The difference in leathers is due to how they are processed. The nude colored leather is a vegetable tanned piece - this means it was tanned using traditional natural ingredients and takes several weeks to complete. This type of leather is usually left undyed and is excellent for embossing, tooling and molding with water. When it comes from the factory already dyed, it is usually also processed to include oils and waxes to make it durable to use in harnesses, belts, and some personal accessories such as wallets and purses. However, while unorthodox, adding your personal lotion to the leather probably did it some good as this type of tanning can sometimes become very dry. Leather is skin, after all, and adding moisture back into it will only help it. Note - leaving this type of leather in the sun will naturally darken it as the UV rays can still "burn" the skin. The sun won't harm it too much, but will change the color and dry it out. The colored leathers are probably chrome tanned - meaning they were processed using chemicals such as chromium, which is much faster to process and creates a very supple, strong leather. These types of leathers come from the tanneries predyed and are usually used in clothing, upholstery, and fashion accessories. Just like vegetable tanned leather, some chrome tanned hides are also treated with oils and waxes - often termed "pull up" leather - for added durability. Unless left in extreme weather, the regular untreated chrome tanned leather needs very little conditioning. Both leathers are excellent, but are merely processed differently and are traditionally aimed at different industries. Glad you found a creative way to use them for your journals.
I have made two of these recently. I used Obenauf’s leather preservative on the outside and I treated the inside with Fjallraven Greenland wax using a heat gun. The wax gives some structure to the leather and a smoother interior surface. Before I add the Obenauf’s and the wax, I spray both sides with my favorite cologne and let it soak in, then apply the coatings. The scent will be subtle and last for many months. I do like the idea of the double elastic and relocating the closure to the spine. Thanks for the excellent video.
Wow, what a great idea! Obv Traveler's Company books aren't exactly complex products, so it's great to see people out there making their own! I love the idea about putting the elastic on the spine as well.
O. M. G. I'm in love with the traveler's notebook I just made after seeing your video, even more than if i had bought the name brand! And it took no time! Thank you so much!
great hack and can be very personalized. I have been making my TNs out of vintage clutches and I use a Crop a Dile to punch holes in the fabric and use eyelets to keep the fabric from fraying. In addition, I dont tie my elastic for the inside bands, I use a 5X2mm ball chain connector so that the knot will not bulk up the TN or get in the way. Much Love
Oh nice! Thank you so much for sharing your creative process. I'll look into the ball chain connectors. That's a much fast way than my "glue it together" process..haha!
@@Judi-Graff yes, you can also use a metal clap bead or any small tubular bead that you can thread both strings at opposite ends and then clamp with pliers or jewelry pliers. Ball chain connectors can be found at craft shops in your jewelry/ bead section. I hope that helps?
I love the variations in leather colors! The 2016 is beautiful. But the DIY & their newer camel tone is also gorgeous. I walked away from TN a few years back but I recently decided to bring them into my mix of stationary. I have to say that this video was such a treat because TN covers are not cheap. I recently bought the passport starter kit & was like yikes because of the price. But seeing a DIY video… I’m going to be running to Michael’s after Christmas… or maybe I’ll put some of these items on my Christmas list! 😅🥰 Great video! ❤
Beautiful! I recently saw an embossed piece of leather at Hobby Lobby that would make a beautiful TN cover. It was the only leather in that section of the store. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hopefully this was helpful! This cover is very beginner-friendly! Let me know how yours turn out should you decide to make your own! These leathers are so smooth!
Thank you for sharing this! This sounds like such a fun project. Would you be able to tell the measurements for where you punched the holes in the leather?
It really does make a great TN! I don't see myself moving out of it anytime soon. Wow, happy to hear that this leather offers you the flexibility to make various sizes. How fun!
How do you cut the leathers (knives and straight edge)? Any tips or things to consider? Do you burr the corners or do anything to treat the edges? If you dye the leather afterwards, what do you use, and any tips? (Sorry for all the questions). Thank you in advance!
@ARK-JOURNAL I prefer using a box cutter and a metal T ruler. I don’t do anything to treat the edges, and I don’t dye the leather. I really like the rawness of the leather. I watched some DIY videos and jus went for it.
Can you tell me the measurements for the Passport cover? The whole leather piece, open, H e W. On the internet I only found the size when it's folded with the elastic ☹️.
