A5 'Book of Trees' Brown Leather Inspiration Journal

Rustic A5 (22 x 16cms), genuine leather hand-bound journal/notebook. Inspiration Diary, Dream Recording, Art or Travel Journal.

I have created this very special journal which I have named ‘The Book of Trees’. Inside the journal at the beginning of each signature (8 in total) is a print of my original Tree of Life paintings. Along side each print is an inspirational quote. They are flanked by soft shimmer metallic papers as well as handmade papers I have made myself, mixed with petals from my own garden. I really wanted to create something extra special that is both inspirational, motivational and a little different, as you can see by the wrap around tie. I have cut a very thin piece of leather to create a bow like feature at the front tie off, to which I have also attached a lead free, pewter Celtic charm. Making this a very unique and distinctive journal to give as a gift or special treat for yourself. The prints inside are difficult to photograph once the journal is hand sewn together, so I have taken photos of the print pages all laid out together prior to sewing, as well as the quote pages. This way you know exactly what you are getting inside the journal. The gold coloured crescents on some of the trees are painted on the originals with gold metallic paint so they shimmer when caught in the light. To emulate this I have hand painted the crescents on the prints included in the journal.

Made with a very sturdy, 4mm thick brown, genuine leather hide. Bound with aqua waxed linen thread and is teamed with 130gsm artists cartridge paper signatures (signatures are the individual paper books which have been sewn inside, 8 in total, each consisting of 10 folded pages). 160 leaves which will give you 320 write-able pages. The paper I have chosen for my journals is a premium grade fine tooth artist’s drawing cartridge paper with good erasability. Perfect for finished drawing in pen, pencil, marker, charcoal & pastel.

All of my leather hides are sourced from an Australian Tannery located in Victoria. Their philosophy is to source the best Australian hides and finishes to create the perfect product. I am extremely happy with the quality of all the leathers I have sourced from them. Where possible I like to work with the natural edging of the hide to give the journal added character. Each hide is different with many lovely quirks - holes, differing colour gradients and natural blemishes. Attached wrap around lacing closes the journal. This is a sturdy 1.8-2mm leather and is quite firm. Of course being natural leather, will be strong and durable. There is a small imperfection on the front of this journal, it is a part of the leather and not something I have randomly done with my leather scissors. I like the fact that the leathers I buy have small flaws, it makes them interesting. But I do understand that not everyone will feel this way, which is why I have highlighted the spot on one of the photos.

I really wanted to add yet another dimension to my journals so I have been creating hand made paper using my recyclables at home. Of course as with the journals themselves, I am saying my handmade paper is quite rustic, but definitely very beautiful. It is quite a lengthy process and I can usually get around 12-15 sheets from one batch of pulp I make up. I do love to make the paper as fine as I can when the pulp batch is almost finished. So the paper you find in your journal will be differing thicknesses and some may have little holes or imperfections. But I haven't included anything I wouldn't want to see myself in a journal if I was purchasing it. This particular journal features ONE sheet of hand made paper at the beginning of each signature (8 sheets in total).

This very unique and special journal can be used for the recording of all your art, precious words or dreams. The journal arrives to you wrapped and packaged in a recycled gift box.