Leather Journal Travel Diary Handmade Watercolor Art Notebook Custom
Have you always wanted a journal designed just for your ever so charming self? You know, your color choice of leather, perhaps favored imagery as cover art and a size that suits only your hand? In this sequence of images, I've provided an example of a custom leather journal made to spec for a client in Alabama. Her taste is commensurate with the artisanship. She asked for original watercolors in blue & violet. She wished for wildflowers under glass for the front cover (prairie larkspurs picked on our own farm) and another delicately placed in the middle signature and a preference for charbon colored oil tanned leather. All that and 100 hand torn pages (front & back) of the highest quality, imported printmaking/fine art paper in a journal measuring 6" x 9" (and nearly 2" thick). Of course, pricing for your journal will vary by size and materials, adornments and other considerations. One consideration might be the inclusion of your own artwork or that of your child's. Maybe a personal or vintage finding. Use your imagination because I bet I can make it. Then contact me
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
As sole proprietor at Studio of Visual Arts, I have been a professional illustrator and printmaker for 35 years. My illustrative work is represented in five Louisiana State Museums, countless corporate collections and has received numerous prestigious grants. NewSouthBooks was born as a natural extension of that same artisanship. I am now producing and marketing handmade, leather bound journals of quality and distinction, each journal a unique presentation with original artwork as adornment. All leather, new or old, is hand-cut and trimmed. I use only the highest quality fine art/printmaking paper (250w), hand stitching each signature. My leather journals are truly bound books using traditional book binding materials. Adding to the distinction is the incorporation of original artwork to inside covers and often, the middle signature. On this site, you'll see many examples of work previously completed for clientele. Just find me and we can discuss making one to suit your individual needs and taste
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Teresa Hickok
For Leather Bound Handmade Elegant Travel Adventure Journal Copper Diary5.0Michael does beautiful work. The journal is gorgeous.
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Amy Briscoe
For Custom Made To Order Leather Cover For Any Version Bible With Rebinding (296)5.0Michael breathed new life into my husband’s late grandmother’s Bible. This precious keepsake, which was worn from many years of diligent use, can now be something we pass down ourselves thanks to Michael’s skillful hands. Michael kept me updated throughout the process, from receipt of the Bible to delivery, and he was careful to preserve all of the personal notes and scribbles. My husband and I are both thrilled with the end product!
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Chantal McKinney
For Custom Leather Bible Recovering Made To Order For New International Bible Copper (403)5.0I abaslutly love the work that was done, my bible is beautiful and just what I hoped it would be...He got it out sooner then the 3-4 weeks and simply delighted me. I will most defiantly be sending another in soon. Thank you so much
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Seth Buikema
For Leather Bound Bible Niv Version Distressed Brown Cowhide New Ready To Ship (577)4.7Making this purchase was a breeze. It turned out to be a beautiful Bible that smells just as good as it looks. It has soft leather with a worn character feel. It is a 10/10 purchase. The one downside, that is not really a big deal, is that the strap is a lighter color, and it wraps both around the front and the back with short ends. It doesn't "tie" very good. I had the feeling it was one long strap that could be wrapped around several times with an easy tuck on the second or third wrap around the book. Besides this minor miscommunication in photos, it is an amazing Bible I will have for years. Thank you for the time and effort you put into crafting this Bible's exterior.
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Christie Rizk
For Distinctive Hides For Custom Made To Order Journals5.0I would absolutely recommend Michael's work if you need a journal, and if you need a custom order, then he's definitely the guy to go to. His craftsmanship is impeccable. He gave me exactly what I asked for - a beautiful, well-made journal. And he was finished with it ahead of schedule. He communicated with me frequently, and was even kind enough to re-ship the journal when the post office erroneously sent it back to him after a shipping snafu. Michael's a true professional all the way down the line.
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keith nelson
For Custom Order Leather Travel Journal Personal Diary Planner Notebook (460b)5.0leather travel journal turned out perfect , great experience ordering from Michael , highly recemended
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Jeannette Fletter
For Leather Bound Handmade Western Journal Bandana Rodeo Bull Hide Copper Diary Watercolor Art Notebook5.0Beautiful work, exceptional customer service and timely delivery. More than happy and would recommend to all. Thank you so much!
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Rita Biletsky
For Custom Made To Order Leather Cover For Any Version Bible With Rebinding (296)5.0I’m extremely happy with the finished product! My bible arrived today and the leather cover is so beautiful, exactly what I pictured. I have no words to describe how happy I am with it. This is something that will stay with me for life and Michael did an amazing job, I highly recommend him to others.
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Rebecca Bendlak
For wedding diary5.0Michael was fabulous to work with and is a fine artist and craftsman. His beautifully bound pages of my wedding journal, all perfectly nestled in a beautiful custom cover, is the perfect gift for my husband to be on our wedding day. Thank you Michael!
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Tami Wadlington
For Custom cover for wedding program pages5.0What a fabulous creative and collaborative experience! Michael crafted such an exquisite and important book for us. The newlyweds receiving it will be overjoyed to have something so special. Michael was easy to work with, and patient with our decisions. His thoughtfulness, honesty, and eagerness to please made our project run smoothly. He delivered what he said he would deliver. We are extremely happy with the product, craftsmanship, and care that went into the book.
CAChristy Allen
For Large Bound Leather Planner Journal Handmade Notebook Copper Monogram (452c)5.0Michael was a joy to work with! Responsive, courteous and very helpful! And his finished product is just beautiful!
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Katy Reincke
For Handmade Leather Bound Pressed Flower Journal Purple Travel Diary Art Notebook5.0Thank you so much for a beautiful journal! I got this as a Christmas present for my mother and I know she'll be very happy with the finished product! I really appreciate all the communication and time you put into this. Hope to hear from you again when I need another journal!
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Kelly Wulf
For Journal5.0We received your journal & it's absolutely wonderful. You're a class act - from the way the journal was packaged to the quality of the journal. My husband is very happy, and so am I. The page quality is exquisite, not to mention the binding and leather work. We'll be repeat customers. Thank you so very much! Kelly Wulf (& Howard)
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Spencer Smallwood
For Distressed Pig Skin Leather Bound Travel Adventure Journal Ledger Planner5.0There are not enough written (or spoken) words to describe Michael & his art. He is a true gentleman and his books are beyond "Art". I now have several of Michael's books and they are, well, 'perfect'; period. Thank you Michael - very much.
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Jesse Hollier
For Handmade Leather Bound Cowboy Journal Western Travel Dairy Art Notebook4.5Awesome work! I will always cherish it.
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Sarah Groat
For Handmade leather journal5.0I was very impressed, not only with the leather journal, but with the communication by the maker. I wasn't expecting to receive such prompt replies, considering I live in another country and time zone. Michael is lovely and I will definitely be coming back to do more projects in the future. I can't recommend Michael any higher to anyone wanting a handmade leather diary. Thank you Michael!
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Aryn Gabai
For Leather Bound Handmade Western Pocket Journal Copper Cowboy Diary Travel Adventure4.8The maker was great to work with, easy to communicate with and made sure our book arrived within our timeframe. A little high on the price, but the quality was much higher than standard books in a store. A definite memory made with this purchase.
ADAlex Dennard
For Custom Hand Cut Leather Bible Covers Rebinding 4015.0Great in communicating and helping me pick the leather and style that I wanted! Very impressed with the final product, and couldn't be happier. Have already recommended to many other people. Cant wait to get another bible covered.
- JW
Jeremy Wagner-Kaiser
For Jeremy's Journal5.0Michael's work is beautiful and delivery rapid. I am beyond pleased.
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