... homemade journal ...

[TMLee]

^^^^

Wow TMLee your journals are seriously insanely epic!!! :clap1:

I'm slightly new here so I apologize if this has already been established but I'm wondering if

you sell these?

and if you do, how one would go about ordering one.

I would love to own one!!

 

 

Tks H ...

The 1st batch of journals was sold in this post.

 

I am hoping to launch the sale of the 2nd batch next week.

 

Contact me backchannel if you are interested in those designs of the first batch and earlier.

I will then be able to advise if I have enough materials leftover to craft a variant of that one.

Edited February 13, 2009 by TMLee

[leather09]

I tried using rice stalks as my source of paper in my journal. It's tedious yet fun.

 

Sounds interesting. What are 'rice stalks' ?

 

 

This is a rice stalk.

 

http://www.aaec.vt.edu/biotechimpact/images/rice/rice1.jpg

 

 

What I did was I boiled it, pound it then bleach it. I made a solution then dry it up in the sun that's how I made my paper from rice stalks.

[TMLee]

Wow , thats real interesting ... !

Takes the meaning of 'handmade' to another level

Any pics to share ?

 

 

 

I tried using rice stalks as my source of paper in my journal. It's tedious yet fun.

 

Sounds interesting. What are 'rice stalks' ?

 

 

This is a rice stalk.

 

http://www.aaec.vt.edu/biotechimpact/images/rice/rice1.jpg

 

 

What I did was I boiled it, pound it then bleach it. I made a solution then dry it up in the sun that's how I made my paper from rice stalks.

 

[leather09]

I have no camera with me but the finish product is just like the same. It has the look of a a scrapbook with a touch of nature in it because I put dried leaves, flowers and twigs in it as decor.

[TMLee]

It shld look quite nice , I am trying to imagine ... in colour ....

Rgds

 

 

 

 

I have no camera with me but the finish product is just like the same. It has the look of a a scrapbook with a touch of nature in it because I put dried leaves, flowers and twigs in it as decor.

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #40 "Dizzy"

 

A6 sized, 3-board cased-in design.

 

The cotton fabric was backed with interfacing self-adhesive cloth ironed onto it.

It adds a very slight padding feel to the covers. Not obvious but you can feel it.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4100.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4101.jpg

 

I chose a lime green flyleaf for contrast.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4267.jpg

 

Front. You can see the outline of the mull embedded.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4264.jpg

 

and rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4263.jpg

 

The pocket is incorporated into the last page. I find this method flatter and less bulkier compared to my previous journals.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4266.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4265.jpg

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4283.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4284.jpg

 

The Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4279.jpg

 

Some details

The headband

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4268.jpg

 

The overhang detail / rounded corners

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4273.jpg

 

The french groove. I have learnt to be patient and do this part of the book properly by pressing it. I don't have the eqpt so now I use improvised substitutes. I hope to find something that'll help me achieve crisper grooves in future.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4274.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4275.jpg

 

The flatness and symetry. (the pocket is flatter and less obvious)

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4281.jpg

 

The spine back

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4282.jpg

 

 

 

 

The finished product

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4269.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4272.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2040%20Dizzy/DSCF4277.jpg

 

Dizzying isn't it ? If you stare hard and long enough, ..... your eyes will .....

 

Bookblock is 6 signatures, 4 folios each. 96 pages.

Coptic stitched with ORAL-B dental floss waxed.

Paper and pocket is CONQUEROR Laid 100gsm. Cream colour. Watermarked.

Flyleaves are UNI 120gsm , Lime Green

1.1mm greyboards covered with 100% cotton fabric

Edited February 17, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is Journal #34A , a variant of #34 "Black Tie"

 

I had been thinking a long time trying to figure out how to make a slimmer, flatter closure system.

This journal attempts to achieve that.

 

The solution lies in the pocket design., and that was where I started.

 

Here I fabricated the pocket to be incorporated into the flyleaf. This is good paper , 145gsm. The stiffness helps keep the overall neatness and shape of the journal.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4147.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4148.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4149.jpg

 

Next would be how to incorporate the band without too much bulk. I prefer using the band rather than the rubber cord as in CIAK journals. The reason is to keep the journal as flat as possible when stowed into your bag - whatever bag - tote bag, handbag, rucksack, daypack, camera bag, trouser pocket, business suit etc. When it gets retrieved, it shldn't snag onto anything as far as possible. Also when in use, the flat band stows away neatly and out of the way as opposed to the CIAK system where sometimes it gets in the way. Not too great a problem, just small details that some pple actually find needful. And so , I hunted around and found this band which look much better than your everyday elastic band which in most cases are deployed out of sight - not to be celebrated.

