Map covered notebooks were my first product to really take off. Then I added notebooks made with sheet music and they quickly caught up on the sales tally. I loved making them, but one thing bothered me: they were not totally handmade. Fabulous handmade covers that I put a lot of time and effort into were paired with average quality lined paper insides. I knew they could be better.
So I have been on the hunt for the perfect paper to make the pages of my notebooks as fantastic as the covers. Ideally I wanted something made in Britain, and containing as much recycled content as possible. And it needed to be beautiful. And, of course, it needed to take ink well because there's no point having a notebook you can't write in.
I have sat besides me a large box of the best paper ever. It's an amazing 100% recycled. It's made right here in the UK. And it's just perfect for making notebooks with. So I must say a huge thank you to the Exotic Paper Company for their excellent customer service and their wonderful paper. (If you're wondering what is exotic about my new paper, it's made from Rhino poo - but it doesn't smell, I checked!).
With great excitement (and after a few prototypes) I can now offer you the new, totally handmade, largely recycled, sustainable, eco-friendly notebooks completely made in Britain. If you're as excited as I am you can buy one from the say it folksy shop, and in doing so you'll now be supporting not one but two small businesses.
And I'm doubly excited because for the first time in ages I have made something new to show the Handmade Monday crowd. We're a group of craft bloggers who make things and blog about them. They're all very friendly, so why not pop over here and see what they've been making this week. But don't forget to come back and buy a notebook!
Would you like to get 20% off one of my new notebooks and free delivery? Sign up to receive the say it monthly newsletter and I'll send you a voucher.
How brilliant :) It is a great idea and I like the covers (particularly the music one). Not so sure about the rhino poo though....
ReplyDeleteThank you. I love giving tatty sheet music a new life.
DeleteRhino poo?!! Love the notebooks though x
ReplyDeleteI know! But it really is gorgeous paper.
DeleteThe notebooks look great. Especially like the musical covers - very chic.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Alison
Thanks Alison.
DeleteI have sheep poo paper and can vouch for the non-smelliness (rhino poo is more unusual though, don't see many of them in the British countryside!). Great that your notebooks sre British and recycled :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a field of Rhinos! I have no idea how they turn poo into paper - sheep sounds interesting too, maybe I should start a collection!
DeleteThey are lovely, and the idea of paper made from poo has made me chuckle - thank goodness it doesn't smell!
ReplyDeleteI know! I got a sample first and gave it a good sniff!
DeletePaper made from poo sounds 'interesting' and certainly comes under handmade - well sort of. Love the music book cover. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteLove these!! I know exactly what you mean about what a difference it makes when something is handmade with good quality ethical materials, i'm sure you'll do really well with your new notebooks, they're gorgeous! x
ReplyDelete