In Planners & Organizers

Planner Review: Kokuyo Jibun Techo B6 Slim 2018 Planner

Author AnaPosted on 16 Comments
Planner Review: Kokuyo Jibun Techo B6 Slim 2018 Planner

The Kokuyo Jibun Techo is taking the planner world by storm. this year. It seems like it popped up into the community overnight but it seems to have been a slow build over the last year that has blossomed making the 2018 Jibun Techo THE planner to get this year. If you are unfamiliar with the Jibun Techo, it comes in a B6 Slim, an A5 Slim and a Biz version in the A5 Slim or B6 Slim. The Slim connotation essentially means that the sizing doesn’t fit the standard dimensions of A5 or B6. The regular editions have a very graphic, almost futuristic styling while the Biz edition has a more sedate styling.

There are two ways to purchase the standard edition: as a 3-book set with a LIFE book, an IDEA book, and the 2018 planner or as the individual components.

I got the Mini B6 Slim 2018 planner in Green. Since the entire system is in Japanese, the LIFE book ($10 purchased separately), which is designed to be a book that moves from one year to the next (and has all the details written in Japanese) I decided it wasn’t really going to be all that useful for me. There are dozens of videos on YouTube of other people flipping through it, trying to discern the purpose of each page if you’re curious about the LIFE book. The 3-book system also includes the IDEA books (pack of 2 for $9.10) which are blank books like Traveler’s notebook inserts for lists, to do’s and additional information. These are easily purchased separately so if I decided to add these, I could. However, I have several Hobonichi Techos that I plan to use in 2018, so I decided that I did not need the IDEA books right now, so I skipped on the 3-book set. If you are diving into this system, you might find the 3-book version more flexible and a lot of people are taken with the LIFE book.

SIDE NOTE: I’ll have reviews and details about my Hobonichis and covers and how I’ll be using them in the next couple weeks. I will also have a guest review about the Jibun Techo Biz A5 Slim coming soon.

The Jibun Techo comes with a flexible plastic cover that has a pocket on the front that runs horizontal and a pocket on the back that runs vertical for sliding papers or ephemera. Unlike the cover-on-cover from Hobonichi, the Jibun cover is included with the planner purchase and is a matte finish rather than shiny. Inside are three business card slots and vertical secretary pockets both front and back. Additional plastic sleeve pockets can be purchased if you want more room to tuck papers and ephemera into your cover.  The plastic cover can be removed completely.

If you remove the cover, you’ll discover that the paper cover stamped with the date is a simple paper wrap. It’s not cardstock. This is probably a good bit of information to know since there are not a ton of color covers to choose from. If you are even slightest bit DIY, you can easily make a new cover by measuring the existing cover and cutting paper to the same size. I have not done this yet but I did tuck a postcard from Uppercase, trimmed down a bit, into the front pocket as a bit of embellishment.

Underneath this wrap  is the actual book cover which is a stiff cream cover with a thread tape binding like a Midori notebook.

The first thing to note is that the paper in the Jibun Techo is definitely Tomoe River. What weight it is, I’m not exactly sure but it is good quality, fountain pen friendly paper with a dashed grid design on the pages and a warm white color.

The squares are a mere 3mm though so you had better be prepared to get out your XF or EXF pens. I included a regular pencil in the photos above for scale but I didn’t dare try to write in the spaces with one. If you ever wanted to try an 0.3mm mechanical pencil, this would be the planner for it.

The one upgrade or accessory I did add to the Jibun Techo was the writing board (I bought mine from Wonder Fair in Lawrence, KS for $11). It doubles as a “today” page marker and creates a smooth, firm writing surface. It also prevents indentations from passing to the next page due to pressing too hard on the lightweight Tomoe River paper. In a pinch, it can be a blotter card as well. One side is solid dark grey with a ruler down one side and the other side is the same dark grey with light grey dotted grid with the ruler down the edge. I cannot actually see the grid through the planner paper so it doesn’t really matter which side is facing up or down. The tab is light grey on one side and sky blue on the other.

