Keeping the Historic Art of Leathercraft alive in the 21st Century.
True beauty lay in its simplicity
Welcome to Argent Lion Leatherworks! I specialize in handmade leather journals and sketchbooks and sooo much more.
As I am sure you have noticed, in this world, you get what you pay for. Thats never been more true than when you are looking for that perfect leather item you have always wanted.With that in mind, let me tell you a little something about what I make!
The Cover
Each book is rough cut from the very best 4oz to 6oz leather I can get my hands on. The interior flap folds perfectly over the paper to protect your innermost thoughts and works of art, while the cover flap laces securely at the opening to insure a smooth, yet tough housing for the edges of the paper. The standard Journal/Sketchbook is stiff and semi-rigid to provide a stable writing platform in your lap. It will soften up with time and use to really bring out its own beauty and natural personality.
The Spine
The 8oz leather spine is hand cut and punched to provide a rigid, stable base to which the paper is secured by hand stitching, which is then screwed to the leather book cover using the finest nickel plated, brass, and blackened steel screws for a tight, sure fit. I never, ever use any machine to sew or cut my books.
The Paper
The pages I use for these one of a kind creations is a lightly textured, heavy-weight (24 Lbs), acid-free, lignin-free (Naturally found in wood – is removed in the making as additional insurance against aging or yellowing over time) archive quality ivory parchment paper that keeps and holds ink for a smooth, no seepage surface for all your writing and artistic needs.
Each bundle of ten pages (that’s 40 surfaces!) is laced tightly to the rigid spine with waxed, artificial sinew, insuring a secure fit that will not loosen up over time. Each book contains 200 surfaces of this fine paper.
The Book
The primitive design of these fantastic books is a large part of their beauty. Extremely attractive and durable, they can easily be customized as well. Think of it, your own, handmade, custom journal / sketchbook that catches the eye as it lays open on the table beside your favorite cup coffee or glass of wine. Now that’s what you call simple elegance.
When I am out at my favorite coffee shops, or even on a break at work, an writing in my own colonial style journal, I am constantly asked, "Where did you buy that gorgeous journal?". I just smile and tell them that I made it! Once they touch it, I know that I've just sold another one. People love leather, and they love unique items of apparent quality as well.
It’s an amazing conversation piece to add class and elegance to any coffee table or bookcase. It’s no exaggeration when I tell you that I have never been so popular, as I seem to be now when I am seen with this classic, colonial style journal.
This is the kind of leather book that keeps looking better the more you use it. Every scratch, marring, discoloration, ding, and dent gives it more character and increases its own unique style. These are really tough books, made to last several lifetimes! Don't ever be afraid to knock this thing around, it can take it! Don’t you want something that your grandchildren will fight over when you are gone? Ever think about what it might be like to leave your own unique insights and thoughts in print so that others may glimpse the world and you as you have seen it? Here is your chance.
If you want a journal or sketchbook that reflects the very best of what you are, you might consider picking one up from me. Sometimes a simple grooved border is enough to give it that finished look. Maybe having your initials on the spine in a beautiful ivy script would be more reflective of your personality. A rugged western style script for your initials is another consideration, or perhaps you re so totally unique and enigmatic that you your initials in Elder Futhark Runic script is what you’re looking for.
Each of us is unique, and I can’t think of a better way to express that than with a hand crafted, quality leather journal. Don’t settle for the cheap pieces of …. (I’m too polite to express myself freely here) from book stores. You know the ones that I am talking about. The thin, cheap upholstery leather/vinyl with the thin, fragile copy paper that’s permanently stitched to the cover with inferior thread…come on, really, a piece of thread for a book wrap? I am almost embarrassed to see them or even mention them on my website .
Suffice it to say that there is NO comparison between my books and those…others…
The pictures barely do it justice. The price is about half what you'd pay for the same or similar size and inferior quality. I put a lot of time, effort, and research into this pattern. I know what they are worth and believe me, you are getting an amazing deal.
So, you want it, but are wondering how you're going to "sell" this to your honey? Here are a few phrases you might want to throw out;
Her to Him
I feel frisky every time I even think about this journal.
I would just feel so sexy with this journal.
I think this journal would really make me look thinner.
I don't think I'd ever want to go shopping for another journal after having one like this.
Him to Her
Even looking at this journal makes me want to just HOLD you.
I don't know why, but just the thought of this journal makes me want to TALK with you for hours on end.
Think of all of the extra TIME we'd spend TOGETHER on our long walks holding hands and showing off the journal.
Maybe owning my dream journal would help me OPEN UP to you and SHARE the hopes and dreams I have for us.
Me to Both of You
If you don't buy this journal, then next year, when you're scouring the internet looking for your next bookstore journal, your mind will drift back to my words. You'll slowly shake your head and say, "Man, was that guy right or what". And then you'll press your lips together, squint and give a few small nods. I tell you what, buy it now or kick yourself later.
I've made this journal for you to break in. It'll take a few months until it really starts to look cool. You'll have to use it a lot. In fact, the more you use it, the better it looks (and it already looks great). The edges will round some and it'll start looking even more chic and classic than it already does.
The Gift
Here are a few idea that you might not have thought of when consdering one of my leather books as a gift..
Mom's Cook Book!
Dad's all purpose notebook
Sister's Diary
Brother's BIG "little black book" or sketchbook!
Auntie's Anniversary/Birthday Organizer
Uncle's Huntng/Fishing Journal
Grandma's Secret Recipe's Book
Grandpa's Book of practical Wisdom
Best Friend's Random thoughts Notebook (Blog Book!)
That really hot girl at the office's wine tasting log
That really hot guy at the gym's specialized workout program
YOUR VERY OWN JOURNAL / SKETCHBOOK for whatever YOU want!!! You deserve it!
Wondering what you'd use it for??? I mean really, what can't you use it for?! Ah well, just in case you are wondering, heres a few ideas as well!
Event Coordinating Random List Making Address Book
Hunting Journal Wine Tasting Log Vacation Planner
Reloading Guide Account Ledger Sketchbook / Doodeling
Project Planner Receipt Book Inventory Log
Diary Hobby Organizer Phone & Address Book
Pocket Calendar Bird Watching Recorder Classic Car Show Book
Restaraunt Review Log Travel Journal Hymn Book
Sermon Organizer Spell Book / Book of Shadows Baby Book
Family Tree Machinists Specifications Book Scrap Book!!!
The list goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on folks....You figure it out. There is sooooo much that you can use these books for its mind bogeling.
I also offer custom services to cover and bind existing books as well. Imagine it, taking your favorite book (paperback or hardback) and having a beautiful colonial style cover made for it to give it new life and a personality of its own! Of course, this means that you’d have to send the book to me so I could bind it to the spine and custom cut the leather for it.
If you want a smaller book, we can work that as well. I have a really great pattern now for a book about half the size of a regular journal that’s perfect for purses, satchels, etc!
If you've read this far, you might as well send me the specifications that you have written down and your address so that I can get your box ready for shipping *grins*