by Kylee Walton
The Travelers Notebook. The Paper Republic. The Louise Carmen. All of these brands create leather journal covers that allow you to carry several notebooks in an elastic binding. Most of these, especially the Louise Carmen, are marketed as these luxury items that will age with you as you take them with you on your numerous journeys (these companies assume that their buyers travel several times a year). I have fallen victim to the allure of these journals, but not to their high prices. This has led me to create my own, DIY version of the coveted Louise Carmen journal, and it cost me not even a fraction of the price.
There appears to be a great debate with these journals, specifically concerning the Louise Carmen, which is the most expensive of the three (around $160 before shipping) and what most of this post will be dedicated to. The debate is whether or not the Louise Carmen journal is worth the price. The everyday person seems to say no, it’s not. One can journal without one of these luxury leather covers, or find cheaper alternatives of them, so it’s not worth the price. Others say yes, it is worth the price because the Louise Carmen is exactly what it says it is, a luxury item. Not essential, but gorgeous and considered prestigious to own. Louise Carmen offers an extensive customization process, whether that be in the physical store in Paris or over a video call, which is another reason for their high price. Louise Carmen has been very smart with their marketing and hit the nail on the head when journaling blew up overall as a trend online, which people also note as a reason for their prices. I’ve seen some comments online say something to the effect of, “If these luxury items are not in your budget, or you aren’t the financial demographic for them, then seek an alternative or make your own. It’s not that expensive.” They’re right, it is way more cost effective to make your own leather journal. It is simply a square piece of leather with some holes punched through it and a piece of elastic tied into it. However, this makes me question these commenters: Why don’t you just make one for yourself then?
As I’ve gotten older, I definitely have developed a luxurious eye. I love looking at Coach bags and leather loafers and $20 lip products and these Louise Carmen journals. Along with this, I have also appreciated the ability to be self sufficient. When I first saw the Louise Carmen and its functions, a thought occurred to me.
I could easily make that.
Then I looked up some video tutorials and saw that this was a common occurrence. Many others turned to making their own leather journal covers instead of buying a Louise Carmen or other brand of journal cover. I felt a sense of pride. I followed these tutorials and birthed my own Louise Carmen, or at least a dupe of it. To me, that’s what makes it even more special, the fact that I created it myself. I’m sure you could get a similar feeling from doing the whole customization service in Paris or online, but it feels so detached from simply making something from scratch with your own hands. With this, there’s total control and a more satiated sense of accomplishment, for me at least. That’s how I’ve felt with every other hobby I’ve taken on like sewing and beading. There’s a great story of seeing something online, wanting it, and taking the steps needed to create it for yourself. You’re relying only on yourself in those moments. I think that’s lost when you simply buy something that could be made yourself.
That is to say, there are things that I still buy online or in person that I could make myself. If I tried really hard, I could make my own dishware and clothes, but obviously that takes much more time and effort than I can allot. However, I gently urge those around me to question everything you’re about to buy. Delve into a creation, build, satisfy the self. That sentiment is dying, but I know it’s not dead. Seeing all those video tutorials on creating the journal covers is enough for me to know that humans are still learning, exploring, and creating things for themselves; I feel comforted by that.
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