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I have always been a notebook person.Lists, ideas, sketches, reminders—there’s something about putting pen to paper that I’ve never been able to replace. At one point, I had so many notebooks floating around that I could hardly remember which one held the list I was looking for. So, naturally, I decided to make another one. |
The Idea
This time, I wanted to create something specifically for taking with me—a small notebook that could live in my bag and keep all of those everyday essentials together.
Rather than simply making a cover, I designed a little leather folio around the things I actually wanted to carry. There’s a place for a small notebook, a pen, business cards and other little papers I inevitably collect throughout the day. I later realized a passport fits inside perfectly, too, making it a sweet little travel companion.
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Designing Around Everyday Life
The process was really about starting with what needed to fit inside and designing outward from there.
I used a small Moleskine journal to establish the overall proportions, then cut the leather to create pockets on either side. I added a smaller stitched pocket for business cards, a simple pen holder and a leather strap to keep everything closed.
The finished piece isn't overly complicated or precious. It's simply something useful made a little more beautiful—and those are often my favorite things to make.
Years later, I still love the idea behind it: designing around the small rituals of everyday life.
Want to Make Your Own?
I filmed the entire process, from cutting the leather to creating the pockets and putting the final notebook cover together.
Watch the DIY Leather Notebook Cover video below to see how I made it.