11. Pressed Leaf Leather-Bound Journal

Combine bookbinding techniques with foraging by creating a custom leather-bound notebook featuring pressed botanical covers.

  • Materials Needed: Vegetable-tanned leather hide, blank notebook signature papers, waxed linen thread, bookbinding needle, awl, pressed botanical leaves, Mod Podge.
  • Step-by-Step Instructions:
    1. Cut your vegetable-tanned leather hide to size to form a flexible wrap-around notebook cover.
    2. Fold multiple folded signatures of blank drawing paper in half and press the creases firmly with a bone folder.
    3. Pierce binding holes evenly down the spine crease of your paper signatures and leather cover using a sharp bookbinding awl.
    4. Decoupage selected pressed leaves onto the exterior leather cover using Mod Podge, sealing them completely with a protective matte topcoat.
    5. Bind the paper signatures securely to the leather cover using a standard Coptic stitch or simple pamphlet stitch with waxed linen thread.
    6. Trim thread tails neatly and let the journal cure flat under heavy books overnight.
  • Tips & Variations: Use distressed vintage leather for a moody antique traveler’s notebook aesthetic.
  • Styling Ideas: Keep on a rustic wooden writing desk alongside an antique brass fountain pen and ceramic inkwell.