Its heavy duty rubberised banding. And unfortunately quite thick. And this caused problems.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4150.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4151.jpg

 

A view on the outside. It looked great !

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4152.jpg

 

Becos it was thick (1mm I think) , I decided to add a filler to fill up gaps I expected upon gluing the flyleaves to the coverboards. It was cut as exact as possible to eliminate obvious gaps.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4153.jpg

 

Here the filler sheet glued onto position. It had to be the same card material again to camouflage tell-tale gaps.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4155.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4157.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4158.jpg

 

The flyleaf was then glued onto the coverboard carefully. These pics attempt to illustrate how the gaps around the band are 'filled' up by the filler sheet. The filler sheet is visible but you have to be looking for it to see it there. If not, it is inconspicuous.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4167.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4168.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4170.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4169.jpg

 

The band on the outside

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4172.jpg

 

and on the inside

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4174.jpg

 

 

 

... cont'd/

[TMLee]

,,, #34A cont'd /- ...

 

 

The Stitching

 

Coptic stitch double-needle sewing. Heavy waxed cord, Natural colour. 4 needles at one go.

 

Here the edges of the coverboards were notched using a steel straightedge to allow the cords to sit in it comfortably.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4225.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4226.jpg

 

The waxed cord is good. It stays put .

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4227.jpg

 

I have also found a way of making the holes nicer and more presentable. No more drilling. Not as nice the results. Here they are pierced with a bradawl, from both sides.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4246.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4245.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4238.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4239.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4240.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4241.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4242.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4244.jpg

 

... cont'd/-

 

 

 

[TMLee]

... cont'd/-

 

After the completion of the stitching, I decided to clamp down the spine. First time I tried this and it was a great help to the end result of the journal. Fantastic. Here, very powerful car battery clamps were used. VERY powerful.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4230.jpg

 

The end result was marvellous... The book kept its symetry from spine to foredge, although a bit of swell is acceptable by normal standards.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4236.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4237.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4254.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4253.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4252.jpg

 

Some Details

 

the corner folds

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4161.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4159.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4165.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4252.jpg

 

I increased the stretch of the cord on the cover from 10mm to 15mm beocs I felt the cord needed the extra attention due to its beauty.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4256.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4255.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4256.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4259.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4244.jpg

 

The spine was glued. Of course avoiding staining the stitches. The glue doesn't contribute to the strength of the binding. It just seals up the gaps between signatures. It does help reduce 'wobble' though.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4262.jpg

 

.... contd/- ...

Edited February 18, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

... cont'd/-

 

After the completion of the stitching, I decided to clamp down the spine. First time I tried this and it was a great help to the end result of the journal. Fantastic. Here, very powerful car battery clamps were used. VERY powerful.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4230.jpg

 

The end result was marvellous... The book kept its symetry from spine to foredge, although a bit of swell is acceptable by normal standards.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4236.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4237.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4254.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4253.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4252.jpg

 

Some Details

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4252.jpg

 

I increased the stretch of the cord on the cover from 10mm to 15mm beocs I felt the cord needed the extra attention due to its beauty.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4256.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4255.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4256.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4259.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4244.jpg

 

The spine was glued. Of course avoiding staining the stitches. The glue doesn't contribute to the strength of the binding. It just seals up the gaps between signatures. It does help reduce 'wobble' though.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4262.jpg

 

Ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4260.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4261.jpg

 

Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4295.jpg

 

.... contd/- ...

Edited February 18, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

.... #34A cont'd/- ...

 

 

 

The Finished product

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4233.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4235.jpg

 

With the band deployed http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4258.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4290.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4291.jpg

 

With the band on the outside

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4287.jpg

 

and on the inside, ie hidden from view ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4288.jpg

 

As mentioned in my earlier posts, this form of pocket allows the flyleaves to be undisturbed in its aesthetics.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034A%20Black%20Tie/DSCF4292.jpg

 

A handsome journal to whip out of your suit ....

