Frequently asked questions & Info:
Who is Paperboy Leather?
PaperBoy Leather is a small team making handmade journals and leather goods.
We started years ago in a garage in Bishop, California- building for potters, students, and anyone with the itch to create. What began as word of mouth work has grown into something bigger.
We’re now bringing that same handmade process online slightly scaled, but never rushed. Every piece is still made with heart.
This adventure of PaperBoy Leather hasn’t always been easy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We hope our journals serve as a small reminder that yes, you can do it, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
If we can do it, so can you.
Our leather
the leather we use
Our journals are made using vegetable-tanned leather, tanned in Tuscany, Italy by the Italian tannery Conceria Walpier, a region known worldwide for its long-standing leather traditions.
Because this leather is worked in a very natural way, subtle marks, variations in grain, and small surface characteristics may be visible. These are not defects, but part of what gives each piece its character and individuality.
Producing leather of this quality requires deep expertise, carefully controlled environments, and generations of experience from precise temperature control to regulated humidity throughout the tanning process. These practices are a hallmark of the Tuscan tanning district and are what place this leather among the finest leathers in the world.
We use this leather in each and every journal. They are all cut and finished by hand, designed to age slowly and beautifully with use.
Our notebooks
Paper Notebooks
Designed to pair seamlessly with our leather journals or stand confidently on their own our paper notebooks are made for people who write, sketch, plan, and think on paper.
Each notebook features cream toned paper formulated to reduce eye strain during long writing sessions. At 80 GSM, the pages strike a careful balance: thick enough to prevent bleed-through and heavy ghosting with most pens, yet light enough to keep the notebook flexible and portable.
The paper performs beautifully with ink, gel, rollerball, and fountain pens across a wide range of nib sizes, making it a favorite among engineers, designers, and stationery enthusiasts alike.
Notebooks are stitch-bound, allowing them to keep pages secure over time. Covers are made from kraft paper, offering durability without unnecessary bulk.
Our paper inserts
Paper & Inserts
Our paper folders and any other paper accessories are made using recycled natural wove cotton paper, composed of 25% cotton for added strength, texture, and longevity.
This paper has a soft, warm tone that’s easy on the eyes and the cotton content gives the paper a more durable feel while maintaining flexibility, making it well-suited for everyday use and repeated handling.
These pieces are assembled by hand, resulting in slight variations that reflect the process rather than perfection by machine.
Are these Journals good gifts?
Yes. Our journals are designed to be meaningful, lasting gifts. Many customers purchase them for writers, artists, students, or as personal milestones. You can also add embossing to make it even more personal. Nothing beats showing that you really planned a gift out.
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 1–2 weeks 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: 1–2 weeks, but we make an effort to work on all orders in a timely manner. Meaning in some cases, you could receive your journal sooner.
• 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 "Make your own Journal - Workbench" orders.
• Custom embossed journals
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.