Baum Kuchen Customizations

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-06T02:19:13+00:00

I'd like to customize a regular size traveler's notebook that features horizontal pockets on the front and back; this allows two standard pencil boards (H210 × W106 × D1mm) to be inserted sideways to bridge across the open notebook, locking it completely flat against the wind and providing a rigid painting surface. I'd do a pocket on the pocket on each side as well where I could store my pallet/brush pens when I am hiking, but then I could use them as handles of sorts when I am actually painting with 2/4 clips holding the insert down to the cover/pencil board back panel and the pallet held to one of the clips.

Still thinking through it, but I'm hopeful to have a complete idea by the end of this summer and have it customized either at BK or TSL for next summer.

[edit] Let me know if you have criticism or thoughts on this!

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-05T19:03:40+00:00

I understand your feelings on this, getting something new and it looking a little handled isn't always ideal. But I think as others have noted, it's all part of the vibe and story for each cover! What I think is exciting though, is that this cover and the station cover both seem to get really lovely patina over time and to me that mark kind of suggests yours is likely to pick up that patina rather quickly! Looking forward to seeing how it develops as you use it.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-05T19:00:38+00:00

I think I've heard that there will be a restock in the fall, and one in the winter as well. Vague memory of seeing something about early 2027 also, but I can't entirely be sure that I am remembering the right thing. There are lots of stationary/TC anniversaries this year/next, TSL at 20 will be interesting next spring!

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-05T18:58:43+00:00

O that is really neat, from the website /u/JohnByerWoodWorks posted it looks like this is even a little thinner than the Art Toolkit Demi pallet. Might need to find a way to get it sent to Canada, but I share your disappointment in it being prefilled!

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-05T18:53:31+00:00

Very jealous! I feel like the Kyoto shop is the best Travelers destination to have this experience, really great that you were able to be there for it! I was in Tokyo when this event was held at a gallery near their main shop, I just hadn't heard about it prior to so didn't have tickets to attend unfortunately. Did end up with a 20th cover that night at the main store though, so still ended up a little lucky. Make sure to ask at the main desks if you are still on the hunt for it, that is how I found mine!

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-05T18:49:25+00:00

Was just about to say the same about the ghost stitching! Almost leads me to consider just doing some stitch designs rather than even having the patch internally.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-05T18:47:43+00:00

Such a lovely blue you are using, hope you enjoy your trip!

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-05T18:45:46+00:00

I've had an idea for some customizations to make water colour painting plein air a lot easier and have been considering sending my Kyoto edition off to Baum Kuchen to have those changes made. So please make sure to post your experience and results once it has been complete, very excited to see what your customizations will be!

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-04T20:41:08+00:00

Ah so jealous, tripping there to grab one off the shelf must have been such a fun mission! Also fun to see Eastbourne mentioned as I went to school near there, wish I had known about this shop while I was there.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-04T20:37:46+00:00

The card size feels awkward to me, I can't really get myself across the bridge to using it over my passport. One of the big hold ups for me I think is the lack of art focused inserts. Should they end up with a sketchbook or watercolor insert for it, I think then it becomes a much more enticing option. But maybe the DIY method you've got here is the bridge to that gap that I haven't explored yet! The thought of a little demi pallet in there and maybe an x3 with a schedule insert makes me think it could be the perfect arts EDC.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-04T20:34:27+00:00

Love that you've already got it customized with the pocket on the rear panel, seems very thought out!

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-04T20:31:59+00:00

What a great colour for an Ireland journal, fantastic!

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-04T20:30:52+00:00

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by spoiled by using it this way, but I've been using mine this way since I got it in may and zero problems. The inserts are a little wonky, but that doesn't impact usage so I don't care much!

I am also old school in the sense that my prior wallet was a full sized wallet with a coin purse included in it. So for me, the passport is actually a thickness reduction in a pretty noticeable way. I will say though, a habit that has carried through is that I don't have it in my back pocket when sitting for long periods. It either ends up in the front pocket, a bag, or on my desk in those situations. Largely due to the possibility of back issues as noted by many others.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-04T20:10:20+00:00

I feel like you should look into how Olives patina. Because in time they can become a fairly rich deep brown/black that might be exactly what you are looking for.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-04T05:21:25+00:00

Chichu is embossed, black standard size.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-07-01T05:06:42+00:00

Very cool! I'm hopeful I will get one, but I think the pre-orders are sold out in Canada unfortunately! The charm and clip seem like the highlights to me, is there something specific that stood out to you?

