The Mind Behind Musubi Journals--an Interview with Daryl

This is an interview with Daryl of Atelier Musubi--those sometimes hard to find, wonderful, hand made, fountain pen friendly journals. I went to Singapore this past winter and was able to track him down and spend a few hours talking about his company, paper in general, and what is on the horizon for Musubi. It's mostly him answering questions with a little clarification from me from the information I got from him off camera. If your interested in fountain pen paper--he is an expert, and talks in detail about it's different characteristics.
Atelier Musubi musu.bi/
00:00 - Intro
01:55 - What is Musubi?
03:15 - Hand-bound Journals
04:01 - Folio Notebook
06:06 - What's Coming Up
08:21 - Paper Talk
14:18 - Choosing Paper
22:00 - Musubi Message

[@ger1g0]

Holy moley. This is probably the most informative video on paper I have ever watched. Everything else up to this point is pure speculation. Thanks again Inky Rocks for making this video, and Daryl for sitting down and allowing yourself to be videoed. You have such amazing knowledge that needs to be captured. Of course your social enterprise is REALLY admirable. Congrats on your laser vision and focus on using business to help the less fortunate.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks! I’ll pass on your words to him.

[@andrewr5411]

I was impressed with Daryl’s demeanor when I made a couple purchases at this weekend’s SF pen show. Now that I have heard his message about conscious consumption my admiration has grown larger. Meeting such an ethical and giving individual helps restore one’s faith in people.

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, he’s definitely a good voice to have in the community.

[@Alliejay-C]

He is a FANTASTIC person. Thank you for bringing him to us!

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome! Glad you found this a positive addition to the community!

[@AndrewWertheimer-xp8rb]

That was a wonderful interview. I had heard mention of Musubi, but did not know much about Daryl or his NPO. I really appreciated his insight on papermaking and paper properties and even more so his reflections on the perils of conscious consumption. I always love learning about Fountain Pens, and papers, but this was precisely what our community (including me )need. Our fountain pen community (like online reviews) tends to encourage a kind of OCD consumerist compulsion to collect every type of XX pen or notebook or paper. Certainly in this period of global warming, it is good to enjoy these in balance, while also keeping in mind the environmental record or SDG goals of pen manufacturers and the like. We can probably imagine the record of some of the companies that crank out tons of poor quality inexpensive pens compared with more artisan firms. So yes, we can still enjoy the food things in life (like nice paper or tea at the Raffles Hotel), while being more socially responsible with our hobby. Thanks for sharing this! PS I should also say that I enjoyed that Daryl is also a lover of stub nibs :). Great interview!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I really think he resonates with a lot of the pen community and has the ability to articulate it. 💕

[@AndrewWertheimer]

@@InkyRocks yes. Your interview took me to a higher plane that day. Enjoy SF Pen Show. I ‘saw’ you on Mike’s YT walk through of da show.

[@konradyearwood5845]

What a wonderful individual with a beautiful vision and focus. Bravo!

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, he’s passionate about his work!

[@user-ys6pt1dr2h]

I enjoyed the interview very much. I remember the ripple of panic going through the bujo and fp communities when the discontinuation of the old TR paper was announced, followed by "I bought n journals. This should last me a while." This reaction seems less pronounced with CAL. As a lefty, the longer dry times didn't outweigh the benefits. I thought Daryl made a good point about different use cases and finding the best paper for your individual scenario. Being more mindful about what we consume and not overbuying resonated with me. I'm guilty of having more stationery products than I can reasonably expect to use. Of course, I looked up the Musubi website after your interview. The pre-SF Pen Show newsletter was informative. But, for now, I need to make a dent in my stash before shopping for more, even though the journal cover made from Japanese silk was stunningly beautiful

[@InkyRocks]

He was a fun interview and really had some insightful things. Glad you enjoyed it-thanks.

[@lead-dog]

Excellent Alesa. I always love to find and hear people who have so much "subject matter expertise" on a particular product/subject etc...like you do on inks, pens and paper. Very thoughtful and well thought out young man. The world needs more people like him. Thanks so much for the treat. Have fun at the show.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you-I’m having a blast! He really is passionate about what he does!

[@barrychudakov1188]

I wait each week for your videos like a dog at the door waiting for his peeps to come home. You present such marvelous information and perspectives from Japan and the Far East. Your voice is soothing and authoritative You are are wonderful contributor to the global fountain pen community. Kudos!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find my vids useful. Keeps me going hahaha! Take care.

[@jayemery]

Daryl is amazing, I could listen to him talk about paper for hours. Thanks for doing this interview!

