The moment I started using a computer and eventually a mobile phone, I practically became a digital person. But I also couldn’t let go of analog things like planners, photo prints, journaling, etc. So having tools like notebooks, printers, stickers, notepads, etc are a necessity for whenever I feel like going offline rather than typing and swiping. There are a lot of brands that keep producing products for this market but what if you could also create one on your own?
Project Scribe by Urban Circles brings an entirely new twist to the idea of keeping life’s little moments. Instead of just printing receipts for purchases, Scribe invites you to print out “receipts” for your thoughts, jokes, memories, anecdotes, or even daily achievements. These aren’t just slips of paper; they are tangible mementos you can cut up, organize, highlight, stick onto your wall, or save in a scrapbook. The beauty of Scribe is in its mission to help you reflect on where you’ve been and gently nudge you toward better, more mindful decisions each day.
Designer: Urban Circles
The heart of Project Scribe is a thermal printer, the same kind used to print receipts at your favorite stores. Urban Circles has made the entire process simple and approachable, even for beginners. The project is completely open source and well-documented on its GitHub page, making it easy for anyone to jump in. Alongside the thermal printer, you’ll find a stylish stand and an Arduino board that drives the system. The Arduino runs special firmware, provided by Urban Circles, which sets up a basic web interface over WiFi. This means you can easily send new “receipts” to print straight from your phone or computer.
One of the most fun aspects of Project Scribe is its flexibility. The system lets you create physical logs of whatever matters most to you. Print a note to yourself, jot down a funny story, or write out a goal for the week. You can even use the receipts to document memories as they happen, giving them a physical presence that goes beyond anything digital. Each printed strip becomes a tiny piece of your personal history, ready to be collected, shared, or displayed however you like.
Thermal printing brings a unique charm to the project. It is fast, reliable, and doesn’t require any ink. Urban Circles offers tips for choosing the best thermal paper, so your memories and notes stay crisp and legible. The rolls can be as long or as short as you need, giving you complete control over how much you want to print and preserve. Because the project is open source, you can customize it further, add features, or tweak the design to fit your style.
Project Scribe isn’t just about nostalgia. It is about helping you live more intentionally. By making it easy to capture meaningful moments on paper, Scribe encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to your day-to-day experiences. It is a fun, creative way to take a break from screens and engage with your memories in a hands-on way. Whether you’re looking to boost your creativity, stay organized, or simply enjoy the novelty of printing your thoughts, Project Scribe offers a delightful and practical solution.
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