Thank you so much! I’ve spent so much money on them,from different companies. I just bought one the other day and it’s not the size I wanted. I cut it and now I’m fighting with the edges. Lol! But, this’ll help me in the near future!
Ooo I keep on running across your videos and you’re so authentic. I haven’t finished this video yet - I can’t decide between a fabric journal cover or a leather. No one has fabric for me to compare what it’s like, and I don’t like the way leather is made, ethically. 😭 But I want to keep something forever~
I need to make one of these, but I really want it in an A5. That's the only reason I haven't ordered from Travelers Company. Thanks for the how-to, looks like I'll need to find some slightly larger leather though. Any suggestions?
Hmm - do you have any information on how to engrave/ deboss leather (how to leave an imprint/ indent in the leather versus emboss which I think would raise the leather). I guess I could take a dye and hammer a symbols/ image, but is there a machine (for personal use) available for purchase that I could use for this? Any suggestions appreciated!
Wanted to customize my own notebook for a while now, try sewing on patches and paint it with acrylic, so this might be a great option to try making my own. Unfortunately I‘m in Europe, so I have to source my own leather. Thanks for sharing this with all of us, though! 💌
This is a very helpful video. Thank you. If you cut the piece wider, then you will be able to fit-in more inserts. I work with leathers. You will a not get the exact same piece of cowhide twice in a row because they come from different steers. They will dye differently, as well. You need to use special leather dyes, or paints that are made specifically for leather, so it will be pliable and not peel as the leather is bent and handled. Regular acrylic paints will not work. 😊
The one that you're going to rise the strings, can you not just wiggle the knot down to the bottom of the book, so the knot would be at the bottom of the page? Loved this, and subscribed!!
@seaweed kisses : any suggestions on where to find different brass/ bronze cast accessories (the charms, and/ or clips). Since I’m asking, suggestions for getting different papers for drawing (ie onion paper, and paper for watercolor - cold or warm press preferably, although I don’t think they’d be available since they’re typically thicker papers). Thanks! (Sorry for all the questions. Just thinking of how I’m assemble my travel journal as I watch your video).
The elastic hole in the middle of the back is a design fault in my opinion. The knot gets in the way of smooth writing; moving it to the spine is best.
Such a great idea! I recently bought a TN kit from Michaels on clearance and it came with 3 inserts for $5!
Wow! Now that's a fantastic find!
same just went today and found one on clearance for 15!
@@saramackeigan627 Wow I got a real good deal then..went back to the store to try and get some more but they were gone. Happy Journaling❣️✨
I got that deal too! $20 CAD, so I bought 3 haha
That's incredible how quickly the undyed leather changed color. Thank you so much for sharing this DIY !!!
It probably helps being located in the desert. The sun is brutal! haha
Wow this is exactly what i was looking for. Im going to stamp mine at a friends house. I have no need to order the original. Thanks so much.
The difference in leathers is due to how they are processed.
The nude colored leather is a vegetable tanned piece - this means it was tanned using traditional natural ingredients and takes several weeks to complete. This type of leather is usually left undyed and is excellent for embossing, tooling and molding with water. When it comes from the factory already dyed, it is usually also processed to include oils and waxes to make it durable to use in harnesses, belts, and some personal accessories such as wallets and purses. However, while unorthodox, adding your personal lotion to the leather probably did it some good as this type of tanning can sometimes become very dry. Leather is skin, after all, and adding moisture back into it will only help it. Note - leaving this type of leather in the sun will naturally darken it as the UV rays can still "burn" the skin. The sun won't harm it too much, but will change the color and dry it out.
The colored leathers are probably chrome tanned - meaning they were processed using chemicals such as chromium, which is much faster to process and creates a very supple, strong leather. These types of leathers come from the tanneries predyed and are usually used in clothing, upholstery, and fashion accessories. Just like vegetable tanned leather, some chrome tanned hides are also treated with oils and waxes - often termed "pull up" leather - for added durability. Unless left in extreme weather, the regular untreated chrome tanned leather needs very little conditioning.
Both leathers are excellent, but are merely processed differently and are traditionally aimed at different industries. Glad you found a creative way to use them for your journals.
