12 Things I Wish I’d Known About Traveler’s Notebooks As A Beginner

[@KeyLimeInk]

🌿 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

[@TheConsultingReader]

I bought an affordable TN from Amazon years ago just to test it out and I’m still using it to this day. Despite buying others this is my companion which comes with me on my journeys. I just couldn’t replace it.

[@noahbruce6142]

I absolutely adore videos about niche products that have such enthusiasm. This video is a gem and I am so happy to have happened upon it.

[@BioReptiles]

The stain you have most likely isnt because of the water but becwuse of the chlorine. Your best bet is to wash the whole cover with saddlesoap and then re apply multiple layers of leather conditioner over several days to restore the leather. Keep in mind that this will change the color of the leather but it will recondition it and make it look uniform

[@shannon9977]

Great video - I also have a DIY cover LOL reminds me how much enthusiasm I had when I first got into it :) I’ve collected many but I always go back to my plain (no pockets) Wanderings, one string. It’s simple and the leather has aged beautifully over the years. I have a custom Foxy Fix which is great for archiving, but the Wanderings just wraps around my inserts to well, no overhang or bulk. I have a Midori but didn’t realize how much the little knot from the closure elastic being on the back would bother me when writing - much perfer to have it on the spine. Everyone is different and when it’s all new it can be hard to even know what will best suit your needs. The discovery is part of the fun!

[@KeyLimeInk]

So true! I'm pretty sure if there were 48 people interviewed, every single one would have a different favorite traveler's notebook. When you carry something every day, it does become uniquely personal!

[@c.j.nyssen6987]

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.

[@christimorgret7818]

Excellent notion with the pen loops!

[@Grammy52]

I made my own with a piece of leather from Michael’s. Works great.

[@frederikbruck5210]

#8 I'm a leather worker myself. I would recommend to clean it out and soak it completely. While underwater, brush every surface with a soft brush, a little more intensely at the stained area. Then let it sit (preferably opened flat) in a dark and dry place to dry out completely. A towel cabinet would be ideal. Once dry, put clear shoecream on and polish with a soft cloth. If the stain survives that, do it all over again, this time with saddle soap. (Available at equestrian supply) Good luck! PS.: Of course mine is made by myself to my liking. What I like most: I put two penloops on, on in the front and one in the back, so that I can put my pen in both. This way, the pen doubles up as a buckle and there's no need for the elastic closing loop, that always got in the way.

[@zub4ru725]

So i've got my first Travelers Notebook on the 8th of June and it was a Travelers Company (Midori) because it somehow reached for my heart more than any other option. Of course a Wanderings TN is also cool and other ones but somehow the Midori one makes me happier. The bump at the back doesn't really affect me to be honest. It's mostly because theres a zipper between the knot and the insert + im using a fountain pen and im pressing very lightly or not at all. I can say for sure that the Midori isn't for people who dont like the look of the inserts sticking out a bit if you put in 3 or more in, while the Applepig TN literally lets them fit in so nicely. But I don't have a problem with it and im very happy with my Midori. About the Inserts: I've bought blank Wanderings and Midori Inserts. The Wanderings Inserts have a lightly more cream-ish paper color and the paper is a little bit more sturdy and thicker than the Midori Inserts. It doesn't show a problem for me if I would not be using a Shitajiki (pencil board). So in order to see the lines i need to have a good lightsource where I am, which isnt the case for the Midori Inserts. Another small issue I had with the Wanderings inserts was that when I can leave a oily fingerprint on the paper (it's not visible) but sometimes when I'm writing over it, the fountain pen just gives up on the part where I left my oily greasy fingerprint on. BUT both are very good though and are fun to write in. Thanks for reading and for the time you've taken to make this very nice video. God Bless Yall. Jesus Loves Yall My Set-Up: -Camel Leather Midori Travelers Notebook -1x Midori Insert blank -2x Wanderings Inserts blank -1x Cotton Zipper from Temu (dont judge me please) -1x Plastic Zipper from Wanderings

[@katbird11]

Lovely, informative video as always. I don’t see your water spot as being a negative, just a snippet of a relaxing day at the pool (and opportunity to add to patina 🙃.) I have, thanks to you, the Wanderings notebook and inserts. I also have Travelers Co. notebook and inserts. What I’m using now is the standard size Chic Sparrow notebook with Sterling Ink Common Planner. That is what I love!

[@KeyLimeInk]

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.

[@witchyvicar]

i highly recommend Galen Leather for high quality TN leather wallet inserts. I have had mine for year. they make really great leather notebooks and covers

[@chalkdusthorizon7233]

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.

[@des8616]

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.

[@SandyQueue]

I love your DIY version! It looks great and although you feel the size is awkward, it's very nice. You should be proud!

[@KeyLimeInk]

🌷 Thank you! I might try again with something closer to standard size, as they'd make a cost-effective solution for storing archived inserts.

