Frequently asked questions & Info:
Who is Paperboy Leather?
Paperboy Leather is a small operation making leather journals by hand in Riverside County, California.
We started during COVID with no real plan. A workbench, some tools, and a stubborn feeling that something well-made and physical was worth pursuing. The early days were loose — we made things, figured out what worked, figured out what didn't. Nothing was serious until we saw it through. We put together a batch, relied on word of mouth, and that's brought us to where we are today.
Every journal is cut, measured, and finished by hand.
We built this for people who write things down. We really think that its a habit thats worth equipping properly.
Our leather
THE LEATHER
Every Paperboy journal is cut from Badalassi Carlo Minerva Liscio — a full-grain, vegetable-tanned shoulder leather made in Tuscany, Italy.
Badalassi Carlo is a small tannery operating out of Ponte a Egola, San Miniato — sitting in the heart of the Tuscan Leather District, a region that has been producing vegetable-tanned leather for over a thousand years. They are a certified member of the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata Al Vegetale, the consortium that sets and protects the standard for genuine Italian vegetable-tanned leather.
Because this is a natural material, no two hides are identical. Subtle variations in grain, tone, and surface markings are normal and expected. That's not a defect. That's the leather.
Every journal is cut, measured, and finished by hand in Riverside County, CA.
Our notebooks
THE NOTEBOOKS
Our notebooks are paired to live inside our leather journals
Pages are cream-toned at 80 GSM. Thick enough to handle ink, gel, rollerball, and most fountain pen nibs without bleed-through or heavy ghosting. Light enough to keep the notebook slim and the journal portable.
Covers are kraft paper and Stitch-bound to keep pages secure over time.
These are working notebooks for people who actually use them. They slide in and out of the journal's internal elastic system cleanly and are sized to fit each edition exactly.
When one fills up, slide it out and drop in the next one. The leather keeps going.
Our paper inserts
THE PAPER INSERTS
Our paper folder inserts are sized to fit inside each journal edition. The Daily, Chronicle, and Archive.
Slide one in and your journal becomes a carry system. Cards, cash, receipts, whatever needs to be on you. Everything held, nothing rattling around loose.
Folders are made from recycled natural wove cotton paper, 25% cotton content, which gives the paper a durability and texture you don't get from standard stock. It handles repeated use without breaking down, and is assembled by hand. Slight variations between pieces are a result of that process.
For anyone already carrying a journal, the insert turns it into the only journal you need to reach for.
What size do your journals come in?
Our journals are thoughtfully proportioned with each edition offering its own ideal use:
The Daily Edition: Our Pocket-sized and easy to carry Journal.
11.3 cm × 15 cm (approx. 4.5" × 5.9")
The Chronicle Edition: A spacious everyday notebook designed as our in-between a full size notebook and pocket book. Modeled after book bags.
15.3 cm × 21.7 cm (approx. 6" × 8.5")
The Archive Edition: Our largest desk companion for expansive writing and sketching all the while still being a contender for more space while on the go.
23.1 cm × 29 cm (approx. 9.1" × 11.4")
What notebooks fit inside my leather journals?
Any notebook that falls within the listed size for each edition will fit inside our leather journals.
Our elastic system is designed to accommodate slight variations in thickness and works with both our inserts and third-party notebooks of similar dimensions. To make things easier for you, you can find a list of compatible notebooks here!
How many notebooks can I fit inside?
Each one of our Journals comfortably hold 4 notebook inserts using our built in elastic band system. The bands are designed to fit four notebooks nice and snug.
Without a doubt you can add more with additional elastics, but once you go beyond four, the inserts may begin to extend slightly beyond the edges of the leather cover. If that is something your okay with, then by all means shoot for the stars. We have seen one of our leather journals fit 7 notebooks once.
Can I add or replace inserts later?
Yes. Our journals are designed to be refillable and reusable. You can easily remove and replace inserts as you fill them, allowing the journal to be used over and over. All of the paper notebooks on our site fit our leather journals and here you can find a list of compatible Third party notebooks.
Can I customize or personalize my leather journal?
Yes! We offer the option of custom embossing on your journals, up to 10 characters.
This includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers 0-9. and the following symbols: . , ; : _ ! @ # $ % & ( ) + - * / ? ♥ ♡
Why elastic bands inside the journals?
Elastic bands allow notebooks to be easily added, removed, or replaced.
This system keeps the journal flexible, functional, and adaptable—designed to change with your work rather than lock you into a single format. Here are compatible Notebooks that fit our Leather Journals.
