Handstitched Notebooks
In collaboration with our sister company - Rainbow Makery Design - we are pleased to feature a collection of hand stitched journals and notebooks. Made by Katie, these feature a range of bindings, with blank cartridge paper for sketching or journaling and beautiful covers. Some are card covered pamphlet style notebooks; others are snugly wrapped around with leather and tied with a thong.
Wrapped Journals
Featuring a range of sizes, colours and textures - our wrapped journals make the perfect gifts for artists, writers, friends and family. They are each made from one piece of leather, with the paper stitched into the spine, and secured with a contrasting leather or suede thong. Available in sizes from mini through to A5.
Mini
A gorgeous, completely hand made leather covered mini journal or sketchbook. Made from a lightweight heritage veg tan, salvaged from the now closed Spire Tannery in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The leather has been hand dyed a beautiful rich Bournville chocolate brown colour and is both stiff and supple for a journal that holds its shape but still feels lovely to handle.
Inside there are 33 sheets (66 pages) of coloured blank 80gsm origami paper in 3 gatherings or signatures, each topped and tailed with a sheet of marble patterned origami paper to add colour and interest. Each signature is hand sewn directly into the cover with a long stitch, using a variegated waxed thread for a stunning spine. The leather wraps around and the journal is held closed with a thong made from the same leather, but dyed a dark pink for a subtle contrast.
See photos for dimensions.
This journal/sketchbook was made as part of a competition/challenge set by Identity Leather to make the best use of one hide.
A gorgeous, completely hand made leather covered mini journal or sketchbook. Made from a lightweight heritage veg tan, salvaged from the now closed Spire Tannery in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The leather has been hand dyed a beautiful airforce blue colour and is both stiff and supple for a journal that holds its shape but still feels lovely to handle.
Inside there are 33 sheets (66 pages) of coloured blank 80gsm origami paper in 3 gatherings or signatures, each topped and tailed with a sheet of marble patterned origami paper to add colour and interest. Each signature is hand sewn directly into the cover with a long stitch, using a variegated waxed thread for a stunning spine. The leather wraps around and the journal is held closed with a thong made from the same leather, but dyed a rich mulberry purple for a subtle contrast.
See photos for dimensions.
This journal/sketchbook was made as part of a competition/challenge set by Identity Leather to make the best use of one hide.
A gorgeous, completely hand made leather covered mini journal or sketchbook. Made from a lightweight heritage veg tan, salvaged from the now closed Spire Tannery in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The leather has been hand dyed a beautiful airforce blue colour and is both stiff and supple for a journal that holds its shape but still feels lovely to handle. This one makes use of a brand within the leather as a feature, making it well and truly unique!
Inside there are 33 sheets (66 pages) of coloured blank 80gsm origami paper in 3 gatherings or signatures, each topped and tailed with a sheet of marble patterned origami paper to add colour and interest. Each signature is hand sewn directly into the cover with a long stitch, using a variegated waxed thread for a stunning spine. The leather wraps around and the journal is held closed with a thong made from the same leather, but dyed a dark pink for a subtle contrast.
See photos for dimensions.
This journal/sketchbook was made as part of a competition/challenge set by Identity Leather to make the best use of one hide. I decided rather than cutting the brand out to embrace it and make it a feature - and I think it looks pretty cool!
A gorgeous, completely hand made leather covered mini journal or sketchbook. Made from a lightweight heritage veg tan, salvaged from the now closed Spire Tannery in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The leather has been hand dyed a beautiful dark pink colour and is both stiff and supple for a journal that holds its shape but still feels lovely to handle.
Inside there are 33 sheets (66 pages) of coloured blank 80gsm origami paper in 3 gatherings or signatures, each topped and tailed with a sheet of marble patterned origami paper to add colour and interest. Each signature is hand sewn directly into the cover with a long stitch, using a variegated waxed thread for a stunning spine. The leather wraps around and the journal is held closed with a thong made from the same leather, but dyed a rich chocolate brown for a subtle contrast.
See photos for dimensions.
This journal/sketchbook was made as part of a competition/challenge set by Identity Leather to make the best use of one hide.
A6
A gorgeous, completely hand made leather covered journal or sketchbook. Made from a lightweight heritage veg tan, salvaged from the now closed Spire Tannery in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The leather has been hand dyed a beautiful rich Bournville chocolate brown colour and is both stiff and supple for a journal that holds its shape but still feels lovely to handle.
