Midori travellers notebook

[Toffer]

Has anyone got or played with a travellers notebook? I'm thinking of getting one but am not sure yet, would love to be able to touch and look at one in the flesh but don't know of any shops that sell them in the UK.
They are quite expensive but look really nice what do people think?
I have watched Brian Goulets excellent video on it and looked at all the different extras on various websites.
So basically are they worth it, and which size should I get? Leaning towards the passport size one.

[magnesium68]

They are interesting but.... 50$ for a piece of leather and elastic ,its crazy!

[KrazyIvan]

I have a hand made alternative made by a nice lady in Japan. She calls it the Brain Pocket. Unfortunately it seems she is not making them anymore. There are plenty of alternatives. I see Davisleatherworks.com has some. It's the bandit apple version.

[fountainpenkid]

I think it seems expensive as well, but it can b re-used with the refill system. Brian Goulet's video convinced me...lol

[Bogon07]

They are interesting but.... 50$ for a piece of leather and elastic ,its crazy!
Well there are two different coloured bits of elastic included plus a metal toggle clip thing, oh and a bunch of packaging.

I've been tempted too; looking at the ones on display a Kinokuniya but the suspicion of falling for marketing over comonsense has stopped my credit card from taking a hiding. Brian did a fantastic job of 'selling' the concept. Scription has some good DYI planner inserts for the system on his site:
http://scription.typepad.com/blog/2011/11/scription-chronodex-weekly-planner-2012-free-download-with-the-cost-of-a-prayer.html

I hoping those people that make cheap leather wallets for the discount shops cotton onto this.

Actually I'm surprised that Moleskine haven't started their own version although I would expect theirs to be around the same price range. They could really go to town on this and release yearly special edition toggles for the rubberbands and bookmarks.

[Toffer]

Thanks KI, for some reason I hadn't thought about alternatives on Etsy etc. Got to caught up in the marketing! The Davis leather works look good! Will have to search around a bit more. Thanks Bogon will take a look at that.

[TheRoXFiles]

Glad to see this thread here--I think I've been caught up in the marketing too, just a bit.

As magnesium68 says...ultimately, you're still just paying for a piece of leather and some elastic. It's still really cool that a notebook built this way can be customized so easily because its construction is simple like that, but still... :/ For me, the problem is, if I splurge on one of these Midori notebooks, am I actually going to use it, or do I just like it because it's a novel little toy for me? I suspect that for me, it's the latter, meaning I'd be wasting my money on one of these...so I'm going to want to wait and see how I might actually need one of these notebooks first. Besides--I'd rather use the $50 for the TWSBI Diamond 580. :)

[KrazyIvan]

A nice think about those alternatives is you can still use all the fancy Midori accessories if you want.

Here are some pictures of my Brain Pocket.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/sets/72157616964478679/

[TheRoXFiles]

This is reminding me of a couple of the issues I have with this style of notebook...for one thing, I wish there were more colors. For another, well...couldn't this same notebook be made with other materials aside from leather? Or another size? I can understand why the full-sized Midori notebook is shaped the way it is, since the Japanese can write vertically, not just horizontally, if they want. But I wouldn't mind something more squarish, either. This is a big reason why I wouldn't want to splurge on that full-sized Midori, for example, and why I think it'd be little more than a toy for me, in my case--I don't know how much use I'd get out of a notebook that has those dimensions, and I think that roughly $50 is too high a price for me to find out. :/

[Toffer]

Its a shame the Brain pocket isn't made any more, looks really nice! The things I like about the Midori the most are the fact you can put more than one notepad in. I think I would use it if I could do this, so have a diary, lined notepad, plain notepad etc in it. And that you can put replacements in when you have filled them! But the thing putting me off is the price!! Im looking at the pocket sized one as I think the large is to big for me to carry around. I haven't really found anything similar yet though apart from the Davis leather works one. Most are notebooks with a leather cover attached.

