This is a really interesting sketchbook, now part of the collection of the National Museum of Australia. It belonged to a young Aboriginal man named Oscar. The article is a bit vague about the circumstances of Oscar’s life– it sounds like he could have been a slave, or indentured servant, or at best an orphan … Continue reading Oscar’s Sketchbook
I discovered the Printfresh brand when I was doing my Christmas shopping several months ago. I was in a lovely gift shop in Mt. Kisco, NY called Porch, and among their many nice things, I saw a beautiful chunky journal with a velvet cover. My usual tastes in notebooks tend to run towards minimal designs, … Continue reading Printfresh Journals Review and Giveaway
For the Strategist column at NY Magazine, Molly Young reviews the Grids & Guides Notebook and it sounds like she might have a new focus for her notebook addiction! In the past I’ve stocked up on whatever cheap-ish notebook hits these requirements: 1. Sturdy cover (won’t get dented in purse) 2. Opens flat 3. Good … Continue reading Notebook Addict of the Week: Molly Young
Is there anyone who can resist a composition book? I can’t, even though in some ways they really don’t fit into my notebook usage patterns these days. They aren’t my favorite size, they aren’t my favorite shape, and it’s sometimes hard to find ones that aren’t wide-rule lined, but I love them anyway. I admire … Continue reading Review: Roaring Spring Composition Books
About 2 years ago, I visited a very cute shop in Philadelphia called Omoi Zakka. As Wikipedia explains, “zakka” is a Japanese concept having to do with household items that are attractively designed. The Omoi Zakka shop certainly delivered on that when I was there, with lots of interesting little items for the desk and … Continue reading Notebooks from Omoi Zakka Shop
A nice look at the history of the ubiquitous marbled composition book. I haven’t actually used one in years, but I love them nonetheless! Reading this made me want to buy one! “Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat sketched in marble composition books, and Italian architect Ettore Sottsass used the covers to make furniture. Marble notebooks also furnish … Continue reading In Praise of the Basic Composition Book
Some very cool-looking marbled notebooks from Paper Chase Press: See more at Retail Goods – Paper Chase makes an array of retail goods in our LA shop | Paper Chase Press.
I was walking past the Rubin Museum of Art in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood, and spotted these beautiful notebooks in the window. I didn’t have a chance to go into the shop to find out more, but I assume they are selling them, not just exhibiting them. The museum is dedicated to art of the Himalayas, … Continue reading Marbled-Edge Ledgers
Here’s another brand of cool, retro-looking notebooks. Love those marbled edges! And the labels! And the corners! They’re handmade in Portugal and come with various color spines. You can buy them online here. Via emilio braga notebooks | Design*Sponge.