Sterling Ink sed they will probably offer undated verssion too, bc of high demend . So you who have missed this - contakt Chaterina in Sterling ink, she will say when preorders start for planner you can get in your hends somtime in spring of 2023. I personaly LOVE this planner and am using it with Maxe life . :) B6 is a perfect size!
This planner wrecked my entire 2023 lineup when I received it. I originally bought it during the pre-sale and I felt really bad after because I felt I wouldn't use it. I had my whole line-up sorta planned. When it arrived and I unboxed it, I was in absolute LOVE! I'm actually already in it. I used it as a bujo-style for last week in November with the extra pages and drew out the same style of vertical weekly for December. A few additional notes/clarifications: - This is the new Sanzen Tomoe River Paper. It's slightly thicker and has more tooth to it. That's why it dries faster and inks look bolder, since the paper absorbs more. Of course, for some it's like an improved TRP (me), for others not. - The cover is actually not plastic, but paper. It's one of those fancy papers used for scrap booking/paper crafts. - There's a darker dot halfway on all sides of the grid pages to help divide the page. Also, the grid actually does not run off the page, like you mentioned and unlike most grid notebooks, which means each page has the exact same number of squares. I love that small detail! The few drawbacks I see to it are: - The cover is flimsy. I bought a clear PVC cover for a slim fit and portability - I wish it had the weeks for December as well OR more extra pages to include December weeklies in case you wanted to move into it early, considering it has the monthly already. I was so excited to see you review it and I'm so happy to see you really liked it! I think this is my favorite planner of all time!😆
Cindy, I absolutely love watching your videos. On a fixed income, I appreciate that you do such thorough and honest reviews of products. It really helps me decide how to make the most of my limited planner budget. As someone with a chronic illness (and being evaluated for another), I truly hope that you don't overdo this holiday season, and are able to enjoy the holidays with your family however you choose to celebrate them. Take care, and I'm sending good vibes and wishes for a speedy donor match. P.S. I have Sterling Ink's sticker subscription, and the stickers are phenomenal.
Cindy, the trick to successfully using Tomoe River paper is either a Sarasa Dry gel pen or a Uni Jetstream gel pen. You can also swipe over those with a Tombow without smearing.
I love how excited you get whenever you re-discover 2024 is a Monday start 😄 That’s why I don’t completely hate my brain fog and memory issues - I get to experience things for the first time more than once 😂 Obv you gotta do what’s best for you, but ngl I would miss your bujo videos. I have perfectionism issues, so watching you mess up and be like “eh, oh well” and make the best of it is def helpful. But I could always just go back and rewatch your other videos, since I won’t remember them that well anyway haha
Thanks for reviewing this planner. It only comes in B6 size for now... I hope you decide to use it, I’d love to see more videos on this planner... I am using mine for astronomy learning and journaling (we bought a new telescope in October) & it is too small for my teacher planner (what I originally bought it for) but I am enjoying using it for this...
I love Tomoe River paper but I cannot stop laughing at your “used toilet paper” comment, and now I’m looking at my planner spot thinking, I’m surrounded by used toilet paper!!
I pre-ordered the Sterling Ink planner and so glad I did! Since it was their planner launch they did not order a lot of extras. This is my planner choice for next year. I am actually moving into this B6 size from a large Passion Planner. I am excited and nervous. I have been using a Passion Planner since 2013 and it will be a challenge to go to the thin Tomoe River paper! I am obsessed with this planner and looking forward to using it. The gilding on the edge is gorgeous. This is a wonderfully neutral planner. Catherine says they may be bringing it out in an A5 size next year. Awesome review!
I’m also a PP user who moved to the Tomoe R paper and i love it! It does take a little bit of trial and error on how markers, inks, pens and stickers react but now i can’t imagine using anything else. I still love my PP for memory planning
I did not know this existed!! I would definitely use! It has everything, I can still bullet journal monthly, not have to do the calendar each month and use the first part of the "agenda" to keep work in the same planner.
