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Build Your Journal

This journal begins as a simple foundation and becomes what you need it to be. Choose only what serves you now—pockets, closures, stitching, and details can be added gradually or all at once. There is no required configuration and no ideal setup. The right journal is the one that fits the way you live.

Choose the elements you love—simple or intricate—and we’ll craft a journal that is made just for you, by hand, in our Washington studio.


You’ll see all available options listed below Scroll all the way to the bottom. Some depend on materials we have on hand, but if you’re imagining something you don’t see, please reach out—we love helping you create a journal that feels uniquely yours.

Please Note we do not offer custom size options.


“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
— William Morris

Austen Build A Journal | Trifold Traveler's Notebook

125.00

Austen is our signature leather, chosen for how quickly it develops character.

This full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather starts smooth and polished, then begins to change with use. Every mark, every crease, and every day of handling becomes part of the leather, creating a rich patina that reflects how it has been used.

These marks are not flaws. They are what give Austen its depth and character over time.

If you want a notebook that stays pristine, this is not it.
If you want one that becomes uniquely yours, this is the one.

Why Choose Austen

  • Shows marks and wear early, not years later
  • Builds a rich patina through daily use
  • Records your habits, not just your handling
  • Deepens in tone and character over time
  • Designed for those who want leather that changes

Build Your Journal

This is not a fixed setup. It is designed to be built by you.

Choose your layout, your inserts, and how you want your system to function. Add, remove, and rearrange as your needs change. This is a journal that adapts to you, not the other way around.

Over time, both the structure and the leather evolve together, creating something that reflects not just how you use it, but how you think.

About the Trifold

The Trifold is built for those who carry more and want it organized.

With multiple panels and the ability to hold several inserts, it creates a complete system in one cover. You can separate sections, keep projects distinct, and still carry everything together.

As the leather ages, the larger surface area and fold lines create even more visible character, making each piece feel distinctly personal over time.

Details

  • Full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather
  • Hot stuffed and glazed for a smooth, polished finish
  • Firm hand with a structured feel
  • Records marks and handling as part of its character
  • Develops a rich, visible patina with use
  • Trifold design with multiple panels
  • Built for customizable insert layouts
  • Approx. 2.2 to 2.7 mm thick

Austen is chosen by those who want their leather to change, not stay perfect.

Color: Emma

Elastic Options

1 elastic gives you that classic look, while 4 elastics let your notebook hold more with ease. Whichever you choose, the leather will be the same size — so just go with what suits your style. 4 elastics are the most popular in our community!

Coffee House Build A Journal | Travelers Notebook - ChicSparrow

Pocket Examples

You can chose any of these to be on the left or right hand side of your journal, we will simply mirror them to aline with your choice.

Coffee House Build A Journal | Travelers Notebook - ChicSparrow

Thread Options

We have a colorful selection — choose the one that makes your heart happy! Whether you prefer something complimentary, perfectly matching, or boldly contrasting, there's something just for you.

Coffee House Build A Journal | Travelers Notebook - ChicSparrow

Closures

You may have a Snap closure with a Curved strap, A snap Closure with a straight strap, the traditional Elastic from the spine with a barb or a leather wrap.
Please note: The snap closure options are not available on the Trifold design.

Coffee House Build A Journal | Travelers Notebook - ChicSparrow

Outer Pocket Examples

You may wish for a top opening or a Side Opening. Either way here are examples for your ideal notebook.
For optimal functionality, we suggest placing the pockets on the back or short side of the trifold; the long side is not recommended for pocket attachment.

Coffee House Build A Journal | Travelers Notebook - ChicSparrow

Spine Option

This can be aesthetic or functional, recomended for the thinner leathers. Not shown here but yours will have the elastic showing from the outside on the top and bottom. Unless you specify in your notes you want the No. 5 Style.

Coffee House Build A Journal | Travelers Notebook - ChicSparrow

Inscription Option

We are happy to place your inscription in a different place than the traditional lower right corner. Select the placement that is perfect for your Traveler's Notebook.

Coffee House Build A Journal | Travelers Notebook - ChicSparrow