Inside there are 60 sheets (120 pages) of blank recycled 170gsm cartridge paper in 5 gatherings or signatures. Each signature is hand sewn directly into the cover with a long stitch, using a variegated waxed thread for a stunning spine. The leather wraps around and the journal is held closed with a thong made from the same leather, but dyed mulberry purple for a subtle contrast.
See photos for dimensions.
This journal/sketchbook was made as part of a competition/challenge set by Identity Leather to make the best use of one hide. It is the only one left of the two I made in this size and is a one-off in this colour, so this is a truly unique item.
A5
A gorgeous, completely hand made journal or sketchbook. Made from a pull up style heritage veg tan, salvaged from the now closed Spire Tannery in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The leather is a beautiful apple green colour and is both stiff and supple for a journal that holds its shape but still feels lovely to handle.
Inside there are 60 sheets (120 pages) of blank recycled 170gsm cartridge paper in 5 gatherings or signatures. Each signature is hand sewn directly into the cover with a long stitch, using a variegated waxed thread for a stunning spine. The journal is closed with a thong made from a raspberry pink leather for contrast.
See photos for dimensions.
Perfect for an artist, writer or journal aficionado!
Previously sold items from the collection - if you see something you would like to purchase that has previously been sold and isn’t currently in stock, there is now an option to add your email to a waitlist. If we have the leather and are able to make it again you will be notified once it is back in stock.
Mini
A gorgeous, completely hand made leather covered mini journal or sketchbook. Made from a lightweight heritage veg tan, salvaged from the now closed Spire Tannery in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The leather has been hand dyed a beautiful mulberry purple colour and is both stiff and supple for a journal that holds its shape but still feels lovely to handle.
Inside there are 33 sheets (66 pages) of coloured blank 80gsm origami paper in 3 gatherings or signatures, each topped and tailed with a sheet of marble patterned origami paper to add colour and interest. Each signature is hand sewn directly into the cover with a long stitch, using a variegated waxed thread for a stunning spine. The leather wraps around and the journal is held closed with a thong made from the same leather, but dyed airforce blue for a subtle contrast.
See photos for dimensions.
This journal/sketchbook was made as part of a competition/challenge set by Identity Leather to make the best use of one hide.
A6
A5
A gorgeous, completely hand made leather covered A5 journal or sketchbook. Made from a lightweight heritage veg tan, salvaged from the now closed Spire Tannery in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The leather has been hand dyed a beautiful mulberry purple colour and is both stiff and supple for a journal that holds its shape but still feels lovely to handle.
Inside there are 60 sheets (120 pages) of blank recycled 170gsm cartridge paper in 5 gatherings or signatures. Each signature is hand sewn directly into the cover with a long stitch, using a variegated waxed thread for a stunning spine. The leather wraps around and the journal is held closed with a thong made from the same leather, but dyed airforce blue for a subtle contrast.
See photos for dimensions.
This journal/sketchbook was made as part of a competition/challenge set by Identity Leather to make the best use of one hide. It is the only one I made in this size and is a one-off, so this is a truly unique item.
Pamphlet style notebooks
Made from recycled cartridge paper and with striking card covers for an eye-catching handmade, single signature, standalone notebook. Available in A6 and A5 sizes. Hand stitched with a pamphlet binding using variegated waxed thread.
A6
Handmade pamphlet style single signature notebook or sketchbook with a scrapbooking card cover featuring a bold zebra print. The inside is made from recycled cartridge paper. The binding is hand sewn with a variegated wax thread.
Perfect for jotting ideas down on the go, sketches or simply just to own as a beautiful item in its own right.
Key features:
- A6 - 10.2x14.5cm approx
- 24 sides of acid free plain recycled 140gsm cartridge paper
- 230gsm durable acid free card cover with matte finish
- 140gsm plain cartridge paper inner pages
- Hand sewn spine with rainbow waxed thread
- Designed and handmade in the UK
- All card and paper stock is sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed sources
Please note that each notebook is individually hand sewn and trimmed so there may be slight imperfections or variations between each book – this is part of the unique nature of handmade notebooks.
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 days and will be sent via Second Class Royal Mail. Your notebook(s) will be packed securely to protect them from damage and bending during transit.
