You’re walking down the cobbled pathway of an Italian back street, idly looking in each shop window as you pass by. Suddenly, you are hit by a strong smell of leather and you turn to see what only dreams are made of. HANDMADE LEATHER BOUND BOOKS.
If you’re anything like me and cannot resist a beautiful notebook / journal, then you may also get into the same predicament as me. Thinking, I really want it; it’s so beautiful but what can I put in it? I don’t want to ruin it!
I have been struggling with ideas for years and have an accumulation of various notebooks from different places that I am too scared to touch. However, recently I have found myself using these notebooks each in a special way and being happy with myself. I feel that these types of books are ones which you would want to keep forever, so the only solution is to put things in them that you will be happy with later on.
For a couple of years now I have had the most beautiful notebook sat in my room waiting to be used. I purchased it in Venice, it felt like a kind of meant to be moment. The story goes, myself and my at the time boyfriend were on holiday in Venice. It was our last evening so we decided to go for a lovely gondola ride and do some shopping before heading to dinner. I visited this shop which was full of beautiful dresses and shoes in and I got lost in trying them on. My ex decided to take a seat and look after the stuff whilst I was in heaven. After, we went to dinner and it was coming up to 9.30pm when he realised that he had left the camera in the shop. We had to quickly finish dinner and try to re-trace our steps back through the Venetian streets to find it. As we were racing back we passed this gorgeous shop full of handmade books that I was dying to go into, so I made the promise that I would go in on my way back. Which I did, and that is where I found this:
My beautiful handmade Venetian book
I can’t even describe how beautiful this book looks in person. Maybe not for everyone, but for all you stationary and book lovers out there, trust me it’s a beauty. The pages are a lined yellow colour and it is around A6 in size, so perfect to carry round with you.
I have been using this book to write poems in. I would share one but they are a little personal at the moment, but I find writing them helps me to express how I’m feeling in a way that normal conversation cannot.
The thought struck me that I must not be the only one with this struggle? So I decided to create a list of my favourite ways to use those pretty notebooks / journals:
- Poems / Creative writing
This might not be for everyone, but I feel that a little creative writing can help get across your feelings. I tend to bring my book with me in my bag or pocket and when I’m feeling a little emotional, whether it be happy or sad. I will write in a way that expresses it. It’s a good way to look back and see how you change over time.
- Mini Scrapbook
I really like this idea. I am quite a sentimental person and like to keep bits and bobs from when I go somewhere or do something. I think carrying round a nice book and some glue can make the most beautiful scrapbook. Yes it will be messy and all over the place but that’s the beauty. Did you get on the train to meet your friend for the weekend? Glue in your train ticket. Did you take a cute Polaroid together? Glue that in too. Honestly, you will look back and love it in years to come.
- Artistic Inspiration
Here is another glue it in one. If you are a creative person but lack inspiration when it comes round to it, creating a little book of ideas can be the best way to spur creativeness from yourself. You can use anything from a ripped out article from a magazine because you love the typeface, to a nice coloured leaf on the ground. Stick it in and create a collage of things you see and like. Then when the time comes for inspiration you can flick through and remember.
- Bucket List Book
You can use your book to help accumulate your bucket list! I think having a bucket list is an important thing to have, it doesn’t necessarily mean you think you are running out of time. It just helps you put into words everything you’d like to achieve in life and give you the motivation to crossing / ticking it off. (Who doesn’t love ticking off lists). Also, it’s a good excuse to use another book as a scrapbook to document it all.
- Diary
I know diaries can seem very cliché, young girl / Bridget Jones kind of feeling. However, if you really think about it, what can be better than writing down all your thoughts and feelings. It’s kind of like a way of release, a paper councillor in a sense…
- Goals / Achievements
Sort of like a bucket list but not. Make a list of things you would like to achieve in your life. It could be at work, home, or family goals. Set yourself a deadline (or not) but most importantly, use it to make your life more positive
I think that is about all of my favourite creative uses for those pretty notebooks / journals. If i have anymore I’ll add them in but it would be interesting to know what everyone else does with theirs.
Do you have any creative uses for our abandoned notebooks / journals?
Thanks for reading,
Laura-Jane x
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