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

They are ALL BEAUTIFUL!!! Such a lovely assortment of journals! 😊

[@dee_ewell_pierce]

It's Ali Brown's fault I went down the rabbit hole of Traveler's Notebooks. I'm a loyal Chic Sparrow frequent flyer,

[@ghostyplans]

Same!!! I’m forever a chic sparrow fan. They’re my go-to TN covers!

[@kjschmidt7112]

LOVE their TN. Go get Ironbark Journals also. Great craftsmanship in both

[@shane6242]

I enjoy your enthusiasm!

[@elinmor89]

My favorite is apple pig. Have bought three so far from him in naughty fox. It's really a rabbit hole, I can't stop😅🤭He is sooo talented and I looove his covers❤

[@KeyLimeInk]

Yes! He's such a delight, too. His own artwork is just as spectacular as his leather skills.

[@Ka7ple1]

I use a product called Fiebing's Aussie Leather conditioner. It waterproofs your leather and also revitalizes old dry, or scratched leather. I may darken some light colored leather, but won't make them too dark. My notebook has been splashed on and the water just wipes off. There are some KZbin videos on this product. Good luck. I enjoy your videos. Thanks for what you do.

[@charlessavage5151]

My favorite Travler's Notebook is made by Innovative Journal. Arthur will do some custom work. Love his stuff. Plain and simple design. No frills style.

[@KeyLimeInk]

This is new to me. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look up Arthur's work!

[@pippikrumeluss5167]

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. 💕

[@bagheera3008]

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

[@noneyabness8761]

Same here! I don’t understand that part bc I’ve never seen anything like that. Also, they make fantastic watercolor inserts! ❤

[@teddygingerbear1372]

Glad to hear this as I’m almost ready to buy my first TN! Do you use a zipper insert?

[@gogobebe8460]

I wish I’d 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!

[@ladyamalthea85]

I'm just at the point where I'm thinking about it. I've been journaling daily since 2017 in A6 notebooks and now that I've gotten into fountain pens, I need better consistency with paper.

[@elizabethbennett2072]

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 sooner🙂 thanks for sharing!

[@followyourbrush]

This is so, so helpful! Thank you!

[@syddlinden8966]

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.

[@skyehughes3807]

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 I’d 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.

[@KeyLimeInk]

I need to try Moterm again! My last one was the original A5 format with one button.

[@user-zt5xz5fz4q]

Amen.❤.

[@earthskye]

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!

[@KeyLimeInk]

The oat and avocado (?) Wanderings TNs are pretty new. I haven’t tried one yet! My Poromo, September Leather, and Apple Pig all have four strings and it’s definitely helpful when I want my setup to be “fully loaded.” When I want something lightweight I go with Wanderings and just a few slim inserts.

[@earthskye]

@@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!

[@user-zt5xz5fz4q]

Amen.❤.

[@Chronically.Enchanted]

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 🙏🏻

[@BlueNoodle79]

Great vid! I’m a Chic Sparrow only owner. Like you I didn’t like some things about the Midori covers 😂 They seem to be quite popular, though. I do have some of their elastics and sticky pockets.

[@tuxedoplanstoday]

i have sonson from Ting in standard size AMAZING STUFF❤❤❤❤ Patinad beautifully in 2 yrs

[@deborahmurphey3829]

Thank you so much for these greats tips, I really didn't know there was a community for TN. I'm going to look more into it.

[@little-wytch]

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.

[@KeyLimeInk]

🌷 Thank you for reaffirming that it’s okay to get marks! I feel like it’s gradually fading, too.

[@AzaleaLala]

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.

[@katyagurina1492]

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!

[@KeyLimeInk]

🌷 Yay! I’m 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.

[@katyagurina1492]

@@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.

[@barbararivera2380]

thank you

[@sarahmc8922]

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!!

[@SuSuSham]

Perfect timing for this video - it was like you posted just for me 🤪😘 - 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

[@KeyLimeInk]

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.

[@fossilimprint2954]

Love this video, lots of great information. Thank you.

[@rebeccasigari4025]

I just made a leather passport size TN. Made it slightly bigger so it’s really in between a pocket and passport size . Hate the overhang you get with a travelers company passport size. Anyway turned out amazing! You really can’t tell it’s a DIY except for the fact there is no stamp on the back. I love the size and can’t wait to start using it for 2025.

[@KeyLimeInk]

You are ambitious! Congrats on your handiwork, and enjoy using it next year.

[@jesusc6215]

Thanks x Sharing ❤

[@stampinsan]

Excellent video! Thank you so much!

[@Lambertcottage]

Thank you for all of this information! This helps me so much!

[@KeiMacall]

Really excellent information. Thank you so much x

[@season.appreciation8102]

This was a great video, I enjoyed it so much, thank you.

[@des8616]

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.