This is a damn good idea
I have made two of these recently. I used Obenauf’s leather preservative on the outside and I treated the inside with Fjallraven Greenland wax using a heat gun. The wax gives some structure to the leather and a smoother interior surface. Before I add the Obenauf’s and the wax, I spray both sides with my favorite cologne and let it soak in, then apply the coatings. The scent will be subtle and last for many months. I do like the idea of the double elastic and relocating the closure to the spine. Thanks for the excellent video.
Thanks for the interesting ideas! I love the idea of using cologne.
Wow, what a great idea! Obv Traveler's Company books aren't exactly complex products, so it's great to see people out there making their own! I love the idea about putting the elastic on the spine as well.
I'll be visiting Michael's tomorrow! Lol and can't wait to see your flip!
Enjoy your Michael's trip! Let me know if you find anything good!
O. M. G. I'm in love with the traveler's notebook I just made after seeing your video, even more than if i had bought the name brand! And it took no time! Thank you so much!
I love this! My 11 year old would love making her own to match mine! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for sharing this. Can you also name where you have this 3-Zipper-pouch? I really liked the material. Thank you 😊
Lov A6 size is always perfect and lov all your beautiful DIYs and beaFountain pens thanks for sharing 💜
great hack and can be very personalized. I have been making my TNs out of vintage clutches and I use a Crop a Dile to punch holes in the fabric and use eyelets to keep the fabric from fraying. In addition, I dont tie my elastic for the inside bands, I use a 5X2mm ball chain connector so that the knot will not bulk up the TN or get in the way. Much Love
Can you tell more about the ball chain connector?
Oh nice! Thank you so much for sharing your creative process. I'll look into the ball chain connectors. That's a much fast way than my "glue it together" process..haha!
@@Judi-Graff yes, you can also use a metal clap bead or any small tubular bead that you can thread both strings at opposite ends and then clamp with pliers or jewelry pliers. Ball chain connectors can be found at craft shops in your jewelry/ bead section. I hope that helps?
@@maibritton2882 thanks 😊
These are so cool! Thank you for showing us how you did it.
Thank you! Yes, these covers are a def. favorite now! ;) Shhh...
I love the variations in leather colors! The 2016 is beautiful. But the DIY & their newer camel tone is also gorgeous. I walked away from TN a few years back but I recently decided to bring them into my mix of stationary. I have to say that this video was such a treat because TN covers are not cheap. I recently bought the passport starter kit & was like yikes because of the price. But seeing a DIY video… I’m going to be running to Michael’s after Christmas… or maybe I’ll put some of these items on my Christmas list! 😅🥰 Great video! ❤
Beautiful! I recently saw an embossed piece of leather at Hobby Lobby that would make a beautiful TN cover. It was the only leather in that section of the store. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yes, Hobby Lobby has leather pieces that would work with this size as well! Thank you for watching!❤️
Thanks for this tutorial! Headed on vacation and this is such a cost effect way to preserve our memories!!!
It really is! Have fun on your vacation!❤️
@@SeaweedKisses ty
You are sooo inspiring thanks for Sharing 💜
You are so welcome! Hope this inspires you to create your own!❤️
Great info ! Thanks for sharing
Thank you. You're such a doll. I've been rockin with you for a while and it's always nice to see an upload from you. ❤️
Thank you so much!! I appreciate you being here!~ It means a lot. ❤️
How lovely! What a sweet post!
So glad you posted this ! After the last video I was wanting to make one !
Hopefully this was helpful! This cover is very beginner-friendly! Let me know how yours turn out should you decide to make your own! These leathers are so smooth!
Thank you for sharing this! This sounds like such a fun project. Would you be able to tell the measurements for where you punched the holes in the leather?
The Leather Tooling Piece (undyed) by Artminds from Michaels works great as a TN‼️👍🏽👍🏽 I’ve made a B6, A6 & Passport sizes. tfs🙏🏽💜
It really does make a great TN! I don't see myself moving out of it anytime soon. Wow, happy to hear that this leather offers you the flexibility to make various sizes. How fun!
How do you cut the leathers (knives and straight edge)? Any tips or things to consider?
Do you burr the corners or do anything to treat the edges?
If you dye the leather afterwards, what do you use, and any tips?
(Sorry for all the questions).
Thank you in advance!
