The Journal Shop Handmade Hardcover Coptic Watercolour Journal 14 × 20 cm is a handcrafted open spine journal designed for artists who value material, tradition and freedom of use. It can serve as a sketchbook, art journal, travel journal, diary or creative notebook — a book meant to be used, not kept on a shelf.
The hardcover is wrapped in handmade Lokta paper, made from the bark of the Daphne Papyrus plant that grows at altitudes above 6,500 feet in the Himalayas. Produced by local artisans in Nepal using techniques unchanged for over 1,400 years, Lokta paper is tree-free, eco-friendly and an important source of income for local communities.
All patterns on the Lokta paper are hand-crafted using the batik technique. Wax is applied as a resist, and colour is painted by hand where the paper remains exposed. In some cases, two artists work simultaneously on the same surface, creating rich, vibrant designs on both sides of the paper. Each cover is truly one of a kind.
The journal is bound using Coptic binding, a technique originating with early Christians in Egypt in the 2nd century AD. The spine remains open, allowing the book to open completely flat and up to 360°, making it ideal for art journaling, mixed media, painting and writing.
Inside are 62 pages of Fabriano Artistico®, one of the most respected watercolor papers worldwide. Made from 100% cotton, naturally white, 300gsm (140lb), acid free and chlorine free, it supports watercolor, tempera, gouache, acrylics, inks, charcoal, graphite and even printmaking techniques.
Its compact size (14.3 × 19.5 cm) makes it easy to carry while still offering plenty of space for detailed work and double-page spreads.
This is not a delicate studio journal — it is your creative companion on the road and beyond.
👉 Features:
- Handmade open spine journal
- Coptic binding
- Hardcover wrapped in handmade Lokta paper
- Hand-painted batik designs (double-sided)
- Fabriano Artistico® 100% cotton paper
- Paper weight: 300gsm (140lb)
- 62 pages
- Acid free & chlorine free
- Suitable for dry & wet media
- Opens flat & up to 360°
- Size: 14.3 × 19.5 cm
💡 Inspiration Tip:
Use it for mixed media spreads — watercolor, ink, collage and writing work together beautifully thanks to the open spine binding.
