MEMO BOOK/PASSPORT WALLET (REVERSE CULATTA BLACK)
A compact folio designed to carry what matters. Handcrafted from black reverse horse culatta with a structured interior of hatch-pattern cowhide Buttero, this piece balances texture, tactility, and quiet function in a format built for daily use.
Inside, two angled card slots and a full-length pocket keep essentials organized, while the right-hand sleeve fits a standard 3½" × 5½" FIELD NOTES® memo book—48 plain pages, saddle-stitched and made in the EEUU. It also comfortably holds a standard passport for those who prefer to travel light.
A leather pen loop keeps your writing tool close, and each wallet includes a stainless steel ballpoint pen I personally sourced for its clean weight and utility—along with a refill, because nothing should become disposable before its time.
This piece is part of an ongoing series of tools I make for myself and choose to share. Thoughtfully sourced, slowly made, and meant to be carried.
About Field Notes: Inspired by vintage agricultural notebooks once handed out across the American Midwest, Field Notes are rooted in the analog spirit of utility and craftsmanship. Simple, durable, and unbranded—just how we like it.
The wallet pictured is the exact piece you’ll receive. Ready to ship.
DIMENSIONS
Width: 10 cm (folded)
Height: 15.5 cm
ABOUT OUR HORSE LEATHERS
Horse leather is a revered material celebrated for its distinctive qualities, unmatched character, and ethical origins. As a byproduct of the food industry in Italy, this leather not only embodies the artistry of Italian craftsmanship but also reflects a commitment to sustainability by repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste. This mindful approach ensures that every part of the hide is honored and utilized, adding depth to the story behind each piece.
Derived from the hind section of the hide, culatta (butt) is a specialized cut that includes the area just above the prized shell cordovan, along with parts of the belly and hind shanks. This unique combination creates a leather with a dense structure, tight grain, and a medium-to-firm temper, offering exceptional durability and versatility.
What sets culatta apart is its naturally irregular texture, which varies across the hide. On the reverse (flesh) side, subtle traces of shell cordovan bleed into the fibers, creating a chaotic yet captivating appearance. These grain irregularities give each piece made from culatta its own story, ensuring that no two items are ever the same. The natural beauty of this leather shines through its imperfections, showcasing a raw elegance that resonates deeply with aficionados of avant-garde fashion and timeless craftsmanship.
Thanks to its high oil content, culatta leather develops a rich patina over time, enhancing its natural luster and evolving with use. This transformation often results in a finish that appears almost metallic, making it a truly dynamic material.
We work hand-in-hand with tanneries in Italy to procure our leathers, sourcing only the finest quality materials the country has to offer.
ABOUT FIELD NOTES®
FIELD NOTES® is a pocket-sized notebook brand inspired by the simple agricultural memo books once handed out across rural America. Made in the USA and saddle-stitched for durability, each notebook embodies a no-frills approach to design—built for daily use, easy to carry, and quietly iconic. We include one with this wallet because we’ve used them ourselves for years—they just work.
SHIPPING & PRODUCTION TIME
Unless otherwise stated in the description, each piece is meticulously handmade to order, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. Please allow 7-14 business days for production before your order is shipped.
ONE OF A KIND
Each piece is a testament to the beauty of natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship, so no two are ever exactly alike. The hand-dyed treatment, vegetable tanned process and natural grain of the leather mean variations in texture and tone are to be expected—and celebrated. These characteristics are part of what makes your item truly one of a kind.
