So smooth and beautiful.
I wish Iâd seen this video first instead of going over so many videos to research TNs that would have saved me a lot of time⊠glad I saw it now!
I have used the Travelers Notebook and Moterm standard inserts from Amazon, for over a year now. They are good quality, sturdy, and have endured through brush pens, stamping, coloring, stickers, clips, and fountain pens. After trying various covers, I settled on the Moterm TN/wallet system. Although it has some weight to it, I love this combo and wish I'd used it soonerđ thanks for sharing!
Really excellent information. Thank you so much x
Love this video, lots of great information. Thank you.
I'm currently using a Wanderings TN for my journal, but it's a pebbly "oat" color! (I didn't know before that they make lighter color traveler's notebooks.) I took out the strings and use it as a folio for one insert, which is my journal. I don't like the strings on wanderings because they seem too short. But with a bit of arranging, without the strings, it's good for my purpose at the moment. I have actual Traveler's Company TNs, too and some others, like Chic Sparrow. I love the TRC aesthetic, but wish they had more strings! Thank you for the video. Great tips.I always look forward to seeing/hearing what you have to say!
The oat and avocado (?) Wanderings TNs are pretty new. I havenât tried one yet! My Poromo, September Leather, and Apple Pig all have four strings and itâs definitely helpful when I want my setup to be âfully loaded.â When I want something lightweight I go with Wanderings and just a few slim inserts.
@@KeyLimeInk I just looked up the oat color and it's currently unavailable. That was fast because I just got mine a week or two ago! Maybe they will bring them back one day. I meant to mention that I'm looking forward to hearing any updated thoughts you have on watercolors!
Amen.â€.
Excellent video! Thank you so much!
Ages ago I bought a pair of kobalt blue shoes. Before I had been able to treat them it rained and I had stains all over my new shoes. I went back to the shop and the lady told me to wet my shoes all over. A real good soak with a sponge or a cloth. When they were dry no stain was left. For my shoes it was THE solution. Donât know if you do this already, but I treat all my notebooks, handbags, etc. with a good leather cream from time to time. Canât remember having water stains anywhere except for those blue shoes.
Iâm so scared to get the whole thing wet, but thank you for sharing the premise. It makes sense! Someday I might be brave enough to try.
@@KeyLimeInkI was scared too. But when you think about it, it does make sense. The only thing is that I donât know what other things you tried. Those might get in the way of the water solution?
Great vid! Iâm a Chic Sparrow only owner. Like you I didnât like some things about the Midori covers đ They seem to be quite popular, though. I do have some of their elastics and sticky pockets.
i have sonson from Ting in standard size AMAZING STUFFâ€â€â€â€ Patinad beautifully in 2 yrs
This was a great video, I enjoyed it so much, thank you.
I bought a Poromo after seeing it on your channel & I love it. I previously had the Moterm Companion TN but it was too heavy & chunky, so that is currently in the cupboard!!
You converted me to TNs from rings! I love both and use rings for work but your list book actually helped me use a TN as a personal planner. My first TN was a September leather when you recommended them and I adored it! I carried it with me everywhere and the leather got smoother and richer. It reminded me of a pair of cowboy boots Iâd wear with a sundress. Just perfect. But then I found moterm covers and now I have one in each of my favorite colors- absolutely love them. I carry the deep teal as my personal, black as the future years and burnt orange as my work planner. †Thank you for getting me to try TNs- I am absolutely loving the journey.
I need to try Moterm again! My last one was the original A5 format with one button.
Amen.â€.
Mold?!? Holy moly that is disturbung! That was the one I've had in my Amazon cart and was gonna click buy when payday comes around!thanks for that heads up đđ»
Thank you for a great video - I have a September đź on e and midori ones toođ
Thanks x Sharing â€
Great video! I realized as I was watching it that so many of my purchased in the last couple of years were influeced by you! I even bought the little book light that you featured some time last year, and it's brilliant. And for my birthday last year I asked for an Etsy gift card so I can get my own Apple Pig TN (only to find out that Ting doesn't accept this payment method haha). Please keep up the good work, i just LOVE your videos!
đ· Yay! Iâm so happy these recommendations have been winners. And that book light may be my favorite purchase of the last five years. So little but so useful.
@@KeyLimeInk I can't tell you how many times it allowed me journaling sessions right next to my sleeping toddler. Otherwise that time would be spent on mindless scrolling instead.
Perfect timing for this video - it was like you posted just for me đ€Șđ - just this morning decided I am going back into my travelers notebook system - I think it will work best for my life - I do love my A5 size and usually my planner is in a tote bag going to work with me so the weight may be okay, but may need to go with the standard size - will see what happens
Have you ever looked at paper penguin for inserts - wide assortment of sizes and paper types
Yes! I mentioned Paper Penguin Co in #11 and linked to her shop in the description. She has a nice assortment of paper types which are difficult to source elsewhere. She also offers little sample sets so you can try your pens and paints before purchasing your inserts.
