Category Archives: Art Alternatives

Daily Carry Notebooks: July 2020

Wow, it’s been a while since my last “using now” post. I can’t say I have any totally earth-shattering news to report about the daily carry notebooks I’m using but there is one new item that wasn’t even on my radar at that time. First of all, I suppose the concept of “daily carry” has … Continue reading Daily Carry Notebooks: July 2020

Pen & Ink Sketchbook: Then & Now Review

This look at the Pen & Ink Sketchbook is the 2nd post in my “Then and Now” series, examining various notebook brands that have been around for a while to see how they’ve changed. (See my “then and now” post about the Rhodia Webnotebook). I am always griping about how Moleskine’s notebooks have declined in … Continue reading Pen & Ink Sketchbook: Then & Now Review

Daily Carry Notebook: What I’m Using Now, and Next

The end of the year is always a fun time to think about daily carry notebook choices– your current year diary or planner is looking nicely worn in, and you’re itching to start a new one! This year, I’m also getting close to needing to swap out my daily notebook/journal and daily carry sketchbook. Here’s … Continue reading Daily Carry Notebook: What I’m Using Now, and Next

Black Friday! Black Notebooks!

If you are sick of all the Black Friday deal ads, rest your eyes on this! (and then visit my Amazon store! The commissions I earn from your purchases help keep this site going!)

Vacation Notebooks and Art Supplies

I’m enjoying a week at the beach, and thought I’d share what notebooks and pens and art supplies I brought with me. Since I traveled by car, I didn’t have to worry about packing light! First, here’s what is in my bag every day, which of course I didn’t change for my vacation: There is … Continue reading Vacation Notebooks and Art Supplies

My Daily Notebooks: Moleskine Alternatives

One thing I have been bad about on this site is following up on my notebook reviews to see how notebooks perform and hold up after being used daily til they are complete. My “everyday carry” notebook habits are pretty consistent and skew heavily towards the older Moleskines I’ve stockpiled over the years, but I … Continue reading My Daily Notebooks: Moleskine Alternatives

Art Alternatives Pen & Ink Sketchbooks: They’ve Changed!

I have mentioned the Pen & Ink Sketchbooks from Art Alternatives many times on this blog. Their pocket size sketchbook with the heavyweight paper is the closest alternative I’ve found to a Moleskine Sketchbook, for those who prefer creamy smooth paper, as opposed to the brighter white, toothier paper found in many other competitors’ pocket … Continue reading Art Alternatives Pen & Ink Sketchbooks: They’ve Changed!

Questions from Readers

Here’s some questions from readers that have come in over the last few months. Some of them are stumpers, for me at least, but I hope some other sharp-eyed readers will be able to answer! From Chris: Do you by any chance know what type of notebook/journal Bradley Cooper is using in the movie ‘Burnt’? … Continue reading Questions from Readers

Notebook Addict of the Week (again):Sarah C.

Sarah was first featured here as an addict in January 2014. “Notebook addict update. Last fall I sent a photo of my collection which I thought was complete. Over the winter I found notebooks I had missed and since have purchased or added new. 1. Rhodia Spiral bound with graph paper – gift. 2. Rhodia … Continue reading Notebook Addict of the Week (again):Sarah C.

Review: Sketch & Draw Sketchbook

The Sketch & Draw notebook is another Art Alternatives product that I picked up at Blick. These are inexpensive sketchbooks with toothier paper, similar to what’s found in the Hahnemuhle and HandBook sketchbooks, but not quite as thick. The first thing that really sticks out about this brand is the placement of the elastic closure, … Continue reading Review: Sketch & Draw Sketchbook