Why We Choose Reclaimed Italian Leather for Our Journals

At Zen Scribbles, you can shop one of a kind, completely handmade journals. As a maker, it gives me immense joy to see how our journals get used by others. A well made journal can be such a pleasure to write/draw/paint/scribble in - I hope you'll enjoy your unique Zen Scribbles journal! 

Our mission at Zen Scribbles is to make products that will bring you a few moments of joy, slow living, and a bit of the old world charm. Products that are nice to touch, bring you lots of tactile pleasure, and which you look forward to using.

I source leftover leather for my journals from leather goods manufacturers, to minimize the impact on the environment and use leather that's otherwise going to go waste. I find this to be a more humane and eco-conscious choice. 

But also - reclaimed leather looks so great! The leather has marks, wear and tear from prior use, which gives the leather so much character and personality. Each piece feels so unique and storied, an aesthetic that really embodies the Zen Scribbles ethos. 

The same goes for our fabric journals. We use reclaimed silk in most of our products.

Which brings us to the question of why full grain Italian leather. That's for the simple reason that Italian leather is one of the highest quality leathers you can find. Full grain leather develops a patina with use over time - your journal will literally grow and age with you. 

I hope that our choice of materials enables us to brings you products that you love to use and are proud to own.  More than anything, I hope your journal becomes a quiet companion — one that softens in your hands, gathers your thoughts, and reflects the seasons of your life.

If you’re ready to begin writing in something made slowly, intentionally, and with care, I invite you to explore our collection of handcrafted leather journals.