Copyright La Bella Vita & Co. 2008-current. All rights reserved
Photo albums, journals, frames and guest books for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, new babies, military deployment,
pregnancies, travel and everyday use. handmade photo albums, journals, and scrapbooks in handmade paper, leather
materials. All of our handmade books can be personalized with custom embossing.


Q: How do I care for my new journal?

A. Your new leather journal can be virtually indestructible if treated properly. With a little bit of
care and attention, your journal will have a long happy life. The most important things to
remember about leather is not to get it overly soiled, soaked, or let it dry out. Despite the fact
that all of these things can be rectified to some extent, it is helpful to not let leather get into
such a condition in the first place. Your journal should not be stored in extreme hot or cold, or
in excessive dryness or humidity.

Determining just how to care for your journal depends on what type of leather it is. We
use the following types of leather:

PURE ANILINE and SEMI-ANALINE  LEATHER

Pure Aniline is top grain leather that is dyed for color without any pigments applied.
Semi-Analine
leather is pure aniline leather that has a small amount of pigment or clear
finish thus allowing the natural characteristics of the leather to still show through while offering
some of the benefits of color consistency.

How will I know if my journal is made of pure/semi-analine leather?
Your journal should exhibit some natural characteristics such as healed scars, scratches and
wrinkles. It will also be very soft and natural feeling.

Care and Maintenance:
- Routinely wipe with a damp sponge or cloth.
- Keep out of any direct sunlight as aniline dye leather is susceptible to sun fade.
- Keep at a minimum of 12" away from direct heat sources.
- Blot liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth.
- Food spills should be removed with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Periodically clean with a leather cleaner specifically designed for pull-up/aniline leather.


PULL-UP LEATHER

Pull-up leather journals are especially beautiful because each takes on its own unique
characteristics as it ages.
Pull-up's are full aniline leathers that have been top-coated with oil
and/or waxed. The shade varies for a rich, warm look, beautifying with age. Also, scars and
marks can show dramatically, and crackle or distressed looks can occur with use.

How will I know if my journal is made of pull-up leather?
When pulled tight or folded the leather will produce a brilliant burst of color. You may also
drip a small amount of leather cleaner or water onto the leather and it will absorb it within
about 15 seconds.
NOTE: If the leather absorbs the water quickly, it means that it will also absorbs stains easily
& quickly. It is crucial to maintain this leather with occasional applications of leather protection
cream.

Care and Maintenance:
- Routinely wash with a damp sponge or cloth.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Pure anilines with wax topcoats are susceptible to sun fade.
- Keep at least 12" from direct heat sources.
- Periodically use Leather Master soft cleaner or comparable cleaner (3-4 times / year)
- Most minor scratches can be removed with hair dryer heat while gently massaging the
scratch with your thumb or a soft cloth.


PIGMENTED (UPHOLSTERY GRADE) LEATHER

We usually refer to this type of leather as upholstery grade leather. Pigmented Leather is any
top grain leather to which a clear topcoat and pigments have been applied. The pigments are
what usually give the shiny even top color to the leather.
Pigmented leathers are the easiest  
to maintain and have maximum resistance to wear, soiling and fading from light.

How will I know if my journal is made of pigmented leather?
Your journal will have an even coverage of color and will most likely have a smooth feeling
and shiny appearance. It will also resist liquid absorption.

Care and Maintenance:
- Routinely wipe with a damp sponge and/or dust with a clean cloth.
- Keep the leather upholstery at least 12" away from direct heat sources to avoid cracking and
peeling.
- Blot liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth.
- Remove sticky food residue with a damp sponge.
- Periodically use Leather Master soft cleaner or comparable cleaner (1-2 times / year)
- This type of leather has good fade resistance. However, it is vulnerable to cracking and
peeling from ultraviolet rays.

If you have any questions regarding cleaning and maintenance, please CLICK HERE to
contact us.
Items are currently shipping 7-10 business days after your order is placed. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping available!
10% off both your orders!