Moleskine (mol-a-skeen-a)
1) they’re not made from the skin of or, by moles
2) it’s pronounced “Mol-a-skeen-a”
some of you are very familiar with these blank books. just about every creative director, art director, illustrator, designer and artist, that i know, has a collection of these well loved pocket sized books.
Moleskine is the legendary notebook used by european artists, and thinkers for the past two centuries, from van gogh to picasso, from ernest hemingway to bruce chatwin. ......you get the point.
originally produced by small french bookbinders who supplied the parisian stationery shops frequented by the international avant-garde, by 1986 the last of these bookbinders quit making the black book. then, in 1998, a milanese company started to reproduce the book bringing it back into popularity. since then, several websites celebrating the moleskine have cropped up. 
generally the books become beautifully illustrated journals kept when one travels, or for everyday musings.
these images from artist sara midda's 'south of france'
and just before you start whining to me that you 'can't draw' ....save it. i'm not asking you to create one of these (unless you can, and then by all means and send me photos). i think this is a great way to create an , 'on the go', inspiration catalog.
moleskines are the perfect size for a bag, they're ideal for making a quick note next to a photo you've clipped from a magazine and they give you the air of looking like a international-artsy-know-it all, without having to wear a little beret.
to buy, check urban outfitters or barnes and noble. they run about $12.00 doll hairs.
Comments
Too funny! loveing it.
Joni
Cote-I love a beret (sang to the tune of, " I love a parade") I have one by I golfina del nona that my kids wear and it' a off the hook cute.
:)
the receipt is dated 1983. i keep them in that pocket and am reminded of the person from whom it was given, whenever i look at those slips of paper. so,yes, lists and receipts can be really inspirational!
Moleskines, a favorite lil sumpthin here, too!
Infinitely more fun to dabble/listmake/drawdream when in a classic little ol black book, yes?
That collage has a Tracy Porter-esqueness about it....
But it is not as neat and beautiful inside as the ones you have shown. More like a scratch on the run. Great Post.
I always have a massive handbag, so I guess I don't need the tiny Moleskines. I like the *idea of the M's believe me, but I need something bigger. Maybe it's because I write big and wild like a sociopath.