Keeping my notes and thoughts organized in a way that feels both personal and functional is really important to me. Recently, I decided to upgrade my custom-made leather notebook cover, which was handcrafted by my brother, into a Traveler’s Company Notebook style setup. This compact system now holds two notebooks: my everyday Field Notes dotted journal and a Traveler’s Company grid notebook. The upgrade has not only made the cover more useful but also kept its sentimental value intact. Here’s a simple guide on how I did it, along with some tips for anyone looking to make a similar upgrade.
Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Your Notebook Cover: The goal was to maintain the integrity of the notebook cover while adding the functionality of a Traveler’s Notebook. The key to this transformation was adding an elastic band to keep everything secure and prevent my notebooks from sliding around. Here’s how I did it:
- Tools and Materials:
- Traveler’s Company Repair Kit (or any shock cord)
- Swiss Army Knife (or a similar multi-tool with an awl and scissors)
- Ruler or Measuring Tape
- Marking the Spot for the Hole: Start by deciding where to place the hole for the elastic band. I found that placing the hole a little less than halfway up from the bottom of the cover worked perfectly. This position helps keep the pen in place while ensuring the notebooks stay secure.
- Using the Awl to Poke the Hole: Once you’ve marked the spot, use the awl on your Swiss Army knife to carefully poke a hole through the leather. Apply steady pressure to create a clean, precise hole. The awl is perfect for this task as it allows for control and accuracy, minimizing the risk of damaging the leather.
- Threading the Elastic Band: Cut a length of elastic band from the Traveler’s Company Repair Kit, or use any suitable shock cord. Thread the elastic through the hole you just made, ensuring it’s snug enough to hold your notebooks in place without being too tight.
- Cutting to Length and Securing: Once the elastic is threaded through, pull it tight and cut it to the desired length. Tie the ends securely to create a loop that will hold your notebooks together. Make sure the elastic is not too loose or too tight, allowing for easy flipping between notebooks.
Why This Setup Works for Me: This setup has transformed the way I use my notebooks. On one side, I have my Field Notes dotted notebook for tracking weekly to-do lists, jotting down random thoughts, and making journal entries. On the other side is the Traveler’s Company grid notebook, where I enjoy the smooth writing experience with my Pilot G2 extra fine pen and Lamy pen with a medium nib. The position of the elastic band not only keeps the notebooks secure but also helps hold my pen in place—an unexpected but welcome bonus.
The Pen Clip Upgrade: One of the best additions to this setup is the pen clip. It securely holds my Big Idea Design pen with a Pilot G2 refill, ensuring it stays in place without snagging when I slip the notebook into my back pocket or bag. This small upgrade has made a big difference in how I carry and use my notebook on the go.
This DIY project has been incredibly satisfying, not only because it improved the functionality of my notebook cover but also because it allowed me to create something truly personal and meaningful. If you’re considering a similar upgrade, I highly recommend going for it. You don’t need much—just a few basic tools, an elastic band, and a bit of creativity. Whether you buy a repair kit or use materials you already have, the process is simple and the results are well worth it.
