I show you the process that I go through to make a complete leather journal.

Link to Matt Karl's first attempts at journal making:
   • DIY Leather Journal  tutorial link i...  . (fantastic results!!)

Link to MiT's journal creation from leather boots:
   • DIY Faux Leather Journal from a Boot ...  

recommended materials:

leather (or faux leather, old pair of jeans, cardboard...)
parchment paper (or any kind of paper)
waxed linen thread
stitching needle
awl
pliers
cutting board
scissors
paper cutter
ruler