When Art Meets Journal The Result Is Perfection And It Is Called A "Rag & Bone"

Who would think that something as simple as a journal would elicit an "Oh WoW!!" as I opened the box? This journal/notebook did! This is a one-of-a-kind, totally handmade journal from Rag & Bone Bindery. The company makes a wonderful array of journals, photo binders, guest books (weddingd,showers etc),address books, brag books, growth charts for children - well, you get the drift. This company has special occasions and everyday ramblings covered - heehee. That's the thing with Rag & Bone - their covers. They offer an amazing variety of cover fabrics for your journal or notebook. This fabric is a new pattern called 'Pomegrante' - there are also some dupioni fabrics that I have my eye on for a future journal! The paper is heavy weight: I used fountain pens, water colors, Sharpies, pencils & acrylic paints and I found the paper is almost "bullet proof as far as no bleed-through. I am planning to use this journal for mix media explorations because the paper is so hefty that I think it will take that kind of treatment easily. Even the paper is hand cut for these little beauties !

Rag & Bone is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Here is what the company has to say about themselves:

" Rag & Bone Bindery creates Photo Albums, Journals, Guest Books, Baby Books, and other fine bindings distinguished by their craftsmanship and enduring beauty.We've been creating handbound books since 1991 in our Rhode Island based Bookbinding Studios.

"Made By Hands" Skilled artisans handle every aspect of the production process from start to finish, resulting in quality, archival, well constructed books.Our Books, Albums & Journals can be found in fine Gift Shops, Stationery Stores, Photo Studios and Galleries across America.

Not A Faceless Corporation As a studio, we're dedicated to the fine art of Bookbinding, paper arts, book arts and journaling. We enjoy what we do and take pride in producing well bound books at an appropriate cost. Please browse our site to find out more about our products, who we are, what we do and where we work. "

Have at a look at their great web site - I doubt that you will be able to resist ordering a beautiful, extraordinarily well made journal of your own!

A Tale Of Fine Paper: Quo Vadis Habana Notebooks Offer A Smooth Writing Experience

Size comparison between the Quo Vadis Habana and my Moleskine

Journaling has been a part of my daily routine for many years. I always had a 'diary' as a kid & I began more regular journaling in the mid 80's. For a few years I used nothing more than an engagement calendar to recount only the most salient points of my day. Gradually my needs changed & I began to require considerably more space. I began using Moleskine journals about ten years ago & they have served me well. Recently, however, I decided that it was time for a change and, thanks to a surprise bit of generosity, I became the happy owner of a beautiful large size Quo Vadis Habana journal/notebook. They are available in two sizes - a small 4"X6" and the large (what I have) 6.25"X9.50".

Quo Vadis Habana journals are, first and foremost made with a 'green agenda'. The paper used is Clairefontaine. Originally made in France, Clairfontaine paper - and Habana journals- are now made in upstate New York &, as the advertisements say, the paper really is superior. Smooth, silky, clear white paper that makes ink colors pop in a way that the ivory/cream paper in my Moleskine journals don't. The press for Clairfontaine paper states that the naturally occuring mineral calcium carbonate is responsible for the ultra smooth surface and lovely whiteness of the pages. No chlorine is used in the processing of the paper either - which really is a feat as far as papermaking processing goes. The pulp is made from sustainable forests as well. One of the best features of Clairefontaine paper, to my way of thinking, is that there is almost no bleed-through no matter what ink you use (the caveat to that is that Sharpies do bleed though - but not as badly as with Moleskine paper). I have recently rekindled my love affair with fountain pens - as many of you who read my blog regularly are probably all to well aware! I am able to use my wettest writers with no problems. Additionally, pencils don't smudge on this paper, unless of course, you want them to! These journals offer a handy back pocket for those treasures that you don't want to lose or forget & it also has a color coordinated elastic to hold the journal closed.

What about color? Color really IS important to me - even when it comes to my journals. It's always good to have choices & Quo Vadis Habana journals come in several great colors. Naturally, I especially love this orange gem! The cover material really looks like leather & it's soft and warm to the touch. I always choose lined paper for my writing journals & the Habana has what I would call a medium width ruling - it's wider than Moleskine at any rate.

I am very pleased to have found another choice of journals that suits my needs so well & I welcome this beautiful orange Quo Vadis Habana into my journal writing world. If you are in the market for a new journal or want to try one that really does offer a superior, pleasurable writing experience (with a choice of color too!) you won't be disappointed by investing in a Quo Vadis Habana!

I auditioned a variety of different pens and inks

Here you can see the difference in page color between the Moleskein on the left
and the Quo Vadis Habana on the right

Here you can see the "bleed through factor". On the top (the Quo Vadis) this is, virtually none. You can see the difference in the Moleskein paper on the bottom - using the same pens and inks.
Bleed through bothers some, but not all, writers.