... best accompanied by an equally handsome FP ... (nope, a ballpoint won't do .... )

 

Bookblock is 6 signatures, 4 foilios , 96 pages.

paper is NATURALIS Vanilla Matt 120gsm

Flyleaves and pocket is MALMERO Orange 145gsm

1.1mm greyboards covered with acidand lignin free paper by BASICGREY.

Edited February 18, 2009 by TMLee

[Souldrifter]

These journals are amazing. I received my #28 letters journal securely packaged one fine afternoon at work, and the craftsmanship is just really admirable. I love the stitching, and the pocket, and the way it all works together. The paper is thick and wonderful and, in my opinion, the next best part to being able to write in the journal itself are the notes and signature TMLee puts inside... the very last page in the back lists all the materials used and the technique, and is then signed and dated. It's really a wonderful true one of a kind piece of craftsmanship. I hate to sound like I'm gushing, but... well... I guess I am. I am in awe of the patience and precision with which these journals are made. I may try... someday... but I'm not so sure I have the brain process to handle it.

 

If you decide to purchase one, you won't be sorry. Mine is going with me this spring when I return to Death Valley to take photos of the blooming wildflowers.

[gyrosan]

Dear TMLee,

 

I was thinking how to improve the positioning of the elastic band at the back cover. A good solution would be to make a depression in the cardboard like shown in the picture I attached.

 

 

 

Regards,

gyrosan

[TMLee]

Tks Reginleif,

You are too kind.

I am happy that you are delighted with your new journal.

rgds

TMLee

 

 

These journals are amazing. I received my #28 letters journal securely packaged one fine afternoon at work, and the craftsmanship is just really admirable. I love the stitching, and the pocket, and the way it all works together. The paper is thick and wonderful and, in my opinion, the next best part to being able to write in the journal itself are the notes and signature TMLee puts inside... the very last page in the back lists all the materials used and the technique, and is then signed and dated. It's really a wonderful true one of a kind piece of craftsmanship. I hate to sound like I'm gushing, but... well... I guess I am. I am in awe of the patience and precision with which these journals are made. I may try... someday... but I'm not so sure I have the brain process to handle it.

 

If you decide to purchase one, you won't be sorry. Mine is going with me this spring when I return to Death Valley to take photos of the blooming wildflowers.

 

[TMLee]

Dear TMLee,

 

I was thinking how to improve the positioning of the elastic band at the back cover. A good solution would be to make a depression in the cardboard like shown in the picture I attached.

 

 

 

Regards,

gyrosan

 

 

Yes gyrosan, I have entertained that idea before but it doesn't meet my criteria of a 'disappearing' band. In other words, it must be such that the band cannot be seen on the back cover, if one so chooses to move the band out of the way.

 

The method you described is not unlike that found on Moleskines.

 

The only way I could think of that would meet my criteria is for the band to protrude from the edge of the coverboard. Anywhere else and the band would be a permanent feature of the rear cover which I don't like as it interferes with the aesthetics of the cover.

 

The band here in #34A does just that, it protrudes from the edge whilst avoiding too thick a cover.

 

An alternative , or rather a variation , is to make a cover that is laminated with 2 thin pieces of greyboards. That way, the band can sit within the thickness of one of the greyboards. (just like what I did here with the orange filler card)

 

I have resisted executing this idea bcos :

1) I haven't resolved how to make the band stay put when the stretching force is applied. (The flyleaf or pocket will have to take this pulling force) ; and

 

2) The covers will become disproportionately thick for a journal of A6 size. It can work on an A5 size journal (larger) but then again, larger journals are more often than not deskbound and wouldn't need the band closure.

 

To illustrate what I mean, the concept would look something like this in execution (from my Journal #12) :

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2012/strapgluedontorearcover.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2012/closeupofstrapinsertionpoint.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2012/closeup2strapinsertionpoint.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2012/gluingjappaper.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2012/DSCF4301.jpg

 

The boards here are kraftboards instead of greyboards. I think about 0.8mm or 1mm thick.

 

Another alternative is to have ribbon ties emerging from the foredge of the covers, but tying is a little troublesome. It can work on larger A5 size journals though.

