Filed Under...

File this under - things I wish I'd thought of!  This would look great above our kitchen table.  By BenclifDesigns

New Look, New Journals

Some people like to rearrange their furniture, I like to change up my website and blog instead!  I've always liked the clean look of a white background, but recently I've been itching to try something different. Hope you like it!

Over the weekend I added several new journals to my Etsy shop.

A lot of these are One of a Kind since I'm not getting this leather any longer.  I hope you'll go take a look to see all the new journals.  I've got more ready to add this week too!

What They're Really Saying

Someone who cares for you has just given you a gift. It might be for your Graduation, Father's Day, or even your Birthday.  Regardless of the occasion, your loved one has given you one of my leather journals for your gift. 

The card attached to the package might read:

Happy Birthday John,

Love, Grandma

or

Congratulations on your Graduation!

Best Wishes

Uncle Jerry and Aunt Judy

Or maybe even

Dear Susan,

We hope you have a wonderful time on your trip to Europe.

Here’s something to help you remember your journey.

Love, Mom and Dad

These thoughts and wishes may seem pretty straightforward. But when someone gives a journal to someone they care about, (you) quite often there’s more to it. They are saying something much more than the few words that will fit on the gift card.

Here’s what I think they’re really saying…

“I thought hard about the kind of gift I wanted to give you for this memorable day.  I wanted it to be special, and one you’ll treasure. There are so many choices out there, but then I remembered a gift I received once that’s been so important to me. It’s become such a part of me; I almost forgot that the first one I received was a gift.  I took my time choosing this one for you. I wanted something that was out of the ordinary and would have some meaning to you. I think I’ve found a good one, and hope you’ll like it too.”

They might be saying:

“I wanted to give you something that will last and keep on giving through the years.  This gift will be there for you in times of great joy and heartbreaking sadness.  Whenever you use it, you will feel a release, an accomplishment, or perhaps even receive an answer you’ve been looking for. 

This gift will outlast at least 10 cell phones, and any other gadgets you might receive. There is a lot of beauty in this simple gift.  You won’t have to use a training manual to figure out how to use it, and you don't have to worry about a charger, thank heavens! Eventually, as you use this, it will become uniquely yours and get better with age. We should all be so lucky!” 

From their true heart, this is what they’re really saying when they present you with your gift:

“You are extraordinary, not just to me, but to the world.  The things you have to say are important; MUCH MORE important than 140 characters, or a status update.  Write down your thoughts, dreams, and prayers.  Keep track of your day to day activities, even if you think they’re boring.  Put on paper the funny things you hear or the quotes you want to remember later.  Write about the cute things your kids say, because trust me, one day you’ll want to look back on those sweet memories.

This world needs people like you to record your history.  You may or may not become famous. You may soar to great achievements, or you might continue living a quiet life among your friends and family. Write with abandon, like no one will ever see your private thoughts. Or write with purpose, as if future generations will look to your thoughts for guidance and to know more about you. 

The true beauty of this gift is there isn’t just one way to use it. It will become whatever you want it to.  Maybe, one day, it will be so much a part of you that you’ll forget it was a gift.  I hope so.”

A journal is a very special gift to give for a memorable occasion or for no reason at all. And I’m always, always, always humbled and honored to make them for you.

Leather Experiment

I made myself a new journal over the weekend. (I know, I know, like I really need another one)  But, I have a specific purpose in mind for this journal.

I've been seeing a lot of Natural Veg tan leather lately being used for all sorts of things.  I've used it before, lots of times myself.  One of the greatest features of this leather is the way it will change colors.  Over time, with exposure to light, and the oils of our hands, it's going to change to a beautiful shade of golden brown. The color will continue to darken as long as you use it.  

So I made this little pocket journal cover.  I'll take a new photo each week to show it's color morphing process.  I'll keep you updated on the progress!

And just for fun, I made a regular size one for the shop.  You can join me in the experiment and send me pictures.  I'll post your updates as well!

You can find this journal in my shop: Natural Leather Journal Cover at jjboyles.com

2012 The Year of Wide Open

Happy 2012!  I know I'm a couple weeks behind but the time has come to step fully into this new year and embrace all it's going to offer.  I've spent the last few weeks thinking, planning, strategizing, and thinking some more. I'm calling 2012 the "Year of Wide Open" because that's the feeling I want to keep with me for the next twelve months and beyond.