[@InkyRocks]

So glad you liked it!

[@tbayless8324]

I would want this man to be my mentor. He sounds wise and older than his years. For him to ask people to question about what they are buying, is the greatest advice anyone could ask for. I could sit in a room for hours and listen to him and would gain knowledge and feel refreshed.

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome! He has a pretty loyal following.

[@tbayless8324]

I can see why. I like your videos.@@InkyRocks

[@tbayless8324]

Merry Christmas..Alesa. I got a question please. Do you know what that picture is behind him is? It is very cool looking.@@InkyRocks

[@peggylove1]

Thank you for this, it was a wonderful interview. How lucky that we got to see this brilliant young man.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! So glad you found it so 💖

[@archivist17]

What a fascinating interview! I'm glad I saved it for a time when I could give it 100% attention with no interruptions. I particularly enjoyed his closing comments about conscious consumption. I think that many of us fall well short on this.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! It really was a fun interview to do!

[@paulavaden5139]

Thanks for taking the time to do this wonderful interview. I was just on Daryl's site reading his latest article. He needs to give a talk at the pen show. I think it behooves the pen community to educate themselves more about paper as it can be pretty confusing. I for one sometimes just want to make the one decision and stick with it. But there is much to explore and have fun with. The research is a little involved and can drag someone down who's all gung ho on beautiful pens and ink. However what good is the pen and ink without the medium to write on and hold it? I like what he said about not accumulating/hoarding (I see that alot online), being conscious about your purchasing, use what you have first, and when one thing goes away be open to new things.

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you hear what he is saying. I figure all paper will have a downside and just deal with it! Happy you enjoyed the interview!💜

[@Cheetarah]

This was such a joy to listen to, what an incredible knowledge Daryl has and still be so humble. Thank you for providing us with this outstanding interview ❤️

[@InkyRocks]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@aerbourne31]

Thank you for highlighting this business. I work with adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in a vocational setting. I will support another business that supports opportunities for this often overlooked population.

[@InkyRocks]

That is awesome! Besides being a social enterprise, his journals are really top notch.

[@octothorpe12]

What a fantastic interview!! Thank you both for doing this!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks. Glad you liked it!

[@catwhisperer911]

This was an awesome interview and thanks for sharing. I loved listening to Daryl and how passionate he is about his work and philosophy.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! He really is interesting to listen to.

[@mandiewrites4936]

Thanks so much! I miss you both. Oh, to have been in the next table listening in 😅 I really love what he said last about not necessarily needing to own that beautiful thing. It can just exist in the world. If it was always meant to be used and it ends up on gathering dust and/or forgotten, that's a little sad, isn't it?

[@InkyRocks]

Miss you! I ran into Leigh here at the SF Show and it just came flooding back. I was explaining to someone I was with that all pen shows have their strengths, but the Manila one is full of such passionate writers. It’s the use and love of pens that is important.

[@JannyHaak]

Thanks, Alesa and Daryl! That was so interesting, and way too short! Looking forward to part 2 😉

[@InkyRocks]

Well if I ever get back out to Singapore-I’ll go for a part 2! 💖

[@EastWind123]

What an excellent interview! He seems like a very sincere and knowledgeable man.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! He really is passionate about what he does.

[@EastWind123]

@@InkyRocks I just saw you on Mike Matteson's channel. I hope you're having a blast at the show!

[@InkyRocks]

@@EastWind123 I am! I just realized that I need to send him snacks from Japan!

[@sharonmunday3451]

What a fantastic interview. I really appreciated the breakdown of the papers and the properties of why a paper performs a certain way. Thanks so much for sharing 😊

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much-recalling glad you found it useful!

[@stevieladphrao4445]

Thank you for this wonderful interview. It’s always great to hear Daryl speak. I’m looking forward to his next collaboration with indigenous weavers!

[@InkyRocks]

Me too! I’m curious to see his “regular line up”-what he was talking about in his newsletter. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevieladphrao4445]

I’m hoping that the long awaited Folio Covers will be in the pipeline, but my understanding from Musini (either his post on Slack or from somewhere else - I can’t really point an accurate finger to where I heard this from him) was that Covid intervened in the production and he had to keep his Indonesian artisans safe from falling sick. But let’s see what he has up his sleeves.

[@stareenafraser]

Love his conscious consumerism outlook, i agree with this, i find the joy in my pens and paper when i use it :)

[@InkyRocks]

I think this is one of the reasons he resonates with many in the pen community.

[@pdtrubber]

What a great interview. I love honesty.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks-he was very interesting to talk to.

[@barrychudakov1188]

Fantastic interview and commentary!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you-glad you liked it!

