The Jefferson Notebook Case
Write today, Forever.
Crafted with precision and a nod to one of America’s most prolific writers, The Jefferson Notebook Case is more than just a protective cover—it’s a tribute to the timeless art of writing. Inspired by Thomas Jefferson, a man whose words helped shape a nation, this case is designed for those who appreciate the power of the pen (or pencil!) and the elegance of leather craftsmanship.
Whether you’re jotting down thoughts, drafting an important document, or capturing fleeting moments of inspiration, The Jefferson provides a sophisticated and durable companion for your notebook. Each case is meticulously handcrafted from premium vegetable tanned leather, embodying the same attention to detail that Jefferson himself would have admired.
Carry The Jefferson with pride, knowing that you’re honoring a legacy of creativity, intellect, and the written word. Just as Jefferson’s writings have stood the test of time, so too will this carefully crafted case, accompanying you through the chapters of your life.
Sincerely,
Aaron M. Aiken
Aaron is the Designer and Maker of Jefferson Notebook Case, all Strathmere Leather products, and the entire A. M. Aiken catalog.
“Go. Pack this bag. Take that book. Send a post card.”
Product Details and Pricing
Available in two distinct styles and sizes, The Jefferson is tailored to fit your personal taste, video below to demonstrate both options.
The Jefferson Standard
Starting at $45 USD for the small case, $55 for the large case. Drum-dyed veg-tan leather. Optional monogram included.
A sleek and functional design that offers timeless appeal, perfect for everyday use. It comes with a monogramming option at no extra cost, making it uniquely yours. Available in drum-dyed tan, brown, or black. Click here to see the colors.
The Jefferson Premium
Starting at $99 for the small case, $109 for the large case. Hand-dyed veg-tan leather. Optional monogram included.
For those who seek something extraordinary, this version is hand-dyed to achieve a rich, bespoke finish that stands out. It’s a true reflection of Jefferson’s belief in the beauty of individuality. Available in several different hand-dyed colors, click here to preview and see additional details.
Both version are available in a “small” and “large” size. Small is designed to fit “pocket” notebooks, or notebooks with the dimensions of 3.5” wide by 5.5” tall (i.e. your standard Field Notes notebooks). Large is designed for notebooks that are 4.75” wide by 7.5” tall (i.e. Pitch Black, 5E Gaming Journals, and Streetscapes).
Both versions include a deer skin lace bookmark, acknowledging the importance Jefferson placed on learning and knowledge, ensuring you never lose your place in your thoughts or your reading.
What You Receive with Your Purchase
- The notebook case in your choice of small or large
- A primary deerskin lace “strap” to hold everything in place
- A deerskin lace bookmark (additional bookmarks can also be purchased as part of your order (I use a total of 3 in my daily carry))
- A “buckle strap” with a buckle (or button-stud) in the finish of your choice (some options here) to make sure the case remains closed when you buckle the buckle.
- A few rubber bands which can be used for adding additional notebooks/inserts (instructions here if needed).
Materials
- 100% vegetable tan leather
- Deerskin lace (main notebook strap and included bookmark)
- hardware style and finish of your choice (which will be finalized once your order has been placed)
Measurements
Dimensions when Closed (empty):
Small Case: 4” x 6” (inches)
Large Case: 5.25” x 8.25” (inches)
Dimensions when Open:
Small Case: 8.5” x 6” (inches)
Large Case: 11” x 8.25” (inches)
Unlimited lifetime warranty on leather workmanship. Details of coverage available at amaiken.com/warranty.
The Process
The idea for this notebook case first came from my Traveler’s Notebook (passport size) and it being just too small to fit the notebooks in my ever-expanding Field Notes collection of notebooks. The concept is nothing new, is what I’m trying to say, other than that my iteration of this type of notebook case is designed to fit the standard Field Notes “pocket” notebooks (3.5” x 5.5”) and their larger notebooks (4.75” x 7.5”). I made the first version using scrap oil-tan leather that I had laying around.
Once I had the initial measurements figured out, I remade the case using my standard drum-dyed vegetable tanned leather in the “tan” color with deerskin lace.
Moving forward with this design, I perfected it through many many iterations to reach the perfect sizing so that it can comfortably fit my typical carry which is comprised of the following:
- 3 notebooks (two of which are my day-to-day lists, ideas, and so on, the third being my calendar for the year).
- 2 inserts from Traveler’s Notebooks: their kraft folder insert, and the “zipper” pouch.
This is the “max” configuration that I designed this for, a total of 5 “inserts”, all fitting perfectly and closing comfortably with the buckle strap and then still comfortably with clipping the pencil on the outside or inside of the case.
A Few More Photos, and most likely a few more words since I’m unable to ever help myself
I carry the “small” size of this case with me all day, either in my hand, on my work bench, at my side as I write each morning, or in my bag (which as of late is The Franklin). In the photo below you can see the case set open as I write on my computer in the morning with my coffee.
I have also been writing in my “day-to-day” notebook at the end of each day before I lay my head down to rest…capturing any final thoughts before they are lost in the dreams I hope will follow.
The “large” notebook is the focus of the photo below, this particular photo part of the “perfecting” stage of this particular size. Making sure it is cut just right to contain one notebook as well as it can then, in the future, contain up to a total of 5 “inserts” like the small size does perfectly.
Video Walkthrough
Purchase Your Very Own Jefferson Notebook Case
I was originally going to support purchasing of the Jefferson Notebook Case directly through my main catalog but something about that just didn't feel right, too disconnected, too much work having to be done on your end, also not very human. And so, if you have read up to this point and are interested or ready to buy, just use the form below to send me a quick email. I'll follow-up with questions that will need answered, the color you'd like, and other options that can be discussed. Once those details are finalized I will send you an invoice through my Shopify site where you can submit payment (or you can mail a check if you still have some of those laying around). Once payment is received your order will go into my queue.
I look forward to hearing from you!
~ Aaron