I start with either natural defects in the leather around which to build the cover, or smaller pieces that work well together for a pieced-cover design. These are then matched with end sheets, usually of handmade or decorated paper. The pages are Domestic Etching paper, which has a smooth surface and is acid free and hefty enough for water coloring. Most of these unique journals are created in the limp leather long stitch or coptic structure.
All of the stitching is structural, to hold together the cover pieces or attach the text block. The final embellishments help bring out the cover elements more fully or match the end sheet motif.
The finished product is a one-of-a-kind book that can be used for writing, sketching, light water color, and feels good in your hand.