[@coffeeandbarbells2271]

This was so interesting!

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you thought so-thanks!

[@incognitoedc]

Fascinating! I learned so much! Loved this!

[@InkyRocks]

I’m so glad! Thank you!

[@Snick3927]

Each in its own way, these videos are even more than usually dazzling-visually arresting (of course), highly informative and just inspiring. Thank you for your service(s), Alesa…

[@InkyRocks]

Oh thanks so much! Sometimes it’s hard to gauge what people will enjoy-but I figured I just needed to get this out because of its inherent value.

[@sriyaneedesilva844]

Thank you for this interview. Interesting

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you found it interesting!

[@gaylelalich6347]

Wonderful explanation of paper characteristics and conscious consumption!

[@InkyRocks]

He's the pro and has a very loyal following!

[@s.n.11]

I loved his message and I needed to hear it. Thanks for another wonderful video. Your content and your editing is excellent. ❤

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much-glad you got something out of the vid 💖

[@bodhitoro]

One of your finest! What a great freaking interview! Love Musubi. Also love the inky tea ink. 😂

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I think I used Sailor’s teatime ink in it.

[@joeinfranca49]

This was one of the most informative, enlightening, and thought-provoking videos I've come across. As always, your videos are superb !

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! I can’t always tell what people may like, but I wanted to get his info out.

[@rohitpid]

Thank you so much for this. Maybe we'll see you tomorrow!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks! Did I meet you? I’m having fun throwing my wallet down. Got some really fun stuff!

[@rohitpid]

@@InkyRocks sadly it was too crowded and we didn't see you. We met Drew from Goulet pens and Daryl from Musubi. Maybe I will see you next year.

[@InkyRocks]

@@rohitpid yes it was nuts and I was in several classes. Hope you enjoyed yourself 💖

[@Danny.._]

this guy is awesome

[@InkyRocks]

He certainly knows a lot about paper!

[@ChadHerring]

This was delightful. Thank you!

[@InkyRocks]

So glad you liked it!

[@cerealnana]

What a fantastic interview! I love everything about this!

[@InkyRocks]

Great! I’m so glad you did! 💕

[@CDGOUI]

This was so informative. Thank you!

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you found it informative--thanks!

[@pattachan]

Awesome interview! Always nice to hear from the people who make the things we buy!

[@InkyRocks]

Seriously. It really is neat to know more about some of the products we use!

[@InkyRocks]

Also-great finally meeting you! 💕

[@pattachan]

@@InkyRocks same! I love meeting all the fun pen people in person!

[@oldladywithacamera]

So interesting. Thank you.

[@InkyRocks]

So glad you found it interesting!

[@Perelka_L]

That's an absolutely lovely interview! I always kept an eye on Musubi despite it being out of my reach due to just wanting to see what they do, and Daryl seems like a great person in emails so that was cool to hear as well!! Thank you.

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you got something out of it. I recommend people to subscribe to his newsletter even though they may not buy things. It’s just so informative.

[@theresa_lili]

Great company profile. This was a great interview. Thank you for sharing with us

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks-glad you got something out of it 💖

[@yesimthatlisa]

Wow - such an amazing and excellent interview/chat!!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much!

[@creatifnomad]

Thank you for hunting him down otherwise I would have missed some wise words. ❤

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! I’m glad you got something out of it!

[@AndrewHewson]

Very interesting and informative

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you!

[@kathrynsargent5769]

Excellent!

[@InkyRocks]

Many thanks! 💖

[@sissiwang1697]

thank you for the informative interview. can we hope for an inky rocks review of the new rasa and halus papers mentioned in the last musubi newletter? ;)

[@InkyRocks]

Ah, that would be fun! He did say something about “humidity shock” and it made me think of weird stuff you can do to paper hahaha!

[@jonnybardo4083]

Great video. Definitely sold me on his product and, more importantly, giving him some of my money (based on what he said at the end...ballsy for a shop-owner to advocate for conscious consumption).

[@InkyRocks]

Definitely! I think he follows thru with his convictions.

[@zenandink3531]

🙏🏼😊

[@InkyRocks]

💕💜

[@Linkuji-Ouji]

Wow I always assumed gsm was all about thickness! I always went with more was best for like watercolor painting

[@InkyRocks]

I’m not sure if that transfers to water color. But what he is saying for fountain pens is absolutely true.

[@miroslavpavlemanovski3886]

🎁🖋️✨

[@InkyRocks]

💕

[@VincentDuxD]

Ahh, engineering talks, I live off of these info 😂

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! Glad you liked it!