Journalling is such an underrated thing. Recoring your thoughts on paper, focussing on mindfulness, gratitude or your health can have such positive benefits for your mental well-being. And who doesn't need that these days? And what a better tool can you have than one of our beautiful hand-made, recycled cotton paper journals with an inspirational quote on the cover?
Merchant Campbell sources our paper products from Kalpana, a family-owned business in the heart of the fabric making area of Jaipur. In the villages and district around Jaipur in India, the traditional fabric industry is a major employer. People are employed in indigo dying, block printing, block-print carving, fabric weaving and more. And, interestingly, they're also employed in the handmade paper industry because the paper that's made around Jaipur is cotton paper, which uses cotton waste from the cotton fabric industry.
Kalpana Handmade Papers has introduced the traditional village art of paper-making to the global community. Recognised by the Indian Government for its services to regional communities and awarded for its eco-friendly business, Kalpana is essentially a family business with a great emphasis on the environment, recycling, high-quality products and its staff – this gets a big tick from us. The leather used to cover the journals is also tanned locally, by artisans who've learnt their trade from their fathers, and their fathers before them.
Any irregularities are characteristics of handcrafted and recycled origins. It is only natural that occasional variances in colour, grain, texture and consistency occur. The originality of the leather, paper and slightly distressed finish is what makes these journals beautiful.
The quotes:
Eleventh-century Persian poet Omar Khayyam's quote is from The Rubaiyat – a poem full of beautiful descriptions and spirituality. It was popular among the Victorians, many of whom were fascinated with romanticism, sensuality and all things oriental. This lovely quote is all about living in the moment, relishing life exactly where you are right now, and not pondering too deeply on the past or the future. Aaaah, so worthy.
William Wordsworth's quote Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart is from The Prelude, his life-time work, an autobiographical poem about the poet's life and spiritual journey. This well-known quote is sure to inspire heartfelt writing.
Product details:
- Available in two quotations: William Wordsworth and Omar Khayyam
- Made from leather and recycled cotton paper
- 23cm x 16cm
- Handmade, with hand-stitched spine, in Jaipur, India
- Care instructions: Wipe with a damp cloth