I'm not sure how you did it, but other folks unboxing and sharing this planner didnt even come close to showing what you did. NOW..... I think I might need one. LOL
Just started watching but I can sense a theme here, as in "I usually don't care for this type of thing but this is niiiiiiice!" 🤣 I got this 9ne for work because I've been watching Catherine (Sterling Ink) forever and I knew she could make a Hobo style planner worth my while. This is perfect for my work and I'm pretty sure I'll get next year's edition as well.
I am absolutely in love with this planner! So glad to see you like this one too. I think people said this one has the newer version of the paper which is a touch thicker.
I got this planner and really love the size (the hobo cousin was too big for me, and the regular A6 doesn't have the vertical weekly that I loved about the hobo cousin, and they sell an extra insert for it but it's too small) but this B6 size is right up my alley! The paper is definitely the 'either you love it or don't' paper, and I do use a shitajiki with hobonichi planners (also someone who writes pretty hard), but I also tend to use ballpoint pens over gel (Uni Jetstream 0.5 is my all time fave) so the combo of the ballpoint plus writing board is what I've found works best for me. I'm actually planning on using it as a goal/budget planner for next year and I'm excited to see how it goes (chronic February quitter here :D) I also have in my planner stack for next year 2 different Hobonichi Weeks (one's going to be a meal plan/food diary, the other will be a work planner) plus a Mon Journal(?) for personal planning (not 100% sure what the actual name of the planner is, found it on MochiThings years ago and it's been my most consistent planner purchase for the last 7 years). I might be overdoing it but I'm hoping it works out!
I fell in love with the Hobonichi. It surprised me. As my every day planner it won't work, but I'm using it for work and journaling. If this was in an A5 size I'd totally buy this. I love that the "daily" pages are completely blank.
There is actually one size this year, which is B6. It comes in black and mauve. There may be another launch in December. Catherine has a video on her RU-vid channel giving the details of the planner.
I'm glad to see you look at this -- I came across it a couple weeks ago and was so bummed to see how hard it is to actually obtain. I love B6 and love these layouts - so functional. And it's so pretty. I was worried the binding may not hold up. I found the Witt and Delight Planner at Target which is $20 and has a lot of functional planning with a unique situation. That could be something for people to check out as a quasi alternative - it has a month calendar each month, a week layout, and then a note layout for each week and a few other extra pages throughout each month as well. So it has extra space for notes or extra lists, etc. It is a hefty planner, hardcover, with a band.
I bought this in Black. I agree that it is the best of many worlds and I love the B6 size. It is beautiful in person, you can see the Light Grid easily it doesn't seem to show up on camera. The paper is a lighter color then the hobonichi paper. Sterling ink decided to come up with plastic covers that custom fit this, I don't know if it's available yet. I have it in a moterm, waiting for January 1st.
This planner is beautiful! I got the same cover, I didn’t end up keeping it because I know I’m going to stick with my hobonichi. My favorite part is the cover options. Hobonichi has the weirdest cover colors IMO.
I said basically the same thing on RachelleInTheory's video comparing this and an A5 Hobonicho but basically the delicate, minimal aesthetic plus the B6 makes this planner feel completely unusable for someone with a visual impairment like mine. The grid is too difficult to see, the font difficult to read and anything in the light gray color is basically illegible. 😬 It took me a few good weeks to get used to being in the A5 Hobonicho and that font size in comparison to an Erin Condren A5 but I'm very comfortable in it now however I couldn't go smaller. I have a personal vendetta against the trend of minimal stationery because it's too difficult for my eyeballs to use and enjoy. 😢 I have also seen a video where someone was trying to tip in pages and deco and the spine didn't love that so idk 🤷🏻♀️ I do love the mauve and gold edges and blank slate pages but I'm sticking with my hobonichi for next year. If there's an A5 in 2024 we shall see - I would want to see a review of someone with 20/60 corrected vision review it first 😂
I love Sterling Ink and the layout out this planner but I'm a A5 planner at heart and knew this size wasn't going to work for me. Excited to hear Catherine is thinking of other sizes for the future.
