DIY Planner - need journal recommendation - Comments

If you find paper you like,

Glenda — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 06:22:39 -0400

If you find paper you like, you can get a ream of it, take it to Office Depot or Kinko's, etc, and get it cut down to Classic size pages. Then they can spiral-bind it for you with stiff plastic covers. You could get some scrapbook paper with a nice pattern you like and have it laminated for the front and back covers. Then you'd have a custom journal with just the right paper and just the right covers. And the spiral binding is nice--lays flat and you can fold it around so it takes up a smaller footprint on your desk. And you can bind in some envelopes or slash pockets to hold memorabilia etc.

I just got some paper and had it cut for a total of $8.00 or so. And the spiral bindings are inexpensive, too--a couple of dollars.

The spiral and laminated paper bindings are much lighter than a leather or hardback cover--a great feature--if it's lighter, maybe you'll keep it handy, take it with you more, and write in it more frequently.

portable punch

heavdog — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:53:10 -0400

I got a deal on the Rollabind Crafter's kit on ebay - I think I paid like $28 for the portable punch and a bunch of rings and sorting tray. It's enough for me, for now, and not nearly as heart-stopping (or wallet-emptying) as the desktop model.

High priced punch

ygor — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:51:44 -0400

Those fancy hole punches with their $68 price tag is insanity. [Sorry, don't mean to cause a flame here. It's just that I'm jealous and can't afford them. I have a friend at work that owns one that I could use but am afraid I'll get hooked.]

No offense taken - by me anyway. I originally choked on the price, but then snagged a kit on eBay for about half retail.

A suggestion: Talk to the friend about using theirs and put $5 aside each week until you can buy your own.

In the long run, do what you find comfortable.
-----------------------------------
"I think the surest sign that there is intelligent life out there in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us." (Calvin and Hobbes/Bill Waterson)

Half Price Books

supenguin — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:56:10 -0400

I might also recommend Half Price Books if you have on in your area. The one nearest us carries quite a selection of journals, address books, and sketchbooks. I'm not sure about the quality but they look alright and most of them are under $10.

-Kenny

Walmart

daveterry — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:23:07 -0400

Try Walmart too. I was surprised to fine a leather journal, gold edges (although I don't like gold edges), and magnetic closure. Very cool. I now have 18 empty journals sitting on my shelves for myself or as gifts should I find a deserving soul.
...dave
insomnia cure

budget stores

daveterry — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:17:12 -0400

Those fancy hole punches with their $68 price tag is insanity. [Sorry, don't mean to cause a flame here. It's just that I'm jealous and can't afford them. I have a friend at work that owns one that I could use but am afraid I'll get hooked.]

Anyway, if you want a great journal for a great price try the Ross (or similar) stores. They have shelves of journals for $4-$6. Some are frilly but a few are not.

As mentioned Target is also a great source.

Barnes & Noble has a great selection too. Leather (and faux), faint lines, quality archival paper, ribbon bookmarks, etc. but you'll pay.

I was also in OfficeMax yesterday and was amazed at all the journals they carry. Some hardbound, others softbound, still others refillable. Prices are reasonable (< $15). You might check them out too.

...dave
insomnia cure

hmmm

Sara — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:38:52 -0400

Check out your local target and hobby lobby (if you have them) ... i found nice journals with pleasant paper at both. the one at target was in with the stationary and office supplies and the one at hobby lobby was in with the sketch books.

another option would be to make your own. grab a needle, thread, straight edge and follow an online tutorial on book binding :) or check your local library for bookbinding guides... i have made a few useable journals over the years and adore them. Mostly I make artist books but... it is a great option for a diyer :)

my artwork | my blog

My suggestion is ....

ygor — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:28:28 -0400

invest in a Circa/Rollabind desktop punch. Then you can use any kind of paper. I find the 28# or 32# high end inkjet/laser stock is great. Much better than cheap 20# stock and better price than pre-smurfed paper.
-----------------------------------
"I think the surest sign that there is intelligent life out there in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us." (Calvin and Hobbes/Bill Waterson)

Borders

caligatia — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:10:07 -0400

If there's a Borders near you, check out their sketchbooks and journals. They have their own in-house brand that's really inexpensive, and pretty good quality. I like them better than Moleskines.

They won't be in the expensive journal section. Try over by the bargain books, or ask a clerk where the sketchbooks are.

--
Steff
[ blog | photos ]

Personally, I love the way a

heavdog — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:38:54 -0400

Personally, I love the way a Pilot Precise v5 writes in a Moleskine. But the paper is a bit thin. So if you are a Circa user but don't want to pay their prices, I'd suggest just punching a good quality, 28-32 lb paper, like Staples or Office Depot carries. I use the Staples 28 lb, and it's wonderful to write on. Of course, this would mean you have a Circa or Rollabind punch.

need journal recommendation

gimme_officesupplies — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:31:29 -0400

Gang, I'm mostly a lurker. I'm in serious need of help -- picture an octopus with 5 legs missing and you'll have an idea of how I'm feeling.

In a n-u-t-shell, I need a new journal. Moleskine paper is too thin and too smooth. My circa planner paper works great, but I don't want to buy their paper. You see, I have tons of failed journal attempts. Of the starts, I was only able to fill a book once, and that took lots of issues and 2 years.

Full size paper is too bulky -- I'll end up not carrying it. Index card size usually means the lines are too small.

I want something that I'll enjoy writing in. My pen of choice is a Pilot Precise V5 RT.

I appeal to the collective wisdom of (the plethora of) passionate paper people that plague (as in haunt) this place.

D*I*Y Planner - need journal recommendation - Comments