Review: BroLeatherWorks’ Midori-style Leather Notebook Cover.

Hi guys.

So I have a review for you today. Just a small one mind, especially after the mammoth size of last week’s post.

First! I have not been asked or paid or anything to link to any of the following sites or to do this review. I purchased my notebook cover with my own funds, and all opinions are entirely my own.

(Also while I’m thinking about it, please forgive the slightly terrible photos. Especially the last one, ’cause it was taken under my yellow desk lamp. The others were taking under natural light.)

It started with the Midori Traveller’s Notebook, which was an interesting concept in itself. Then came along the Pelle journal; a cheaper version of the Traveller’s Notebook, but with three sizes instead of two and a few more leather colour options (I think the sizes are more standard too). And then, the lovely Kate over at The Life of the Perpetual Student posted a video about her Midori style notebook. It turned out to be an A5 version.

That was more attractive to me. A5 is a size that I use on a more regular basis. And it’s easier for me to get my hands on, and for cheap too. The Pelle and Midori notebook refills are a) not quite sizes I’m used to b) not exactly cheap especially in the case of the Midori ones, and c) not easily obtainable here in the United Kingdom. (More to the point, the Pelle journal is practically impossible to get from a UK source, the Midori a little less so.)

So I thought about it for a little while, and then I saw a “customise your own” listing on Etsy, from a shop called BroLeatherWorks. I messaged the seller, Stefano Bramato, a few times. He was very quick to respond to me, very helpful and very friendly. So, I ordered one; an A5 cover that opened like a notebook instead of a reporter’s notebook in canyon tan coloured leather (which reminded me of the 5th Anniversary Edition of the Midori Traveller’s Notebook to be honest), with a single strand of light turquoise elastic. (Stefano also does double elastic, which looks quite good, but I know it would’ve gotten on my nerves.)

I paid $33.50 (that’s American dollars, just so you know), which worked out, according to my PayPal history as £22.24. Including shipping. Yup. That’s like, half the price of a regular (not passport sized) Midori notebook cover.

I purchased it on the 1st May, Stefano dispatched it on the 6th, and it arrived on the 10th. From Italy.

So, the postman knocked on my door, I signed for it, and took my armful of post upstairs. This is what I was greeted by when I opened the envelope:

My dear lord it smelt so good. And that leather smell hung around until… I think Monday evening. Here, let me give you a little close up on that bow:

That badge is so cute. It’s on my elastic at the moment, but I think I have another plan for it, so we’ll see whether I keep it or not. Anyway. So that’s the outer packaging. Simple, yet elegant. And I’ve kept the tissue (though it’s a bit stronger than tissue so I don’t know what to call it) it was wrapped in. So, what was under the wrapping?

THAT is what was waiting for me under the wrapping. (The thing on top is a little handwritten thank you note, with a note about his shop.) The leather is so thick and so smooth; the colour is so pretty and I can’t stop touching it. I’m not currently using it properly, it just sits on my desk and I keep petting it, but I know what I’m going to do with it.

It even has the shop logo hand stamped on the back;

Stefano even included a little home and hand made insert too, which I love. (You can even see the little bookmark):

Oh, and one more thing. Look:

(This thing is -mine- baby!)

Basically. I have nothing bad to say about this seller or this product. I’m extremely happy.

Until next week folks!

Danni

x

Word count: 698 words

Oh! If you want more information on the Midori Traveller’s Notebooks and the Pelle journal then the lovely Azizah over at Gourmet Pens has a review of each, and then a massive comparison review:
~ Azizah’s Midori Review.
~ Azizah’s Pelle Review.
~ Azizah’s Comparison.
Finally, the folks at Ink Nouveau have a video on the Midori Traveller’s Notebook.