Notes on (Another) Craft

Writers spend their lives with pen in hand, making the most of whatever paper happens to be available when inspiration strikes. The actual work takes place on the computer more often than not, but pen and paper is still the most efficient way to make notes. (Although I have been known to send myself an e-mail when all else fails.) Not surprisingly, I've experimented with every sort of notebook. Recently I've settled on using Moleskine cahier notebooks, which have stitched bindings and craft paper covers. The paper isn't great, but it's all right, and they happen to be readily available.
        Inspired by Tanzo, I've even made a few leather covers to hold multiple cahiers by means of elastic. My work isn't anywhere near as polished, but in the off hours when I'm not working on a book, I have managed to get slightly competent with leather. The cover in the photo is my latest piece of work.
        One side of my office is covered in paper. The other is littered with scraps of leather. The result is chaos, but at least I can tell myself that my profession and my hobby are mutually supporting.