A solid oak long stitch sketching journal and notebook on jute webbing, featuring hinged panels and an articulated spine.

The design was inspired by the fascinating world of ethnobotany, the molecular diversity within, and the innate responses of the human body. The front and back covers each consist of four panels connected by brass hinges. Each panel of the front shows a different molecular structure for one of four key compounds found in the natural world, which have been used throughout human history as medicines, and tools for spiritual exploration, self-reflection and personal discovery. The panels of the back display some of the fundamental compounds produced in the human body that regulate our emotions, thought processes and higher mental functions, and whose regulation are directly influenced by the phytochemicals on the front.

 

The signatures are sewn to hemp straps that are attached to the boards with brass binding posts and linen thread lashings. The hinged panels give amazing flexibility, producing somewhat of a hybrid between a hard and soft cover book.

​

The articulated spine reflects the same hinging action as the front and back boards, and allows the covers to open fully. This helps to maintain the flexibility of the jute webbing, whilst providing structural integrity and rigidity to the spine, preventing the front and back boards from swivelling against each other.

​

Jute straps lashed to the back panel secure the book closed by looping through brass D-rings that are anchored to the front panel with woven copper wire.