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:
Apache Blessing: May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.
The Apache native Americans come from the southwestern parts of the USA, and are a culturally diverse group each with their own distinct language and culture. The Apache have a close affinity with the natural environment and spirituality. Geronimo was the last warrior fighting for the Chiricahua Apache. He became famous for standing against the US Government and for holding out the longest and was a great spiritual leader and medicine man
EB White: I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
I think this could be my mantra. EB White, the author of favourite children's novels such as Charlotte's Webb and Stuart Little, also wrote for the New Yorker and was known for his eloquent style and broad appeal to people of all ages. His sense of humour was fabulous as exhibited by the quote on our journal and this one too: Analyzing humour is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.
Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life
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.