The Jibun Techo planner has two slim ribbon bookmarks which are not sealed on the ends so I immediately dipped the ends in white glue (like Elmer’s school glue) to seal the ends to keep them from fraying. It makes them a bit stiff when I do this but I don’t like the shredded look of frayed ends. Its a pet peeve.

Now let’s get into the actual planner part of the planner…

Inside is a “How-To Use the Jibun Techo”, written in both English and Japanese but the details are in Japanese. I immediately grasped the 4-year calendar, yearly schedule, some of the lists and plans and so forth but the Age Chart, Promise List and My Dream are still a little befuddling.

I’m assuming the My Dream is like a Bucket List? And I get some of the Age List but not all of it. If someone can explain what a Promise List is for or how it differs from a to-do list, please let me know.

The page shown above is what is listed as the Monthly Project but what a lot of people are seeing as a great place for habit tracking. There is space for several different things (even using 2 lines you could fit 12 activities each month) and include doing it twice like going for a walk, taking medicine, or brushing your teeth. If the only thing you want to track is drinking 8 glasses of water a day, you can just take up a whole chunk of space for that. It depends on how granular you want to get about your life.

So, on to the core of the planner! First, is the monthly calendars which feature big, blocky numbers that remind me of playing the video game Wipeout. Next to each day is a face indicating happy, neutral or sad so you can track your mood each day. The monthly calendar is set up with Monday starts and Saturday and Sunday on the far right which might be different for some Americans but is common for European and Asian planners and is consistent with the rest of the planner.

Next, the biggest part of the planner, the Weekly pages:

Towards the front of the planner is a “Weekly Plan” page. You can use this as a test page or if you like to have baseline plane for your week, you can outline it here. I’m going to use this page to describe the basic page layout.

On the far left is a column for to-do’s. Every other line has a check box. I use the space to divide up between work to-do’s, personal, shopping, bills, etc. The space allows me to draw a line between them and clump them together. The rest of the page is the seven days of the week, equally divided, starting with Monday and going to Sunday in vertical columns. The columns are full 24 hours so you can account for your sleep, evening activities as well as your daily schedule or if you are someone who works nights, evenings of weekends, you can actually schedule all of that in easily. At the bottom is space for additional notes, the same face icons to document your mood, sun icons to document sunrise and sunset (I’m guessing here)  and a star at the bottom for your most important to-do of the day (again I’m guessing but you could assign a purpose to it). At the very top of each day, below the date is weather icons to document the day’s weather and space for marking a special event .

Did I mention that the Jibun Techo planner start on November 1, 2017? Okay, big news! I got to start using it this week so I am just getting my feet wet this week. you are seeing my real world use of it thus far. I haven’t gotten to inputting my sleep schedule or the weather but using it for my actual work and meetings and to-do’s is really effective. I always think I’m not going to like the vertical layout calendars but I love it. I like seeing how much time I have between meetings to actually work. The calendar has the time in 24-hour which is taking some getting used to since no one in the US outside the military actually uses 24-hour time. So when I get a meeting invite, I have to translate the “meeting from 2:30pm – 3:30pm” into “14:30-15:30” and put it into my Jibun Techo.

The dark dots on the weekly pages relate to the sunrise and sunset times in Japan, according to some of the videos I watched on YouTube… if you were curious.

Finally, in the back of the planner are some information pages like subway maps of major cities in Japan, time differences, a personal data page and an information page for Jibun Techo on Facebook and Twitter from Kokuyo.

I’m really happy with the B6 Slim Jibun Techo thus far. Its definitely way more function-based than the Hobonichi. The Hobonichi is very open-ended and can be very intimidating for a lot of people. The Jibun Techo has a lot of very defined spaces but those can be customized to individual needs and purposes. With just the planner, the Jibun Techo is super small and compact. It has the option to be super granular if you want it to be plus the paper is fountain pen friendly. However, be prepared to write REALLY SMALL.

Where the Hobonichi is basically a cult at this point, the Jibun Techo has the chance to be whatever you want it to be. It could be a planner that helps you stay organized or the next planner cult. You get to choose. And because the Jibun Techo starts in November, you can start using it right now!