A5
Handmade pamphlet style single signature notebook or sketchbook with a double sided pearlescent scrapbooking card cover featuring a gorgeous tropical butterfly print. The inside is made from recycled cartridge paper. The binding is hand sewn with a variegated wax thread.
Perfect for jotting ideas down on the go, sketches or simply just to own as a beautiful item in its own right.
Key features:
- A5 - 15x20.5cm approx
- 24 sides of acid free plain recycled 140gsm cartridge paper
- 230gsm durable acid free card cover with pearlescent finish
- 140gsm plain cartridge paper inner pages
- Hand sewn spine with rainbow waxed thread
-Rounded corners for a professional finish
- Designed and handmade in the UK
- All card and paper stock is sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed sources
Please note that each notebook is individually hand sewn and trimmed so there may be slight imperfections or variations between each book – this is part of the unique nature of handmade notebooks.
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 days and will be sent via Second Class Royal Mail. Your notebook(s) will be packed securely to protect them from damage and bending during transit.
Handmade pamphlet style single signature notebook or sketchbook with a double sided scrapbooking card cover featuring a gorgeous amarylis flower print on one side and a dark green and blue trellis design on the other. The inside is made from recycled cartridge paper. The binding is hand sewn with a variegated wax thread.
Perfect for jotting ideas down on the go, sketches or simply just to own as a beautiful item in its own right.
Key features:
- A5 - 15x20.5cm approx
- 24 sides of acid free plain recycled 140gsm cartridge paper
- 230gsm durable acid free card cover with matte finish
- 140gsm plain cartridge paper inner pages
- Hand sewn spine with rainbow waxed thread
- Rounded corners for a professional finish
- Designed and handmade in the UK
- All card and paper stock is sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed sources
Please note that each notebook is individually hand sewn and trimmed so there may be slight imperfections or variations between each book – this is part of the unique nature of handmade notebooks.
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 days and will be sent via Second Class Royal Mail. Your notebook(s) will be packed securely to protect them from damage and bending during transit.
Handmade pamphlet style single signature notebook or sketchbook with an embossed and shiny scrapbooking card cover featuring a bold leaf print. The inside is made from recycled cartridge paper. The binding is hand sewn with a variegated wax thread.
Perfect for jotting ideas down on the go, sketches or simply just to own as a beautiful item in its own right.
Key features:
- A5 - 15x20.5cm approx
- 24 sides of acid free plain recycled 140gsm cartridge paper
- 230gsm durable acid free card cover with embossed shiny finish
- 140gsm plain cartridge paper inner pages
- Hand sewn spine with rainbow waxed thread
- Rounded corners for a professional finish
- Designed and handmade in the UK
- All card and paper stock is sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed sources
Please note that each notebook is individually hand sewn and trimmed so there may be slight imperfections or variations between each book – this is part of the unique nature of handmade notebooks.
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 days and will be sent via Second Class Royal Mail. Your notebook(s) will be packed securely to protect them from damage and bending during transit.
Handmade pamphlet style single signature notebook or sketchbook with a double sided pearlescent scrapbooking card cover featuring a gorgeous Victorian botanical parrot print. The inside is made from recycled cartridge paper. The binding is hand sewn with a variegated wax thread.
Perfect for jotting ideas down on the go, sketches or simply just to own as a beautiful item in its own right.
Key features:
- A5 - 15x20.5cm approx
- 24 sides of acid free plain recycled 140gsm cartridge paper
- 230gsm durable acid free card cover with pearlescent finish
- 140gsm plain cartridge paper inner pages
- Hand sewn spine with rainbow waxed thread
- Rounded corners for a professional finish
- Designed and handmade in the UK
- All card and paper stock is sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed sources
Please note that each notebook is individually hand sewn and trimmed so there may be slight imperfections or variations between each book – this is part of the unique nature of handmade notebooks.
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 days and will be sent via Second Class Royal Mail. Your notebook(s) will be packed securely to protect them from damage and bending during transit.
Handmade pamphlet style single signature notebook or sketchbook with a double sided scrapbooking card cover featuring a gorgeous bold toucan print on one side and leafy print on the other. The inside is made from recycled cartridge paper. The binding is hand sewn with a variegated wax thread.
Perfect for jotting ideas down on the go, sketches or simply just to own as a beautiful item in its own right.
