Nomad Crafts Vintage Leather Journal Review

This Nomad Crafts vintage notebook review looks at two leatherbound journals with a very different personality from a normal writing notebook. These are not clean, minimal, white-paper notebooks. They are designed to look old, handmade, textured, and a little dramatic — the kind of journal people buy for creative writing, sketching, grimoire pages, letters, keepsakes, or a book-of-shadows style setup.

The video compares a smaller plain leather journal and a larger heart-embossed version. Both have thick, deckle-edge antique paper and leather wrap closures. The big question is whether the beautiful rustic look is actually practical for writing, or whether these are more decorative than useful.

Quick verdict

The Nomad Crafts vintage leather journal is best when you want atmosphere. The paper has texture, the edges are irregular, and the leather cover feels intentionally old-world. It is not the smoothest everyday notebook, and it is not the best choice for neat bullet journaling or tiny handwriting. But for slow journaling, ink experiments, sketches, quotes, and keepsake pages, it has a lot of charm.

Cover design and first impression

The covers are the biggest reason to look at these journals. The smaller one has a plainer wraparound leather look, while the larger one has a decorative heart design embossed into the front. Both lean into a vintage handmade style, with leather straps that wrap around the cover instead of an elastic band or snap closure.

That makes the journals feel more like objects than stationery supplies. They look like something you would keep on a desk, use for a themed project, or give as a gift. The cover is not subtle, but that is the point. If you want a notebook that disappears into a work bag, this may feel too theatrical. If you want a journal that feels special before you write in it, it succeeds.

Deckle-edge antique paper

The paper is the other defining feature. The pages have uneven deckle edges and a warm antique tone. They look much older than a standard notebook page, and the texture is obvious even through the camera. That texture is exactly what makes the journal appealing, but it also changes the writing experience.

If you normally like very smooth paper, this will feel different. Pens can catch more on the surface, and fine writing may not feel as controlled. But for expressive handwriting, sketching, inkier pages, lists, prompts, or decorative spreads, the paper adds personality. It invites slower writing rather than fast everyday note-taking.

Writing and pen test

The pen test is useful because paper like this can be unpredictable. Smooth notebook paper is designed for writing first; rustic handmade-style paper is often designed for feel and appearance. In the video, everyday pens are tested on the antique pages, and the result is a reminder to match the pen to the paper.

Ballpoints, some gel pens, markers, and broader writing tools may all behave differently on this textured surface. I would not buy this journal if my main goal were perfect fountain pen performance or ultra-clean ink tests. I would buy it if I wanted a journal where a little irregularity is part of the charm.

How it feels to use

Because of the thick pages and leather cover, this feels more like a keepsake journal than a disposable notebook. You probably would not use it for messy grocery lists or quick meeting notes. It suits writing that feels a little more intentional: a reading journal, dream journal, travel notes, ritual notes, sketches, letters, or a themed creative project.

The wrap closure also slows the notebook down. That sounds negative, but for this style it works. Opening the strap and turning the textured pages makes the notebook feel like part of a ritual. If you want instant access, choose something simpler. If you want a journal that makes writing feel more atmospheric, this is the appeal.

Pros and cons

Who should buy it?

Buy this journal if you want a notebook with mood. It is a strong fit for creative writers, sketchers, fantasy journal projects, grimoire-style notebooks, travel keepsakes, witchy stationery setups, and gifts for people who love old-looking books. It is also a nice option if you want your journal to feel like an object with personality.

Skip it if you want smooth paper, lined pages, fountain-pen perfection, or something practical for everyday planning. This is a character journal first and a productivity notebook second.

Best use cases for this journal

The best way to use this Nomad Crafts journal is to lean into what it already wants to be. It works well for slower pages: dated reflections, handwritten quotes, travel memories, moon or tarot notes, sketch ideas, pressed keepsakes, or a personal grimoire-style project. I would not treat it like a disposable scratchpad. The paper and cover make more sense when the contents are a little more intentional.

It is also a good notebook for people who feel bored by clean modern stationery. The irregular edges and aged paper make every page look less blank and less intimidating, which can help if you want journaling to feel creative rather than clinical.

Nomad Crafts vintage journal FAQ

Final Thoughts

The Nomad Crafts vintage leather journal is easy to understand once you stop judging it like a normal notebook. It is not trying to be the cleanest, smoothest, most efficient writing tool. It is trying to make writing feel old-fashioned, tactile, and a little magical.

For creative journaling, sketches, quotes, keepsakes, and themed projects, that works beautifully. The deckle pages and leather cover make each spread feel more intentional. For work notes or neat planning, choose something else. For a vintage grimoire-style journal with real atmosphere, this one is worth a look.