[Bogon07]

There are a few DYI threads on FPN including the Davis Leather one

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/216787-homemade-midori-style-leather-notebook/
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/227728-davis-leatherworks-simple-notebook-cover/
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/240062-homemade-travellers-notebook/

One good idea I have read about was to reverse the cover so the knot at the back was not under you all the time. I suppose it would be a problem it you write on the back of the pages all the time.

[KrazyIvan]

There are tons of leather covers to be had on Etsy. Here are some tips when shopping for a leather cover. This is just from my experience buying different leather notebook covers. Most everyone is marketing to Moleskine users because that's what a large percentage of the population knows. That makes searching for your cover a little easier if you add "Moleskine" to your searches.

If you find a cover that fits the small Moleskine cahier, it will fit Field Notes, Doanne Paper, Clairfontaine Life.Unplugged pocket notebooks and Banditapple Peewee size. Pretty much any soft cover notebook in the 3.5"x 5.5" size will fit.

If it fits the Moleskine Small hard bound notebook, it fits Rhodia Webbie - small and Clairfontaine Life.Unpluged pocket notebooks, just slightly loose since they are not as thick. They still work. I think the small Luechterm (sp?) will work too but I will have to check on that when I get home. I forgot if it does or not.

If it fits the large Moleskine hard bound books, it fits Picadilly Medium Soft bound and hard bound books. It will NOT work with Rhodia Large Webbies.

Handy size Banditapple notebooks fit Midori covers and Brain Pocket.

[Bogon07]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n25g9LOpmk8 Midori Traveler's Notebook: the cult of adventure journaling a video review by Pelahale. Very detailed about 19 minutes long includes a comparison between the regular and passport versions. He also discusses alternatives along with the many accessories available. Fascinating and informative. I can see from this that I would have a lot of trouble not over-accessorizing to the point it would be too big to fit in any pocket I have.

[KrazyIvan]

Nice one Bogon. I need to catch up on Pelehale's channel.

One other thing I forgot. Passport covers work great on the Moleskine Cahier sized notebooks. I have one in a nice soft brown leather. I don't have an inside picture though.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6066/6096883311_1009c77a0d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6096883311/)
Leather Notebook and "El Grande" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6096883311/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6153/6255604962_e34d428ebd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6255604962/)
2011-10-17 14.54.37.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6255604962/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

[Bogon07]

That looks rather nice KI.

There was also an interesting bamboo notebook cover on kickstarter last year the pandapad but there doesnot seem to be much activity on their site these days.
http://thebeehive.net.au/products/pandapad

I notice there is a metal case like cover now on kickstarter for small & medium pads. Sort of the anthesis of a leather cover.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/klinkokids/ipx-pro-notebook-covers

[KrazyIvan]

That looks rather nice KI.

I notice there is a metal case like cover now on kickstarter for small & medium pads. Sort of the anthesis of a leather cover.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/klinkokids/ipx-pro-notebook-covers

Aluminum-Magnesium alloy? Doesn't that remind you of Minidisc units, Bogon? :D I like that cover!!! My phone case is the same concept.

[Bogon07]

Aluminum-Magnesium alloy? Doesn't that remind you of Minidisc units, Bogon? :D I like that cover!!! My phone case is the same concept.

Yes it does a bit. I recall seeing some-one using a gutted MD player for carrying tobacco on a train once. I wonder if you could fit one of those micro-moleskine notebooks into one.


The also look like the LE steelbook covers for DVD & Blu-rays. mmmm They could be used for some of those bigger thinner notebooks.

[Bogon07]

Daycraft HandyPick holders could be used in a similar manner to the MTN system. I've yet to see any of these but I like some of their other notebooks with soft pseudo leather covers.
http://www.daycraft.com.hk/products/accessories/handy-pick-holder.html

They also have a range of notebooks and accessories for them
http://www.daycraft.com.hk/products/accessories/handy-pick-extras.html

[Toffer]

Ordered a Davis leather works pocket notebook today, looking forward to seeing what its like, the photos aren't great on the website.

