A Design for Creativity

creative juicer hand stitched notebooksMy last post on the book 59 Seconds by Richard Wiseman was on happiness. This time I was inspired by the chapter on creativity.

For this notebook called, the creative juicer, I combined two of his suggestions.

Using the color green and a repetitive pattern with one altered element. Both have been scientifically proven to increase creativity.

So, I made these to take with me everywhere. And whenever I need to get my creative juice pumping, all I have to do is first think of the problem at hand then glance at the front cover of my Creative Juicer.

Vuala! That’s all it takes.

Like to have your very own creative juicer? Leave me a note and I’ll be in touch.

Show Your Inner Colors

Inner Colors Hand Stitched NotebookThis set of notebooks has been longtime coming. It was the first few ideas I had for my NeedsToNote shop but something about it just won’t let me list it online.

When Linda did her reviews on a large version, she mentioned that she couldn’t tell which side is the front. I listened and put a notch on the front. It not only solved the usability problem, it lets the color inside show through. That’s when I knew it’s ready.

I also had a lot of fun taking the product photos!Inner Colors Hand Stitched Notebook

These notebooks come in 5-pack or 3-pack, both offer you the choice of color combinations.

I love colors so I’d go with the 5-pack combo but feel free to be yourself and don’t be afraid to show your inner colors!

Hand Stitched Notebook Test Result

Miss Linda, a friend, has been testing my notebook since Jan. 2011. This week, she allowed me to record her review to put on YouTube. As I did with Marielle’s review, we did not prepare for the video, just went straight to recording.

The notebook Linda was testing is smaller than the final product because the cutter had an imperfection and I had cut the sides once more with the new cutter.

With the new notebook, Linda noticed that it wasn’t easy to tell which side is the front. I’m so glad she noticed it, otherwise I’d hear it from my customers.

My solution is to put a notch on the front cover. This worked out great, now you can see what color is on the inside! And with this fix, I’m ready to make the notebooks for my shop. I’ll post again when they are ready!

I like to thank Linda for doing this! I’m so happy the hear that she didn’t want to be without it, hope it goes the same for all my customers. It’s a small way to make someone’s day better and I am lucky to have the chance to bring that to every NeedsToNote owner.

Progress Journal

progress journal hand stitched notebookProgress journal flip book effectprogress journal hand stitched notebook


The original idea was for a custom request for a person ready to go on a pilgrim walk in Europe.

The flip book element that fades “Fog” into “Enlightenment” is to represent progress. And since more often than not, we learn and grew a little bit at a time, so if you look at the element one page at the time, the change is very small. But if you fly through the pages, then you see the transformation taking place.

So, whenever you found yourself in frustration, trying to push something through, just look at the upper right corner and remember that every little effort counts, even though you may not see it right now.

To purchase this notebook or see my other handmade paper goods, please visit the NeedsToNote Esty shop.

How I make my hand stitched notebooks

Best Selling Romance hand stitched notebookA fellow Etsian asked me if my notebooks came ready made and I just added something to it. So, I think I should explain my process.

Before I go on, in my notebooks, you will usually find that the first/last inside page is different than the rest. I did that because I use them to as the place for the table of contents and notes. But if the design/purpose doesn’t call for it, then it will be the same as the rest of the inside pages.

If I have a cover design in mind:

  1. I select a cover weight paper that fits with the design
  2. Print the design using my laser printer (so the design won’t fade by water droplets) but a few designs do require ink jet output.
  3. Select the first/last and inside pages to go with the cover

More Examples: “Your Way, Yes Way“, “Idea Reservoir

Roses Set hand stitched notebookIf I find paper with interesting pattern or texture, I’ll pick something different for the first/last page to go with the pattern or texture.

For the inside pages, I usually use quality white paper that is much more opaque than copier paper. If the design calls for it, I’ll use the color paper. In is case, the notebook might have less pages because color paper is thicker than the white paper.

Winter Trees hand stitched notebookOnce the paper for the cover, first/last and inside page are collected, I use a color cotton thread that goes with the notebook, then hand stitched them together.

The last step is to cut the notebook into the final size. And depending on the design, I decide to round the corners or not. Most of the time I do because straight cut corners tend to get bent.

I try my best to find materials that are made of recycled materials and/or can be recycled and often decides against designs that will make my products hard to recycle.

Thoughts Flow Handmade Notebook

Thoughts Flow Suminagashi Handmade NotebookMary Hayward, the host of Kenji’s Light of Hope event, left me a comment to see if I’d be interested in donating my notebook for their fundraising event to aid the The Igari Music Therapy Research Center which was damaged in March Japan earthquake.

I knew the participating artists have amazing pieces, so I had to do something new. And to go with the theme of Japan, I used the Suminagashi (Japanese paper marbling) technique to create an organic background. This forces me to break out of my usual geometric self.

For the cover I place two kanji characters:
Thoughts (思): prayers to send to Japan, inspirations to flow on to the paper from the owner’s hand.
Flow (流): unending streams of the word and of the ink on the paper

I hope the fundraising event goes well and my notebook will go with my best wishes to someone with a big heart.

NeedToNote Hand Stitched Notebook Review

Yes, I finally crossed over, from static images (graphic design) to moving images (YouTube).

My client (for design) and customer (for hand stitched notebook), Marielle, was kind enough to share her review about the “Best Selling Romance” notebook she bought from my Etsy shop.

I know it might be hard for potential customers to believe what Marielle said in the video review since I did the taping. However, we did not prepare for it at all, no script, no run through.

A side note: sorry you can’t see the stitching from the video, so be sure to find it in the “Best Selling Romance” listing page.

No matter what may come of it, I want to thank Marielle, The Money Whisperer, for being a friend and a supporter!