Handmade Leather Journal Cover: Refillable Midori Traveler's Notebook, Free Personalization

Handmade Leather Notebook Cover – Fauxdori / Midori / Moleskine Compatible

These notebook covers are made using extra-thick, premium-quality vegetable-tanned leather (3.0–3.4mm), designed to last a lifetime. The leather is durable, yet softens beautifully with use, developing a rich, personal patina over time.

I live off-grid on a small holding, and every piece is made entirely by hand, using only traditional hand tools—no machines, no electricity. Each cover is cut, stitched, and finished in my workshop using simple tools, time, and care. This slow, deliberate process means each notebook cover is crafted with full attention to detail and built to last.

Every edge is hand-bevelled, burnished, and waxed to achieve a clean, rounded, and polished finish. A great deal of care goes into ensuring each cover meets the high standard I set for all my work.

Please note: This listing is for the leather cover only. Notebooks shown in photos are for display purposes only.

Elastic Cord System

Each cover uses an elastic cord binding system to hold 4 to 6 notebook inserts.
Please let me know in the “Notes to Seller” at checkout if you'd like 4 or 6 strings of elastic.
If you don't specify, I will default to 6.

Personalisation (Free)

I'm happy to stamp up to 4 initials on your cover at no extra cost.
Just include the initials in the “Notes to Seller” when you order.

Font Options:

Font 1 Example

Font 2 Example

Available Sizes

Choose your size from the menu. Need something custom? Message me—I'm happy to help.

Field Notes / Pocket Moleskine Cahier: 3.5" x 5.5" (90mm x 140mm)

Midori Traveler's Notebook: 4.25" x 8.25" (108mm x 210mm)

Large Moleskine Cahier: 5" x 8.25" (130mm x 210mm)

A5: 5.8" x 8.3" (148mm x 210mm)

XL Cahier: 7.5" x 9.75" (190mm x 250mm)

Passport: 4.9" x 3.4" (124mm x 89mm)

B6: 4.9" x 6.9" (125mm x 176mm)

Mini Composition: 3.25" x 4.5" (83mm x 114mm)

Composition Notebook: 9.75" x 7.5" (247mm x 190mm)

A6: 4.1" x 5.8" (105mm x 148mm)

About the Leather – Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Matters

I use full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, one of the most traditional and environmentally conscious leathers available. Unlike chrome-tanned leather, vegetable-tanned hides are tanned using natural tannins extracted from tree bark, leaves, and other plant materials. This centuries-old method results in leather that is:

Durable and long-lasting – ideal for everyday use

Firm but flexible – great for covers that protect while still feeling good in your hands

Environmentally friendly – no harsh chemicals involved

Aging beautifully – develops a deep, rich patina with time, handling, and exposure to sunlight

Each piece of leather has unique markings, scars, or grain patterns that add character to the finished product. As the cover is used, it will darken and soften, becoming more individual and reflective of its owner’s life and use.

If you have any questions or want to request a custom size, please feel free to get in touch.
Thank you for supporting handmade, small-batch craftsmanship—it truly makes a difference.