@ARK-JOURNAL I prefer using a box cutter and a metal T ruler. I don’t do anything to treat the edges, and I don’t dye the leather. I really like the rawness of the leather. I watched some DIY videos and jus went for it.
Can you tell me the measurements for the Passport cover? The whole leather piece, open, H e W. On the internet I only found the size when it's folded with the elastic ☹️.
Thank you so much! I’ve spent so much money on them,from different companies. I just bought one the other day and it’s not the size I wanted. I cut it and now I’m fighting with the edges. Lol! But, this’ll help me in the near future!
Ooo I keep on running across your videos and you’re so authentic. I haven’t finished this video yet - I can’t decide between a fabric journal cover or a leather. No one has fabric for me to compare what it’s like, and I don’t like the way leather is made, ethically. 😭 But I want to keep something forever~
Very interesting video! I liked seeing how you aged it outside. I wonder if you could dye it with inks or stamp pads. Has anyone done that?
Where did you get that triple zipper pouch?
Awesome
I need to make one of these, but I really want it in an A5. That's the only reason I haven't ordered from Travelers Company. Thanks for the how-to, looks like I'll need to find some slightly larger leather though. Any suggestions?
Hmm - do you have any information on how to engrave/ deboss leather (how to leave an imprint/ indent in the leather versus emboss which I think would raise the leather).
I guess I could take a dye and hammer a symbols/ image, but is there a machine (for personal use) available for purchase that I could use for this?
Any suggestions appreciated!
Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to watch and support!❤️
Are you able to make a A5 out of that size of leather?
Thanks
Wanted to customize my own notebook for a while now, try sewing on patches and paint it with acrylic, so this might be a great option to try making my own. Unfortunately I‘m in Europe, so I have to source my own leather. Thanks for sharing this with all of us, though! 💌
Go for it! ❤️
Angelus makes leather dye and paint if you want to paint over the leather! I wonder if acrylic may crack over time because it doesn’t breathe
Where do you buy the replacement notebook inserts? I used to be able to get the pocket sized notebook from Moleskine but can't find them.
I love this idea!! Would totally purchase an undyed camel one from you :)
I'll let you know when I have extra to sell. :) You'll be the first!❤️
@@SeaweedKisses thank you so so much!! 🙏💜
This is a very helpful video. Thank you. If you cut the piece wider, then you will be able to fit-in more inserts. I work with leathers. You will a not get the exact same piece of cowhide twice in a row because they come from different steers. They will dye differently, as well. You need to use special leather dyes, or paints that are made specifically for leather, so it will be pliable and not peel as the leather is bent and handled. Regular acrylic paints will not work. 😊
Can you use baseball glove leather conditioner? To keep it soft and pliable. Will it protect it from any staining?
The one that you're going to rise the strings, can you not just wiggle the knot down to the bottom of the book, so the knot would be at the bottom of the page? Loved this, and subscribed!!
Hi, just wondering where in seoul you got it embossed as Im going in summer?
You could also soak the leather in diluted tea or coffee.
What is the leather thickness that you use?
But how do you add stuff to it or the binding clips? I am having the hardest time finding how to insert the clips.
So you got that beautiful color from the raw leather just by exposing it to sunlight? Becuse if that's true, I wanna try that!
how long typically do you leave out the undyed leather out in the sun for?
For this piece, I did three days straight for 6 hours each day.
@seaweed kisses : any suggestions on where to find different brass/ bronze cast accessories (the charms, and/ or clips).
Since I’m asking, suggestions for getting different papers for drawing (ie onion paper, and paper for watercolor - cold or warm press preferably, although I don’t think they’d be available since they’re typically thicker papers).
Thanks!
(Sorry for all the questions. Just thinking of how I’m assemble my travel journal as I watch your video).
❤❤❤❤🎉
The elastic hole in the middle of the back is a design fault in my opinion. The knot gets in the way of smooth writing; moving it to the spine is best.
Agree!
Too much talking, not enough doing, and she only makes believe to punch holes!! I going to find me a REAL DIY video.
Sorry about that. Here’s an updated tutorial, sir-
ua-cam.com/video/ntZYePxeBog/v-deo.htmlsi=vvXHQ-c7A_e23izw
For the animal lovers out there - canvas can be used instead of leather.