As the due date of My Moleskine 2.0 Exhibition neared, I was frantically trying to finish last minute touches.  To add to my resource constraint, I was running and hosting an APAC conference all last week for 40 some odd team members from around the world.  On top of that, there were 2 key items to my vision that I was not able to find - but managed to “pry” one from something in my house last minute.

Let’s do a walk through of my “hack”.  The concept is really quite simple.  You have to buy a moleskine and “hack it”.  Which means you have to modify it away from its original shape, form and intent.  For those who don’t know what a Moleskine is, you have to check out their site.  They dub themselves the legendary notebooks but have done unique projects for many large companies and are probably your higher end of notebooks.  A regular sized notebook as pictured on inset cost $178 HKD.  That’s a steep price for a notebook - even if it is leather-bound!  But again, it’s a “brand name” notebook! LOL.  But truly - I have 4 of these at home and work that I use for multiple purposes such as notes, reminders, lists, messages - whatever.  I can find a use.
 

Armed with about $200 worth of materials (which was already 100% over budget) - I basically systematically created my “Girl Power” moleskine hack.  Here’s what I did:

• Removed the existing paper divider and replaced it with a pink ribbon with a pink tassel at the end
• Glued the same pink ribbon style running along the spine of the book
• Details include 3-D pink roses glued on the spine
• Sewed a 1 1/2 inch thick satin ribbon into a pocket and glued it to the front of the book
• Pasted pink crystals and white pearl pattern as a frame to the front & back covers
• Created a transparent pocket window at the back for photos
• Details also include roses and pink sparkle detailing on the front pen holder
• Just as good measure, I also glued shiny butterflies at the top of the pen holder
• Interior modifications include a thin mirror pasted on the front cover flap
• I’ve also sewn three pockets for tools such as a nail file, mascara wands and more
• Pasted tabs on aligned pages make for easier note taking

That pretty much sums up my “Girl Power” moleskine.  I know, it’s shamefully simple and probably retarded looking, but I was very (and still am) proud of my work.  My husband laughs at it because it’s so primitive, but truthfully, you bring this to a meeting and you’ll get stares.  Whether they are good stares or bad stares, I don’t know - but at least you got noticed - right?

So what’s next?  YOU VOTE FOR ME!  That’s right folks.  During the week of July 15th - July 30th, 2009 - in Hong Kong at Times Square (in Causeway Bay) at CitySuper - you’ll see my hack on display.  Pick up a ballot and vote for me :P  It’s really that simple - because nothing else matters right?  HAHA.. so I suppose for me, it’s time to do some marketing and PR work.  Just remember “Girl Power” and I’ll be eternally grateful.

So truthfully - is my hack really that ugly?  I know it looks home-made and all, but.. but… *quivering lower lip*  Ah well - like I said.  I truly enjoyed the experience and whether I win or not, it’s been an interesting project.  That is what we live for afterall right?  It’s not the winning that counts, but the experience.  Thanks to all who supported me in this - either in faith or in ideas.  I truly appreciate it.