Iona Handcrafted Books

I first learned of this vendor while visiting the prestigious Ft. Worth Main Street Arts Festival. Vendors from all over the country apply to show their goods at this festival so it’s a really big honor if you’re selected to participate.
Mychal, the owner of Iona Handcrafted Books, makes beautiful leather bound works of art that can be custom designed to include antique ice box lockable hinges that are imported from India. You can go on-​line to her website and pick out your book, or let her know what you have in mind and she will work with you to design the perfect journal for your most precious memories or art depictions.
I ended up having to travel to Austin for personal business so I was able to stop by their shop to pick up my new treasure. The aroma of rich leather hits you the moment you walk into their little shop. The employees are all very nice and Mychal, especially, is so down to earth. She even autographed my book for me. Her books come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges and make the perfect graduation or birthday gift for someone who likes to journal.

During the E.A.S.T (east austin studio tour) event this year, a friend recommended that I go over to see Mychal, the owner of Iona Handcrafted Books because she would be able to tell me the best spots on the tour and also because she has some pretty incredible books that she makes. Inside information + book making art = I’m there.
When I walked into her studio, I was immediately overloaded with the smell of leather and fresh cookies. The leather smell was coming from her amazing collection of handmade leather-​bound books that come in a myriad of shapes, sizes, colors and even ruggedness. The cookie smell was coming from her oven in the back (past the beer keg and box of sangria) which is where I met and talked to her about her amazing artwork. I don’t want to summarize the history of her craft, so head over to her website to find out more about that.
As for the books themselves, the pages are completely blank and so these are more like potential journals, photo albums or portfolios (it’s up to you) and they are built to go the distance (she showed a 15 year old book that looked even nicer than the ones on display!).
I ended up buying a book to take with me on a trip to South and Central America and I can’t wait to use it. She was even kind enough to allow me to stop back in and pick up some scrap paper to test out various paints and inks so I wouldn’t sully her art with mine.
Disclaimer: The studio isn’t really a store, so if you want to purchase a book you should head to the website and find out more information. The site mentions, however, that you can make an appointment with her if you just call ahead.