My New Commonplace Book: Why I Chose THIS ONE!

[@SeaweedKisses]

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[@jessicasblack]

There's some science behind what you said about being creative. Dotted, lined, and grid paper will make your brain think in a linear fashion. They're good for anything that requires linear thinking like bullet journals, notes from classes, record keeping, etc. A blank page however, activates the creative centers of your brain and allows for non-linear thinking.

[@rebeccabee6615]

I never thought of that but that makes sense! Thanks for sharing that.

[@whiteflower8805]

I agree with you . I love uding blank paper. No dots. Graph or lines.

[@ecavalcantes]

Bro science.

[@JoJo.714]

Watching these videos are so relaxing! Thanks for sharing!

[@theminnesotawitch]

I have my commonplace in a 365 stalogy! i love it

[@Topscura]

It’s really great hearing your perspective on notebooks since you have so much experience from years of trial and error. I’m a big fan of Midori MD notebooks, particularly for fountain pen writing. I’m going to explore drawing and making creative pages in 2024. I have a Codex 1 Day 1 Page that I bought last summer. I think it will be the perfect place for it. Thanks for sharing.

[@SimplyAllycia]

I LOVE a blank journal! You can do whatever you want with it! I feel like lines or grids confine me! I love the Midori blank notebooks!

[@ish8138]

I love the proportions of the A5 slim and the B6 slim. I mostly use the soft-cover expanded Moleskines and the Nanami Paper Café Note which is B6 slim and uses Tomoe River paper. I don't like or use notebooks with thick paper, I love the feel and sound of riffling through a well-used notebook with thin paper!

[@prernatripathy8406]

Yesssssss . Do you have any recommendations for high quality thin paper notebooks?

[@melodyflurry]

Still using my Moleskine! 😃 I’ve tried almost every notebook known to mankind, including the MD notebook, but I always go back to my old trusty Moleskine. No danger of running out of them for awhile, because back when everybody else was hoarding toilet paper I was hoarding Moleskines. 😂 But I don’t use fountain pens, so that makes a difference. You have to have paper that works for the pens you want to use. When I did use fountain pens, my favorite ink was J. Herbin Cafe des isles.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Moleskine will always hold a special place in our hearts, right! Oh, I still use my Moleskine notebooks, too. The Expanded version is always ready and available. You're right about not having to worry about it running out. That is one thing about that brand is that you can find it at just about any stationery shop. Now just have keep an eye out for those sales so I can stock up!😅 Thank you for sharing the J. Herbin Cafe des Isles. Looks just as lovely as it sounds - cozy cafe vibes!☕May need this to the collection now...

[@BlushnBlue]

Ancient Copper is my absolute favorite and it looks even more stunning on cream paper.

[@SeaweedKisses]

It really does! Making sure I have this inked up for this upcoming autumn.😍

[@user-fb1ys2lj9c]

I am excited now. I will follow this channel to get inspired to get consistent with the journaling ❤

[@mysticfox1105]

I love to go back and forth between the moleskine, Tomoe River, Midori and the Leuchtturm notebooks =). Great video, thanks! 😊

[@rebeccabee6615]

I also love slim versions of A5 and B6. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to seeing your altered Midori notebook!

[@CydPiper]

Yes Please Michelle; I never get bored watching your journaling video's. Love Love Love, Cynthia ❤✍🌹🦋

[@SeaweedKisses]

Thank you soooo much! Hopefully more videos to come soon!

[@MameysMedley]

Can’t wait for the next video! Love this series

[@user-fb1ys2lj9c]

Many years ago I read notebook with grids and dots are good for ppl with dyslexia I do not have dyslexia but my eyes sometimes need guide but I also have had blank notebooks I have tons of journals holding on to them for years but I like this one for a second it reminded me of a Bible but I will look at it a journal like this as a Bible of ART and CREATIVITY love it I do not know why I am not being consistent with Journaling when I love notebook and pen and I useto love Journaling so much I start it then I stop thank you for this channel it's a way for me to get inspire love it

[@tortagialla]

A blank page gives you total freedom! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@SeaweedKisses]

Absolutely!! So much flexibility!

