Our story — Meet Callum
Before moving up to Bright, I spent 15 years in Melbourne, running a wine bar in Fitzroy. Hospitality was my whole world from the moment I left school. Over the years, I built strong ties to local suppliers — leatherworkers, paper mills, wool growers — all the people who supplied the bits and pieces that made our bar feel warm and personal. When COVID hit in 2020, the bar just couldn’t survive. By mid-2021, I’d shut the doors for good and was looking for some kind of next step that still let me work with those same talented producers.
My favourite part of running the bar was always the sourcing. I’d drive out to Kyneton for leather menu covers or to regional markets hunting for handmade ceramics. Connecting with the people who made these things was what made everything tick, and I wanted that to carry over into whatever came next. After the bar closed, my first idea was to bring some of those same materials into people’s homes, but figuring out what that looked like took time. I spent months just sketching a plan at my kitchen table, between packing up the bar’s old inventory and helping mates who’d also left hospitality.
Vellum Court came together in late 2021 after I made a call to Harry, a leather supplier I’d worked with for years. I’d always ordered their hand-stitched binders for our wine lists, but now I asked if they could scale down the process for journals. From there, I reached out to other small suppliers and started designing a small run: five products and a website built over a few late nights. The first batch of journals landed from Harry's shop in Castlemaine at the start of 2022, and by mid-year, I was shipping to customers across the country.
These days, I work out of a converted shed behind my place in Bright. Vellum Court’s grown a lot – we’ve expanded to scarves, bags, even desk lamps. What hasn’t changed is my suppliers. Nearly everything comes from regional Victoria or nearby, and I still do most of the packing and shipping myself. It’s been a good reminder that good things take time.
— Warm regards — Callum, Callum Wright
Journal
How Our Leather Journals Are Made
A visit to Peter’s tannery in Albury, where our leather journal covers start their journey.
Last week, I made the trip up to Albury to visit Peter at his tannery. Peter’s been tanning leather for over 30 years — a skill passed down from his grandfather, who immigrated from Italy in the 1950s. His workshop has that unmistakable smell of curing hides, wood smoke, and, faintly, espresso. It’s where the leather for our Vellum Classic Journals is dyed and finished. Every batch is different; Peter says it depends on the seasonal changes in the hides and the way the tannins in his oak barrel ferment. Last Tuesday, he showed me a batch he’d just finished in a deep chestnut brown. It’ll age beautifully over time, picking up the oils from your hands.
Peter works at a scale most would call ‘small’. Over the course of a week, he might tan 25-30 hides, each one going through various stages of soaking, cleaning, and dyeing. It’s not fast or easy — he’ll only take on orders he knows he can finish properly. I learned to respect that pace back in my restaurant days. Trying to rush steaks or cut corners on a sauce was always a bad idea, and the same goes for leather. When I told him I’d need around 100 hides for our next run, he just nodded and said, “No worries. You’ll have them by mid-April.”
Watching Peter work reminds me how much trust is involved in the process. You can’t micromanage something like this. You’ve got to pick someone who takes pride in their craft and let them do their job. When the leather is ready, it gets shipped down to Bright, where we cut and assemble the journals by hand. I don’t think I’ve ever held one without thinking about the journey it took to get there. It starts as a hide in regional Victoria, then spends weeks in Albury under Peter’s watchful eye before becoming something you can hold, write in, and keep for years.
It’s easy to forget how many hands touch something before it ends up on your desk or in your bag. That’s part of why I wanted to write about Peter today. He doesn’t do social media or flashy branding; he just does his work. I think that’s part of what adds character to the journals. They’re made from leather that’s been through the hands of someone who genuinely cares about the materials they’re working with.
If you’re ever in Albury, look out for a leather wallet or belt stamped with Peter’s initials at the markets. You’ll find his work tucked in among the fresh produce and local honey. Just don’t expect him to brag about it — that’s not his style.
An Autumn Scarf on Bright’s Crisp Mornings
Wearing our Australian merino scarf during a walk through Bright’s poplar-lined streets in the thick of autumn.