As you can see, I have quite an agenda.  I could have narrowed it down a little, but each of these possibilities holds so much promise for my business and family I couldn't bring myself to leave any of them out.

In 2012 I want to continue growing this business, but with more focus on what I believe in the most... Journals and Writing.  I've said many times before I believe in the power of writing things down.  Even with all the electronics we have at out fingertips, we still reach for pen and paper a lot.  You're going to see many more journals this year starting with these

I did a little digging through my files and one thing was abundantly clear.  Every 4 out of 5 messages I received asked if the pages of my journals could be replaced when they were filled up.  I started designing some leather journal covers for Moleskine and Field Notes journals during the holiday season.  They received a fantastic response!  So sketchbook and ruler in hand I created the Refillable Leather Journal covers you see above.  The designs will look familiar since these have historically been some of my most popular hand bound leather journals, but now they're refillable.   I have just as much fun making the journal inserts as I do the covers!  

And then I went one step further and designed this

A refillable journal and leather cover just for Left Handed folks like me!  I made one of these for myself to try it out and I LOVE it!  It doesn't have all that bulk on the left side, and is so easy to use.  If you know a "lefty" I'll bet they've been looking for something like this for a long time.  More colors and leathers are coming soon in all these designs.  I'll also have some hand bound journal coming in the next few weeks.  This is going to be a great year!

One quick note

I'm taking a break from making the iPad cases and Kindle cases.  I have a few left that I'll be listing in the next couple days and that will be all I'll have for the indefinite future.  I'll go into it a little more in a future post, and may resume making them at some future date.  But for now the focus of my work will be on journals and some new leather gift/home items

Meet The Family

Holiday Collection 2011

You're going to find it a little difficult to pick a favorite out of this bunch.  There's so much delicious, leather goodness packed into this collection, it's hard to know where to begin!

I'll start with my favorite of the day.

Ok seriously, this is one amazing leather journal cover.  I made one of these for myself this summer to test it, and it hasn't left my side since.  The leather cover is sized to fit a Moleskine Cahier journal, or a Field Notes Journal, but most 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" journals will work.  I'm in the process of making my own refills for this cover, and they'll be available in my jjboyles.com shop in the next few days.

How many times in a day do you reach for paper to make a reminder note, or to jot down an idea? (I'm talking to YOU - Post It Notes people)  

This journal is just the right size to carry everywhere with you and keep close at hand on your desk.  I'm telling you, once you try this, you won't believe how you ever lived without it, AND you get the added benefit of a clean, organized desk.  What could be better?

I'm glad you asked!

The Leather Journal Box Set

I found myself using about one of these journals per month.  It quickly became clear I needed a place to archive these pieces of my history. I looked around for some pre made alternatives, and finally decided to make something myself.  The Leather Box

 

This piece has become my new favorite to make.  The leather is the same as the journal cover; a substantial, full grain bridle leather.  It's a dream to work with, and always-always turns out beautiful products. I think of this box as a sculpture. (you'll be seeing a lot more things made from this leather in the New Year) Even though the box can be used for many purposes, I like it best as a home for all my filled journals.  It sits on my desk along with the journal since I refer back to those filled ones quite frequently.  It's a conversation starter for certain.

The Leather Journal Box Set comes with the Leather Journal Cover, The Leather Box, and 12 Moleskine Cahier Journals.  This set will last a lifetime and get better with age.  You can find them here:

Leather Journal Covers and Box Sets

Up Next:

What is this and why you might need one.....

Holiday Collection 2011

Wait no longer!  My Holiday Collection 2011 is now released and ready for you! Take a look...

Open publication - Free publishing

Holiday 2011 Collection Preview

They're coming at us like a fast moving train...... The Holidays!  I've got your back for the upcoming holiday shopping season. My new collection of holiday gifts and gadget cases will be released on Tuesday November 1. Here's just a couple quick previews..........

I thought a lot about you when I was designing the pieces for this collection. I wanted to create things that you would like, and the kinds of gifts you love to give. Special, meaningful, and something really cool for that one guy on your gift list that has everything.  Oh my, I can't wait to show you!  Come back next Tuesday for the big reveal.....

