A Review of the Wooden Sketchbox and Washi Tape Dispenser from Galen Leather Co.

My first experience with products from Galen Leather Co., a family company based in Istanbul, Turkey, was last summer, when they sent me a beautiful purple A6 leather notebook cover in exchange for my review. I was floored by the quality and attention to detail of that notebook cover, as well as the kindness and amazing customer service of those at the company.

So, I’m delighted to tell you about their Wooden Sketchbox in Walnut and Wooden Multi Washi Tape Dispenser, two products I had had on my wish list for a while. Yes, Galen Leather Co. has beautiful handcrafted wood products, too! I received both of these products in exchange for my honest review.

The package arrived much more quickly than I thought it would, considering it was coming from Turkey. I had it in my hands within a few days – less than a week. And, although I was already familiar with Galen Leather’s amazing packaging, there is just something special about seeing that lovely, sturdy box that lets you know that something very special is inside. I love the thoughtful extras they include, too.

Wooden Multi Washi Tape Dispenser in Walnut Review

Ever since I created my art/craft, calligraphy, journaling workspace a couple of years ago, I’ve been wanting to add more wood accessories, to balance out all of the white plastic and create a warmer, vintage feel to the space.

So, the Wooden Multi Washi Tape Dispenser in walnut, from Galen Leather fits that want of mine, perfectly.

I use washi tape in my journals and for crafts, and I had been keeping the rolls in a plastic, compartmentalized box which was practical but not efficient or pretty at all. Having a dispenser is much easier, and this wooden one is much prettier. It makes me so happy to see it on my work table, with my favorite tapes together. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

The dispenser is a beautifully made, quality piece. It’s simple to use, with a rod that lifts out, so that you can slide the tape rolls onto it. The tape cuts easily with the metal cutter. This is the most beautiful tape dispenser I’ve ever seen, and it really dresses up my space.

I chose Walnut for mine, but it also comes in Mahogany. I wanted the Walnut so that it would coordinate with the Walnut Wooden Sketchbox, below.

NOTE: The photos of the Walnut wood at the Galen Leather Co. site look warmer toned than in real life, so if you want a warmer, more reddish brown wood tone, you might want the Mahogany, and if you want more of a chocolate brown, you might want the Walnut. As one who knows all too well how difficult it is to obtain true colors in photographs, I can understand this. Just be aware, and don’t choose the type of wood by the photos you see at their site alone.

I got the biggest one they have, but there are two smaller versions available, too. I’m planning to get another of the same size I have and stack them. I have quite a bit of washi tape!

So, I absolutely, 100 percent recommend this pretty dispenser. Just look at it! It’s both beautiful and practical and looks amazing on my work table.

More Notes and Tips

• Many of my washi tape rolls fit on the dowel, and some of them didn’t. The ones that didn’t fit were about an inch in diameter on the inside. The ones that fit were all closer to 1 1/4 inch in diameter. (Actually, just shy of that.) So, be aware that some of your small rolls might not fit.
• Choose your rolls and line them up in the order you will want them on the dowel, before you slide them onto the dowel.
• The washi tapes are not included.

Wooden Sketchbox Review

The Wooden Sketchbox is handcrafted from walnut, and has a beautiful vintage look. The wood is smooth and luscious. As I lifted it from the box, I instantly fell in love. It’s really stunning.

Not only is this handcrafted sketchbox beautiful, I love its versatility. Whether I just want to sit and write a letter or spend some time drawing or journaling, this sketchbox creates a portable little workspace to take to another room or outside in nature. Letter size papers fit nicely on the top. It’s like a smaller, refined version of a lap desk, with an added storage feature.

There is a drawer that slides out from the side, and a divider that can be used inside the drawer. The drawer is a perfect place to store small notebooks, pens, and other bits.

There is a pin that holds the drawer closed, and it’s similar to those on the back of picture frames. It’s adequate for keeping the drawer from sliding open (unless you were to shake it vigorously, I guess!)

The brass clip on the front was inspired by a 1920’s clipboard, with screws that turn to loosen the clip. This isn’t the typical spring clip on everyday clipboards. It has a clamping system with screws, and it’s very effective and the perfect vintage accent. If you are expecting the typical spring clip, though, be aware that loosening and tightening the screws adds an extra step. (Just a few seconds, though!)

So, do I recommend this little sketchbox? Yes, yes, definitely yes. I love it and can envision many years of use with this beautiful thing. It would also make an amazing gift for someone special.

Note: As I mentioned above, the photos at the Galen Leather Co. website denote the Walnut wood as more of a warm wood tone, whereas this box in Walnut is more of a chocolate brown than it appears on their website. At the time of this writing, the Wooden Sketchbox only comes in Walnut, and it coordinates with the Walnut Washi Tape Dispenser I chose (which also comes in Mahogany.) I couldn’t be happier.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these beautiful products as much as I’ve enjoyed using them and reviewing them! If you have any questions about them, contact me anytime.

Thanks again to Galen Leather for providing these items in exchange for my honest review. All opinions here are my own.

Linking to:

Wonderful Wednesday, Fluster Buster, Creatively Beth, French Ethereal, Try It Like It, Building Our Hive, The Answer is Chocolate, Shabby Art Boutique, Crazy Little Lovebirds, The Cottage Market, Creative Jewish Mom, Sum of Their Stories, Sew Can Do, Life and Linda, Senior Salon Pit Stop, A Pinch of Joy, Create with Joy, Grammy’s Grid, My Random Musings, Mostly Blogging, Tuesday Turn About, Lou Lou Girls, Thursday Favorite Things, Life as a Leo Wife