Impressions of India Journal - Tree of Life
$42.50
Ethically sourced leather cover features an intricately embossed tree of life design. The fold-over flaps with snap closures open to reveal 144 pages of 100% tree-free, cotton paper. Artisans collect cotton waste and turn it into a pulp to create a rich textured paper with a uniquely soft feel.
Dimensions: 5" W, 7" H
- Artforms
- Artisans
- Shipping & Returns
Leather Craft
In a vegetarian region of Rajasthan, India, the cultural art of leather craft and tooling is inherited through the generations. Cows are revered here, and hides are obtained only after an animal dies of old age or natural causes. Our leather is tanned using a vegetable tanning method, which protects the environment and tannery workers from toxic chemicals. Artisans then use water-based dyes or oils to color the leather. With a set of hand tools, each artisan applies love and skill to cutting, stitching, embossing and embroidering our leather journals, bags, and accessories.
Paper Making
Our 100% recycled cotton paper is made by artisans in Rajasthan, India, following a generations-old process. First, discarded cotton scraps are collected from the textile industry. Cotton is broken down into fibers using a traditional wheel press and then soaked overnight. Next, the pulp is strained, pressed into pages and hung to dry. After ironing, crisp pear goes either into journals or into the hands of artisans for screen-printing, embroidery or patchwork. The entire process is tree-free, non-toxic, and conserves and filters water for reuse in irrigation.
Leather Craft Artisans
Most of our leather artisan partners belong to a social class called Chamar, which excludes them from other classes of society and severely limits their resources. About 30 families formed a development group to empower artisans, beginning with advanced tooling techniques. As a result, the caste stigma is gradually diminishing as artisans make economic and social progress. Housing, sanitation, and health care access have improved, and children are attending school. Through access to trade, the village was able to realize its dream of opening its first school for girls.
Paper Making Artisans
Our partner artisans belong to a minority group called Kagzis, who are part of a long tradition of handmade paper-making artisans. Since the process is done by hand, it provides work opportunity for many people in this community. Benefits for the artisans include training, microfinance, education, and health assistance.
Shipping & Returns
We charge a flat-rate of $5 to ship any order. And if you spend more than $50, shipping is free! Once your order is received, we'll ship it within 2-3 business days. To return a purchase, visit our returns page (link in footer below) to request a return within 30 days of your purchase. We will provide a prepaid mailing label for item return. Once we receive and process your return, we will deduct the cost of the prepaid label from your refund and return the remaining amount of your original merchandise cost back to the purchase credit card. Original shipping charges will not be refunded.