Last minute Christmas presents were needed so I decided to make a couple of personalised notebooks, which would be held closed by a retaining strap. The alternative was to create interlocking leather loops on the.opening edge. Two on the bottom edge and one on the top so when a pen is inserted through all three the pen ‘locks’ the notebook closed. Perhaps a design for next time.
Outer Leather: Badalassi Carlo Nofin – Nero – 1.8/2.0mm. (284mm x 182mm plus strap)
Inner Leather: Badalassi Carlo Pueblo – Oliva and Prugna – 1.4/1.6mm (74mm x 182mm)
Thread: 0.75mm or #1 Vinymo, Colours 121 (Oliva) and 180 (Prugna) 52 with stitch length of 3.25mm
Notebook: Papuro Milano Journal Lined Refill Pages
The outer leather was punches and the strap retaining loop stitched in place.
Then it’s just a matter glueing the two inner pocket pieces (Oliva) and stitching around the perimeter
I’d previously made a number of turned pens so decided to include one – a pine cone filled with white resin
The recipients name was hot pressed into the outer leather to complete. A stressful operation as any alignment mistake would mean starting all over again.
A shotgun keyring was also thrown in.
The second notebook cover used Badalassi Carlo Pueblo in Prugna (purple).
This time the pen was made from contrasting woods bonded together.