DISCLAIMER: This item was sent to me free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

 

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Link Love: NaNoNaNo

Author AnaPosted on 1 Comment

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In feature, Pen Review

Pen Review: Ohto Horizon Needlepoint Ballpoint

Author AnaPosted on 8 Comments
Pen Review: Ohto Horizon Needlepoint Ballpoint

Sometimes you find a pen that you think is just going to be okay and you end up loving. The Ohto Horizon Needlepoint ballpoint pen is just such a pen. As you’ll see there’s not just one pen in these photos and that’s because Bob bought one at Maker Goods here in Kansas City because he quite likes ballpoint pens and knows they aren’t really my thing. He bought the bright school bus yellow one and when I saw it, I said “Hey, let me try that!” The next thing you know, I was in the car driving down to Maker Goods to buy my own.

First thing to note about these pens is how wickedly fine the refills are.  Its a rarity to find a ballpoint pen with a super fine refill so that was a big plus. It also wrote really well. And as well all know, regardless of how much we love our fountain pens, at some point we are required to sign something on shiny receipt paper or fill out some paper in triplicate at a doctor’s office or need ink that is permanent and that’s where having a ballpoint pen comes in handy. So, you might as well make a plan to have one you like and not get stuck using some crappy Bic Stic, unless you like those.

The shape of this pen is a wide hex that smooths to a round at the grip. The hex keeps the pen from rolling around and the round shape makes it oddly dumpling-like in the hand, especially given the needle-like writing tip.

To activate the tip, push the button on the end. To retract the tip, push the button on the side.

I love the refill which is saying a lot considering how much I vehemently despise ballpoints in general. This week, I’m turning a corner. Compared to the crappy “mystery ballpoint” found in a desk drawer, the ink flow was consistent and clean with no blobs or smears. The line of the Ohto needlepoint was finer that the Sailor 1911 by a fraction and considerably finer than the medium Goliath.

The price on Amazon for an Ohto Horizon Needlepoint in the Silver or Yellow is less than $10. There are other colors available as well. If you are in Kansas City though, your best bet is to pop over to Maker Goods and pick one up in person.

 

In Pen Review

Pen Review: Caran d’Ache 849 Rose Gold Ballpoint

Author AnaPosted on 5 Comments
Pen Review: Caran d’Ache 849 Rose Gold Ballpoint

The 849 ballpoint pen has been a staple of the Caran d’Ache line since 1969 and is based on the Ecridor and Fixpencil that preceded it. It’s an aesthetically classic design that has become the basis for color experiments as well as graphics by artists and designers en vogue.

I recently picked up the Rose Gold model (list price: $54.50 for the Rose Gold, standard 849 models list for about $30) at Wonder Fair in Lawrence, KS to complete the 849 trifecta as it were: I have the fountain pen and the 844 mechanical pencil but had yet to acquire a ballpoint pen. I was smitten with the color and the matching clip so I went ahead and bought it.

The shape of the pen is a slender hexagonal design that tapers down to the grip. The feeling of the 849 is that of a slightly wider hexagonal pencil and the tapered barrel is that of a sharpened pencil. As a result, a lot of people find the shape a bit narrow overall. Thinking of the whole design as entirely based around the look and feel of a traditional wood-cased pencil though may make it feel less awkward. From the beginning, the Fixpencil was a transition from a wood-cased pencil to a mechanical pencil but with the same feeling as a traditional pencil. Then the pens they built kept the same shape.

I love that Caran d’Ache discreetly hides their branding and model number under the clip. The only thing that is clearly visible is the “Swiss made” stamp above the clip. It keeps with the methodology that truly high-end products usually don’t have their branding all over them (think Hermes handbags vs. Coach C bags). If its really good, you know it without having to flash your logo all over creation.

Engraved around the push button is Caran d’Ache but even with the macro setting on my camera it would be hard to see it and capture it. The knock is smooth and quiet. Its more push button than a click which is probably why the 849 ballpoint is so beloved.