[Bogon07]

Ordered a Davis leather works pocket notebook today, looking forward to seeing what its like, the photos aren't great on the website.
What type and colour did you select ?

[earthdawn]

Ordered a Davis leather works pocket notebook today, looking forward to seeing what its like, the photos aren't great on the website.

Gourmet Pens did a great review.... nice pics to... Makes me want one !

http://www.gourmetpens.com/2012/08/review-davis-leatherworks-35-x-55.html#.UUKpnqXns20

[Toffer]

What type and colour did you select ?

I went for the burgundy pocket notebook, looks nice looking forward to it, will have a look at that review Earth dawn, thanks.

[KrazyIvan]

For what Davis Leather charges, you really can't go wrong. It is very reasonable, even with the recent price increase.

[Carole]

Thanks to everyone on this thread, I received a Davis Leatherworks notebook cover this week! (gift from houseguests/cousins who hijacked my computer while visiting;)

Out of respect to Toffer, I'll not post pictures until the OP's package arrives. But I really like mine, it's the gold one, with a stamped floral design. As soon as the zipbag Midori insert is available, I plan to add that, and this little guy will be certified road-ready. Perfect for weekend conferences, workshops, too. Very handsome, very useful!

[KrazyIvan]

My Midori look-a-like. I have been using it a lot more. Added a Banditapple calendar, My work notebook (Field Notes size) slides into it easily. I have a blank notebook in it also. I don't have any pockets to speak of so I use a binder clip to clip scrap pieces of paper to the inside back cover.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8590054002_b9aa6ec5f8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/8590054002/)
Using my Brain Pocket more and more. I think it's all those pictures of cool looking TN's that have me going. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/8590054002/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

[Tracy Lee]

Nice looking!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Toffer]

Thanks to everyone on this thread, I received a Davis Leatherworks notebook cover this week! (gift from houseguests/cousins who hijacked my computer while visiting;)

Out of respect to Toffer, I'll not post pictures until the OP's package arrives. But I really like mine, it's the gold one, with a stamped floral design. As soon as the zipbag Midori insert is available, I plan to add that, and this little guy will be certified road-ready. Perfect for weekend conferences, workshops, too. Very handsome, very useful!

Go for it Carole!! It will get me even more excited about getting mine!! What do you think of the notebook it comes with? I have seen reviews of the Field Notes notebook's that say they don't like fountain pens! Have you looked at any alternatives yet?
And the Midori inserts are smaller are they not?
KI yours looks great, is it a passport size or larger?

[KrazyIvan]

KI yours looks great, is it a passport size or larger?

It is the same size an the larger TN.

I just got my small Midori pen holder a few minutes ago. It is perfect for my needs. You clip the holder to your notebook and your pen clips to it. I figured that was a better for fountain pens. I read that the the large pen holder is a bit small for fountain pens unless you use smaller diameter pens.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8591016106_9d97711d27_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/8591016106/)
Midori small pen holder came in (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/8591016106/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

[Carole]

Go for it Carole!! It will get me even more excited about getting mine!! What do you think of the notebook it comes with? I have seen reviews of the Field Notes notebook's that say they don't like fountain pens! Have you looked at any alternatives yet?
And the Midori inserts are smaller are they not?
KI yours looks great, is it a passport size or larger?

Toffer, I was SOOOO hoping you'd say that! I'll be back to post pix later on. ;)

It came with a blank Field Notes, which fits this passport size very well. I really like the notebook! I'll do some ink tests on my FN and show you the results in the pix.

I also tried a few other small notebooks I had, and will show you those results too. So far the FN fits best. I think the Midori zip envelope thing will also work well but I don't have that yet.

