A Complete Review of Leather Journal Covers in A5, TN, & B6 Size

Chic Sparrow is a leather goods company that started out making journal covers on Etsy and now creates various lines of journal covers, purses, and other journaling accessories. There are many notebook covers out there available at a wide range of prices. Their brand is definitely on the higher end, but my covers are absolutely beautiful. These covers are genuine leather that gets better over time as they age. They also offer second-chance sales and have a clearance section as well. You can find a cover that you love in the size that you want. The appeal of a journal cover is customization. Traditionally, traveler’s notebook covers feature strings where you can put inserts or small journals on each band. You can also add traditional journals or notebooks on the strings and change them out. The idea is to keep the cover consistent and have the ability to change out the inside. I have covers in sizes A5, Traveler’s Notebook, and B6. These covers fit my Archer & Olive notebooks perfectly, and they have held up well with everyday wear and tear. This post features all three sizes, but it will speak directly to the product of journal covers as a whole.

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All three of these covers are in Creme, Creme Brulee. From right to left: Traveler’s Notebook, B6, A5.

B6 size next to A5 size notebook covers.

B6 on top of Traveler’s size and A5 size notebook covers.

Product Review Notes

Shipment/Receiving Item

Shipping is always timely with Chic Sparrow. Each journal cover arrives in its own cloth storage case/dust cover and some goodies like stickers are always in my package. The journals have subtle branding on the back bottom corner that does not interfere with the aesthetic of the covers. Stitching is always perfect on each notebook.

Product Notes

Style-There are a variety of styles you can get in each cover and leather collection. All three of my covers are considered “classic covers” where you can just have the cover and the closure. I don’t have any internal slots, pockets, or storage.
Texture-Each batch of the leather they receive is different and unique. All of my covers are in the Creme Creme Brulee collection. My A5 cover seems to have a bit more of a sheen or shine to it than the Traveler’s Size or B6. The Traveler’s Size and B6 also are the least broken in, so I am hoping the more I use each notebook the more oil from my hands transfers to the leather.
Closure-Each cover has an elastic closure that wraps around the notebook horizontally. These are easy to adjust as you just untie the knot on the inside. You can easily add journal charms or other accessories to the band and feed it through the holes in the back.
Strings-Each cover has 4 strings. I could fit 4 different inserts in each cover. I generally keep note thicker notebook to one cover, but I have added in the past a notebook and one to two inserts. It starts to make the covers pretty heavy if you are adding more and more notebooks.
Weight-A high-quality leather item adds weight to your notebook. Some people prefer not to have this added weight, while some do not mind. I do not think it adds enough to make having a cover a negative attribute.
Colors-Chic Sparrow offers tons of color options for notebook covers. I love the Creme Creme Brulee option, but you could opt for a bright green, blue, or even orange if you are looking for more creativity with your covers.
Durability-Water and oil are not your journal cover’s friends. I have spilled both on my covers, and each time it has added character to the cover. Although, you may not be able to remove a water or oil stain completely from the leather. If you find yourself caught in the elements or if you often spill things, this aspect might bother you in relation to cost.

Chic Sparrow Size Chart

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So, Are They Worth the Cost?

Yes.

If journaling is a hobby for you and you really enjoy it, these covers are absolutely worth the cost. I have seen more and more companies start to make their own journal covers for notebooks because the demand is there. People love them because they add a fun element to the world of journaling. While many of the Chic Sparrow notebook bases start at 50+, the investment is in something that you can use repeatedly with every new notebook you purchase.