There’s something so appealing about a leather journal. It could be its chic look, or the idea of having a tangible keepsake of memories that can last for years.
But that same beauty can hold us back. We hesitate to pour ourselves into it because it feels too pretty. At the same time, we worry it might just age without ever showing a glimpse of our creativity.
It’s a common hesitation, so we turned to local journal makers and asked how they would fill the pages. Their answers might be the inspiration you need to get started.
Keeping a ‘Feelings Journal’
Journaling gratitude, manifestations, and year-plans is all the rage for tracking goals, but what about a space for emotional ramblings? That’s where a feelings journal comes in.
Paliméa, a brand offering premium leather covers to hold notebooks for life’s many chapters, suggests pouring out everything – one entry for struggles, the next for small excitements. It knows no bounds.
Putting Junk on Paper
It might feel a little tricky to make a mess in something so well-crafted, but Second Element has a different agenda. The goal? To fill it with so much life, it starts to swell and lose its shape.
Ticket stubs, post-meal receipts, pressed flowers, paper scraps – these everyday trinkets become tangible footprints of where you’ve been and what you’ve felt. And because the brand uses vegan leather, there’s no need to worry about cracks or wear. It’s built for layering.
Carrying What You Read
Since these leather-bound journals can hold more than just one notebook insert, why not tuck your book inside as well?
Anagolay offers a variety of sizes, some large enough to cover your favorite read. With both your book and reading journal in one sleek bundle, it’s easier than ever to write down thoughts as you go.
Wearing it as a Purse
With all that creativity laid to rest, what better way to use your leather journal than to wear it? Grotto and Archive makes it feel only natural to carry one like a clutch.
It all comes down to accessibility. Aside from the desk-bound entries, journals are also for quick, spontaneous notes. Keeping it close means your thoughts are always within reach.
You can even slip in your favorite lip gloss and a couple of bills, if you like.