As for other alternatives, I did find a source for papers from Japan, including Life, and am getting a sample pack of their stuff. The source is: www.nanamipaper.com The owner is Dave, a very nice guy: we had a great email talk about the utter coolness of Itoya in Tokyo and other Japanese stationery stores. I think he's potentially "one of us." lol I'll report back when I get the samples.

Of course, Azizah's review of Eric's paper gifted originally by Steve, started that particular Geek train rolling.

Back later with more info and pix.

[earthdawn]

Thanks to everyone on this thread, I received a Davis Leatherworks notebook cover this week! (gift from houseguests/cousins who hijacked my computer while visiting;)

Out of respect to Toffer, I'll not post pictures until the OP's package arrives. But I really like mine, it's the gold one, with a stamped floral design. As soon as the zipbag Midori insert is available, I plan to add that, and this little guy will be certified road-ready. Perfect for weekend conferences, workshops, too. Very handsome, very useful!

I contacted "Dave" ~ I meant CHRIS lol, through his site... no reply in 3 days.

Did you contact him through direct email or his site?

I decided i am going to get one from him in a custom size... just need to hear back from him.

[Carole]

I contacted Dave through his site... no reply in 3 days.
Did you contact him through direct email or his site?

Earthdawn: Dave at Nanami Paper, you mean? I emailed him, at about 1am Pacific, and he wrote back right away. Or did you mean Chris, at Davis Leatherworks? My notebook is just off the shelf, so didn't have to contact Chris.

Ok, apologizing for the pix/handwriting, et. al.--this is the gold embossed passport size Davis Leatherworks notebook cover. Next to my iPhone BookBook for reference. I just put a key charm on there quickly because it's easier to get hold of the band that way.

1. The Field Notes notebook fits great, I think you could get 3 laced up with no problem. The paper did ok with fp's, but show/bleedthrough for sure. One side use only. Feathering, yes, with the vintage pens, I guess the feed is overly enthusiastic or something.

2. This is called the 'Petite Notebook', I found it at my local bookstore (Vromans Pasadena). About the same as the FN, ref. feathers and show-through. Nice paper. This style doesn't work as well cuz it's not staple-bound for glory, but it's ok.

3. This is a Metropolitan Museum 3-pack of notebooks, I'd gotten cuz it's purty. Didn't fit within the parameters, tho I don't mind this look. These are heavy cardstock covers, and two of them fit mighty fine.

I'll use this a lot, I'm sure. A 4x6 would be nice too. The fun factor is at about a million with these things, isn't it? Why, yes. Yes it is.

[earthdawn]

Yes I meant to say Chris....

The cover looks really nice. Certainly can't go wrong for the price.

My thing is that i would really like it to be as versatile as the Midori. I was thinking I wanted one in the A5 size while I was having one made. Thing is notebooks like Clairefontaines A5 are a little wider lol. I found out they dont all follow the exact A5 widths.

[Toffer]

I tried contacting Chris through his website as well but didn't receive a reply so perhaps you need to contact him direct. As for refills I have found one Rhodia pad that fits and I thought I had seen a Clairfontaine one as well but will have to check that. I have seen some others I would like to try such as Apica but they are a bit expensive to ship from the States.

[Carole]

I tried contacting Chris through his website as well but didn't receive a reply so perhaps you need to contact him direct. As for refills I have found one Rhodia pad that fits and I thought I had seen a Clairfontaine one as well but will have to check that. I have seen some others I would like to try such as Apica but they are a bit expensive to ship from the States.

The Clairefontaine staplebound is the one I'll probably be using most, but I thought those odd notebooks (pictured above) adapted pretty well. Or would the over/under drive you crazy? There's also Doane, the Midori passport refill, and the one from Jetpens. Along with FN. That's quite a few!

[Toffer]

I would rather they didn't stick out of the leather, anyone know of a good suppliers for the UK. Jetpens seems good, but its about 12 dollars shipping over here!

[thagbert]

Davis Leather offers virtually the same thing for a fraction of the price.

