Skip to content
Build a Chic Sparrow 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.

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
— William Morris
Patina | Classic | Full Grain Traveler's Notebook without Pockets - ChicSparrow

Maplewood Build A Journal | Classic Travelers Notebook

by ChicSparrow

64.00

Build-a-Journal begins as a clean foundation and becomes what you need it to be. Start simple or build it out fully—both are right.

Choose your format, leather, and the details that matter to you. Add only what serves your life right now: pockets, thread colors, closures, outer pockets, spine options, pen loops, inscription placements, and more. Your journal can be restrained, fully outfitted, or somewhere in between.


How this works

You’re building from a base design. As you move through the options, you’ll choose the features you want and skip what you don’t. If you’re not sure, start with the essentials and keep it simple—the cover will still do its job beautifully.

Tip: If you feel decision fatigue, pick your format first, then your leather/color, then add only the features you know you’ll use weekly.

Details
  • Full-grain, vegetable-tanned European leather
  • Medium hand (softens with age and use)
  • Natural markings and variations are expected
  • Develops patina over time
  • Interior elastics sized for traveler’s-notebook style inserts
  • Elastic spine closure (unless you choose an alternate closure option)

Shade and character will vary naturally from piece to piece.

Care

Condition once or twice a year depending on climate. In dry climates, condition twice yearly; in humid climates, once is sufficient. Our Leather Balm is a great choice.

Shipping & production

Because each Build-a-Journal is made to your selections, production times may vary based on the options you choose. Please allow upto 14 business days for your order to ship.

Questions?

Want help choosing options or building a setup that fits your needs? Email us at support@chicsparrow.com.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare