I spend a lot of time with my notebooks and am a fan of dot grid journals. I consider my many sketchbooks, personal and professional journals to be my allies. My intimate thoughts, dreams, and drafts fill their pages. I have hundreds of notebooks I’ve filled since I dedicated myself to writing in 1994. You are welcome to call me a notebook geek – I do!
Over the decades, I’ve used many kinds of notebooks. My preferences include:
- dot or grid pages
- can fit easily in my bag
- has a spine that lays flat and can be folded over
- a cover that feels good to the touch
- paper that doesn’t bleed through
- a ‘thong’ or page holder (this one has two!)
- back pocket
- elastic band to keep the whole thing together.
My new favorite journals
Recently, an Atelier member gifted me with a journal from Zen Art Supplies. I loved the dot grid notebook the minute I touched the faux leather cover. Soft, supple, and smooth, this was a new ally I could see myself cuddling up with. I don’t call what I do bullet journaling, but if you do that kind of journaling, this is a great notebook for it.
There’s something about dot grid journals that gives both structure and space. Somehow, dot grid journals allow me to organize thoughts with just a hint of a line. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like a totally blank page but can feel restricted by lines. Enter the dot grid to save the day!
Special touches make a difference for me. I love the patterns on the edges of the pages – a different Japanese icon for each color notebook. Some of the bonus elements of this notebook include:
- numbered pages
- front-of-book index
- acid-free paper
- gorgeous cover colors
- recyclable and biodegradable.
The index keeps me organized when life is full
I’m taking a lot of classes and making a lot of notes these days. The numbered pages and index are working great for me. I’m glad because I’ve never put this organizing principle to work until now.
Some people might call me picky. But I believe that an everyday, functional object should also be a thing of beauty. My notebook goes with me everywhere. I’m snuggled up with it in my studio every morning, recording my hopes, dreams, and tarot readings. My notebooks constitute a treasure vault, chronicling my life.
I must love every item that’s in my life. I love the ZenART art journal supplies so much, I am giving every member of my Atelier one. ZenART is a partial sponsor of the Atelier Kits. I know members will cherish their notebooks.
Affliate links are included in this article.
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