Relics & Ribbons Art Journals

Relics & Ribbons Art Journals Handmade art journals inspired by old books, quiet beauty, and creative ritual. Made slowly, in small batches. Imperfect by design.

09/02/2026

Storytelling with Louise is a little different this week. Next week we will be back with more interesting content but for now, family first ✨💖

Sometimes you find an old book that just keeps revealing surprises. 💙I spotted this 1968 copy of The Gold Regions of Sou...
09/01/2026

Sometimes you find an old book that just keeps revealing surprises. 💙

I spotted this 1968 copy of The Gold Regions of South Eastern Africa while thrifting, and that little gold zebra on the faded green cloth cover was enough to make me pick it up.

The spine was beautiful. The age and wear were beautiful. But then I opened it…

Built right into the back cover is a hidden pocket containing a large folding map and a facsimile of an original handwritten letter.

And this is exactly why I can’t resist old books.

The faded cloth. The gilt details. The maps and papers tucked away inside. The little surprises that have somehow stayed together for almost 60 years.

Of course, my mind immediately went to what this could become. A watercolour journal feels almost inevitable, and I’m already imagining ways to preserve these wonderful original pieces within it.

A very good thrifting day indeed. 💙

08/31/2026

A few journals that have found their people lately. 💙

There’s something especially lovely about this part.

I find an old book that deserves another life, take it apart with care, and slowly remake it into something that can be filled with paintings, sketches, thoughts and memories.

And then someone sees it and thinks, that one is mine.

These are a few that will be heading off to their new homes this week, and I’m so grateful for every single one.

Thank you for choosing handmade, for seeing the beauty in old books, and for helping me give these lovely covers another chapter.

I know they will be filled with wonderful things. 💙

Relics & Ribbons

08/30/2026

A few of the tools behind the making.

Book presses and Bulldog clips to press watercolour signature blocks together. Rice paper and mull to strengthen the spine. PVA glue and silicone brushes to carefully bring it all together.

Simple tools, slow work, and so many little steps before a vintage book becomes a journal.

Turn the sound on for this one.

Some journals simply take a little longer to find their person. 🤎There are still a handful of handmade journals waiting ...
08/30/2026

Some journals simply take a little longer to find their person. 🤎

There are still a handful of handmade journals waiting in the shop, each one created from a vintage book, carefully rebound by hand, and given a new chapter to begin.

If you’ve been thinking about choosing one, or perhaps missed the journal you had your eye on elsewhere, today might be a lovely day to have another look.

There are classics, unexpected little treasures, and one-of-a-kind covers, no two quite the same.

They’re waiting quietly over at Relics & Ribbons. 🌿📖

It’s in the details. A custom journal for a lovely customer was delivered yesterday and she really loved it. Which made ...
08/29/2026

It’s in the details. A custom journal for a lovely customer was delivered yesterday and she really loved it. Which made me very happy. 😊

I’ve learned a lot these past six months. My journals are getting stronger and more attention to the little things captures my imagination now.

Like charms on the elastics.

And velvet ribbons.

And metal corners more often than not because why not? 🤎💛

Still many lovely journals on our website quietly waiting for the right person. Check us out 😉.

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112 Erickson Drive
Whitby, ON
L1N8V2

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