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Northbound Notebooks

Hand-crafted, full-sized notebooks. Locally sourced leather with refillable vellum paper.

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Northbound Notebooks

Northbound Notebooks

Northbound Notebooks

Northbound Notebooks

Northbound Notebooks

Hand-crafted, full-sized notebooks. Locally sourced leather with refillable vellum paper.

Hand-crafted, full-sized notebooks. Locally sourced leather with refillable vellum paper.

Hand-crafted, full-sized notebooks. Locally sourced leather with refillable vellum paper.

Hand-crafted, full-sized notebooks. Locally sourced leather with refillable vellum paper.

Adam
Adam
Adam
Adam
2 Campaigns |
Ottawa, Canada
$7,350 USD by 101 backers
$6,356 USD by 88 backers on Oct 20, 2015
Highlights
Mountain Filled 2 Projects Mountain Filled 2 Projects
Overview
The original leather notebook with premium vellum paper. Handmade in Ottawa, ON. Shipped directly to you. One-of-a-kind design that'll grow with you.

 

www.northboundnotebooks.com | www.facebook.com/northboundnotebooks

Interview on Apt. 613

 

NOW SHIPPING

 

Why Northbound Notebooks?

 

Our story starts with Adam. That's me. 

I've been a scribbler ever since I could hold a pencil. I spend a lot of time writing. I always will. I know there's something special about putting pen to paper.

It's where your ideas grow

I was tired of burning through expensive notebooks and their thin paper. So I turned to other options. I looked online. I searched far and wide. Dozens later, I was left frustrated. I couldn't find a solid refillable notebook with great paper. It was even harder to find something big enough for practical use. 

Big ideas don't fit on tiny pages. 

That's around where I met up with an old friend. That's Mark. Turns out he had some great ideas about design, leather, and how we could make the coolest notebooks possible. 

So we put our heads together. In a few quick months we built something really special. And we're here to share that with you.

 

 

Let's make one for you.

 

We start with locally sourced leather. We wanted something that would age and mark beautifully. It has to grow with your story and projects. You take pride in your own unique work. Your notebook should reflect that. So we cut and punch each piece by hand to make sure every notebook is as original as it's owner.

Then we add premium vellum paper. Well-reviewed and high performance notebooks have been using this stuff for a long time. It's a thicker paper at 100gsm. This means it has enough weight to hold heavier inks beautifully. We've sized it at A4, the international standard for paper. Each page measures 8.3" x 11.7" -- enough space for even your biggest ideas or designs. We're offering options in lined or blank for now.

We bind it all together with silver or brass hardware. The convenient binding makes it really easy to add or remove paper. You can keep your notebook going for years and years. Then we add a clip to keep it all sealed and looking sharp.

 

Our goal & your next notebook.

 

 

 

We're looking to secure orders and raise $1,500 USD. This is enough for us to get better rates on leather, paper, tools, and supplies we need to make this project a reality.

We're here to specialize on something. We aren't looking to create a notebook for everybody. We want to focus on an amazing experience for the creatives who need it. Each pledge takes us one step closer towards that goal.

Lets talk transparently. Our biggest flexible cost, believe it or not, is our paper. The larger quantity we can secure (that means the more notebook packages we pledge), the better price we can offer on our future refills. Our goal is to make great paper available at a fair price. Whenever you need it.

Putting your trust in us means a lot. We're just two guys who like to build and write and design. But if you stand beside us as a founding backer, you are sharing a commitment to authentic, hand-made goods. Why tell your story with anything less?

     

    Risks & challenges.

     

     

     

    We're a two man team. There's only so much we can tackle at once. Cutting leather too quickly has dangerous consequences. Those knives are sharp.

    We want to ensure each notebook is the highest quality we can produce. So we're going to release them in batches. If you take an early-bird perk, we're going to try our damnedest to deliver for December 2015. That means we'll make it on time for an amazing gift or surprise for someone special.

    If you miss that perk, don't worry. We'll get our next batch out in early 2016 at the latest.

