The Art of Noticing - Inspiration for January
Sometimes you don't need a new plan, just a new perspective. The Art of Noticing isn't a technique, a system, or just another self-improvement tool. It's more of a mindset, an invitation to slow down and really pay attention.
Noticing means really paying attention to the little things:
like a thought that pops into your head while you're waiting.
the line a shadow makes on the table.
the marks on leather that tell a story.
In a world that's loud and fast, truly noticing things becomes a quiet form of resistance. And often, it kicks off in a totally old-school way – with paper, a pen, and a sketchbook that asks for nothing but your presence.
The Art of Noticing Set: a leather agenda, a leather pen holder, and a MARAI postcard set
Why we need to hold onto things to truly see them
Thoughts are fleeting, and observations even more so. They only truly matter once we write them down.
A notebook isn't meant to be a perfect archive; it's a space for all the little nuances. For sketches, fragments, loose sentences – for everything that's still a work in progress. And a leather sketchbook, especially one that's with you for years, really changes how you approach writing: you don't just replace it, it grows with you. Full of wear and tear, developing a lovely patina, and packed with memories.
So, the notebook itself becomes part of the observation, like a little object that holds onto time.
The 2026 planner with its leather cover and the leather pen holder are also available separately.
Writing as a practice of noticing things
The Art of Noticing isn't just about what's inside, but also the whole ritual:
– opening the cover
– the way the leather feels in your hand
– the pen having its own special spot
Our leather pen holder was born from this very idea. It's minimalist and has space for two pens. This leather pen case isn't just an accessory, it's a choice: for clarity, for order, for less distraction. Two pens are enough. That's all you need to stay focused.
When things are designed to be calm, your thoughts can truly be heard.
The Art of Noticing - Mindful Moments with the Leather Notebook
5 prompts for your leather notebook
1.
Close your eyes for a moment. Breathe in. Breathe out.
What surfaces are around you – soft, rough, smooth, or unexpected?
Sketch them, write a word, or just describe how they feel.
2.
Hang on for a sec. What smells do you notice?
Leather, coffee, fresh air, rain.
Jot down what lingers and made you feel good for a bit – just one thing, not everything.
3.
Hold your sketchbook up to the light. Where do you see shadows? And where does the light hit?
Take your time to really see it, not to change it, but to simply notice it. Because light and shadow belong together. Today, celebrate the contrasts.
3.
Open your notebook. What signs of time do you notice today?
A crease in the paper, a darker spot on the leather.
Just observe and remember, it's all good – every mark, every crease makes us and the things around us more unique. Leather is truly the best teacher for this.
4.
Watch your hands. How are they holding the pen?
Slowly or firmly, hesitantly or confidently?
Describe the movement, not the result.
5.
Before you move on:
What do you want to take away from this moment?
Maybe a feeling, a word, or a little sketch on the side.
A quiet companion for thoughtful days
The Art of Noticing doesn't need any noise.
Just space. And things that respect that space.
A leather notebook that stays with you.
A leather planner that helps you get organized.
A leather pen holder that sparks your creativity.
And the freedom to just be.
Happy New Year! Here's to a mindful and inspiring year, filled with all those little moments that make life truly special.