My (Heavily Personalised) Midori Traveler's Notebook - Pics!

January 24, 2014

I thought you might like to see my mk 2 no pen holder as yet I might just leave that out

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/12124818664_1e5a9c222a_o.jpg

Edges need to be finished and a book mark if I decide to fit one.

February 11, 2014

Here is my second attempt at a midori style notebook holder I started with a piece of full grain leather it is super soft.

I decided to line this cover with suede I am making it as a gift for a friend and want it to be special.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/12436011085_c05752046f_o.jpg
IMG_6598_1 by my0771, on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/12436019075_dbfa99a0de_o.jpg
IMG_6600_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I punched the holes and glued the suede in place this is where things went wrong I applied the glue to the inside and positioned the suede unfortunately the glue seeped through the holes and soaked into the leather.

I did not notice this until I applied the mink oil to the outside as it went through the holes onto the clean paper beneath and marked the suede liner.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/12455552365_1b4b444ece_o.jpg
IMG_6609_1 by my0771, on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/12456071314_e522a2b96c_o.jpg
IMG_6607_1 by my0771, on Flickr

So it is back to stage one and a new piece of leather Which I have cut to shape and applied the mink oil I will glue the suede in place and punch the holes at the end

I hope that my mistakes may help others who want to have a go

Michael

February 11, 2014

I am wondering if you can salvage this one for some use, if not for a gift, (because we always like gifts to be perfect, don't we?) by dying it a darker color. The oil would be less noticeable. Or maybe take as much of the oil out as possible first, by use of talk or whatever, and then dye it.

Leather isn't cheap, so if it can be made useful, especially with hours already into it, more to the good, I tend to think. But of course sometimes these things happen and really, all one wants to do is see the back of it... well, at least for me...

T

February 11, 2014

I agree it would be a shame to waste it this leather was really expensive so I have finished it

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/12461162165_28b2ebb69a_o.jpg
IMG_6611_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I had ordered some original refills

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/12461169185_a46b437587_o.jpg
IMG_6613_1 by my0771, on Flickr

The areas where the glue had touched were sealed and would not take any colour.

I had thought of offering it to someone on fpn but my daughter came home from college and loved it so it is in her bag now.

Michael

February 11, 2014

One of the advantages of the travelers notebooks is that they will inevitably get beaten up. The marks may be distracting initially, but after traveling a bit and being thrown around in bags and pockets, the marks will just be some more of the wear and tear of use.

February 11, 2014

One of the advantages of the travelers notebooks is that they will inevitably get beaten up. The marks may be distracting initially, but after traveling a bit and being thrown around in bags and pockets, the marks will just be some more of the wear and tear of use.

Indeed yes! Each subsequent scratch, stain, and dent becomes yet another endearing customization. What's not to love about the Traveler? (((. . . sigh . . .)))

February 13, 2014

I agree the nature of these covers is that they improve as they age.

My third attempt is almost complete as with the second I oiled it at an early stage which was a mistake I decided I prefer the darker colours so I have dyed the leather mahogany.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/12500833053_64a6baa670_o.jpg

IMG_6645_1 by my0771, on Flickr

Once the dye has dried I will give it a buff to add a little shine

Thanks

Michael

March 7, 2014

This is my Field notes sized version so far.

Davis Leatherworks cover, extra holes by me, Tamoe river paper planner, jotter and journal-type booklet.

Strange nut bookmark , and buttons from "Duttons for Buttons" shop.

Leuchtterm pen loop

TWSBI mini with Pendleton Panache point nib

http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz194/english_john/IMG_11022_zpse8ea5627.jpg

http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz194/english_john/IMG_10992_zps368bdbc5.jpg

http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz194/english_john/IMG_11002_zps8c3b06b8.jpg

http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz194/english_john/IMG_11042_zps4ed17941.jpg

March 7, 2014

I love this. I gobbled up the details because I too have a Midori and carry it everyday just in case I feel inspired to write or doodle (an artist I'm not, just a doodler). Thanks so much for sharing this; I enjoy pouring through other people's books. Maybe I'll share...

March 8, 2014

This is my Field notes sized version so far.
Davis Leatherworks cover, extra holes by me, Tamoe river paper planner, jotter and journal-type booklet.
Strange nut bookmark , and buttons from "Duttons for Buttons" shop.
Leuchtterm pen loop
TWSBI mini with Pendleton Panache point nib

Question -Did you change the Davis rubber fastener to an elastic cord?

March 8, 2014

Yes, I changed the rubber to elastic, so I could add the button charms, and also I thought I might need some more cord for extra booklets.

March 9, 2014

My daughter acquired my first attempt at a midori style notebook cover but decided after a few days plain leather was not for her and asked me to dye it blue.

After giving it some thought and the knowledge that I had spilt a little glue on the outside I was not confident that the dye would take so I decided to make a new cover when I mentioned this she asked if I could make one for her friend who is having a birthday soon.

So I have made a full size traveller and a passport sized one for her friend.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/13038693565_6012344fcc_o.jpg
IMG_6807_1 by my0771, on Flickr

In order to turn a flat piece of leather into a notebook cover it needs a spine to achieve this I wet the centre area folded the piece in half and added pressure a lot of pressure actually.

the next step is to punch the holes required for the elastic.

Thanks

Michael