Jaipur, India - another view

How the page came about

My path and that of the author of this page intersected because of a comment of wonderment at his craftsmanship when I first viewed an online image of one of his leather-bound and artistically tooled notebook with its handmade paper pages hand-laced within.

When I saw the quality of the work I decided that I should share these with others who write - and love the care to detail that so many artisans lavish on their work. Having gifted them to special people, I am thrilled that I chose the recipients well. The feedback has been worth it - knowing that others too are in awe of the final product's elegance. 

You can also order one here at Bloomscraft

I asked Mahommed if he would share his corner of an iconic city for my readers.

You will feel "at home" with this view of another side to a prime tourist destination.

My life has been beautifully coloured by such serendipitous meetings of like-minded people. I am now proud to report that the maker and author of the description below and I are now friends whose warmth is not diminished by distance - and certainly he put Jaipur on the top of my list of future destinations. We both look forward to a time when we sit together and wonder at how friendships form in a way that gives one heart in a divided world.

The insider view of a special corner of Jaipur

Author: Mohammed Sameer

I’ve always found it difficult to explain Jaipur in a few words.

People often describe it by its colour or its landmarks, and yes, places like Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort are part of its identity. But for me, the real Jaipur exists in the quieter details.

I’ve grown up here, and what has stayed with me over the years is not just what you see, but how things are made.

If you step away from the main roads and walk into the older parts of the city, you’ll notice a different pace. Small workshops, often easy to miss, where people are simply focused on their work. No rush, no noise — just a steady rhythm that feels almost unchanged over time.

This is where I connected with leather work.

There’s something very honest about working with leather. It doesn’t allow shortcuts. You have to spend time with it, understand it, and let the process unfold naturally. Every piece turns out slightly different, and that’s what gives it character.

Over time, I realised that this way of working reflects the city itself. Jaipur doesn’t try to rush you. It reveals itself slowly, in layers — through the people, the craft, and the everyday moments that often go unnoticed.

Inspired by this, I started working on leather journals, building something of my own while staying connected to this environment. It’s a small step, but one that carries the same idea — creating something meaningful, with patience and care.

For me, Jaipur is not just a place known for its history. It’s a place where you learn to value the process, not just the outcome.

And I think that’s what makes it truly special.

The iconic Jaipur

It has been called an "island of glory" and the Paris of India - the latter diminishing each great city. 

Painted pink to welcome the future King Edward VII when he was still Albert Edward, Prince of Wales.the colour reflect its regional  significance as a sign of hospitality and warmth. After the visit laws were enacted that remain in place to ensure that this terracotta pink is the dominant building colour of the city.

Albert Hall Ajit Kumar Majhi via Wikimedia commons

My very own notebook gifted for my birthday

Some feedback from recipients

‘There's something deeply special about holding a journal made by Bloomscraft,  you can feel the care in every stitch and fold. The leather has that rich, earthy texture only real hand-tanning can give, softened just enough by loving hands in Jaipur to feel like it already has stories to tell. Every seam and every edge finished with quiet one-off precision, the kind of detail that only comes from a craftsperson who takes real pride in their work rather than rushing toward the next piece.

It's not just a notebook, it's a small, tangible piece of Rajasthani craftsmanship, made to be filled with thoughts and to age beautifully alongside them. Thank you, Bloomscrraft, for putting so much heart into something so simple.’

Tony Redondo  https://cosmoscurrencyexchange.com/

'Gentleman of Jaipur, thank you for using your skills to create something so shocking.

When I unwrapped the present, received from agood friend, I was taken aback by the careful styling and presentation,this was reminiscent of days when we used to carry notebooks and other devicesto help us with our daily business. Those days have gone, but I still have the folders and their contents because they took a lot of time to compile, and they were very important devices.

To take that format and improve on it, so as to become something stylish and purposeful for the current times is indeed very clever.

As I said when I first received the gift was “thank you”. I also thank you.

Maybe the word “shocking” in  the first sentence will attract people to look and buy your designs'.

A  gift recipient, name withheld

'A parcel arrived unceremoniously. The delivery man just posted it through the hedge instead of using the postbox. It lay in the garden in rainstorms for three days before I noticed it and was absolutely amazed that it was absolutely dry when opened. The care of the packaging gave some hint of the quality of the contents but when I held the journal I was speechless. It really is a keepsake. Thank you Bloomscraft for restoring my faith in craftsmanship.'

Chris Lamacraft

Your second block of text...