    And, lastly, an important note: we value original products. Each piece of leather has its own handsome markings and character. Each cut is handled differently on each hide. No two notebooks will look the same. Don't hide your personality. Get excited about what makes yours unique.

     

     

    How 'bout them perks?

    [For any notebook perk, we will e-mail to confirm paper type (lined or blank)]

    ** Please note that due to overwhelming demand, and because we're just two guys, we are not able to guarantee December delivery unless previously stated. We're trying our best, and we don't want to let anyone down, but for orders made on or after Oct 8, shipping will likely be in early 2016.

    Nice, Northbound. NICE - $5

    Since you are being so great, helping us out, we're going to cut you a little piece of leather, sign it, and mail it to you anywhere in Canada or the continental USA. We'll even write something nice. Thanks for the support.

     

    Gnarly Northbound Code- $20

     

    Support Northbound Notebooks and receive a $25.00 discount code towards a future notebook order. Great if you aren’t quite ready for a new notebook, but you are eager to support a new Canadian company. That’s us. Limit one code per order, and you can’t combine them with other promotions or discounts. Only valid through northboundnotebooks.com. Go ahead and gift 'em.

     

    Notebook Knightrider Level - $45

    Congrats. You’re getting a killer notebook. These beauties are hand cut Canadian leather, wrapped around premium refillable vellum paper. Personalize yours with either silver or bronze hardware. Start telling your story. 'Hoff not included.
     
    Notebook National Treasure Level (Retail) - $59

     

     

     

     

    Now we’re talking. Not only are you getting an awesome notebook, we’re also sending you a bunch of the best paper you’ll ever write on. Included in this package is your authentic Northbound Notebook, and two additional premium refills in lined or blank vellum paper. We're also tossing in an awesome fountain pen. Nic possibly included.

    Notebook Nostalgiacore Combo - $159

     

    This one's madness. You'll snag two great notebooks, six total packs of vellum paper however you like it, two fountain pens, and three codes for 50% off your next refill packages. Most importantly, Chris, our extremely talented and handsome artist friend, is going to make you a beautiful portrait like the ones featured above. He will personalize your notebooks with a not-quite-life-like illustration of whatever you like.

     

    Notebook Family Pack - $199

     

     

    Perfect for your actual-family, work-family, or friends-family. Or you could just pool funds with some people you meet online and make your own family. With this perk, you get four authentic Northbound Notebooks, four fountain pens, and four extra refills.

     

    We're gonna need a bigger boat

     

     

     

    Celebration $1500 - UNLOCKED

    Every notebook backer receives a handmade thank you. It's a custom leather piece signed by Adam and Mark as a genuine thanks for your support.

    Hardware $2200 - UNLOCKED

    Every notebook backer receives our custom hardware in both silver and bronze options. This makes sure you can mix and match your own style.

    Grid $2800 - UNLOCKED

    With this much support, we can quickly roll out new paper types. We'd start with Grid, a great option for designers everywhere.

    Dotted $3400 - UNLOCKED

    With even more support, we're going to add a dotted paper option. This will bring our total paper options to four, to make sure you get the perfect fit for you. 

    Refill $4000 - UNLOCKED

    Everybody gets free paper. Get excited.

    Creative $5000 - UNLOCKED

    This is incredible. If we get to this level of funding, we're going to reach out personally to every notebook contributor. In half a year, we want to touch base and make sure you love your Northbound Notebook. And we're going to send a care package with some cool stuff your way. Including more paper to keep you going.

     

    Clip $8500

    Options are good. To add even more customization to your new notebook, we're giving you an extra clip. That means you'll have options in both silver and gold. It'll look great with your matching hardware.

     

    Northbound & Notable $12000 

    We want to give everyone a signed copy of our debut independent magazine, 'Northbound & Notable'. We want to showcase the writers, artists, and thinkers in our new community. Not only are we going to make sure every notebook backer gets a free issue mailed to them, we're also going to use a portion of the funds to compensate our talented authors and artists. 