Key features:
- A5 - 15x20.5cm approx
- 24 sides of acid free plain recycled 140gsm cartridge paper
- 230gsm durable acid free card cover with matte finish
- 140gsm plain cartridge paper inner pages
- Hand sewn spine with rainbow waxed thread
- Rounded corners for a professional finish
- Designed and handmade in the UK
- All card and paper stock is sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed sources
Please note that each notebook is individually hand sewn and trimmed so there may be slight imperfections or variations between each book – this is part of the unique nature of handmade notebooks.
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 days and will be sent via Second Class Royal Mail. Your notebook(s) will be packed securely to protect them from damage and bending during transit.
Handmade pamphlet style single signature notebook or sketchbook with a double sided scrapbooking card cover featuring a gorgeous Victorian botanical toucan print on one side and a dark green and blue stripe on the other. The inside is made from recycled cartridge paper. The binding is hand sewn with a variegated wax thread.
Perfect for jotting ideas down on the go, sketches or simply just to own as a beautiful item in its own right.
Key features:
- A5 - 15x20.5cm approx
- 24 sides of acid free plain recycled 140gsm cartridge paper
- 230gsm durable acid free card cover with matte finish
- 140gsm plain cartridge paper inner pages
- Hand sewn spine with rainbow waxed thread
- Rounded corners for a professional finish
- Designed and handmade in the UK
- All card and paper stock is sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed sources
Please note that each notebook is individually hand sewn and trimmed so there may be slight imperfections or variations between each book – this is part of the unique nature of handmade notebooks.
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 days and will be sent via Second Class Royal Mail. Your notebook(s) will be packed securely to protect them from damage and bending during transit.
Previously sold items from the collection
Handmade pamphlet style single signature notebook or sketchbook with a double sided pearlescent scrapbooking card cover featuring a bold tropical butterfly print. The inside is made from recycled cartridge paper. The binding is hand sewn with a variegated wax thread.
Perfect for jotting ideas down on the go, sketches or simply just to own as a beautiful item in its own right.
Key features:
- A6 - 10.2x14.5cm approx
- 24 sides of acid free plain recycled 140gsm cartridge paper
- 230gsm durable acid free card cover with pearlescent finish
- 140gsm plain cartridge paper inner pages
- Hand sewn spine with rainbow waxed thread
- Rounded corners for a professional finish
- Designed and handmade in the UK
- All card and paper stock is sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed sources
Please note that each notebook is individually hand sewn and trimmed so there may be slight imperfections or variations between each book – this is part of the unique nature of handmade notebooks.
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 days and will be sent via Second Class Royal Mail. Your notebook(s) will be packed securely to protect them from damage and bending during transit.
Handmade pamphlet style single signature notebook or sketchbook with a double sided scrapbooking card cover featuring a bold parrot and toucan print on one side and a green and cream leafy design on the other. The inside is made from recycled cartridge paper. The binding is hand sewn with a variegated wax thread.
Perfect for jotting ideas down on the go, sketches or simply just to own as a beautiful item in its own right.
Key features:
- A6 - 10.2x14.5cm approx
- 24 sides of acid free plain recycled 140gsm cartridge paper
- 230gsm durable acid free card cover with matte finish
- 140gsm plain cartridge paper inner pages
- Hand sewn spine with rainbow waxed thread
- Rounded corners for a professional finish
- Designed and handmade in the UK
- All card and paper stock is sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed sources
Please note that each notebook is individually hand sewn and trimmed so there may be slight imperfections or variations between each book – this is part of the unique nature of handmade notebooks.
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 days and will be sent via Second Class Royal Mail. Your notebook(s) will be packed securely to protect them from damage and bending during transit.

A gorgeous, completely hand made leather covered mini journal or sketchbook. Made from a soft and flexible light turquoise/pale teal coloured leather with a grey suede side.
Inside there are 33 sheets (66 pages) of coloured blank 80gsm origami paper in 3 gatherings or signatures, each topped and tailed with a sheet of patterned origami paper to add colour and interest. Each signature is hand sewn directly into the cover with a long stitch, using a variegated waxed thread for a stunning spine. The leather wraps around and the journal is held closed with a thong made from dark teal leather for a subtle contrast.
See photos for dimensions. Makes an ideal little notebook for a bag and is a great stocking filler!