What would you do with this large Habana notebook?

This is one of the new 8×11″ Large Quo Vadis Habana Notebooks and to tell you the truth, I can’t decide how to use it. For journaling, I typically prefer something in the 5×8″ range or smaller – like the 4×6″ Habana. Are you familiar with the concept of a vision board? I’m thinking about using this as a “Vision Book”

How would you use this book?

Dip Nibs

The first steel nibbed pens are historically noted as having been produced in 1803 but they may have been in use as early as 1725. Unlike a fountain pen, dip pens have no ink reservoir which means that they must be charged by continuously dipping the nibs in ink. Per Wiki: “Some illustrators and cartoonists (who are the main current users of such pens) are more likely to charge the pen with an eyedropper or a syringe, which gives them more control over the amount of ink applied.”

Did you know that Exaclair is the American distributor of Brause nibs? Brause manufactures steel nibs for writing, drawing and decorating. Since 1850, Brause has been crafting a complete set of nibs considered to be one of the best on the market by calligraphers. With over 100 years of manufacturing experience, Brause is one of the rare companies to guarantee an essential quality for its nibs: a subtle balance between relative elasticity for easier writing, and necessary resistance for clear strokes.

Top nib image courtesy of bakanekosan on Instagram.

Ink A Dink A Bottle of Ink

Antique ink bottles such as this one belonging to Ryan Roossinck are simply beautiful. Take a look at the many different colors, styles and designs of vintage ink bottles at the various links below.

Household Bottles (non-food related)

Antique Bottles: Inks

Pendemonium Vintage Inks and Ink Bottles

Antique Ink Bottles at Collector’s Weekly

1001 Ink Bottles

Antique Ink Bottles

The Blue Ink Bottle (A gift from Karen)

Have you tried a Rhodia Pad Holder Yet?

Did you know that Rhodia makes pad holders for a variety of our top stapled notepads? Available in orange and black lightly grained imitation leather with an embossed Rhodia logo, the covers are flexible and smooth. They include an inner pocket for notes, business cards, or receipts. Each holder comes with a pad. Rhodia pad holders are available in the following sizes:

• N° 08 – 3 x 8 ¼” (Long Skinny)
• N° 11 – 3 x 4″
• N° 12 – 3 ⅜ x 4 ¾”
• N° 13 – 4 x 6″
• N° 14 – 4 ⅜ x 6 ⅜”
• N° 16 (w/ Pen holder) 6 x 8 ¼”
• N° 18 – 8 ¼ x 11 ¾”
• N° 21 (Le Carre) – 8 ¼ x 8 ¼”

Rhodia also offers a special “R” Premium Pad Gift Set which includes a No. 16 (6 x 8 ¼”) R pad and a Rhodia pencil.

Who motivates and inspires you?

Augusten Burroughs (Best selling author of Running With Scissors) motivates me to write without fear. Life coach Tony Robbins motivates me to make changes in my life so I can continue to grow and achieve my goals. People like Oprah Winfrey that exhibit an infectious energy in connection with their passion help me to believe that anything is possible. Books that focus on the law of attraction such as “The Secret” have opened me to infinite possibility, and  self -help books like “The War of Art” have taught me to recognize and successfully battle resistance.

Who or what motivates and inspires you?  Continue reading »