Will my journal look exactly like the photos?
Your journal can sometimes look a little different. Why? No two journals are identical. Since we strictly use full grain, vegetable tanned leather, natural variations in grain, tone, and markings are part of the material. No Cow is alike. Your journal will look similar but it will age and wear in its own way.
How should i care for my journal?
All of our journals are made from vegetable tanned leather, a raw natural material that will darken and soften with time.
Marks, scratches, and patina are normal and to be expected. Avoid any prolonged exposure to water. If it becomes wet, simply allow it to air dry naturally. Occasional use of a neutral leather conditioner is completely optional if you want to "restore" the supple leather feel, but not required at all. know that it can darken the leather.
Because of how "Raw" and untreated vegetable tan leather is. It is advised to generally keep it away from any direct heat source and extended forms of strong light.
How durable is my journal?
With proper care, your journal can and should last you a lifetime. Vegetable tanned leather is durable and designed to age rather than wear out.
Are your journals made to order?
Yes. All leather journals are made to order.
Because of this, orders require approximately 5-10 days to produce before shipping. This allows us to focus on quality and consistency rather than mass production.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and order size.
Please note:
• fees are non-refundable
• Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer
If you have questions about shipping before placing an order, feel free to reach out we’re happy to help!
When will I get my order?
All Paperboy Leather journals and paper folders are made to order.
• Production time: 5-10 days, but we make an effort to work on all orders in a timely manner.
• Shipping time varies depending on your location and the selected shipping method
Once your order ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email with tracking information. You will also be notified via SHOP.
What is the return policy?
Returns & Refunds Policy
Because each item is made to order, we handle returns with care and clear guidelines.
Return Eligibility (General)
We accept returns for both non-defective and defective items, under the conditions below.
All return requests must be made within 14 days of delivery.
Items must be:
- Unused and unwritten in
- In original condition
- Returned in original packaging
To start a return, contact us at return@paperboyleather.com
Items sent back without prior approval will not be accepted.
Return address (if approved):
3763 Monolith Trl
Perris, CA 92570
Non-Defective Returns (Change of Mind)
We accept returns if you change your mind or decide you want a different item.
In these cases:
- Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer
- Original shipping costs are non-refundable
- Item must meet the eligibility requirements listed above
Once your return is received and approved, a refund will be issued to your original payment method.
Defective, Damaged, or Incorrect Items
If your item arrives defective, damaged, or incorrect, we will make it right.
Please contact us within 14 days of delivery with:
- Your order number
- Clear photos of the issue
If approved, we will offer one of the following:
- Replacement
- Repair
- Full refund
In these cases, we may cover return shipping or provide a prepaid label depending on the situation.
Refunds
Once your return is received and inspected, we will notify you of approval.
If approved:
- Refunds are issued to your original payment method
- Please allow up to 10 business days for processing
- Your bank or payment provider may take additional time to post the refund
If more than 15 business days have passed after approval, contact us and we’ll resolve it.
Exchanges
Because all items are made to order, we do not offer direct exchanges.
If you need a different item, the best process is:
- Return your original item (if eligible)
- Place a new order for the item you want
Non-Returnable Items
We cannot accept returns for:
- Custom commissioned journals (made via our "WorkBench" Service)
- Any Custom embossed journals
- Final sale items
- Items that have been used, written in, or altered
- Journals with natural variations in leather (grain, color, markings, texture)
These variations are a natural part of full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather and make each piece unique.
We also do not accept returns on gift cards.
Cancellations
Orders may be cancelled within 12 hours of purchase, before production begins.
Important Note
Because each journal is handmade to order, slight variations between pieces are expected and celebrated. These are not considered defects.
Are any purchases final sale?
Yes. The following items are considered final sale:
• Any explicitly stated "Final Sale" orders.
• Any "Make your own Journal - Workbench" orders.
• Custom embossed journals
Because our products are handmade using natural materials, no two pieces are exactly alike and we see that as part of their character.
Do you consider sustainability?
We work with vegetable tanned full grain leather produced in Tuscany and recyclable paper materials chosen for longevity and everyday use. Vegetable tanning relies on natural tannins rather than chromium salts, making it a more traditional and environmentally considered process. Our products are designed to last, age beautifully, and reduce the need for frequent replacement.
Who is PaperBoy Leather for?
For artists and teachers. Makers and workers. Those who carry notebooks daily, and those who open one only when it matters. You don’t need to be a writer to write, just gotta show up.