Davis Leather (http://www.etsy.com/listing/105406057/simple-35x55-leather-notebook-cover?ref=shop_home_feat)

[Toffer]

Davis Leather offers virtually the same thing for a fraction of the price.

Davis Leather (http://www.etsy.com/listing/105406057/simple-35x55-leather-notebook-cover?ref=shop_home_feat)

We know that's where this thread has got 2.
And.......
Mine has arrived, photos to follow shortly, it looks sweeeeet though!!

[earthdawn]

My thing is that A5 paper is listed online as being 14.8cm by 21cm for A5 size

Here is the problem. I took some Tomoe River paper and folder it in half thinking that was the true A4 size. Thats the cream color in the middle. it is 14.8cm x 21cm
Now my Clairefontaine notebook is still a little wider, the blue. and is 16.5cm x 21cm
The Banditapple Carnet Handy Notebook, on top in green is a little less wide. It is listed as 11cm x 21cm

So .... are the Banditapple and Clairefontaine just not real A5 size? And if not why would they make them just a little off size?

Having someone like Chris make a custom one I can make it wider so the wider notebooks dont stick out. It just leaves me more options when choosing what notebook I put in my cover.

http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac10/thevaporcafe/9B41D5FA-0578-4D73-9132-1D2B66E7EBC2-2396-0000008B10074383_zpsbe599eb8.jpg

[Carole]

Toffer: congratulations! Can't wait to see the pix! How's the FN paper doing with your pens and inks so far?

Earthdawn: I am so not a numbers person, those measurements made my head spin around Exorcist-style. Your custom notebook sounds like a good idea now! Maybe we need a special "PULP AFFLICTION" support group for Notebookers. ;-)

[earthdawn]

Earthdawn: I am so not a numbers person, those measurements made my head spin around Exorcist-style. Your custom notebook sounds like a good idea now! Maybe we need a special "PULP AFFLICTION" support group for Notebookers. ;-)

LOL... I am not a numbers person either... I had to google what was what.

My thought was that since Chris knows how to make what I/we need as a notebook cover then getting him to do a different size, which he offers, would be ideal.
My current quest is to decide what the best size will be. At this point I am thinking, if he ever gets back to me, that a size for the Clairefontaine will be best. It will allow for most any size. While it will be a little large or wide for some at least the notebooks wont be sticking out.

[Tracy Lee]

I am enjoying lurking in this thread. Neat stuff you guys have. Where does one get Tomoe River paper? I have received a few letters on it and like the look and feel. I am snobby about my paper but try to try new things and this seems to make the cut. Thanks!

[KrazyIvan]

I am not good with metric when it comes to paper sizes. The Banditapple notebooks are sized a little odd but they fit Midori TN notebooks.

[earthdawn]

I am enjoying lurking in this thread. Neat stuff you guys have. Where does one get Tomoe River paper? I have received a few letters on it and like the look and feel. I am snobby about my paper but try to try new things and this seems to make the cut. Thanks!

The Tomoe River paper I got was pure luck. There was a group buy on FPN and a couple of people flaked out so I jumped in lol...

GREAT STUFF !!!

[Bogon07]

I am not good with metric when it comes to paper sizes. The Banditapple notebooks are sized a little odd but they fit Midori TN notebooks.
Here you are; go and memorise this.....there will be a test later.

You only need to really remember one size say A4 then next size down A5 is just the A4 folded in half on the longer edge and so on.

[KrazyIvan]

Here you are; go and memorise this.....there will be a test later.

You only need to really remember one size say A4 then next size down A5 is just the A4 folded in half on the longer edge and so on.

The thing is that TN sizes (large) are not really A4 or A5. It is something in between.

