Traveler Notebooks Part 2: The Covers
Lyra and Co (birds), May Designs (inserts) Cake Paperie (aqua chevron)
Did you miss Part 1: The Basics. Click away!!
Anything you can fold around a group of folded papers could be considered a travelers notebook. The most common materials are leather, fabric, paper, felt, vinyl, plastic, and foam.
What's so Great about Leather?
Leather was the original material and still the preferred material by many. One of the main allures to the travelers notebook is it's leather cover. It makes the notebook not just a notebook but an experience for your senses. The smell of leather, the feel of leather, the way leather ages with use. Add these qualities to documenting your life, and you have an irresistible expeirence. After all, this whole planning resurgence is about finding a system that helps you organize and create your life. If you are not in love with your planner/notebook then you are not as likely to use it on a daily basis. The whole process is meant to make you happy and bring some joy into your life.
I am aspiring to getting a leather one once I have proven to myself that I will use it. The leather ones are on the pricier side so before I invest I want to be sure it isn't going to become a decoration for my bookshelf.
Other Options
There are more and more options for non-leather notebooks. I have even seen some beautiful ones made from placemats. The most popular non-leather notebooks are made from fabric and faux leather/vinyl materials. These materials are not only cheaper for the newbie but they have a never ending choice of colors and patterns. Those that love color and pattern may love these options over the leather. This is also the perfect choice for vegans.
Cost:
Cost differences in each category are mostly due to size. The leather will also differ according to quality of the leather and process to cure the leather.
- Leather notebooks $30 -$80 and much higher.
- Faux leather/vinyl notebooks $20 - $55
- Fabric notebooks range is about $15 - $40
- Paperdori notebooks $7 - $20
Suppliers:
Etsy is my main choice for all things handmade. These are category searches and will give you a good idea of what is out there and lots of different sellers to choose from. You can also do a google search to find sellers in other places.
The search for Faux leather (vinyl) is bringing up lots of different travelers notebooks. So here are a few shops that sell vinyl notebooks.
Art Covers
I only own Fabric Fauxdoris at this point so I can not give personal recommendations for leather ones. But the ones that I have my eye on are based on other recommendations:
Click on pictures above to link to their page.
Travelers Notebooks as Art
I realize that the work on all of these beautiful covers are art. I just love these and have to share them!! These are high contenders for me too, but I will have to save some pennies/dallors for these. Just looking at them makes my heart sing!
- HiBook because they are stunning
- Up and Away Studio
- Mamma Cakes Making all are hand painted
Those looking to find an original Midori can find them here:
- Midori Japan
- Jet Pens has a comprehensive post on all the Midori inserts
- Goulet Pens has a blog post that goes with the youtube video linked in the post
That should keep you busy for a while. If you would like some more reviews of different types of covers here are some good youtube videos. These are mostly about leather options but they do talk about some of the others I have talked about in this post.
- The Paper Magpie Review of ZLYC
- Lady MalfoyB Chic Sparrow review by
- Miss Vickie B review of several types of "midori"
- Miss Vickie B review Journal Smith
- Chic Sparrow
Feel free to comment below with your favorite suppliers!
Links to The Other parts of this Series
Part 1 Who Started this
Part 2 The covers
Part 3 Inserts
Part 4 Accessories