[@kailahmom1]

The prices have gone up on everything including notebooks, so I’m not surprised by the price difference. The expanded Moleskine is basically like getting 2 regular Moleskines in one so I see why it’s so expensive. I wish Leuchtturm 1917 had an expanded version because I love to use fountain pens and Moleskine isn’t made for that.

[@rebeccabee6615]

I saw many Leuchtturm notebooks at my local Homegoods in the past couple of weeks.

[@iHanna]

I think it's cute that you're embarrassed that you've had a notebook in your stash for two years 》I have some that have been in my notebook stash for over 20 years! 😘💕 I will get to them eventually.

[@BillyWhaler]

Can’t beat the “back to school” $0.97 floppy mid-size notebooks at Walmart’s. Blue, green, orange with the black binder. They kick ass. Durable, and can wedge them into any over stuffed backpack, should bag.

[@anjichurch4406]

I can’t get enough of Sterling inks 520 page Tomoe River, B6. For all the reasons I once loved the expanded just like you. I know you’re not real thrilled with Tomoe River paper, but it has always been my favorite just because of the thinness and the sound… not to mention the fact that I can use watercolors on it, which is a part of my lineup when I use my journal. So happy to find a video waiting for me today. Hope you and yours are well.

[@user-fb1ys2lj9c]

I love soft notebooks as well and attach holder. So this Thursday I am having an apt inspection so while I am doing my breakfast enjoying this.

[@calmandcharming1599]

👋🏽💚👍🏽 I can’t wait to see the setup!

[@helgarodrigues8317]

😍 I actually just moved to the same notebook but in the dot grid version. Love midori md paper 👌

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yeeess!!🤤😍

[@sewgatormomm]

I stopped using Moleskine years ago. Once I discovered Tomoe River paper, there was no going back.

[@crystaljacob619]

Wish I read your comment before I bought the Moleskin. The pages are so thin I can't use my fountain pen. So how can it be used as an art journal?

[@brittanyhodgson9904]

Got the MD before it sold out! Thank you so much for link. I'm loving diamine frosted orchard, aurora borealis and writers blood.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Happy you were able to get one! Yes, Writer's Blood is a must! Now those other two inks you mentioned looked stunning. Adding them to cart! Thank you for sharing!🥰

[@imperfect_pages5331]

I really enjoy my moleskine expanded! I try not to be precious and afraid to use the pages! I started my expanded at the beginning of the year, and I just use it every now and then, but I still really love it!

[@SeaweedKisses]

Happy to hear that!🥰

[@loca4crafts]

I am using a Stalogy and a homemade sketchbook this year and loving both so far.

[@user-fb1ys2lj9c]

This channel just made my morning 😊

[@Ephemeryde]

You're absolutely right about TRC Michelle, this is why I use one insert most part of time, if not, I don't feel comfortable. But with TRC, more you use it, more it's flat. This Midori looks really good, I have a grid one and really love the paper wirh FP but not a huge fan with paintings, maybe my paper is more thicker than your ☺️ Always happy to see you here 🫶

[@Ephemeryde]

For inks, I'm looking for Journalize Brand, their ink look so magic !

[@SeaweedKisses]

For painting, this MD Notebook holds up well! It's just the thinner TRC inserts that don't, in my experience. I believe this journal has thicker paper.

