About My Journals
Handcrafted With Care, Inspired by a Love of Journaling
I began making my own journals in 2016, shortly after moving to the beautiful mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado. I've always appreciated the uniqueness and character of handmade creations, and I wanted to make journals that were both beautiful and meaningful.
For more than 25 years, journaling has been an important part of my journey of personal growth and self-discovery. It has offered me a place to explore my thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams, and to deepen my connection with myself.
Creating my own journals brought another dimension to this experience. Not only could I fill the pages with my words, but I could also create the very book that would hold them.
Today, I continue to handcraft journals with carefully selected earth-friendly papers and traditional bookbinding techniques. My hope is that each journal will become a special place for its owner to reflect, explore, and discover.
The Beauty of Earth-Friendly Paper
Nepalese Lokta Paper
Handcrafted from the bark of the Lokta shrub, which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal and naturally regenerates after harvesting, this beautiful paper has been treasured for centuries. Known for its strength, durability, and distinctive texture, Lokta paper brings natural beauty and character to each journal.
Thai Mulberry Paper
Made from the fibers of the fast-growing mulberry tree, this traditional Thai paper is valued for its strength, beauty, and versatility. Available in a variety of textures and designs, including softly crinkled Momi paper, it gives each journal a distinctive appearance.
Mayan Huun Paper
Handcrafted in Mexico using renewable plant fibers and techniques inspired by ancient Mayan and Japanese papermaking traditions, Mayan Huun paper combines natural beauty, durability, and distinctive craftsmanship.
Thoughtful Materials, Inside and Out
Eco-Friendly Crush Paper — Journal Pages
The soft, off-white pages of my journals are made from Crush paper, an innovative paper incorporating agricultural by-products such as citrus fruits, corn, olives, and coffee, along with 30% post-consumer recycled material.
Thoughtful Packaging
My journals are packaged in plant-based PLA bags rather than conventional petroleum-based plastic. These bags are designed to be compostable in suitable facilities where accepted.
The Art of Coptic Stitching
Each Journaling for Joy journal is individually handcrafted using traditional Coptic stitching, a bookbinding technique with roots in ancient Egypt.
This distinctive method creates a beautiful, exposed spine that reveals the intricate stitching holding the pages together.
One of the special features of Coptic binding is that it allows the journal to lie flat when opened, making it especially comfortable for writing, reflection, and creative expression.
From selecting the papers to stitching the pages by hand, each journal is created with care and attention to detail, making every one a unique creation.
Explore the Collection
Each handcrafted journal is a unique creation, made with care and intended to inspire reflection, creativity, and personal discovery.
I invite you to explore the collection and find a journal that speaks to you.