Great video especially for a new entry into the TN rabbit hole world! Still exploring all the numerous options & narrowed it down to regular size (vs passport) TN in cognac or olive. Plans include journaling, documenting gardening journey, travel, book club notes and as a sewist & quilter- documenting projects both planning & completed. Since youâve been using these for nearly a decade, a quick question: how could I add small fabric swatches best to include actual fabric samples use? Thanks, Iâll be busy for awhile watching all you other videos.
Hello! I would probably grab a Travelers Company #007 Card Holder and wrap it around the insert which is going to be for sewing. They're credit card sized slots, and there are twelve per holder. Six will be positioned around the front side of your insert and six on the back. Small, flat swatches should probably slide nicely into the pockets.
The other option, if you want them to be grouped rather than individually displayed, would be to get something like a #008 Zip Pocket. Same idea, but one side will be a zipper pocket and one side will be a more open pocket.
Hope this helps!
@@KeyLimeInk Thank you! Your detailed video was very informative & helpful to a newbie.
Hi,how does your Apple Pig standard compare size wise to the September Leather standard??Thank you!!
Ting can make whatever measurements youâd like, but my first one (the standard order straight off an Etsy listing) is exactly the same width as September Leather at just short of 11â. The height of the Apple Pig is 8 7/8â while September Leather is shorter at 8 1/2â. Hope this helps!
@@KeyLimeInk thank you!
What size should I order from Apple Pig to get the standard travelerâs notebook size? Would that be the Midori insert size? Itâs not very clear on the site. Thanks!
Yes, the Midori Regular size is the one I have. The main part (not the super pockets) measures just shy of 11 inches when open. Itâs plenty of room for 3-4 inserts with tabs.
The Midori Wide Cut gives you another half inch.
Thank you! Love your channel!
Please discuss more detail the bands inside. Are there 4 single bands on them all does it require banding inserts together. Thatâs the most important thing with travelers journals. Thanks.
I will make a video solely focused on bands soon! For now:
Apple Pig: four long bands (one with a knot), extra bands included in the package
Poromo: four long bands (one with a knot)
September Leather: four long bands (one with a knot)
Wanderings with Pockets: one long band, one short band, one extra band included
"Feather" PU Leather TN I'm using for archiving: one long band, one short band, one extra band included
HandstitchedLeatherT: four long bands (one with a knot); note their bands are extremely thin compared to all the others; I feel like this makes the inserts less stable
Hope this helps!
What size is your standard on the Apple Pig Etsy site? Field note regular? Personal regular?
It's what he calls Midori Regular. I'll add that to the description!
Does Ting use cow leather? Thanks for a great video đ
I believe he does, but I will send a message to make 100% sure.
If you use a writing board, the knot on the back of a Travelerâs company notebook cover wonât bother you (just a headâs up, Midori have changed their travelerâs notebook brand name, this range is now called Travelerâs Company, TRC for short). IMO there is no better quality, customization and accessories that TRC notebooks, they are worth the price, and there are not that expensive compared to other brands.
i learnt the size lesson i ordered voyagers they are shortđą
Oooh. That's a good one! Yes, always read the fine print to see if measurements are listed. I bought a super cheap one (~ $5) for archiving and it was too short as well.
Apple pig links donât work for me.
Theyâre tricky! When I open Etsy links on my phone it goes to a page suggesting the Etsy app. Is that what itâs doing for you? If so, ignore that message and look down at the bottom of the screen. It will say, âOpen webâ ⊠or you can just wait a few seconds and it will move right along to the Apple Pig shop. This is so annoying, as it never seems to remember my choice. I have to click âopen webâ every time.
In the economical section, I'm missing the brand name for the first one. Promo? Piromo? Peeromo? Sorry, what?
Poromo. Find the link in the videoâs description.
â@KeyLimeInk thank you very kindly
There are so many better & cheaper options than Traveller's Company products. My Otto brand TN cost me $40AUD compared to $80AUD for TC, has 4 bands & is wider than the inserts so they don't bulge out the sides. In my opinion it's a much better product & better thought out for half the cost. Plus the Otto inserts are cheaper too.
I too greatly dislike the back bump knot & the way their insert elastic is set up too. To me it says Poor Design.
Otto is new to me. Thanks for mentioning them. Are they only in Australia?
@@KeyLimeInk I think the brand is exclusive to Officeworks which is an Australian Stationary & Office Supplies store. I don't think they have stores in other countries.