One interesting thing to note about the Rose Gold 849 is that it has a bit more toothy texture than some of the other 849 designs. The 844 mechanical pencil and the 849 fountain pen that I own both have glossy enamel finishes while the Rose Gold has a slightly gritty texture. If you’ve found the other 849 styles too slippery, the Rose Gold or the Gold Bar might be easier to grip with the metallic paint. Some of the 849 designs with patterns printed on them also add a bit of tooth to the surface as the designs are silkscreened on over the enamel paint.

The other thing people love is the Caran d’Ache “Goliath” refill. The 849 ships with the medium point which is a bit too broad for my liking but it is very smooth for a ballpoint refill and is a substantial-sized refill. It’s pricier than the average refill but I’ve had many people ask me for other pens that can accept the Goliath refill specifically because they enjoy the writing experience so much.

It is possible to get Goliath refills in F, M and B in a few different colors so I am definitely going to try a F at which point I think the Rose Gold 849 will become my favorite ballpoint.

In Pencil Review

Pencil Review: Uni Pericia Colored Pencils 24-Color Set

Author AnaPosted on 6 Comments

Review by Tina Koyama

When I first saw photos of Uni Pericia colored pencils and their prices, my immediate reaction was skepticism (OK, lust – then skepticism). $74.50 for a set of 24 pencils? Certainly, it’s not the only professional-quality, colored pencil that costs $3 each or more (Caran d’Ache’s premium lines come to mind). But for the Pericia, how much of that cost is for the fancy, faux-leather case? Even pricey Caran d’Ache pencils come in a cardboard box, and most other colored pencils come in metal tins. Could the Pericia pencils themselves be worth the price? Of course, I had to know.

First, let’s get the bling out of the way, shall we? Yes, that fancy box. It came protected in a translucent plastic sleeve with the color names printed on the bottom.

As described, the case itself is made of a textured faux leather that feels nice and sturdy. A tab on the case slips into a loop on the lid like a belt to keep the case from falling open. The pencils are well protected, and the case looks like it should hold strands of pearls.

Inside, the pencils sit in a velveteen-lined tray of snug grooves that will not let the pencils fall out inadvertently. The lid can be folded back like an easel, and the case can then stand upright for easy access to the pencils. I admit, the box is much better than most.

However, I’m not one to be seduced by a fancy box (especially since I always store and use pencils in a cup). Let’s get to the important stuff: the pencils. Uh-oh, more bling – the pencils themselves are very pretty with a round, brown, matte-finish barrel. (I’m partial to both round pencils and a matte finish, so I love the way these feel.) The end cap indicates the color, and a gold trim ring separates the end cap from the barrel. The Uni logo and Pericia name are stamped in gold foil. On the other side the color number and name (I always appreciate seeing the latter) are stamped in white. The standard-size barrel sharpens well in any sharpener.

JetPens describes Pericia as “soft oil-based colored pencils” and “featuring a special wax core.” The only other oil-based colored pencils I own are Faber-Castell Polychromos and Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor (I may have others, but not all manufacturers identify the binder material clearly), and both are relatively hard. Those led me to expect Pericia to be similarly hard.

In fact, Pericia has a core that is among the softest I have used. It’s softer than Caran d’Ache Luminance, which, up to now, was the softest I was accustomed to using. I know that Prismacolors are known for their softness, and although I don’t use them much due to breakage issues, I have some on hand. I compared them, and I’d say Pericia is easily as soft as Prismacolor.

The hues are rich and saturated, and they blend beautifully. My only quibble is that in my set of 24, there was only one yellow; usually an assortment this size includes both a cool and a warm yellow.

The sample swatches and sketch above were made in a Stillman & Birn Epsilon sketchbook. On the Epsilon’s smooth surface, I expected the soft cores to have no problem covering the paper, and I was right.

Lately I’ve also been experimenting with colored pencil drawings in my black Stillman & Birn Nova sketchbook, so I made sample swatches and a sketch in it, too. Nova paper has some tooth, which takes a little more time to cover with the soft Pericia cores, but their buttery smoothness makes the additional time a pleasure.

