Moleskine Or Composition Notebook Alternatives

[Giordana]

Hi guys, I'm considering getting an Oberon notebook cover, either the Moleskine cover or composition cover.

 

http://www.oberondesign.com/collections/composition-notebook-covers/products/composition-notebook-cover-van-goghs-sky

 

However, while I like these notebooks, the paper quality isn't so good to do ink washes and calligraphy practice with 1.5 or 2.4 mm nibs. Because of that, I can't decide which size to choose! Both are portable, one fits better in my smaller purses...I'd really appreciate input regarding good sketchbooks or fp-friendly notebooks that would fit either of these notebook covers. If I can find fp-friendly choices that are also wallet-friendly, that would help me choose which size to get.

[Octo]

I have the composition notebook cover and love it. I suspect an AS0 (European) B5 would also fit but haven't actually tried one. Japanese B5 is different.

 

Probably you'll want to avoid the Moleskine size and go for the regular small or regular large journal format as more kinds of notebooks will fit the regular covers.

 

If you already have a preferred sketchbook, go with a cover to fit it.

 

When I was at your stage of deciding, Lucinda here on FPN sent me this link. scroll down the left column. https://www.facebook.com/pages/OD-Obsession/364951933555751?ref=ts&sk=notes

[Giordana]

Thanks for the link. I'm leaning towards the journal for moleskine covers since I think it'll be easier to make my own journals in that size, and if something I like doesn't fit, I can size it down with my cardboard cutter. I like the idea that if I buy loose paper, I'm not limiting myself to certain notebooks of similar size. Plus, it's more portable, and I can carry it in my purse. Still, the bigger size is tempting. Sigh.

Edited February 25, 2015 by Giordana

[SallyLyn]

I sometimes spend an evening reading a gal's blog on sketching. I enjoy her art but even better is her testing/use of supplies and great explanation of both. This is the link where she talks about getting the cover she wanted, how she planned it and the handmade product she got. It is a very nice cover. You might enjoy all her thinking, planning for the cover and the paper. You would likely pick different papers.

 

http://www.tina-koyama.blogspot.com/2013/06/travel-sketchbook-issue-resolved.html

 

Field test of

http://tina-koyama.blogspot.com/2013/06/unpacking-stefano-and-first-field-test.html

 

List of items she uses and different sized kits with links

http://tina-koyama.blogspot.com/p/art-materials-and-sketch-kits-archive.html

 

Even if you don't do all her type of drawing you might enjoy her writing.

[Giordana]

I sometimes spend an evening reading a gal's blog on sketching. I enjoy her art but even better is her testing/use of supplies and great explanation of both. This is the link where she talks about getting the cover she wanted, how she planned it and the handmade product she got. It is a very nice cover. You might enjoy all her thinking, planning for the cover and the paper. You would likely pick different papers.

 

http://www.tina-koyama.blogspot.com/2013/06/travel-sketchbook-issue-resolved.html

 

Field test of

http://tina-koyama.blogspot.com/2013/06/unpacking-stefano-and-first-field-test.html

 

List of items she uses and different sized kits with links

http://tina-koyama.blogspot.com/p/art-materials-and-sketch-kits-archive.html

 

Even if you don't do all her type of drawing you might enjoy her writing.

I'm digging this blog, it'll go into my fav bookmarks! I noticed the blogger uses a simple black leather cover, which looks very tempting. I'm favoring the idea of making my own notebooks. I've never done one before, but it looks relatively easy.

[SallyLyn]

Yes this one is pretty simple, but it has the sewed pieces to hold an insert. Also she mentions it is quite stiff so art can be done standing even clipping some lightweight watercolors to the cover.

 

Always fun to see what others have done and then to envision what you need and how to make that work.

[Tanzanite]

There is Moleskine sketch book with 165 g paper.