Handmade Leather Journals from the Philippines: My New Finds from bluetracesph

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist

Hey, everyone! How are you doing?

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I’ve been on a bit of a buying spree lately—this time, for inks and notebooks. In my defense, I’ve also been writing a lot!

Most of my writing consists of blog post drafts, business ideas and plans, and lists of tasks and accomplishments at work. Even my social media posts usually begin as scribbles in one of my idea notebooks before they make their way to the internet.

Another reason for my recent notebook shopping is that I’m running out of good paper for my fountain pens. As fellow fountain pen enthusiasts probably know, writing with a fountain pen is a much more enjoyable experience when the paper can handle the ink without excessive feathering, bleeding, or ghosting. Good paper really does make a difference!

The Search for a Beautiful Journal

While browsing online for fountain pen-friendly notebooks, I came across several beautiful journals. Some had lovely covers, others had interesting paper, and a few looked like they belonged in a stationery enthusiast’s dream collection.

I even watched a friend’s Instagram Reel featuring her gorgeous leather journal with a deer design. Naturally, I asked how much it cost. Let’s just say that after hearing the price, I knew it was way beyond my budget. Beautiful things are wonderful, but so is being financially responsible!

So, I reached out to a few friends in the fountain pen community for recommendations. One friend mentioned two local artisans, and I eventually decided to contact a leather handcrafter based in Laguna.

I had actually seen posts from bluetracesph in Fountain Pen Palengke, an online Facebook marketplace for fountain pen enthusiasts. I hadn’t considered buying from her before because, at the time, I already had quite a stash of notebooks waiting to be used. But like I said I have been writing a lot and have used up a lot of notebooks so I felt that a purchase for new one (or ones) is simply, justified.

My needs have changed now though. I wanted a good, locally made leather journal that I could carry around for years, especially during my travels. They would also need to be made by local artisans with locally sourced leathers, and preferably not too expensive.

Two New Journals for My Everyday Adventures

I contacted bluetracesph through Facebook, and thankfully, the owner and handcrafter responded quickly. I browsed her available designs and eventually ordered two journals: a micro journal and an A6-sized journal.

I chose these sizes because I wanted something portable—journals I could slip into my bag and bring with me most of the time, whether I was traveling somewhere new or simply going about my usual day. If you ask me what I would need the micro-journal for, I would simply say it’s as cute as my pocket pens. But seriously though, I plan to use it for value sketches, something I learned from my watercolor teaches.

I’m particularly excited about using the size A6 journal to collect little pieces of my life as it’s going to be my dedicated EDC journal. I hope to collect mementos from my travels, notes about places I’ve visited, small paintings I make along the way, or even random observations from an ordinary afternoon at home in this A6 notebook.

As someone who enjoys both writing and making art, I love the idea of having a journal that can hold more than just words. I want it to become a little archive of experiences: the places I’ve been, the things I’ve noticed, and the moments I might otherwise forget.

And, of course, I can use my fountain pens in them! Because what is a journal purchase if it doesn’t give me another excuse to try out my inks? Thankfully, the bluetracesph leather journals are specifically designed by the handcrafter for fountain pen user being one herself. So, the notebooks that came with the leather covers are, based on my quick tests, fountain pen-friendly.

A Box of Joy from a Local Artisan

I don’t usually record unboxing videos anymore, but this time, I just had to!

When I opened the package, I discovered that the seller had included several little goodies alongside my journals. There were paper samples, paper pads, a tiny passport-sized notebook, a pink corner paper clip, and stickers.

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She also included a handwritten note thanking me for my purchase and reminding me how to care for the leather items.

That handwritten note was such a lovely touch. In a world where most transactions are completed with a few taps on a screen, receiving a package that someone has clearly taken the time to prepare feels extra special.

Honestly, one thing I’ve noticed from buying handmade products in the Philippines is how generous many of our local artisans can be. Of course, every seller has their own way of doing business, but I’ve had some particularly heartwarming experiences with small businesses and independent makers.

Perhaps it’s because handmade products carry so much of the maker’s time, effort, and personality. Every purchase can feel like a small vote of confidence in someone’s craft.

I can relate to that feeling, too. I used to sell handmade fashion accessories, so I know how encouraging it can be when someone chooses to buy something you’ve made yourself. It’s not just a sale; it’s also a little affirmation that someone appreciates your work.

Looking Forward to Filling These Pages

Thank you, bluetracesph, for this wonderful box of joy that arrived at my doorstep!

I’m looking forward to breaking in my new journals, experimenting with different fountain pen inks, and filling their pages with notes, sketches, and little souvenirs from my travels. I hope they’ll accompany me on many adventures, both big and small.

If you’re interested to get local leather journals from bluetracesph, you may contact them via Facebook and Instagram. 🙂 Please note that I don’t get anything from endorsing their business and that all you’ve read about the crafter is based on my personal experience. Buy at your own discretion.

xoxo,

Grass