Final Impressions

Fancy box notwithstanding, Pericia pencils are scrumptious! They are among the best pencils I own. My only complaint is that I can’t find them anywhere open stock, so it means that once a pencil is gone, it can’t be replaced without buying another set. (I’m hoping JetPens eventually offers them individually.) Since they are remarkably soft, they will not hold a point long, so you’ll need a harder pencil for fine detail work. But for anything else, they are a joy to use.

tina-koyamaTina Koyama is an urban sketcher in Seattle. Her blog is Fueled by Clouds & Coffee, and you can follow her on Instagram as Miatagrrl.

DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

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Link Love: All The Baron That’s Fit To Print

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Washi Tape Stash Enhancement

Author AnaPosted on 8 Comments
Washi Tape Stash Enhancement

For a long stretch I swore I wouldn’t buy anymore washi tape because I had more than enough to stretch around the globe and then some. Then this week happened. And I fell of the washi wagon hard. Maybe its because I have been purchasing new planner or maybe its because there are so many great options available. Either way, my washi stash has multiplied rapidly.

I purchased washi from three of my favorite sources: CuteTape, JetPens and Wonder Fair.  JetPens recently got in a whole line from Chamilgarden and I have purchased a good deal of the collection. The print quality is excellent and the designs are beautiful.

MT, the originator of washi tape, continues to innovate and expand going both modern and historical. This year they are working with contemporary artists as well as historical designs. There is a William Morris collection available in Europe (and on Etsy) as well as lots of geometric designs, colors and contemporary artists and designers.

And CuteTape offers MT plus many other brands like Masté. Needless to say, I built a tower of tape twelve inches high.

Thankfully, I still have a copy of Washi Tape: 101+ Ideas for Paper Crafts, Book Arts, Fashion, Decorating, Entertaining, and Party Fun! by Courtney Cerruti so I have lots of fun ideas to use it all up.

  1. Round Top Little Path x Chamilgarden Washi Tape – Fennel – 15 mm x 10m $6 (via JetPens)
  2. Round Top Little Path x Chamilgarden Washi Tape – New Leaf – 15 mm x 10m $6 (via JetPens)
  3. Round Top Little Path x Chamilgarden Washi Tape – Water Colour – 15mm x 10m $6 (via JetPens)
  4. Round Top Little Path x Chamilgarden Washi Tape – Bookshop – 20 mm x 10m $6.25 (via JetPens)
  5. Mini Scrapbooking Deco MASTÉ Japanese Washi Tape in Airmail  $2.90 (via CuteTape)
  6. Mini Scrapbooking Deco MASTÉ Japanese Washi Tape in Deco Postage  $3.50 (via Cute Tape)
  7. Cross Square MT Masking Tape 15mmx10mm Cross Blue Single $3.50 (via CuteTape)
  8. MT Slash Red 15mm x 10m (via Wonder Fair)
  9. MT x Nordic Washi Tape Almedahls Mushroom Forest $4 (via CuteTape)
  10. ,
  11. ,
  12.  Tulip Washi Tape – Teal, Blue, Pink Stripe Set of 3 rolls $12 (via CuteTape)
  13.  MT Ex Hana Hane BLUE Abstract Butterfly Mina Perhonen Washi Tape $8 (via CuteTape)
  14.  Line Gradation Silver washi tape 15mm x 10m (via Wonder Fair)
  15.  Colorful Textile Pattern 15mm Washi Tape in pink $3.50 (via CuteTape)
  16. MT for Kids Peta Peta Washi Tape 15mm x 7m (via Wonder Fair)
  17. MT x Lisa Larson Nordic Retro Birds 15mm x 10 m (via Wonder Fair)
  18.  MT Washi Tape MT Slim Deco A Japanese Masking Tape 6mm x 10m per roll, set of 3 (via Wonder Fair)

Do you fall prey to the lure of rolls of washi tape? Like so much of stationery, washi tape are  little bits of packaged joy. Each one is wrapped like candy in cellophane that fits in the palm of your hand like a little gift. If you’ve never treated yourself to a roll, pick one up that sparks your interest. It can be functional or decorative.