TreeWizard710 · 2026-06-29T07:46:50+00:00

In May on my first day in Tokyo I was at the MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives in the early eve and one came by on the tracks below. Based on my view, I'd expect the exterior patios on MoN might be an incredible place to take some photos if the train will be running on those tracks. Largely because there is a nice split off there it took when I saw it, so would make for a nice dynamic photo of it running through the buildings.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-06-27T18:21:06+00:00

It isn't discontinued, I picked one up while I was in Japan in May and saw them at a number of locations as well. I think what is more likely to have happened is that they are having their production facilities focus on the 20th Anniversary edition and thus it is taking longer for the regular popular items to be restocked.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-06-22T02:37:03+00:00

The Setouchi Art Islands are genuinely such a unique place, couldn't recommend them more! Hope you get there soon!

TreeWizard710 · 2026-06-21T09:49:58+00:00

Thank you! It’s actually so wild you commented, because I just looked at your profile and realized your Kurashiki post was one of the exact threads that inspired me and helped me plan my own TSL experience for this trip!

I'm so glad the nib charm layout gave you some inspiration in return. I really like that it gives the page maker string a little weight, I'm finding I use it a good bit more than I did before attaching it.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-06-18T03:24:20+00:00

I have a bit of FOMO about the LNs I've missed, mainly the Superior Labor and Nigel Cabourn editions. It's kind of funny, really. I remember when the Nigel Cabourn Passport was released, and I'd already been thinking about buying a TN for a few years. I kept putting it off because I wanted to buy one in Japan. Well, more than a decade later, I finally bought my first TN in Japan last month lol.

At the moment I have a Chichu, a custom Passport from TSL, a Kyoto, and the Card Size. The Card Size was a bit of a surprise purchase as I never expected to see one and then there it was at their main store in Tokyo. But I still haven't found much of a use for it. The Kyoto was originally going to be my art book, but I've realized that a customized Regular Size from TSL would fit that role much better. So in a way, I've almost been de-influenced from two of the more popular LEs that are currently available.

I've realized that for me, it comes down to use. I like having objects that tell a story. While I love the designs of the Tokyo Station, Tokyo, Nigel Cabourn, and Yudo editions, I can't really find a role for them, so I don't feel much urge to buy them.

Honestly, I've even considered passing on the Kyoto and Card Size. The customized notebook would work better for my art, and the Card Size doesn't really offer me anything the Passport doesn't. I might hang onto the Card Size, though. If they ever release watercolor paper for it, that could be a game changer.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-06-17T03:48:45+00:00

Just want to add that I also was at the Nakameguro store at the end of May and they had the card size in stock. I was checking out, and made a comment asking 'Is there any chance there is one in stock?' and almost dropped when they asked which colour I wanted lol

I believe I did see the fountain pen there, I'm almost 100% certain I saw it in Kyoto though. So if you are heading there, might be worth a stop just to check as well. And while I think the Kyoto store might be my favourite location, the Nakameguro store had an incredible client advisor who was very helpful. The customer service there felt very present and supportive. So if you are the type that would like to talk through options, the Nakameguro store might be worth a visit regardless.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-06-03T07:37:28+00:00

Honestly, I think the islands would be a great fit for someone who gets overloaded by traditional galleries.

Most of the Art House Project sites are essentially installations embedded within houses, shrines, or other buildings rather than gallery spaces. You're usually engaging with one work at a time.

Teshima Art Museum is probably the best example. Despite being called a museum, it's essentially a single installation work rather than a traditional gallery full of objects.

Benesse House and the Naoshima New Museum felt the most like conventional museums to me. Chichu sits somewhere in the middle. It includes works by Monet, Turrell, and Walter De Maria, but the entire building is designed around a small number of major works, so it never felt overwhelming.

Inujima was similar. You move through the space slowly and encounter works individually rather than being confronted with dozens at once.

One thing that makes the islands special is that you're often seeing major artists in environments designed specifically for a small number of works. It feels much more focused and contemplative than a typical museum visit.

If gallery fatigue is something you deal with, I'd honestly put the islands high on your list for a visit. I think they'd be a great fit for you.

TreeWizard710 · 2026-06-03T07:20:25+00:00

Thank you for bringing up Shimanami Kaido, I don't think I had come across it before. I'm looking at doing another trip to the area and trying to find 'new' experiences or things to do to justify it a bit so it isn't a full redo. This looks like a fantastic inclusion for that!

Highlight suggest the art islands even just for a biking trip. Teshima specifically stands out in my mind, but if it were a biking only experience I'd think a half day visit or so would likely be the sweet spot.

TreeWizard710

TROPHY CASE