Kat's life in Cali

I just want to do a quick comparison of black leather samples I received from Van Der Spek facebook page.  One of the member who ordered the samples is kind enough to pass the leather samples to next person.  Once I decided on what to get, I will do so as well. I am not a black binder person, yet, I am very impressed with Water Buffalo leather, especially the texture and matte finish!  My next custom order is highly likely going to be a black one.  Leather sample set, Janet black, Mandarin, Green Apple, Water Buffalo, Menta Nappa, Nero, Red Italian Janet Leather, Water Buffalo, Nero   Janet Leather, Water Buffalo, Nero  Janet Leather Water Buffalo Nero 

Since I learned and started  using the traveler's notebook back in 2014, I have fallen in love with the system and given up all my ring binders.  I love the rustic and freedom of the traveler's notebook, yet, I miss the functionality the ring binders offers.  A traveler's notebook is basically a piece of leather with elastic strings holding the notebook.  I have been searching for a leather notebook that offers high quality leather with pockets.  Let me tell you, the journey isn't easy.  I have gone through several sleepless nights browsing on etsy, instagram, pinterest and facebook and purchased several different notebooks from various artisans.  None of the notebooks won my heart  until I met Gillio Giramondo .    Here is my Giramondo in Grey Epoca Leather    Gillio Giramondo comes with a sturdy box and dust bag just like a premium designer handbags   Inside of the notebook has four credit card...

So I have been hunting for a A5 grid notebook for my newly purchase Van Der Spek Codex Cover. I have eliminate Hobonichi A5 as I don't use the monthly for my journal.  Also I am not considering Leuchtturm as I don't want a hard cover notebook.  After doing some research, I have few options to go with Seven Seas "Crossfield" ( Click Here ) $26 + shipping Paper type: Tomoe River Pages: 480 pages Notebook thickness: 15 mm thick Grid Size: 5 mm cross grid Cover: Fabric coated semi soft material Nitoms Stalogy 365 Days Notebook A5 ( Click Here ) $25.75 Paper type: Unknown but has been tested as fountain pen and watercolor friendly Pages: 368 pages Notebook thickness: 14 mm thick Grid Size: It does not specified on the website, yet, looks like it is a 3-4mm grid Cover: Soft cover like Hobonichi I discovered this by watching MissVickybee youtube ( Click Here ).  Midori MD A5 Notebook ( Click Here ) $13.76 Paper type...

Who is joining March 2016 Hobonichi Challenge? I use it as my watercoloring and journaling promps... It is so fun and keep me want to draw and journal on daily basis.  Go on IG and search for #hobonichichallenge for photos and details