Leather to keep writing safe
- Huseyn makes leather-bound notebooks, albums and planners
- His own pleasure for writing prompted him to pick up his craft
- He never makes the exact same design twice
Technology has forever changed the way we take our notes, and yet Huseyn Heuseynov has found a way to keep his writing habits alive. After a fateful trip across Azerbaijan, during which he discovered how impractical and fragile most notebooks are, Huseyn decided to contribute to the perpetuation of handwriting by designing durable leather notebook covers. To ensure that his every creation remains inimitable, before sketching his designs, he consults with his customers to understand the notebook’s purpose. However, it is his preference to stitch the cover to the paper instead of gluing them, that makes his notebooks truly unique, durable and precious.
INTERVIEW
I like to carry a notebook with me and my local trips played a fundamental role in my choice of this craft. Leather does not wear out, retains its shape, and protects the paper. It is also resistant to spills. It is recyclable. When you are out of blank pages, you can add new sheets.
I studied this craft from YouTube videos and other platforms. Then one day, in 2017, I found myself sewing a leather notebook. The first notebook I made was a retro paper notebook. It has no specific design because it was only for me.
Generally, a standard notebook is 100 pages, consisting of five bundles of 20 pages sewed together. The hardest thing is to make the edges of the five bundles of 20 pages even and smooth without any protrusions. Even edges mean the seams are precisely crafted.
People are always surprised to hear that I make retro paper with coffee in one hour. They think I keep paper for years and wait for it to wear out! Another thing is that I craft only one of each notebook.