     

     

     

    More info and some quick things.

     

    Free Canadian shipping on all refill orders. Add $4 USD for USA.  We know paying for shipping sucks, and especially for something you might order regularly. We want you to write, scratch, scribble, and create. So we’re eating this cost for you. Don’t worry about it. Our pricing for paper refills will be announced at the end of the campaign.

     

    Our notebooks are made from authentic, locally sourced leather. That means they will wear with age and show their handsomeness with time. Because of the nature of untreated leather, each notebook will have its own story and imperfections. Get excited about yours.

     

    Why vellum paper? A thicker paper holds fountain pen ink and marker beautifully. Lines are cleaner, the writing motion is more fluid, and the end result is beautiful and inspiring. We could absolutely sell cheaper paper, but we won’t. Once you feel the difference you’ll understand. And you’ll want some more.

     

    How much will refills cost me? The short answer: We don’t know yet. The more we can manufacture and order at a time, the lower our paper costs will be. Refills will be sold in two or three packs, ranging from $5-10 per refill. Remember, our game plan is to guarantee free shipping for life on refills. Refills available only through northboundnotebooks.com.

     

    Want some specs? Each notebook measures about 9” x 12” x .5”. The leather is about ⅛ of an inch thick. The paper refills are in international A4 standard size. There are 40 synthetic vellum sheets per refill (finalized sheet total may vary depending on design requirements). The paper measures 8.27 × 11.7 inches, boasting even more room for design and writing scenes. Each refill is bound to a simple thick backing to ensure rigidity and consistent lines. To refill, simply unscrew the binding, pop out the old paper, and throw in the new. Each notebook is hand cut, so expect slight variations between each.

     

    Why don’t you sell a smaller size? Great question. Why didn't Michael Jordan try baseball? To be honest, we aren’t interested in ultra-portable sizes at the moment. There are lots of great alternatives for refillable tiny notebooks, but there isn’t anything for real designers, writers, and artists. People who need more space to work and think and create. We will think about more form factors in the future, but we don’t ever want to compromise the creative experience.

     

    How can you help?

     

    Hey, if you just can't go for a notebook right now, don't fret! We've got a variety of perks you might find cool.

    If this product isn't a fit for you, but you like the idea or know someone who would, do us a favour and send them a referral. Use social media, e-mail, or yell it from your roof top. We're a small team. Your personal recommendation is the best we could ask for!

     

     

    Press & social media

     
    Find more details soon at www.northboundnotebooks.com
    Contact us at northboundnotebooks@gmail.com for press kit information!
    Follow us on twitter @northboundnb
    Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
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    Choose your Perk

    featured

    Notebook Indiegogo Pack

    $69 USD
    Here's to celebrating our successful campaign. While our store is now live, we want to offer a special package for our indiegogo community. You'll get a customized northbound notebook featuring premium leather, rustic hardware, and craft vellum paper. You'll also get a high performance fountain pen to help make your ideas come to life. And 70 bonus sheets of our premium paper to keep your notebook full for months to come.
    Estimated Shipping
    January 2016
    21 claimed
    Ships to United States of America, Canada
    sold out

    Notebook Knightrider (Early!)

    $39 USD
    Estimated Shipping
    December 2015
    10 out of 10 of claimed
    Ships worldwide.
    sold out

    Notebook National Tr..(Early!)

    $55 USD
    Estimated Shipping
    December 2015
    15 out of 15 of claimed
    Ships worldwide.
    sold out

    Notebook National Treasure

    $59 USD
    Estimated Shipping
    February 2016
    30 out of 30 of claimed
    Ships worldwide.
    sold out

    Notebook Nostalgiacore Combo

    $159 USD
    Estimated Shipping
    December 2015
    2 out of 2 of claimed
    Ships worldwide.
    sold out

    Northbound Family Pack

    $199 USD
    Estimated Shipping
    February 2016
    4 out of 4 of claimed
    Ships worldwide.

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