DIY Leather Journal (see description for more info)

I show you the process that I go through to make a complete leather journal.

Link to Matt Karl's first attempts at journal making:

Link to MiT's journal creation from leather boots:

recommended materials:

leather (or faux leather, old pair of jeans, cardboard...)
parchment paper (or any kind of paper)
waxed linen thread
stitching needle
awl
pliers
cutting board
scissors
paper cutter
ruler

[leannejames]

Thankyou for sharing. I'm going to make a journal for my son who is planning to travel. Then I'll make one for my girl and then myself. I can't wait to get started. You've inspired me.

[heathkitchen]

i looked around and yours is by far the best demonstration and final product on YouTube. Thank you for the excellent video. Guys, this is the one you want.

[americnskr]

You go through one of the most detailed parts, the sewing, the fastest.

[min-yeonkim]

thanks so much I had to make one of those to finish my skit for class in history u got me an A±

[HonestDoubter]

The leather maker in me freaked out when you broke out the Vaseline!  Petroleum products will break down leather over time.  The same effect can be had by simply using some Neat's Foot Oil.  Dillute your alcohol (as this will dry out the leather - and make it stiffer - not more supple) and give it a small spritz with a water bottle.  Then add Neat's foot oil - and place out into the sun.  It will be one half shade darker when done (it tans like every other skin) but it will be softer.  

Loved the tutorial and not trying to tell you how to do your craft.  Just a suggection.  

[vernonchew]

Never done a leather journal before. Your video is very inspiring, not to say how clear your instruction is in treating the leather cover and the long stitch execution. Thanks for sharing!

[MA-btil]

I have been junk journaling during this past year - trying to keep my hands busy while trying to make sense out of things... I have a left-over piece of leather my industrial designer son had from his college days and so wanted to do something with it for him. This video gave me the perfect idea! Thank you so much! Be blessed! :)

[madacaphoto]

Great tutorial. I plan on using this technique for a distressed wedding album. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[JoanTiam]

You are very generous sharing your skill, knowledge, tips. My daughters and I learned a lot watching this video. Very precise.

[tylaglosson]

Best final outcome and overall well explained ‘DIY’ on YouTube! And even explain/show different options. Thank you for sharing!! 🙏🏼

[ColoradoMcGees]

Thank you so much for the detailed instructions. I've been doing leatherwork for a year now and something like this would be perfect for my daughter. Didn't know where to start and now I do!

[andrewgomez]

I love all of these journal making videos, they've been very helpful for making a Christmas present for my girlfriend. Thanks for the great videos!

[catsgallery]

I especially liked the demonstration of dying the leather. Also you gave clear and detailed explanations.

[calebcook]

I reference this video every so often when I'm making traveler's journals and I get foggy on the stitching.

[marilynmccormick]

I love this journal. I rarely see men doing this and it is a very masculine journal & very instructive on how to do it. I've only made junk journals, but I have a large piece of leather and want to try this. I will have to watch the video a few times to master the outside stitching at top & bottom. It looks very professional. Thank you for sharing.

[littlegirl]

That wrap journal is gorgeous! I love it!

[darkchild]

@Avery Davies Music Hi, your post did not give me the reply option. My paper sizes vary depending on the size I make.  In this video I start with a 8.5"x11" size sheet and then I tear half an inch off each side. Afterwards I tear each sheet in half to create the individual signatures. But you are free to use any size you want. Sometimes I'll start with a 18"x24" size of Canson sketch paper and then tear that down to my desired size.

[wallyworld]

Great skills be proud, leather is the most beautiful, organic, spiritual, and rewarding medium to work with. Some crafters feel that it has a second life as it gets more beautiful and easier to use as it gets older. It deserves to be treated with respect, the more respect you give it the more rewarding your craft will be!

[livingliefe]

Why do artist always have such nice hands. Also great video, these are awesome.

[YvonneYam]

Your leather journals look amazing! Thank you for sharing! Off to buy some leather to make my own!