[ullixx]

I have a MTN Passport Size and wanted to make my own inserts. Haven't got around to that but found some fitting passport size Notebooks for cheap at a MUJI Store, they're either dark red or dark blue with plain paper. http://www.muji.de/de/store/goods/4548076711971

[Toffer]

Here is my Davis Leatherworks passport size notebook: 1947
1948

And the back of the field notes page I wrote on: 1949

Apart from the bleed through they don't write on as bad as I thought they may.

Aside from the actual notebook I'm really pleased with the leather cover, its a nice colour and feels really nice and supple, it doesn't very strongly of leather though, which is a shame because I like the smell.
I have been looking at other notebooks to put in them and so far found the Clairefontaine pocket exercise books have the right dimensions and also the Rhodia cahier books but they seem hard to get unless you want twenty!
The Midori inserts are slightly shorter I believe, so I don't think I would want a smaller notebook in there unless I had a bigger one with it to prevent the leather getting bent out of shape. But I may get the pocket inserts as they would do nothing to hold the shape whatever size they were I guess.

[KrazyIvan]

Here is my Davis Leatherworks passport size notebook: 1947
1948

And the back of the field notes page I wrote on: 1949

Apart from the bleed through they don't write on as bad as I thought they may.

Aside from the actual notebook I'm really pleased with the leather cover, its a nice colour and feels really nice and supple, it doesn't very strongly of leather though, which is a shame because I like the smell.
I have been looking at other notebooks to put in them and so far found the Clairefontaine pocket exercise books have the right dimensions and also the Rhodia cahier books but they seem hard to get unless you want twenty!
The Midori inserts are slightly shorter I believe, so I don't think I would want a smaller notebook in there unless I had a bigger one with it to prevent the leather getting bent out of shape. But I may get the pocket inserts as they would do nothing to hold the shape whatever size they were I guess.

Very nice. The Life.Unplugged books by Clairefontaine also work with them.

[Carole]

TOFFER: Here is my Davis Leatherworks passport size notebook:
Toffer, Felicitations! It's lovely. So happy you are pleased with it! About the issue of the bendy-ness, you've probably seen those heavy-kraft-paper inserts for the Midori?
Easy to diy those and if you arrange it so that's the first item next to the cover, it really does keep the shape intact. Wow, channeling Martha Stewart just then.

Krazy Ivan: that pen clip is really nice! Does it detach or is it affixed for all eternity? Thanx also for the info on Life Unplugged.

And I just got the Midori zipper envelope thing, it's very nice. I like the idea of making paper refills from loose paper and plan to do that, too.

Earthdawn: great news on your bespoke cover, look forward to seeing it soon! Lotta fun still being had around here. :cool:

[KrazyIvan]

Krazy Ivan: that pen clip is really nice! Does it detach or is it affixed for all eternity? Thanx also for the info on Life Unplugged.

And I just got the Midori zipper envelope thing, it's very nice. I like the idea of making paper refills from loose paper and plan to do that, too.



It is detachable by a heavy metal clip that really grabs on to the leather. It feels pretty secure. Once the leather band is closing the notebook, the strap is keeping the pen from moving around too. So far, I have been EDC'ing it with no problems.

I did a slight modification to my binder clip paper holder. I took the back cover of my last notebook and used the binder clip to hold the bottom of the cover to the leather cover. This creates a pocket very similar to those Moleskine cahier pockets. I can slip small pieces of paper and some business cards there instead of clipping them to the notebook. It seems to work so far.

[Bogon07]

There is a blog dedicated to the Traveller's Notebook:
http://travelers-notes.blogspot.co.uk/
There is some news about a limited Travellers Star Edition party in Hong Kong, a special box edition by Patrick Ng of Scription blog fame. No wonder he has not updated his site for a while.
Also should it be Traveller or Traveler. One L looks wrong to me and throws up a a red wiggly underline so phhhhhfff.

There seems to be an interesting parallel between Midori and Moleskine marketing on the romantizised theme of nomadic travel.
Sort of ironic that the 5th Anniversary Star LE is about a Hong Kong ferry harbour crossing not international travel.