[@Ephemeryde]

Oh yes Midori paper is really good ! I don't Know how to explain but when I use watercolor on mine, paper retracts a lot 🤔 maybe I put too much water ? BTW can't wait to see your set up ☺️

[@Pansorie]

I am just in my olive travelers company using a tomoe river goulet insert. The simplicity is what I am enjoying right now

[@SimplyAllycia]

I HAVE to have a notebook that lays flat and has a flexible cover! We are so alike! 🤣

[@Dreblueskies]

Love your videos! Your notebooks are just great, love the authenticity. Both of those notebooks are so nice, so love that the corner can rip off. I’m so with you on the lay flat preference. $40 now oh that is nuts! Come on Moleskine 🙄 Would love an update on how you are using your Filofax.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Thank you for watching and supporting! As far as my Filofax goes, it's still around. Not currently active as I've been so consumed with my art journals. So for day-to-day tasks my pocket pen&gear notebooks has been keeping me afloat. However, if I ever do finish my Filofax setup, I'll make sure to share details.🤗💖

[@Dreblueskies]

@@SeaweedKisses Sometimes simplicity cannot be beat! 🙌 Thank you.

[@marissaflores2806]

so liking your videos so so much

[@modishlifestyle]

OMG I love blank page notebooks too!! It feels freeing, I get stgresses writing on lined paper. I can work with grid or dot paper.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Finally! Someone else gets it!🤪

[@pamelajarvis7728]

Using Ciak Plain A5. It has a wonderful leather cover and effective elastic closure. The pages are the most beautiful cream and will take ink well and light watercolour. Heavier watercolour dries well but shows some wrinkling which I don’t mind as somehow brings character to the image. These notebooks are so reasonable here in the UK even though they are made in Italy. The cover colours are beautiful. Enjoy Midori too !! Great video 👍

[@susant4589]

Moleskine has been around and popular since 1997. It's an Italian brand, and I bought one of the original ones in Milan when they were first available. It's a little... ummm... surprising to see someone take credit for what Modo & Modo spent years building.

[@avobean]

For real lol I was boutta sayyy

[@riverbeee9643]

Thank you for notifying me about the MD blanks! I bought one for $35 before and $20 is a great deal❤ I bought 2 so there might be 8 left if Amazon's count isn't lying😅

[@niceandgloomy]

I like the softcover moleskine expanded a lot but I just can't use it with that paper. It makes me sad to not be able to use the pens and inks I love. And for that price, honestly?? the paper should be much better! Midori notebooks are great.

[@AnxiousWhiteWolf]

I got a Pebble & Stationary Co dot grid notebook that is bound to lay flat in my regular TN with TR paper

[@SeaweedKisses]

Thank you for sharing. I'll have to keep that in mind if I jump back into the TNs.

[@IratherservetheLord]

You have brought a lot of popularity to the moleskin brand and to their shame they mark up the price and gave you no credit for the increase in sales the increased popularity you’ve provided.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Well, I don't want to think I single handedly was the reason for the mark up. However, I do think that it's a shame the price was significantly increased, although the paper quality wasn't.😅Amazon, luckily, has these one sale from time to time. So keep a look out!

[@Whocares1987]

Moleskin is literally massive

[@PolyMathWannaBe62]

No, you WERE single handedly responsible for their increase in popularity but your videos are all really good.

[@yumethefallenangel6572]

Moleskine used to have great paper. But it changed a few years ago… I noticed it by using 2 notebooks bought years apart. The paper quality decreased so much, it was horrible not only for FP but even for Muji pens! I stopped using it and I haven’t bought another one since. It’s also expensive for its paper quality as you said. Have you tried Leuchtturm? It’s a German brand, similar to Moleskine in style and size but the paper is sooo much better, not especifically for FP but it holds most of my inks (and Tombow brushpens, Stabilo markers … and even just a liiiittle bit of watercolour if you don’t mind wrinkles). BUT nothing beats Tomoe River paper and MD Paper, that’s for sure 😂

[@suzawilo]

Have you tried nuuna?

