Moonster Tree of Life leather journal notebook, handmade 18x13 cm writing pad with blank cream pages
Product description
The essentials
If you like the feel of leather and you genuinely use a notebook (not just keep it on a shelf), this Moonster Tree of Life leather journal is the kind of purchase that makes sense on paper. It’s a handmade, leather-bound writing pad with blank, off-white/cream paper, sized for daily notes, travel journalling and sketching without feeling bulky.
It’s not a “perfect” planner system or a tech organiser—this is more old-school in spirit. The main pull is the cover: dark brown water buffalo leather with an embossed tree design, plus an integrated strap to help keep the journal closed. Depending on how you carry it and how often you open it, the leather can also develop its own character over time.
One thing to be aware of: the brand notes that natural tanning and the way the leather is handled mean the look and shade can vary, and the paper isn’t refillable. If you want consistency or an endless-notes setup, you may want to look elsewhere.
What you’ll notice day to day
The journal uses thick, unlined paper (125gsm) with a natural fibre variation, and the goal is no bleed-through, so you can use pens without the page turning into a mess. In practice, that matters if you underline, write with darker inks, or keep notes for quick reference.
The paper is described as eco-friendly in how it’s made: hand-crafted with recycled cotton, acid-free and “tree-free”. That’s a positive angle if you’re trying to buy stationery that feels more thoughtful than mass-produced pads.
For a quick example of use: imagine arriving on holiday, taking it out in the evening, jotting down the day’s highlights on the blank pages, then adding a small doodle or two next to your writing. Because the paper is unlined, you’re not forced into a rigid format, which can be liberating for both words and sketches.
Where it shines
Strong points
- Leather cover with embossed Tree of Life design and a closure strap that helps keep everything shut when it’s in your bag.
- Hand-stitched Coptic-style leather binding intended to hold the pages firmly.
- Blank, cream/off-white pages suited to writing, journalling, drawing and light sketch work.
- Paper weight and “no bleed through” positioning, which suits everyday pens.
- A compact size (18 x 13 cm) with a stated thickness that should sit comfortably for handwriting and travel.
A realistic limitation
Because this is made from genuine leather and is naturally tanned, the distressing effect and natural markings are part of the charm—but they also mean the journal won’t look identical from one piece to the next. If you’re hoping for a uniform, “always the same” appearance, you may find the variation a bit distracting.
Also, the paper is non-refillable (120 sheets / 240 pages stated, counting both sides). Once you’ve filled it, you can’t top it up—so it’s more like a keepsake you complete than a reusable notebook system.
Tech specs
- Name: Moonster Leather Journal Tree of Life Writing Notebook
- Type: Handmade leather-bound writing notebook
- Format: Blank paper, unlined pages
- Size: 18 x 13 cm
- Capacity: 120 sheets / 240 pages (both sides)
- Paper weight: 125gsm
- Material: Dark brown water buffalo leather (genuine leather)
- Colour: Dark brown leather with antique tree embossing, cream/off-white pages
Who it’s for (and who should skip it)
It makes sense if you want a physically satisfying journal that’s ready for handwriting and sketching, with paper that’s meant to handle pens cleanly. It also suits couples with a shared “pen and paper” habit, students who like taking notes in one place, and anyone who enjoys the idea of a leather journal that feels personal.
It may not be the best match if you need a notebook with refillable paper or you change page types frequently (for example, switching between lined and unlined, or replacing inserts). It also might not suit you if you’re strict about looking for identical colour tones and finishes every time, since the product is described as naturally tanned and handmade.
Care considerations before you buy
This is genuine leather, so it’s worth treating it a bit like you would any leather item: keep it dry, avoid leaving it in damp conditions, and expect that normal handling can affect how the leather looks. The listing even frames the leather as something that can “distress” where it’s scratched or folded, so it’s designed to age with your use rather than stay pristine.
And because the paper is non-refillable, check your own pace: if you write a lot, you’ll finish it sooner than you think—on the flip side, that can be a good thing if you’re the type who likes completing journals.
Mini FAQ
Final verdict
A solid buy if you want a handmade leather journal for everyday writing, travel diary notes, and sketching on blank, thick 125gsm paper with a strap-secured cover. The “no bleed through” focus and the compact 18 x 13 cm format are particularly practical.
You might want to skip it if you require refillable pages, or if you expect every journal to match exactly in shade and finish. In most cases, this sits in a more “keepsake stationery” lane than a purely utilitarian notebook—so it’s best when you actually plan to use it and keep it once it’s filled.