I would love to see the aura Estelle a6! I've had it in my cart for weeks but can't decide 😅 Omggg at the final thoughts haha. Can't wait to see what you decide. Would love to see you do some fountain pen pages next year if you do!
One thing Hobonichi is missing from their line up is the B6 size. This looks nice, to my eye, needs some improvements, but i have a feeling next year it will be even nicer. I’ve purchased SI stickers and papers in the past, and they are very nice.
Yes please check out the other similar ones apparently tomoe river paper changed last year I think and when you get a hobonichi they give you a booklet of the sample paper they are attempting to change it to stop the shadowing..however my reason for wanting ones is medical. If you compare it to another regular notebook it appears much lighter and if you carry it around its much less weight than the traditional notebook. Yes I have been wanting to see you review them and I am so happy you did if you check Facebook sterling ink the owner Catherine shares her thoughts and future thoughts because she is going to continue she has already decided NOT to guild the pages next round or do limited amount guilded.
You know, I used to be against this paper too… but I couldn’t argue with the function. Now with hoco sticker kits I’m in heaven (though I don’t use them often because that sticker bulge 😂) and I just deal with the shadowing. You get used to it! And it’s reminded me I have a lot more supplies in my drawer than just PK stickers. Tombows have been made a big comeback in my life!
Looks great. It may have 68 gsm TRP, which is what I prefer for journaling even though I have learned to lo-- anyway, appreciate the 52 gsm stuff in my Hobo Day-Free. I like the B6 size, too -- but again, the A6 size is so compact and light, plus it fits in my teeny bag. But I will for sure keep this Sterling planner in mind for 2024, especially if you let us watch you using it in 2023!
Lovely review, Cindy! I have the full year, and I went ahead and set up November weeklies in the back. So far, it has been really wonderful to use! I love the more compact size, the blank daily pages, and being able to use my fountain pens. The new Tomoe River Paper feels like Stalogy paper to me - it seems less smooth than the original. But it handles fountain pen ink as well as the original! The only thing I don't like is that I haven't gotten a plastic cover to comfortably fit the planner, and the planner's covers seem delicate.
I have the half year and there's an overhang. Catherine I think said that the LPD cover fits the full year if you give it a few days to stretch and from what I know LPD 's working on some specific covers for the Common Planner.
I just received a notification of pre-orders (12/22/22) now open for undated. I think it will be open for 2 weeks, and anticipated delivery in mid-late March. Also offers option for stickers and clear cover. Wanted to share in case any of your followers are interested, before it closes.
I’m also a bullet journalist but have fallen off the wagon because I get lazy to draw up my spreads. I also bought this Common planner for work, I think it’s a good compromise between structured preprinted pages and the flexibility of the back page to write down notes and anything else I need through out the year
I say go for it and use it as your BUJO. But I also love the paper she uses and I am a fountain pen user so…. I would love to hear your thoughts on Aura Estelle if you have time. Still 😂😂 on tomoe river paper being like TP. Have a great weekend.
I love this planner! It is my perfect size, B6, but it gives me the feel of the Hobonichi Cousin and I really enjoy that! Thank you for your thoughts on it 😉
I loved my Hobonichi Cousin this year and the Common Planner fixes the few things I didn't like about the Cousin. I'm excited to start using it! I got the black and it's gorgeous with the gilded edges. I am a fountain pen user so I do like the paper though I certainly understand not liking it. All in all though I'm currently in love with this planner and looking forward to transitioning for 2023. If you do end up using it I'd love to hear your thoughts on the goal pages. I haven't figured out what to do with mine yet.
Great review! I also have this and plan to use it. I tried the Aura Estelle but the quality wasn’t as high as this one in my opinion although it is a fine planner.
I got this, and it just might be my planner peace-it’s everything I wanted the Hobo Cousin to be. I’m already using it (early) by doing bujo spreads in the empty pages section.
I am a fountain user, and I love Tomoe River paper. Fun fact, Tomoe River paper also works with watercolor fairly well. Very wrinkly until its dry, but does well. Gouache too.
