Category Archives: Notebook Reviews

A4 Size Moleskine Folio Portfolio

Try saying “Folio Portfolio” several times as fast as you can– whew! But maybe it’s easier than “Folio Memo Pockets.” Anyway, as promised, here’s a look at the other Moleskine Folio item I recently purchased, the jumbo version of the Memo Pockets: the Moleskine that’s all pockets, no pages. If you love the look and … Continue reading A4 Size Moleskine Folio Portfolio →

Moleskine Folio Sketchbook Review

So the first question about the new Moleskine Folio sketchbook is “HOW BIG IS IT?” Is it this big? Is it this big? Is it this big? Well, when you stop having fun with perspective, it’s really this big: I had seen the measurements before I ordered it– 11 3/4 x 16 1/2″– but still, … Continue reading Moleskine Folio Sketchbook Review →

Whitelines Notebooks Review & Giveaway Contest!

The good people at Whitelines were kind enough to send me some samples for review, so let’s take a look! First impressions: I like the clean, modern look — the drawing-hand logo is cute and the orange and white color scheme is cheery. The colors won’t appeal to everyone, though: if you have modern decor … Continue reading Whitelines Notebooks Review & Giveaway Contest! →

Memorandum Book Made by Northern Central Co., Milwaukee

Another notebook that was probably manufactured in the late 1970s to early 1980s: a slim lined memorandum book by the Northern Central Co. of Milwaukee. The cover has a textured fake-leather look, but it’s just glossy card stock, stamped in gold foil. Dig that cool logo on the front! I didn’t use very many pages … Continue reading Memorandum Book Made by Northern Central Co., Milwaukee →

Kikkerland WritersBlok Notebooks Now Available

I’ve been wanting to check these out for a while, and it seems they are finally more widely available. I picked up a set of 3 small dotted notebooks at Paper Presentation on West 18th St. in NYC. They also had the large size, and ruled and plain paper versions in both sizes. I’ve read … Continue reading Kikkerland WritersBlok Notebooks Now Available →

Four Notebooks Reviewed Part 3: Moleskine, HandBook, Derwent and Pen & Ink

After looking at various attributes of the Moleskine, HandBook, Derwent, and Pen & Ink sketchbooks (see Part 1 and Part 2 of this review), let’s sum up a few key points about these 4 very similar notebooks. Moleskine: Made in China 80 pages Price: $10-15, depending on retailer Where to Buy: Amazon and all major … Continue reading Four Notebooks Reviewed Part 3: Moleskine, HandBook, Derwent and Pen & Ink →

Four Notebooks Reviewed Part 2

In the first part of this review, I discussed the outward appearance of four similar pocket sketchbooks, the Moleskine, the Pen & Ink Journal, the HandBook, and the Derwent Journal. Now I’ll look at the insides. Rather than bore you with repeated photos of almost identical things, I’ll just point out a few details that … Continue reading Four Notebooks Reviewed Part 2 →

Four Notebooks Reviewed Part 1: Moleskine, HandBook, Derwent, Pen & Ink

The notebooks I use most frequently are hard cover pocket sketchbooks, with heavy unlined paper that is suitable for various kinds of ink, pencil, and watercolor paints. I like to doodle and draw sometimes, so this type of notebook works well for me even though I also tend to use them for keeping a journal. … Continue reading Four Notebooks Reviewed Part 1: Moleskine, HandBook, Derwent, Pen & Ink →