The Journal Diaries- Notebooks, Watercolors, and Sketches by Ellina

The Journal Diaries is a blog segment where we get a sneak peek into the journals, notebooks, organizers, and diaries from people all over the world. (Click here for past posts.) My special guest today is Ellina From Russia.

Hello everyone! I'm very excited to share with you my love for notebooks and writing instruments. My name is Ellina, I'm 19 years old. I'm from Russia, but I currently study economics and management in France.

I enjoy good stationery, it's been a part of my life for many years. Even though I was always interested in notebooks and pens, my real journey started after acquiring a pocket Moleskine in London. That Moleskine became my "everything" notebook: I was writing down my thoughts and ideas, quotes from the internet and from books. I also started sketching. I carried it with me every day and I really enjoyed spending time with it, whether writing or drawing.

When my first notebook was finished I got another pocket Moleskine which served me for the same purposes. First few pages held a collection of my favorite notebook-related quotes.

As my stationery addiction grew, I discovered Midori Traveler's notebook. I was a bit hesitant in the beginning, but I got myself one in October and I'm using it every day ever since. My Midori has 3 inserts: 2 regular Midori notebooks and one lightweight paper Midori one. I also always have a Field Notes notebook tucked behind the elastic with a Fisher Space pen attached to it. This is the notebook I use for all the thoughts, ideas, dreams, plans, random sketches, etc. I fill one up every 2 or 3 weeks, so I keep a stack of them ready to use. 

My Midori is quite fat and the leather is a bit worn off on the outside, but I like how it looks.

-The first notebook is my Bullet journal. I was using a Filofax for a year or so, but I find that this Bullet journal system works better for me. I always have a monthly calender, a monthly to-do list, my university schedule and assignments list, a productivity log where I record my daily activities and finally an expenses log. I can always add new lists if I need them.

-The second notebook is a Commonplace book. I write down all of the things I learn or discover every day, things that I find valuable or interesting, or just things that I don't want to forget. It mostly holds some bits and pieces from the web, books and podcasts. I don't usually write down my own thoughts here, this notebook serves me as an idea storage for future reference.

-The third notebook doesn't have a particular purpose. I use it whenever I have some free time, or when I just want to brainstorm or doodle.

I decorate the notebook covers with some random stamps, stickers, cutouts, washi tape, and even my own drawings. I enjoy opening my Midori much more than if I simply had plain covers.

I also like watercolor and urban sketching. I find lots of inspiration in architecture therefor most of my drawings are dedicated to it. I enjoy drawing a lot, it allows me to forget everything and just be in the moment. My little watercolor kit is always with me so that I can draw wherever I want.

As for my tools, I have a variety of them in my pencil case. I'm a fountain pen enthusiast, so I usually have some of my favorite pens with me. Currently, I carry 5: TWSBI 580, Lamy 2000, Sailor Pro Gear, Pelikan M400 and Kaweco Sport, all with different inks. Writing with a fountain pen is something very special, but I also enjoy taking care of my pens, cleaning and inking them. I have a collection of more than 20 inks in bottles, plus many ink samples, so I have lots of colors to choose from.

I also carry some drawing tools, like pencils, erasers, Microns and gel pens. As mentioned before, my watercolors are always with me. I keep 12 Winsor&Newton half-pans in a small metal tin with a couple of tiny brushes. I also have a water brush with a fine tip, which is great for both quick sketching and more elaborate drawing.

Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity, Michelle! I hope you all enjoyed my post. Feel free to ask any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

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Thank you so much for sharing all of your notebooks, sketches and tools with us, Ellina! And for all you wonderful readers looking to connect, you can find Ellina on her Instagram, @ellbrt. Be sure to stop by and say "hello!"