As an artist and designer for the past 29 years, I’ve spent my life trying to add beauty to the world around me. Through manipulation of color and form, I have transformed many homes, businesses and other environments into places that people feel truly comfortable in. I have seen many people make amazing transformations in their lives, simply by adding more beauty to the world they live in.
I have discovered that my creative flow is greatly enhanced through journaling. Not only can I experiment with different mediums and designs, I find that I learn a great deal about myself through the journaling process. My designs seem to come together better in the end if I have worked through the images and colors in my journals. Join me on a visual exploration of art and self though the use of journals as creative tools.
Thank you for sharing so much of your experiences in journaling with us, while creating such a beautiful weblog. I added you to my favorites and will check often. Best wishes from the Netherlands, x Martine
You are welcome, Martine!
Cynthia
Hello Cynthia,
I wanted to let you know about the launch of a brand new journal.
Ellen and Matt Dudley have designed and manufactured a book that Turns Inside Out. Literally.
Revolver Bound Books and Journals revolutionizes the ancient art of book binding with a patent pending binding technique that allows the user to turn the book inside out and back again around a floating spine.
We invite you to see the RevolveR in action on the web at http://www.revolverboundbooks.com
Each RevolveR consists of two 64-paged sewn folios – one lined, the other blank – bound together in a single handmade binding that allows for two beginnings and endless possibilities. Now you can tell both sides of the story.
One minute you’re making a To-Do List on your way into the office, the next minute you’re sketching lovers lounging on the great lawn in Central Park. The RevolveR is the tool for those of us who are multidimensional multi-taskers, living in duality every day; the executive-poet, the mother-artist, the organizer-dreamer. The RevolveR inspires one to think twice – to go both ways or create new ways altogether.
Revolver Bound Journals are crafted from 100% recycled paper. The bonded paper used for the covers is made by a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified manufacturer using a water based acrylic coating.
The RevolveR was shown recently at the New York International Gift Fair to great response. Revolvers are now being sold at the Walker Art Center, The Institute of Contemporary Art in Chicago and The Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
You can purchase RevolveRs online at http://www.revolverboundbooks.com.
Would you be interested in reviewing the RevolveR on your blog? Please let me know, and I’ll send you a sample.
All the best,
Ellen
http://www.revolverboundbooks.com
The Tool for the Dual
Hi Ellen,
Thank you for your generous offer. I would love to review the Revolver on my blog. I will contact you by email for the details.
Thank you,
Cynthia
Enjoyed your write up of the Cartesio 2010 planner. I am a business person and need a 5 day two page view with time slots.
Only problem I have with this planner is the color. Do you know of anything similar, but that comes in a natural leather, or tan.
I cannot see myself taking a planner out of my briefcase that is greenish/turquoise!
Larry Wolper
Hi Larry,
Thank you for your comment. The Cartesio Planners come in black, red, orange and green. The black would be the most appropriate color for business but the orange would be a good choice as well. The Moleskine planners come in black, too but not in a natural brown leather.
At this price point, I am not aware of a comparable planner in a tan or brown color. There are planners from Day Timer and Franklin Covey that might work for you, but these have a much higher price point. I would recommend an internet search for these brands to see what you can turn up.
I hope this helps.
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia,
I am really enjoying the Ciak Journal I purchased from you in April. Thanks so much for the great customer service.
Anna
http://www.kisstheground.ca
Hi Anna,
You are quite welcome> I am glad to help you with your Ciak notebooks. I look forward to working with you again in the future.
Cynthai
One minute you’re making a To-Do List on your way into the office, the next minute you’re sketching lovers lounging on the great lawn in Central Park. The RevolveR is the tool for those of us who are multidimensional multi-taskers, living in duality every day; the executive-poet, the mother-artist, the organizer-dreamer. The RevolveR inspires one to think twice – to go both ways or create new ways altogether.
+1
[…] out Cynthia’s blog for more of her reviews and […]
Just discovered your site, love it so much! Lots of inspiration already, thanks very much!
Hi Cynthia!
Fantastic blog! I am wondering whether you would be interested in reviewing a new hands-on creative writing journal I recently published. The book, 365 Things to Write About, offers exactly 365 people, places, object, and ideas on blank, lined pages where people can write their responses.
My writing partner and I created it as a different way to jumpstart our brains every day before we start work (or begin a new creative side project). We recommend spending 10-15 minutes a day writing whatever comes to your mind about one of the prompts. It could be a poem, a short story, a list, description, or silly rant. Regardless of what is written, it helps people in various walks of life to boost their brain power, generate new ideas, and connect with their inner creativity for a few minutes each day.
I would be happy to send you a copy of the book to try out so you can credibly prove to your blog readers that this is a great creative tool. If you would like to receive one, please let me know.
Happy Writing!
Allegra
Hi Cynthia!
Got a double dose in the mail today! Received my copy of 365 from Better World and the pocket size 18 month Moleskine planner from your Ebay store. Isn’t that cool that they arrived together? Serendipity, perhaps. Thought you might wanna know 🙂
Cheers,
mjh
Hi Cynthia,
I advocate journaling as a form of emotional balance in my business. I make natural wood pens with top of the line ink: Parker, Cross and Rollerball.
These pens are all unique and handcrafted. I wanted to invite you to see them and hopefully you’ll add one to your own personal collection. As a writer myself, I find having a special pen is the perfect friend to share your thoughts with.
My work can be viewed at http://www.facebook.com/HandOfArtemis
I ship for free and can engrave the wood at no additional charge.
Best regards,
Abby
Good day, Cynthia: I’m thrilled to discover your blog: It gives me a personal resource for tools of the “written art” (fountain pens, inks, paper, notebooks) especially in this age of electronics. I am an author but alas, I don’t write free hand. My brain moves faster than my legible hand. I do however, collect and use fountain pens, and write all my daily notes in notebooks. Any recommendations on the following: I need lined paper in a notebook (15cm x 23cm) and I write with either a Nakaya Custom, Sailor, or Pelikan Souveran 400 filled with Noodler’s “Luxury Blue,” and “Tianneman,” and Pelikan “Brilliant Black.” I look forward to some interesting reading!
Hi TM, and welcome! I am glad you found my blog. It is good to know there are others out there who still enjoy working on paper.
I would recommend you giving the Rhodia Webnotebooks a try if you are looking for a fountain pen friendly journal. The paper is smooth and beautiful and accepts a lot of different inks. The only issue with it is that the paper is very smooth and inks tend to dry a little more slowly on it than other papers. If you write with a very wet pen or if you are left handed, this might be a problem for you.
Also, take a look at the Leuchtturm notebooks. These are also pen friendly and the inks tend to dry a little faster than on the Rhodia.
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia
I have recently started importing Zequenz notebooks and I wanted to let you know that I have linked your Zequenz notebook review to my website http://www.flexiblenotebooks.com Look under the Journaling heading in the “Recommended Uses” section. I really enjoy all your pen and notebook reviews.
Steve
Thank you, Steve. I am glad to hear you like the review. Look for more to come in the near future.
Cynthia