[@yumethefallenangel6572]

@@suzawilo no, I find it too big and heavy for EDC for me :/ but I’ve read it’s amazing :) maybe I’ll try it as diary or something :)

[@iliana.m]

Yes, another thing I like about the Moleskine is that it is A5 slim, and not a lot of brands have this size!! (somehow the true A5 puts me really off, I just don't like the proportios of the A sized papers in general, I figured... The B ones are more appealing, especially the B5, but for the As I like them more in their slim versions 😅). I also like that the paper is 70gsm (instead of eg the 80gsm of the Leuchtturm or Midori). In the Midori I also don't like that the pager seems like see through?... I can always see my fingers underneath when I flip the pages while the paper is heavyweightes... and I somehow feel like it has a low key feel of the shiny parchment kitchen baking paper lol... 😂

[@caseyplans8669]

I'm the same with the MD paper! 😅I lean towards TRP anyway, but have tried MD, but it feels the same to me as you described. I feel like I'm not the only one now, lol 😂

[@iliana.m]

@@caseyplans8669 Lol !! Right?! I was also feeling very alone in this until now since also non of my real life friends couldn't understand this aspect of the paper lol 😂 I like the midori paper in the Travelers notebook, though, yes !!

[@caseyplans8669]

@@iliana.m i don't mind the TRC Midori paper either, I was referring to the Tomoe River paper, it's my fave! It works great with gel pens (if ink dries fast) and fountain pens. I think the Travelers co Midori paper feels a little different for their inserts, than in the Midori notebooks.. but who knows lol! Maybe I'm crazy but my husband knows more about paper types and my likes /dislikes than he probably wants to...no one in real life to talk to lol! 😅 I get it. 😂🙂

[@mohananchandroth3129]

Best wishes from India 🇮🇳 ❤.

[@LazyStory]

I am into Lamy Notebooks and the Leuchtturm1917 120g editons

[@avalonianwanderer2876]

If you want to try a "fun" ink, I'd suggest Jacques Herbin 1670 Émeraude de Chivor (Emerald of Chivor). It's absolutely glorious.

[@leahstanleigh2383]

I’ve been into the Hobonichi notebooks. Great paper (like the midori) and a very subtle grid. I don’t like lines or dots or grids that at really prominent either. I LOVE moleskin books except that they don’t handle fountain pens or watercolour well (I’m a watercolour artist obsessed with fountain pens) 😅

[@plan4life]

Did you tell us the price of the Midori?

[@victoriaamessir6794]

what size is u first two book moleskine, pocket , large ???? thank.

[@kmizo27]

I have the hardcover version of the expanded that I've been using since April 2020. I love using a fountain pen on it (I have a Pilot Prera with a Medium nib). It does slightly ghost, but I like the look of it. I have heard/experienced the paper quality for Moleskine isn't as good anymore so I don't think I'll be buying another one unless it's heavily discounted.

[@Wannaloom]

Would love to see how you trim.

[@SeaweedKisses]

I just get a razor and ruler, and swipe away! In my next video I'll explain it more in depth!

[@GraceKraft-i4n]

I just checked online/ Amazon for the MD midiori, it is $58

[@SeaweedKisses]

Keep checking on Amazon. Sometimes it does go on sale for $25-$30

[@lovelyindeed4526]

How do you keep these private?

[@SeaweedKisses]

You can keep them in a locked container or chest

[@lovelyindeed4526]

@@SeaweedKisses thank you 😊

[@Deboraha5903]

I checked your link. The moleskin is now $24.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yes, on Amazon, luckily. On Moleskine's main website, and retail shops, these are around $40.

[@torres870rem]

Any notebook from Dollar tree will do it

[@urbanfrog1]

Question here... the title of the video indicates it about doing a commonplace book, but you talk all the way through about art journalling, and what you show is art journalling, which is a completely different thing. Do you keep a commonplace book, or is it only art journalling?

[@JMercy_Pal]

Amazon: No shipment for India… why?? 😢😢😢😢

[@crystaljacob619]

I am so disappointed that I can't even use my fountain pen or highlighter on the moleskin pages. Art journal? I think not!

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yeah, that’s why I always encourage people to use what works best for them. If you enjoy fountain pen, perhaps try a Leuchtturm or Midori journal 🥰❤️

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I hate blank pages. They are the absolute worst.

[@SeaweedKisses]

Which is your favorite?