i saw a video once where he said that we’re capable of doing things ourselves and that we shouldn’t undersell ourself by paying others do something for us. and that by doing things for yourself you’re investing in yourself and your own skills and growth. it also is quality time with yourself to be learning/doing a task you’re capable of doing. so it doesn’t matter if you’re spending more money doing something yourself (as one person negatively commented), it’s about dedicating time to yourself and learning more about yourself. the cost of what you spend shouldn’t take away from what you’ve acquired yourself. ofc some things are harder than others and requires assistance but we should never doubt what we’re capable of doing. this journal was lovely and i was looking for a way to customize my own :) thank you

You are still to this day one of the only creators I see who call Louise Carmen a travelers notebook. When I first saw it, that was my immediate thought. I don’t mind people calling it a portfolio but it is so sad this concept was kinda stolen from a bigger and richer brand. I understand that some people experience new things at different times but I do feel your level of awareness of its history and importance is so refreshing and wish more people knew. It’s also more ethical to make your own as you can support local businesses (if you live in an area that has leather shops that are family run, etc.) <3

Dying Tips: Use a cloth instead of a dauber and go in large circular motions. You wont get weird streaking.
Make sure - like the Carolyn, you get the "pro" line of dye since it's oil based pigment. It prevents your piece from becoming hard,
Lasty. Saturate your leather WELL, with water. You wont use as much dye and it wont be uneven

This is for anyone making theirs :) Carolyn did an amazing job

I love that we’re getting back to doing things ourselves and focusing less on perfection in any form 💌

Literally an artisan craftswoman

These notebooks are investments! Whether we buy them or make them. I hope your notebook journey is satisfactory and turns into a deep obsession. I got local artisan made notebook sets and they were so much cheaper, not as pretty but really customizable! Even someone like myself on minimum wage could afford it. I made my way back into journaling in the later part of 2023 and the only thing I regret is not doing it sooner. I feel like my brain is mine again. Thanks for sharing your process! I loved witnessing your ups and downs - subscribing!

The more you handle undyed vegetable tanned leather the more your hand oils penetrate the leather which causes uneven dyeing. Either handle the leather while wearing cotton gloves or thoroughly degrease the leather before attempting to dye it. The wool daubers suffer the same issue at absorbing hand oils making them ineffective. Dip dyeing the leather by submerging in a bucket or pan full of the leather color of your choice will always result in a better dye job. Leave it to dry for a minimum of two days, then submerge the leather in clean water to remove excess dye. Let it dry for two days, then oil it multiple times allowing it to completely dry between applications. Last step is to buff with an absorbent cloth. Multiple buffings will increase your shine level. You can increase the softness of your red one by rubbing in Vaseline onto the flesh side of the leather till it won’t absorb any further Vaseline. Then buff the excess out of the leather with a cloth.

I am SO happy to see a video about making an overpriced item yourself!!  Especially with the attention span topic and transparency on the prices and companies.

I managed to thrift a personal filofax for about 1$ and have been making inserts myself for it since. Thank you for this type of content.

Midori itself still exists. Travelers Company can be thought of as an offshoot or brand within the same company Midori.

You've done a spectacular job in this DIY. The ADHD in me was tempted to make a book anyway, but after watching this I'll definitely do it.

The leather notebook covers used by travelers were not invented by that japanese gentleman. Those have existed at least since XVII century. But the Midori company has certainly revived the interest in them in the new age.

I diy-ed one Louise Carmen style and one Paper republic style notebook! I highly recommend the veg tan leathers from Rocky Mountain leather supply! they do free shipping and some leathers are cut 9x16 inches, which is perfect for the LC! Minerva pebbled in pink and Gaucho oil in pistachio are the leathers i chose 🩷✍️ so satisfying to make your own journal covers 🧚 ✨

The japanese traveler's notebook is way prettier and cheaper than that overpriced french brrand

So grateful that you shared the process and details openly, I love what you did and you've made it so much easier for those of us who were definitely confused with all of the various journal making info out there. SO excited!!

bestie u tore with this i fear

Great video! Midori didn’t change their name to Travelers Company. Midori as a brand still exists…it’s just that now, Travelers Company is its own thing. Almost like a baby company to Midori.

unrelated but your sunglasses look so nice

This video inspired me to start making my own planner covers and dividers. I’m in a discbound notebook system and I keep complaining about not having top tab dividers and I’m pretty sure I can make my own easily instead of buying new ones. Thanks for the inspiration!

I've been on this same DIY Louise Carmen journey and have to say - the wool daubers are THE WORST. Creates such a streaky awful finish, I hated the way mine turned out. I dip dyed a smaller one as an experiment and it turned out a million times better so I definitely recommend that.

You inspired me 10/10
Love the determination!