About Relics & Ribbons Art Journals
Relics & Ribbons is a small, independent studio dedicated to preserving the quiet beauty of forgotten books, papers, and printed ephemera.
Each journal is thoughtfully handmade using vintage and reclaimed materials, chosen for their texture, history, and subtle imperfections. No two pieces are ever the same — each carries traces of its former life, reimagined for new stories, sketches, and keepsakes.
Relics & Ribbons is rooted in a love of slow creation, tactile materials, and the romance of the written page. These are objects meant to be used, cherished, and kept close — not rushed, not mass-produced.
Over time, journals from Relics & Ribbons will be released in small chapters — each one shaped by a shared thread, colour, or story. Chapters unfold slowly and are never repeated in quite the same way.
Between chapters, individual journals may appear on their own — found pieces that stand apart, waiting for the right hands.
Thank you for being here and for valuing things made gently and thoughtfully 🤍
Stories from Our Community
Yolande
I purchased the Temagami Guide watercolor journal. I received it in the mail just a couple of days after ordering it. The packaging was so beautifully done, so many little details, that you just have to stop and admire it before opening it. The book itself is professionally made. It’s high quality watercolour paper with beveled pages and the pages are sewn instead of glued which is very important when using water. The book opens flat making it easier to paint in it. There is also personal touches at the front and back of the book that is original to the book. I am so happy with my purchase and will enjoy it for many years to come.
Katherine
I first discovered Relics and Ribbons through Instagram. I loved the idea of marrying history and art to create one beautiful object, that will go on to live a second life as a journal. I received my custom order quickly and put it to test. I can say the watercolor paper is of great quality. Strong enough to handle wet on wet and multiple layers, yet smooth enough to allow fine details. Bonus point for being a Canadian business !
Brigitte
I discovered Relics & Ribbons via Emma Lefebvre on YouTube. I was looking for something special to paint my travelling memories… And I found you and The days of Ofelia 🥰 It was a pure delight to discover this little gem under a beautiful packaging. You can feel all of Louise’s care and passion in each of her creations. I can’t wait to fill the pages of this wonderfull sketchbook! Thank you Louise 🤗
Michele
I am very pleased with the journal Louise created for me. I love the vintage cover and the paper is perfect for noting my daily thoughts. The details she adds make it so special, right down to the ribbon page marker with the tiny key tied to the bottom.
Ruth
I bought the Secret Garden watercolor journal. It is so lovely and beautifully made. Thank you for all the care that you put into making these one-of-a-kind journals.
Debra
Louise did a personal watercolor journal for me using a book I received from my father many years ago. She did such a beautiful job and preserved all the personal details. I love it! Thank you so much Louise!!♥️
Jackie
I was so excited to know that we can get journals made in Canada, and made my first purchase from the Red collection about a month ago, and it was hand delivered by Louise herself, how special is that.We chatted and it was so easy talking and getting to know her and about Relics & Ribbons.It was beautifully wrapped, I hated to take off the pretty wrappings, but was anxious to see the journal. It was beautiful and just what I wanted, not disappointed at all. I had purchased another journal from the US a few months and that was also beautiful, but the taxes and shipping was over $75.00 CA, was a shocker, so buying from our own Canadian Relics &Ribbons, was half the price of buying from the US and also great to support our own local gal Louise.
Melissa
The first journal I have purchased from Louise, Relics & Ribbons, was for my little girl who is 8 years old who loves to paint with watercolours. I have bought two more of her first release of The Red Chapter, for myself as a watercolorist. Louise, will make a custom art journal for my other little girl who is 10 years old, in mixed media paper as she loves to use paints and pencil crayons. I am in love with her art journals. They are real gem that I will carry forever. What I love about Louise is the care, passion and love in puts into each books and packages. I highly recommend buying from Relics & Ribbons. Encouraging her handmade business is truly a fantastic exprience.
Stephanie
I was on the hunt for a beautiful handmade watercolour journal that upcycled books and couldn't be happier to have found it in Relics and Ribbons. From the careful and beautiful packaging to the gorgeous watercolour journal I received, you can tell that a lot of care was put into creating these journals. The 100% cotton pages held up well to my paintings and the deckled edges are such a nice touch. I'm already excited to buy another one because these are such unique journals that you can't readily find. Thank you again!