The Origin of the Aloha Journal

An open journal displaying a soft, pastel-colored sketch titled ‘Sunrise at Kailua Beach.’ Under the journal are two other journals with beautifully patterned covers. Below the journals, a set of colored pencils is neatly arranged.

Handmade Keepsakes from Hawaii

The inspiration for the Aloha Journal came to me during a deeply personal moment. After my grandma passed away, my family and I were sorting through her mu’u mu’u, each choosing ones that held sentimental value. Many people transform these pieces of clothing into keepsakes like pillowcases, but an idea sparked in my mind—to use some of her dresses as book covers. This thought was not just about preserving memories but also about creating something that would continue her legacy in a unique and meaningful way.

An elderly couple stands together, smiling and holding hands. They are both dressed in matching green outfits with white floral patterns. The woman wears a long dress, while the man wears a shirt and pants. Both are adorned with multiple colorful flower leis around their necks. They stand in front of a decorative background with a scalloped design, adding an elegant touch to the joyful scene. The couple’s expressions and the festive attire suggest a special celebration or event. Grandma and Grandpa

We had been crafting handmade journals for a while, using traditional materials like leather, book cloth, and both Western and Japanese paper. For the Aloha Journal, we simply swapped some of these materials with the fabric from my grandma’s dresses. This small change had a profound impact, adding a layer of personal history and cultural significance to each journal.

A journal with a striking cover lies on a white surface. The cover features a large, bold white leaf pattern against a deep green background. The spine of the journal is a rich golden color, adding an elegant contrast to the vibrant leaf design. This journal combines a natural, botanical theme with a touch of sophistication, making it an attractive choice for personal writing, sketching, or note-taking. The Aloha Journal

Inspiration Behind the Name

In Hawaii, "Aloha wear" is a common dress code term for both work and special occasions. The name “Aloha Journal” stemmed from this practice. Since we were using my grandma’s aloha wear, calling it the Aloha Journal felt like the perfect homage.

The Evolution of Our Design and Materials

Creating the Aloha Journal involves more than just sentimental fabric. We also use high-quality materials such as book cloth or leather, ensuring each journal is durable and elegant. The pages are made from Cougar Natural Smooth Text 70 lb. paper, acid-free to preserve your thoughts for years. The board that makes up the covers are crafted from Superior Mill Board, an acid and lignin-free recycled product, reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability.

Stacks of neatly aligned, unfinished books are arranged on a flat surface. The books are stacked in columns, showcasing their white pages and unbound spines. Text blocks for the Aloha Journal

One of the significant challenges we faced was the limited number of journals we could produce from a single dress. While my grandma wasn’t a slight woman, the amount of usable fabric after cleaning and disassembly was limited. This limitation, however, turned into a beautiful concept—creating limited-edition keepsakes for family members. To produce larger quantities, we started sourcing aloha fabric in bulk, maintaining the spirit of the Aloha Journal even when not using actual aloha wear.    

A person is working on a fabric project, brushing adhesive onto a piece of bright red fabric with floral patterns. The fabric is shaped like a garment piece and is being lined with Japanese paper. The individual is using a brush to apply the adhesive evenly, ensuring that the lining adheres smoothly to the fabric. The workspace is a clean, white surface, and the focus is on the meticulous process of preparing the fabric for further crafting or sewing. 

A person is working on a large piece of dark blue fabric with a geometric and floral pattern in white. The individual is smoothing the fabric with a tool, ensuring it lays flat and free of wrinkles on a white workspace. Nearby, various tools and supplies are visible, indicating a well-organized and active crafting environment. The person’s focus and careful movements highlight the precision and attention to detail required in fabric preparation.

One of grandma's dresses vs. aloha fabric

The Unique Qualities of the Aloha Journal

The Aloha Journal embodies the spirit and culture of Hawaii through its vibrant, unique fabrics. Each journal is a visual representation of what makes Hawaii special. The feedback we receive often highlights their beauty, but the true value lies in the blank pages within. These pages are a canvas for personal thoughts and stories, making each journal a vessel of individual expression.

The Impact of the Aloha Journal on Our Customers

Over time, the Aloha Journal has evolved. Our new line features Japanese-designed fabrics, adding another layer of cultural connection. We continually seek materials that represent Hawaii’s essence and aspire to eventually design our own fabrics.

What sets the Aloha Journal apart is its handmade quality. It opens flat, making it convenient for writing. Our process of treating the fabric and combining it with other materials ensures each journal is not only elegant but also durable. We still offer the option to create journals from personal clothing, providing a cherished keepsake for those wanting to commemorate a loved one.

Journaling is a deeply personal journey, a way to build a relationship with oneself. Our goal has always been to create a journal that is as beautiful and well-made as the thoughts and dreams it will contain. The Aloha Journal is our tribute to heritage, craftsmanship, and the timeless art of journaling.