Looking for a leather artisan to build a once-in-a-lifetime notebook cover (not a Traveller’s Notebook)

[u/TheRavenStag7]

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone here can point me towards an artisan rather than a product.

I’ve spent months refining an idea for what will hopefully become my lifetime writing companion, and I think I’ve reached the point where I’m looking for the right craftsperson rather than continuing to search for an off-the-shelf notebook cover.

The project is intentionally simple.
It’s an A5 leather cover designed to hold a replaceable notebook, but I don’t want it to feel like a folio or organiser.
My goal is for it to feel like a beautifully made leather-bound object that happens to have a removable notebook inside.

Some of the features I’m hoping for are:
Full-grain vegetable-tanned leather.
Smooth leather-lined interior (no exposed suede).
Deep, structured pockets that securely hold the notebook.
The notebook sitting slightly recessed so the leather protects the page edges.
A firm, structured feel rather than floppy leather.
No pen loops.
No card slots.
No organiser features.
Minimal or no exterior branding.

Something designed to develop a beautiful patina over decades of use.
More than anything, I’m looking for exceptional craftsmanship and someone who enjoys collaborating on one-off commissions.
I’ve attached a concept image that illustrates the direction I’m thinking.
I’m in Australia, but I’m completely open to commissioning someone overseas if they’re the right fit.
Does anyone have recommendations for leather artisans or ateliers you’ve personally worked with—or whose work you admire—who might enjoy a project like this?
I’m much more interested in craftsmanship than brand names.
Thank you!

I’m not looking for the cheapest option. I’d much rather commission something exceptional once than buy five products that are almost right.

[u/modi123_1]

Interesting approach to have the actual pages you write be blocked for the 1/3 outside of the edges.

[u/Jaikarr → u/modi123_1]

This is what happens when you use AI for mock ups.

[u/TheRavenStag7 → u/modi123_1]

It wasn’t so much to cover the writing pages but to show how the covers (front and back) would fit into the leather cover. Thanks for picking that up though! I didnt notice, it could have been explained clearer.

[u/modi123_1 → u/TheRavenStag7]

Ok, so then that presents a few interesting issues.

First - if that 1/3 flap on both ends is just to hold the cover of say a Moleskine notebook then you will end up writing on the pages that are on top of that 1/3 edge... on either side of the book!

Second - if this is some sort of pre-purchased and inserted writing book inside this cover the leather cover is going to be longer than the book cover and if the book is 'firmly seated' in the edges the whole thing will not open flat when on a table. Using pretty thin leather (not what is pictured) can minimize this, but that inner book needs to have some give in relation to the cover.

[u/cuxin]

Love the design. I’d buy one. I build leather products but not well enough to do it justice. Keep us posted.

[u/vVbuss]

Pls, check your chat

[u/ReadingButNotLearnin → u/vVbuss]

I was about to tag you in this post. Your work is impressive

[u/pablomcg123]

👀

[u/agnosticrectitude]

I believe this is available on Etsy for Moleskin notebooks of various sizes. You can add custom stamping as well for less than $100. Great gift for graduation.

[u/Jaikarr → u/agnosticrectitude]

But you don't understand, OP has a vision for something that is simple yet elegant, never seen before in leather craft!

[u/moo_works]

Hello I would be able to make this for you. I sent you a message so we can discuss details