Wednesday 17 June 2015

Why a Filofax?

My Pocket Ochre Malden Filofax with a customized clip.

Why indeed?


I guess it comes down to a number of intersecting aspects of my life:

the need to use my time better
the desire to be more productive
a requirement to have a lot of my information all in one place
the insurance that I don't forget important things

and a passion for quality stationery

I use metal tabs and paperclips for the rustic look and convenience.

My journey with Filofaxes has been fluid and long.

I have always kept journals and diaries
but never really kept them going long enough
or utilized their capacity so they served me well
they looked so cool in the 1980's and are a novelty in the 2010's.

I simply LOVE to carry mine.
My pocket ochre Malden
in all its leathery splendor.

it looks manly
it feels comforting
it is not out of place in most settings
and it just feels right

I can rely on it
I protect it
it assists me when I need it
it helps me to think
and it serves me and no-one else.

My Filofax is tactile,
made with quality materials,
ever changing and adapting
and rustic.

and it's mine.


My Pocket Malden (pre-clip days) with my Journal. My two main carries.

Tuesday 16 June 2015

Enjoying the Leather of a Used Filofax


I've just had this thought.
 
Not sure if I like the fact I had it.
 
 
 
The lovely patina that is found on the covers of some of the older and used leather Filofaxes make them look amazing and feel fantastic.
 



 
However,
 
 
I think that is due mostly to the daily wear-and-tear usage of the previous owners, including the grease, sweat, oil and dirt from their hands over many years.
 
 
 
Not sure if I like that idea, however it still makes them look luxurious, warm, welcoming and appealing which beckons you to want to touch and feel the effect.
 
 
 
I think that's reading a bit weird so I will stop typing now…

Adding Credit Card Pockets to Filofax Mini - A new way to do it


I have been using a filofax as a wallet for a few years now and have never looked back.
 
As they were starting to get a bit tatty after 3 years, I decided to upgrade my wallet credit card holders in my Filofax mini Cavendish in calf leather. 
 

 
The card holders open from the inside so the risk of cards slipping out when the filofax/wallet is open is reduced considerably.
 
 
I use this as my permanent wallet. I picked up some cheap but strong credit card holders at Officeworks which has 10 pockets for four dollars.
 


I easily pulled the credit card pockets out with my hands and then removed the two studs with pliers (ok scissors, but don't tell mum).
 
 
 
To make it even hardier, I decided not to cut the pockets individually but to place it totally into my wallet. This created a bit more stability and should stop each sleeve from tearing from overuse (especially the VISA pocket).
 

I marked the holes from my previous card inserts as they were exactly the right distance and position.


 
However, putting the holes in required a hand-held hole punch, and herculean strength from me. Luckily my Australian rugged manliness came into the forefront and I was able to do it. (Ok, I got a mate to do it...but he does work out).




As you can see, it fits back quite nicely in the rings, and I am very pleased with the result.