Handmade
Sketchbooks
and Journals
Inspired by nature and
handcrafted with care
Each piece is thoughtfully made, with a focus on quality materials and timeless design. Inspired by natural surroundings and traditional techniques, each book carries a unique sense of story and place.
At Dusty Books, I create beautiful handmade books, journals and keepsakes, carefully crafted by hand in my home bindery. I make a range of notebooks, sketchbooks, and keepsakes, using traditional bookbinding techniques and carefully chosen papers and fabrics
I offer rebinds of your favourite books, and book restorations, giving much-loved or worn books a new lease of life. I also create custom orders tailored to your ideas, whether that’s a particular size, style, fabric or a completely bespoke book.
Every Dusty Books creation is made with care, attention to detail and a love of traditional craftsmanship, resulting in something unique to treasure and enjoy for years to come.
My Passion
Featured Products
This square, handmade sketchbook is the perfect companion for creativity on the go. Compact enough to slip into your bag, it’s ready whenever inspiration strikes.
The hot press watercolour paper offers a beautifully smooth surface ideal for sketching, drawing, painting, and writing—truly an artist’s dream.
The cover is crafted from high-quality 100% cotton, produced at Quarry Bank Mill, giving each piece a unique and authentic character.
Its hand-stitched exposed spine not only adds to its artisanal charm but also allows the sketchbook to lay completely flat—perfect for effortless drawing and painting across every page.
Please note that the placement of the fabric pattern may vary from product to product, making each notebook uniquely its own.
Number of pages — 48 pages
Size — approx. 14.5cm x 14.5cm
Paper — hot press, traditional, watercolour, acid free, 300gsm
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Many of the journals and sketchbooks I create are covered in cotton fabric produced just down the road at Quarry Bank Mill—a working mill dating back to 1784 and now cared for by the National Trust. I’m deeply drawn to these textiles; each time I hold them, I feel a tangible connection to the stories woven into their threads. They carry with them the legacy of centuries of craftsmanship, from the earliest days of the mill’s operation to the ongoing preservation of its historic buildings and gardens today. Using these fabrics allows each piece I make to hold not just creativity, but a sense of place, history, and continuity.
Decorated with busy worker bees, this watercolour sketchbook is perfect for slipping into your bag and taking wherever inspiration strikes. Ideal for sketching, drawing, painting, and more, it’s a versatile companion for creative moments on the go.
Inside, you’ll find cold-pressed watercolour paper made with 30% cotton, offering a beautifully textured surface suited to a range of techniques.
The cover is crafted from cotton fabric produced at Quarry Bank Mill, adding a unique connection to local heritage and traditional textile craftsmanship.
Please note that the placement of the fabric pattern may vary from product to product, making each notebook uniquely its own.
Size — 11.5cm x 10.5cm
Number of pages — 68
Paper — cold pressed, 30% cotton, watercolour, acid free, 300gsm
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Many of the journals and sketchbooks I create are covered in cotton fabric produced just down the road at Quarry Bank Mill—a working mill dating back to 1784 and now cared for by the National Trust. I’m deeply drawn to these textiles; each time I hold them, I feel a tangible connection to the stories woven into their threads. They carry with them the legacy of centuries of craftsmanship, from the earliest days of the mill’s operation to the ongoing preservation of its historic buildings and gardens today. Using these fabrics allows each piece I make to hold not just creativity, but a sense of place, history, and continuity.
These notebooks are the perfect size for slipping into a purse or pocket, making them easy to take wherever you go. Crafted with durable fabrics, they're designed to withstand everyday adventures while keeping your thoughts close at hand.
Their compact size makes them ideal for jotting down quick notes, capturing ideas on the go, or preserving a story idea before it slips away. Each notebook is designed to lay flat, whether resting on a surface or held in your hand, allowing you to write comfortably wherever inspiration strikes.
These small journals are lined.
Our journals are created using pre-made book blanks, with each one lovingly hand-covered to ensure a beautifully crafted and unique finish.
Please note that fabric pattern placement may vary from notebook to notebook, making every piece truly one of a kind.
Size — approx. 90mm by 130mm
Paper — 80gsm, Ivory, Lined
Page number — 120
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Many of the journals and sketchbooks I create are covered in cotton fabric produced just down the road at Quarry Bank Mill—a working mill dating back to 1784 and now cared for by the National Trust. I’m deeply drawn to these textiles; each time I hold them, I feel a tangible connection to the stories woven into their threads. They carry with them the legacy of centuries of craftsmanship, from the earliest days of the mill’s operation to the ongoing preservation of its historic buildings and gardens today. Using these fabrics allows each piece I make to hold not just creativity, but a sense of place, history, and continuity.
These large handmade journals offer plenty of space for your thoughts, creativity, and everyday reflections. Covered by hand in beautiful, durable fabrics, each journal is designed to be both practical and unique, ready to accompany you wherever inspiration strikes.
With generous pages to fill, they're perfect for journaling, sketching, planning, creative writing, or preserving cherished memories. Each journal is made to lay flat while open, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable writing experience whether you're at a desk, curled up on the sofa, or writing on the go.
These large journals are lined.
Our journals are created using pre-made book blanks, with each one lovingly hand-covered to ensure a beautifully crafted and one-of-a-kind finish.
Please note that fabric pattern placement may vary from journal to journal, making every piece truly unique.
Size — approx. 145mm x 210mm
Paper — 110gsm, Ivory, Lined
Page number — 112
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Many of the journals and sketchbooks I create are covered in cotton fabric produced just down the road at Quarry Bank Mill—a working mill dating back to 1784 and now cared for by the National Trust. I’m deeply drawn to these textiles; each time I hold them, I feel a tangible connection to the stories woven into their threads. They carry with them the legacy of centuries of craftsmanship, from the earliest days of the mill’s operation to the ongoing preservation of its historic buildings and gardens today. Using these fabrics allows each piece I make to hold not just creativity, but a sense of place, history, and continuity.