 

rgds

Edited February 18, 2009 by TMLee

[gyrosan]

Dear TMLee,

 

Another possibility, if aesthetics if concerned, would be to use the laminated cardboard as you suggested. One could put elastic band between the two sheets of cardboard (fig. 1). Elastic band could be stretched over the notebook up-front and then these two tube-like inserts (see fig. 3 and fig. 4) to which the elastic band would be attached, could lock with simple attachment (see fig. 5) on one of the tubes.

 

 

 

I'll think up of a simpler way that could easily do the same thing. The most important thing regarding these elastic bands would be safety as it could hurt someone's hands. I still prefer the first method described in the above post.

 

Let us improve the handbooks

 

Kind regards,

gyrosan

[leetm aka tmlee]

Dear Folks,

I have been experiencing some computer glitches with my 'TMLee' FPN account.

I wasn't able to receive email notifications. So I tried changing my email address.

Things got worst. (Being the computer klutz that I am, I must have aggravated the problem)

I couldn't even post nor reply at all to any thread.

I also could not see my PM inbox at all. That feature was missing when I logged in.

 

So ...

Out of a little desperation, I have created a new username you see here 'leetm aka tmlee' with a new yahoo email address.

In other words, I am still one and the same person.

 

For those who have PMed me recently and got no reply from me (since I can't see my inbox at all) , pls PM me again but this time to 'leetm aka tmlee'.

 

For those of you whom I have been corresponding with via my original email, nothing has changed. It remains unaffected.

 

For those who have ordered and paid for my handmade journals, nothing is amiss, they are being shipped or crafted whichever the case may be.

 

For those of you still wishing to place orders, pls continue to do so but again under 'leetm aka tmlee' .

 

I have asked the Admin to help me get back my original 'TMLee' username. I hope things work out.

 

I just hope this change doesn't cause a big confusion to all who have been following my thread.

 

Rgds

TMLee

Edited February 20, 2009 by leetm aka tmlee

[leetm aka tmlee]

Dear TMLee,

 

Another possibility, if aesthetics if concerned, would be to use the laminated cardboard as you suggested. One could put elastic band between the two sheets of cardboard (fig. 1). Elastic band could be stretched over the notebook up-front and then these two tube-like inserts (see fig. 3 and fig. 4) to which the elastic band would be attached, could lock with simple attachment (see fig. 5) on one of the tubes.

 

 

 

I'll think up of a simpler way that could easily do the same thing. The most important thing regarding these elastic bands would be safety as it could hurt someone's hands. I still prefer the first method described in the above post.

 

Let us improve the handbooks

 

Kind regards,

gyrosan

 

 

Tks gyrosan for your idea.

 

Frankly, I agree with you, it can hurt . Its not safe enough. It also snags easily and can damage one's clothing, especially for the ladies here.

 

In my designs, I do consider how easily and conveniently they can be carried around. The looks are also important. I also consider if I would be comfortable to be seen carrying that journal around myself ie how it would look with a business suit, or at a conference table amidst a meeting, or retrieving it out from a handbag, etc. So that would mean staying away from too fanciful embellishments which we see quite common these days. Metal parts are a problem at airports too , as are magnetic closures in my earlier journals..

 

The Moleskines are unbeatable in this department. They fit into pockets easily, they are slim enough, the band works well, and the oilskin is comfy to the touch. For the same reason, many have recycle their used Moleskine covers. They rip out the cover and give it a fresh bookblock. I haven't tried this yet and I don't think I will. Each journal shld be left as it is, having served their purpose of capturing memories from that particular time and place, inane scribbles/doodles or not.

 

'The simplest answer is the best answer ....'

 

Cheers

 

rgds

TMLee

Edited February 20, 2009 by leetm aka tmlee

[leetm aka tmlee]

Journal summary #36 - #40

 

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2036%20-%2040/DSCF3848.jpg Journal #36 Red Flowers

 

 

Journal #37 Bronze Greek Key http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2036%20-%2040/DSCF4108.jpg

 

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2036%20-%2040/DSCF3980.jpg Journal #38 Music - A5 size

 

 

Journal #39 Music - A6 size http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2036%20-%2040/DSCF4140.jpg

 

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2036%20-%2040/DSCF4269.jpg Journal #40 "Dizzy"

 

 

Edited February 20, 2009 by leetm aka tmlee

[TMLee]

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