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Epica specializes in the finest Italian handcrafted leather journals, photo albums and specialty books. For over 20 years, we have earned a reputation among journalers around the globe for the quality of our leather. While we can't give away all our secrets, for those who wish to know more, some additional details can be shared.
You'll notice many of our product descriptions include the line, "signature distressed solid leather construction, subtle inconsistent color marbling and scarring with handcrafted abrasions." These are features of our Classico leather collection, which is always a rich brown in color. They are never scratches or actual damage to the book done by human hands. Rather it is just a natural characteristic of leather that has not been combed over and intended to look flawless. The process of tanning, dyeing, distressing, and finishing this leather actually involves 9 separate specialists with their own unique skills, and requires that the hides be transferred from one artisan's shop to another to complete all 9 steps. This leather is firm to the touch, with a very slight sheen finish.
We're going for perfection in its natural state, while emphasizing beauty in the differences and uniqueness of our craft. All of these abrasions or scarring from the hide make each piece unique. And while you may receive an item that has little or none of the above markings, it's important to know that it is a natural part of our Italian journal making process.
All other leather colors are what you might expect of fine Italian leather. Generally a bit thicker than our Classico collection and more uniform in color and texture, but always the highest quality top grain leather.
And of course, all Epica products are covered by our lifetime warranty so you can rest assured that your journal or album is designed to last a lifetime and longer.
All Epica papers are, and have always been, acid-free and of archival quality.
Most of our writing journals and guestbooks include thin, cream colored pages, suitable for most pen types, including fountain pens. Featuring 80 - 100gsm paper, these rich cream colored pages offer a smooth and delicate writing surface. Available in pages sizes: 12 x 16cm, 14.5 x 21cm, 17.5 x 25cm and 25 x 35cm. Journals with this paper are available with Ruled/Lined or Blank/Unlined pages. We also offer the medium size: 14.5x21cm with dotted (dot-grid) pages.
Signature hand-cut pages with deckled edges:
Hand-cut paper is an Epica exclusive design in a rich cream or ivory color, manufactured by Fedrigoni, one of the venerable mills remaining in Italy. Epica hand-cut pages feature woven uncoated paper that is 100gsm in weight with each signature hand-sewn and finished to create deckled edges for an old-world look. It is a personal favorite for many journalers. Available in pages sizes: 17.5 x 25cm and 25 x 35cm. Journals featuring this paper are available with Ruled/Lined or Blank/Unlined pages.