Another planner that's similar to this one & the Hobonichi is the Inamio - similar features (full calendars, Monday start, 24 hour vertical) at a very reasonable price point. The paper is awesome, too - no dried toilet paper lol. It also comes in the 6" x 8.5" ($15) & 8.5" x 11" ($17). I'm not sure about a website, but I found it on Amazon 😊
@@BlackGirlSerenity 😂 well good for you for recognizing that about yourself! I wish I had realized it earlier in My planner journey 🤑 I hope you enjoy your time with the Inamio 😊
I'm in a Weeks, and the non-fountain pen I use the most is an Energel Clena with a 0.3 nib. It still shadows, but not so much that I have trouble reading what's on the other side. I'm using the gridded space for daily logging and some collections, but I'm not doing any decorative planning (or decorative anything) in it. I also have a dot grid notebook (currently an Amanda Rach Lee, with a STM on deck) for story notes, journaling, and the occasional decorative planning when the bug hits.
I’m definitely intrigued. Love the mauve. Unsure of the paper ( I just ordered but haven’t yet received my first Hobo Weeks), the very very light tiny print, I don’t like months all together.
This planner is so nice. I think this would've been great for me when I was transitioning out of bujo but didn't know what planner I wanted to stick to. The paper looks nice even though I prefer a bright white. I love my gel pens so I don't think I could handle the shadowing/ghosting.
I wonder if Inamio would be up your alley, it's a similarish layout to the hobonichi but it's nice thick paper, available on Amazon I always get the honking 8 1/2 x 11 but there is also a a5 size I think it's about 12 bucks so low stakes if you think the thin paper will drive you crazy.
I’ve started using mine in November when I got it. I opted to NOT tip any pages in because I’m testing it, so far the spine is ok (in comparison to how I abuse spines) but I am going to work it so I’ll let you know in a couple months.
I honestly think if you don’t like the paper, don’t do it. I love TRP but it has its faults, and it is a whole years worth of it. I remember your hobonichi cousin review and how much you didn't like it then too
I bought this planner and it is perfect for me. I use fountain pens and love the paper. I used to buy dot grid TM paper and use it for my bullet journal however this gives me the best of both worlds. The decider was the shipping internationally, which was very affordable; although I think they lost money on the shipping so it will not be repeated. Very happy with this planner.
I'm a little sad I've already started setting up my work planner (in a b6 stalogy because I couldn't find anythingperfect), because this would've been perfect-enough! I am curious what the undated looks like, my only qualm for using it as a work planner is that my company's "week one" is in april, and we use a sunday start. So calendar wise, I would find it super annoying for work. I wonder if the undated might let me input that myself?
I want a Hobonichi planner but without the TMR paper. I'm too harsh on paper for that to hold up. If a company claims vegan for a manufactered product, it is supposed to mean vegan throughout the entire manufacturing process but I'm doubtful they are really adhering to that in all cases.
I get what you mean with the best of both worlds, but I fear you’re talking about doing a daily page every day. For some people this could work, but for me, I despise setting up a whole page every day, and I despise the space I’ll waste on a day when I don’t use my planner.
Catherine Cao of Sterling Ink divides the daily pages down the middle and does a two column spread. She writes what she needs to then the next time she continues from there adding a new date. Made sense to me as I don't know if I would fill a whole page each day.
Ki wanted to buy one of these and missed it by a few days! This is maybe not the best way to do business. "Vegan Leather" makes my skin crawl too. leather?
The owner talks about this in her video showcasing it. They are a small family business and couldn’t afford to have excess inventory of a dated item. They did a pre-order and also ordered extras so they would be able to sell the books as best they could.
I can’t blame a very small company with their first planner having an early sell out because the demand was more than they ever imagined. I think Hobonichi-style is particularly trendy for 2023.
@@CindyGuentertBaldo Catherine says in her videos about these that the covers are not plastic, they're 100% paper. They just have a leatheresque feel but they're not actually PU.
Don't do this to yourself. The planner may have a layout and style you like, but you hate the paper once you start writing on it. You need something that you're going to want to use every day, and this is going to make you miserable.