Now the Goulet Pen Co is going to have the Passbook size Star edition in an attractive camel colour.
http://www.gouletpens.com/Midori_Travelers_Star_Edition_Notebook_p/tn15134006.htm
I'll have to try and not look to closely at the Midori cabinet in the Kinokuniya Sydney shop.

[PeppWaves03]

Ok after reading all this I couldn't help myself and ordered the horween rust football notebook cover:) i was so close to buying the three pack but stopped myself. There are even covers for 10 bucks!

[KrazyIvan]

Ok after reading all this I couldn't help myself and ordered the horween rust football notebook cover:) i was so close to buying the three pack but stopped myself. There are even covers for 10 bucks!

Yeah, I ordered a $10 cover just to get a look. :) should be here any day now.

[Bogon07]

Now the Goulet Pen Co is going to have the Passbook size Star edition in an attractive camel colour.
http://www.gouletpens.com/Midori_Travelers_Star_Edition_Notebook_p/tn15134006.htm
I'll have to try and not look to closely at the Midori cabinet in the Kinokuniya Sydney shop.

Stupid, stupid, stupid......today I did look and I find Kinokuniya does have camel Star Edition Midori and a whole pile of accessories all looking gorgeous but I just can't do it at $70 for a piece of leather & rubberbands (+$$$ for the accessories) even if they made it from Wagyu beef hide.
The extras have a certain charm to them, even special washi tape. :cry:

[CapeClear]

I am so strongly considering ordering a full sized TN from pencils.jp. This thread hasn't helped!

[jbb]

I just made this 6¼" x 4½" Midori style notebook. I have some old onionskin paper that is 8½" x 5" so I made a little notebook out of that. I used oil tanned leather, which looks nice but may be too soft. I also couldn't get my crimp bead to hold and used a barrel clasp with a spring mechanism inside that releases only when squeezed.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/9332411744_00bc982bb5_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/9329616247_ca3179356d_c.jpg

[TMac]

jbb, that is a great looking notebook. Where did you get the leather?

[cwent2]

Great job! Just in between a passbook size and a full size.

cw

[earthdawn]

NICE !!!

Well done...

Is it me or does it look just like a real Midori ???

[jbb]

jbb, that is a great looking notebook. Where did you get the leather?

Thanks. My day-job involves working with leather so it was a random scrap on a pile. :) Tandy Leather is a good place to buy leather.

[ypsilanti]

I have a Davis leather cover and it's terrific. I usually switch between using Field Notes and Doane pocket notebooks. The Clairfontaine pocket notebooks, both the original side-stapled and the new 1951 Collection are the best paper you'll find for FP-friendly 3.5" x 5.5" notebooks. AND they have twice the paper as FN or Doane. Twice as much! Oh, but all that ruling. Lines, lines, lines. Aargh. If Clairefontaine would make this blank or with dots or grid, it would become my one-and-only. Anyhow, I chose the Davis because of the price and versatility -- just so many more options for notebooks. And we love our notebooks!

Inspired by Midori accessories, I made a folder to hold the 3x5 cards that I also use for making notes. [Here goes my first attempt to attach images!]
4091409240934094

The pattern for the Midori Kraft file is here, just tweak the size to fit your own notebook:
http://mylifeallinoneplace.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/make-your-own-midori-travelers-notebook.html

[jbb]

Great job! Just in between a passbook size and a full size.

cw

What are the sizes of "real" Midori notebooks?.... and are those the size that people in the U.S. want to fit their notebooks?

[MisterBoll]

What are the sizes of "real" Midori notebooks?.... and are those the size that people in the U.S. want to fit their notebooks?

The notebook - 3.5" x 4.75"
The leather - 7.75" x 5.25"

[velo]

I am so strongly considering ordering a full sized TN from pencils.jp. This thread hasn't helped!

I bought my passport size TN from them. It was the cheapest I found online. Very friendly service and fast international postage.