I love handmade goods and I love small business. Marry those two things together and you have products with heart and soul (at least in my book...).

A small, family run company out of Huntsville, Alabama called Makers South is a group I've followed individually for quite awhile, and they've been officially in business probably running about a year! One thing I can say for certain is that they hit the ground running with high quality goods that look (and smell) fantastic.

Chrispian Burks, the owner of Makers South offered to send me some of his goods and, also offered to sponsor a giveaway for readers of The Clicky Post! Special thanks to him (and his dear wife) for making this post possible.

As we discussed the review/giveaway, Chrispian asked which type of notebooks I'd enjoy a cover for and I quickly responded that the Leuchtturm1917 soft cover A5 was the ticket. He kindly made me (and a spare for the giveaway) an exquisite cover made of thick, brown leather, beautifully stitched, with sharp edges. In all honesty, the quality of the work took me by surprise (that is a compliment...) and I was floored.

This is shaping up to be a fairly positive review, wouldn't you say?

The notebook fits perfectly and stays put with no buckling of the covers when opened and closed. The cover also allows for use of the elastic band from the notebook to keep it closed.

As I've used the notebook cover it has picked up a few scratches and marks, but I love that about it. This is the type of item that over the years will only age gracefully with proper care. In today's world, it seems we don't put the time into allowing things to wear in or "weather", but what a great lesson in patience and practicality to see an item you're buying for life only get BETTER as you use it.

Paired with the notebook cover, Chrispian also made me a slim leather sleeve which matches perfectly. I quickly started carrying my Ateleia Craft and Design pen in the aluminum version, and then the stainless steel when it became available.

With the holidays approaching, definitely take a look at Makers South for either yourself or someone you know that would enjoy a beautiful, handmade leather piece. From notebook covers to watch straps/bands, Makers South has a good variety of several types of goods to fit an everyday need.

Thanks again for sponsoring such a generous post and giveaway!

Now, included in the giveaway will be a notebook cover and pen sleeve (and I'll pop in a Leuchtturm1917 for good measure...)

CONTEST RULES (the "fine print"):

- Contest will run through Sunday, November 20th and will end at 11:59pm Arizona Time, USA

- To enter, leave a comment below answering the following question (limited to one entry per person; no cheating!): Do you have any stationary related items you hope to receive as a gift this holiday season?

- I will arrange the entries in numerical order and randomly select a winner. The winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, November 21st and will need to connect with me within a week to claim their prize.

- This giveaway is open to both US and International readers.