[@sarap1156]

Thank you for the Information video. It helps

[@karenkaren9526]

Great comparison 💚💙💜

[@michespapernook]

Thank you for a great video - I have a September 😮 on e and midori ones too😊

[@deekang6244]

Great video! I didn’t get the TN because of the placement of that knot. It didn’t make sense.

[@teddygingerbear1372]

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 you’ve 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, I’ll be busy for awhile watching all you other videos.

[@KeyLimeInk]

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!

[@teddygingerbear1372]

@@KeyLimeInk Thank you! Your detailed video was very informative & helpful to a newbie.

[@scotosha]

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. Don’t know if you do this already, but I treat all my notebooks, handbags, etc. with a good leather cream from time to time. Can’t remember having water stains anywhere except for those blue shoes.

[@KeyLimeInk]

I’m 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.

[@scotosha]

@@KeyLimeInkI was scared too. But when you think about it, it does make sense. The only thing is that I don’t know what other things you tried. Those might get in the way of the water solution?

[@lindamcclenny9516]

Please discuss more detail the bands inside. Are there 4 single bands on them all does it require banding inserts together. That’s the most important thing with travelers journals. Thanks.

[@KeyLimeInk]

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!

[@CG-bk4yd]

Thanks so much for the video! I'm in the process of getting a TN regular size but thought in keep investigating and found this video, thanks! I have reached to Ting to get more information. Are the notebooks that he makes matched to inserts? As in to say something, if I get from him one that is A5 instead of regular TN, would they fit a Midori A5?

[@KeyLimeInk]

Correct! You can also message him with specific measurements of your notebooks. Some journals called A5 are a little off or you might like it to accommodate an extra thick book. In any case, you can be as specific as needed and he can make the cover accordingly.

[@rebeccasigari4025]

Oh and for the water stain, have you thought about reaching out to the pig dude and asking his advice?

[@KeyLimeInk]

I will definitely message Ting and ask. However, it seems to be fading all by itself! I should've known the more I used it, the more a slight stain would work its way out.

[@Sypeth]

If you use a writing board, the knot on the back of a Traveler’s company notebook cover won’t bother you (just a head’s up, Midori have changed their traveler’s notebook brand name, this range is now called Traveler’s 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.

[@lynnclemons5864]

Hi,how does your Apple Pig standard compare size wise to the September Leather standard??Thank you!!

[@KeyLimeInk]

Ting can make whatever measurements you’d 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 11”. The height of the Apple Pig is 8 7/8” while September Leather is shorter at 8 1/2”. Hope this helps!

[@lynnclemons5864]

@@KeyLimeInk thank you!

[@iaidohawk]

What size is your standard on the Apple Pig Etsy site? Field note regular? Personal regular?

[@KeyLimeInk]

It's what he calls Midori Regular. I'll add that to the description!

[@tanyas.4849]

Does Ting use cow leather? Thanks for a great video 😊

[@KeyLimeInk]

I believe he does, but I will send a message to make 100% sure.

[@jeffsikes9644]

What size should I order from Apple Pig to get the standard traveler’s notebook size? Would that be the Midori insert size? It’s not very clear on the site. Thanks!

[@KeyLimeInk]

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. It’s plenty of room for 3-4 inserts with tabs. The Midori Wide Cut gives you another half inch.

[@jeffsikes9644]

Thank you! Love your channel!

[@CG-bk4yd]

Do you feel that you get more out of your money from Ting than getting the TN (regular)?

[@KeyLimeInk]

I do. I really like the knot in the spine, the plethora of pockets, the choice of leathers and strings, etc. Getting to specify my needs helped me get a cover I actually use daily. Fun fact: I’ve never had a regular Traveler’s Company cover! Although I adore their inserts, I haven’t seen any of their covers offer the features I need.

[@CG-bk4yd]

@@KeyLimeInk 😂 hahaha ...My only thing is that I would like from Ting an A5 cover in red, but I'm concerned that I might not find inserts for it that I might want to add along the way

[@tuxedoplanstoday]

i learnt the size lesson i ordered voyagers they are short😢

[@KeyLimeInk]

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.

[@christimorgret7818]

In the economical section, I'm missing the brand name for the first one. Promo? Piromo? Peeromo? Sorry, what?

[@KeyLimeInk]

Poromo. Find the link in the video’s description.

[@christimorgret7818]

​@KeyLimeInk thank you very kindly

[@MarcellHobbs]

Apple pig links don’t work for me.

[@KeyLimeInk]

They’re tricky! When I open Etsy links on my phone it goes to a page suggesting the Etsy app. Is that what it’s doing for you? If so, ignore that message and look down at the bottom of the screen. It will say, “Open web” … 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 “open web” every time.

[@vloggingwithtony]

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.

[@KeyLimeInk]

Otto is new to me. Thanks for mentioning them. Are they only in Australia?

[@vloggingwithtony]

@@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.