Traveler's Notebook | An Easy Customization to Eliminate Elastic Band Stress
As a devoted user of Traveler's Notebooks, there is one issue that has quietly bothered me for a long time: the tension of the elastic band used to hold the notebook together. Every time the thickness of the contents changes, it becomes either too tight or too loose... Countless times, when I untied the knot for maintenance, I couldn't get it back to the original length, and in my attempt to force it shut with a short band, I ended up leaving deep scratches on the freshly polished leather. While it is an iconic part of the Traveler's Notebook's identity that I love, it is also a source of frustration. That is the elastic band.
So this time, I decided to take the plunge, remove this elastic, and customize it with a new fastener.
I am using the elastic band that came with it from the start.
Toward an analog style of wrapping it around
I was inspired by the style of old-fashioned envelopes and vintage document holders that feature string-and-button fasteners. I wondered if I could incorporate that slightly analog, warm atmosphere—where you wrap a string around a round fastener to close the opening—into the notebook itself.
This fastener is the inspiration.
An old button takes center stage
I used a button and a leather cord for the customization.
The leather cord is a round leather string similar to the Traveler's Notebook's elastic. For the fastener, I used an antique Burberrys button that I had long cherished as a charm.
The structure of the customization is very simple. Just pass the leather cord through the hole in the back, wrap it around once, and wind it around this button to secure it.
It might be hard to tell at a glance, so I will explain how to do the customization.
1. Thread the leather cord
Pass the leather cord through the hole on the back where the elastic band used to be and tie a knot.
2. Thread the fastener (button) onto the cord
Thread the leather cord through the button's holes.
I think it's better if the size of the leather cord and the holes are close so that the button doesn't easily slip off.
It can be moved, but it won't move on its own.
3. Cut the leather cord
Cut the leather cord to your desired length.
I made it long enough to wrap around the notebook once and then wind it around the button three times with a little bit left over.
4. Complete
You can easily secure the notebook by winding it around the button.
It doesn't create a large protrusion
A finish that increases both practicality and attachment
I've been carrying it around in its customized form to check how it feels, and so far, it's working without any issues.
Even when I change the refills, no fine-tuning is needed, maintenance is easy, and it has become significantly easier to use. The appearance is also simple and finished exactly to my liking.
Reviewing the refill configuration
Since I had just finished using the journaling notebook and stamp book I had been keeping inside, I updated the refills and other items I carry.
Previous articleThere are no major changes to the basic configuration from the , but I have changed how I set things up and swapped out some small accessories.
Yamamoto Paper RO-BIKI NOTE CANVAS COVER
(Vintage Blue)
The fact that they are great for fountain pen writing is another point I like.
It is very convenient to be able to easily pull it out when I want to remove it to stamp something.
One goes in the canvas cover's pen holder, and the other in the pen holder attached to the notebook.
It leaves enough space inside the leather cover for one notebook, allowing the pens to be stored stylishly without sticking out of the cover.
RO-BIKI NOTE CANVAS COVER
The case I am using integrated into the Traveler's Notebook can also be used on its own. It is possible to detach it and quickly take it out as a pencil case with a notebook.
The fresh and calm color is fun and different from the Traveler's Notebook.
Items introduced this time
I will summarize the items introduced in this article. I hope you find your favorite buttons and give them a try.
*I am using Amazon Associates advertisements.
Leather cord
*I bought one with a key hook, but I didn't use the key hook this time.
Yamamoto Paper RO-BIKI NOTE CANVAS COVER
ro-biki notebook
Pen holder
I used one that I originally had for a different planner, but it is the type that clips onto thick parts like covers. For now, I am securing it by clipping it over several pages of the notebook. I plan to switch to a magnetic type later on.
Underlay
This is for the Traveler's Notebook made by Waki Stationery.
Conclusion
This time, I tried a new idea aimed at improving a small annoyance with my Traveler's Notebook, and the result turned out even better than expected, making it a Traveler's Notebook that I feel more attached to and that feels more like my own.
Thank you for reading until the end.
I hope this article is helpful to you all.
If you could give me a 'Like,' it would be a great source of motivation for writing my next article. Thank you.
I have compiled my previous articles here.
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