Thank You Steve.  For the inspiration, and for the MAGIC......

Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while.

-- Steve Jobs

Two Quick Things

Two quick newsy things to start out the week!

Last week Amazon announced their new family of Kindles, including the new Kindle Fire.  I had the designs ready for these, and was just waiting on the dimensions.  I'm happy to say I've got the prototypes in development and will have the new Kindle cases in the shop within the next week or two!  Check back for the release.

I'm so fired up about this new Holiday Collection!  There's something for everyone, especially that guy on your list that has "everything".  Some really cool new stuff coming out for the season!  Check back on October 24 for the big reveal.

Have a great week!

Stitching

Last weekend we were doing some projects around the house and I wanted to switch out my living room curtains.  I needed to update some old sheers to fit on the rods I had so I broke out my pins, thread and needle.  I did a hasty job of it, and thankfully no one will see it under the valances; but it made me think of the hand stitching I've been using on my "uncompromised" line.

I've been sewing since I was 9; including 12 years of 4-H, during college in Tailoring Classes, and in my professional life as a owner and manager of two different alterations shops.  One thing I know for certain; stitching by hand is important in construction, and it adds elegance and interest like nothing else can.

A couple little rows of hand stitching can make an ordinary design element like a flap closure into something extra-ordinary.  These rows of stitching on this iPad case attach a hidden strap and keeper underneath. This would have been much quicker and easier with a machine stitch, but it's so much more done this way.

The work horse stitch of this line is the Saddle Stitch. This stitch is what holds the pieces of the case together.  Two needles are passed through each hole then the thread is tightened by pulling both sides equally. 

I enjoy doing this stitch. The rhythm and cadence of sewing these pieces together is soothing and natural.

Then there are the specialty stitches. I use these as design elements and to make my work stand out. The Baseball Stitch is one of these. 

You already know this is my favorite!  It took a little time and effort to learn this stitch, how to adapt it to making cases (instead of baseballs) and to build the equipment in order to make it work. (see the Behind the Scenes page for a look at my husband Benny making me a stitching pony specifically for these cases.) It's all worth it though. I've been working on some new  things using this stitch, and I think you're going to love them! 

I also use hand stitched elements as part of the design, like the epaulette stitched straps you see here. 

You'll see this design element throughout the whole "uncompromised" line; from the iPad Cases, Kindle Cases, and even the journals.  

I bet you noticed all the holes.  That's because you can't just poke a needle into leather and sew like you can on fabric.  The hides are tough, and either have to be pierced with a special leather awl or holes have to be punched to get the needle and cord through.  We punch all the holes by hand. (by "we" I mean "I" or sometimes my son helps. More on that later too....) Each hole is punched out, then coated with an edge coating. The coating isn't necessary, but I prefer the finished look instead of seeing the raw leather inside the holes.  Just a little quirk of mine. 

The last thing we do before stitching, is recess the stitching lines. This helps the thick cord lay flush with the leather.  Again, not a necessity, but it looks so nice, I can't resist this step.

I like to think my 4-H leaders and college professors would be proud of what I've done with this simple skill they taught me years ago.  This "uncompromised" attention to detail is part of what makes this line and these cases so special and irresistible. I hope you'll agree!

*Be sure to hover your mouse over the images. I put some extra little notes in there!

New iPad Case

I've been using this burgundy latigo leather since the very beginning.  When I was creating this Baseball Stitch iPad Case with this beautiful burgundy latigo, it felt like "coming home"  The feel of this leather is amazing. It bends and molds into shape so well, is sturdy and strong, and I know it's one of your favorite colors just like it is mine.  The two button closure design is also one of my most popular case features. I wanted to bring all the best elements of my iPad case designs together with this new "uncompromised" leather iPad case.  What do you think?

(hint) mouse over the bullseye buttons for some additional features and behind the scenes details.

9/11/01 - 9/11/11

"uncompromised" Fall 2011 Line Launches August 15!

More...

On August 15 I'll be releasing my new fall line of Leather Journals, iPad Cases and other leather accessories.  But this launch is more than just new products.  It's a whole different philosophy and experience for you.  In the coming weeks leading up to the launch, I'll be sharing some announcements, secrets, and behind the scene stuff here on the blog. So check back every couple days and you won't miss anything!

Double Needles