I’m Jennifer Johnson, the maker behind Crafts From Carmel, a small handmade journal business based in Carmel, California. I create handcrafted journals designed to give you your own personal space to create, reflect, organize, or simply be yourself without any expectations or rules.
I started making journals as a creative outlet from my day job in the tech industry. I choose journal making, because I was always interested in learning more about book binding. In a world where so much of our lives happens on screens, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet and personal experience of putting pen to paper. I love that journals create space to slow down and create something tangible.
When creating journals, I get inspired by the different materials I find. I love finding different bits of paper or fabric that are either new or recycled and incorporating those into my journal covers or pages. I am also always looking to incorporate new materials or techniques into my journals, like the use of stamps or hand stitching.
Journal making has also opened up an unexpected opportunity for me to get more involved in communities across the Monterey Peninsula and Bay Area. I’ve met an amazing community of artisans by participating in various local pop-up markets and bartering events. I love the way journal making has made me feel connected to the community that I live in and that I get to continue to learn from meeting other amazing crafters!
Each journal is a unique work of art, because they are individually handmade using a variety of binding methods, fabrics, papers, and decorative elements. I create both hardcover and softcover journals, with options ranging from minimalist designs to colorful mixed-media styles. One of my favorite binding styles is the open-spine Coptic stitch, which allows for journals to lay flat for comfortable writing or sketching.
I believe creativity should feel inviting, not intimidating. My goal is to create journals that become personal spaces for ideas, memories, art and reflection.
Whether you’re a writer, artist, traveler, student or someone simply looking for a creative escape, I hope my journals inspire you to create something meaningful!
Jennifer Johnson 