These last few days have been so full! I spent this weekend being Miss Social Butterfly, and all the while ideas have been piling up in my head. This happens a lot, which is why I stock up on journals, notebooks and all things paper.

I’ll admit it: I’m one of those people that gets at least one blank journal every holiday and complains good-naturedly about it but secretly loves it. There are journals all over my house: next to the bed, under the coffee table glass – even above the toilet! I keep buying more, too, because a girl can never have too much paper to write on.

I often look for journals with covers that will inspire me. My only “boring journal” is the basic black Moleskine my mother gave me, and even it is super shiny and soft to the touch, which is important when you’re using it as a dream journal. (Who wants to do anything when they first wake up, let alone write in something ugly and rough-feeling?)

I also tend to gift journals to people if they’re creative types. Here are a couple of handmade ones that I’ve given in the past few months:

London Mod Moleskine by Octavine Illustration

This was on my friend Sarah’s Etsy wish list. I love the totally mod styling of it, and that the artist hand-paints each journal herself. Also, you can never go wrong with a Moleskine base, which is what she uses. I held this tiny journal in my hot little hands before I sent it off and was tempted to keep it! At only $14 it’s perfect for the inside pocket of your purse – I have a similar one for jotting down short poems and the occasional to-do list while on the bus.

Buy recycled - from Book Journals

My boyfriend’s brother is a lyricist, and I see him writing in tattered soft-cover journals all the time. These journals, recycled from hard-cover books, make it easier to toss around a notebook you carry everywhere. The creators also use really clever book covers, like the two I bought for him, entitled Handwriting Analysis and Lives of Poor Boys Who Became Famous (each $13).

So, because I’m totally selfish, I have to move on to journals that are tempting me right now. The next few are all original creations printed on Moleskines, so not only is the quality amazing, but you’re also getting a piece of art to carry around with you and inspire you every day.

Shoofly: "Knit Buddies"

This is my current Number One Covetted Item on my Etsy wish list. I love that the print goes from front to back, and the design is adorable without being fit for a five-year old. I dig it in large ($16), but you can get it in almost any size…just like most of Shoofly’s journals.

Shoofly: Ghost Writer

Looking for something a little darker? She can do that too. I think I’d use this one when I need to write about my evil alter ego. It just seems fitting.

Mama Roots: Hop Along

How cute is this?! I think this tiny journal would brighten my mood any time I pulled it out of my purse. It makes me think of those really productive springtime weekends, filled with fresh flowers at the market and shopping in platform pumps. I can just see some cute girl in a bouncy skirt pulling this out of her tote so she can jot down the price of a pair of shoes she’s been eyeing. The price is right, too: it’s only $3.

Unconventional Ida: I Think They Want Hugs

Okay, first: I LOVE this artist. Unconvential Ida has tons of art for sale, and even a book on economics (it’s her major) with her illustrations nestled inside. Smart AND creative? I’ll take it. This Moleskine features an original drawing by Unconventional Ida, and in my opinion, original art is priceless (but you can get the journal for $10).

Kreativlink: Single

This last one is obviously not made using a Moleskine – it’s hand-drawn on suede. Her journals are a little more pricey – fabric, suede and leather run anywhere from $29 to $45 – but the details make them so worth it, with hand-torn, tea-stained paper and soft materials weighted with felt. I haven’t had the funds to buy one just yet, but as soon as I do you bet I’ll be showing you just how gorgeous it is in my hands!

Are you a writer, a sketcher, a doodler or a constant note-taker? What do you write your thoughts in?

Tags: design, etsy, gifts, handmade, moleskine, Paper Products