There’s this perfect stretch of weeks in May where Bright feels like an oil painting. The poplars and oaks light up in golds, oranges, and reds, and the mornings are just cold enough to pull on a scarf and throw a jacket over your shoulders. I took a walk down Cobden Street this morning with one of our merino wool scarves wrapped around my neck. I know I’m biased, but it really is the perfect layer for this time of year. Warm, soft, and just thick enough without being heavy.
We used Australian merino wool sourced from a small collective up near Mansfield. Merino is one of those materials that feels almost tailor-made for the Aussie climate. It insulates when you need it to, breathes when it gets a bit warmer, and doesn’t itch the way some cheaper wools do. A scarf made from synthetic fibres just wouldn't hold up on a brisk autumn morning like today. It was about 6 degrees when I left the house at 7 am, and by 9, it had already climbed to 12. That’s the thing about May — you need layers you can trust.
As much as I love autumn in Bright, it’s also the busiest time of year for dealing with stock. Between the scarves and the journals, we’re always at our limit trying to keep up. The scarves especially seem to fly out the door as soon as the temperature drops. Last year, I miscalculated and ran out by Easter. This year, we’ve got an extra 200 scarves coming in next week, and I’m already wondering if it’ll be enough.
Mornings like today also remind me why we chose merino in the first place. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s worth it. I’ve got an old merino jumper from my days working in kitchens — probably 12 years old, full of holes, but still the warmest thing I own. I wanted our scarves to have that same longevity. There’s something satisfying about reaching for the same thing year after year and knowing it’ll still do the job.
If you’re finding the mornings too cold but the days too warm for a coat, a scarf might be all you need. Merino does the heavy lifting without looking like it’s trying too hard. And for me, that’s what makes it the right kind of essential.
How To Break In a Leather Tote
Breaking in a leather tote takes time, but it’s worth it — here’s what to expect with everyday use.
When someone first gets their hands on a Vellum Leather Tote, they often ask me how long it’ll take to break in. The leather we use is sturdy — some would say stiff — because we wanted these bags to last for years. They start off structured, edges clean and sharp, but over time, you’ll notice the leather softening where you grab it most. On my own bag, the handles have darkened slightly and the base has developed a smooth curve where it rests against my hip.
Breaking in a tote is a gradual thing. You can’t rush it, and you really shouldn’t try to. Overloading it with books on day one won’t speed anything up; it’ll just punish your shoulder. Use it for what you’d naturally carry — a laptop, maybe a jacket, groceries on the way home. Within a couple of months, you’ll notice it starting to mold to your habits. The way the leather creases, bends, and darkens will be unique to how you use it.
I get why some people want their tote to look like one of those vintage examples you see in old photos. But here’s the thing: those bags didn’t age overnight. They went through decades of markets, train commutes, and rainy afternoons. The best patina comes from real-world use — heading out in Bright on a wet morning, or slinging the tote over a café chair while you grab a coffee.
If you want to keep the leather in good shape while it ages, a little care goes a long way. I use a beeswax balm about once a year. It helps keep the surface supple and protects it from water. (Not that I always remember to do it on time. My own bag has survived plenty of neglect.) If your tote gets wet, just let it dry naturally. Don’t stick it near a heater or in direct sunlight — that’s how you get cracks.
When I look at my tote now, I see years of use embedded in it. The scuff from the airport luggage scanner, a worn spot where my water bottle sits — it’s like a map of where I’ve been. That’s the whole point of leather, isn’t it? It becomes yours over time, not the other way around.
Summer Writing Sessions and a Fountain Pen
On using our bamboo fountain pen to slow down and write during long, hot summers in Bright.
April in Bright still feels like summer most days. The mornings are cooler now, but by afternoon, the warmth lingers, and the light takes on that hazy golden quality. It’s the kind of weather that invites you to sit outside with a notepad, a pen, and no particular agenda. For me, that’s when I pick up our bamboo fountain pen. There’s something grounding about using an instrument like that — one that feels a bit less throwaway than the plastic ballpoints we all grew up with.
The bamboo body has this softness to it that you only notice after you’ve been holding it for a while. And because fountain pens don’t really let you rush, it’s perfect for jotting down ideas without filling every spare line. Mine’s seen some heavy use this summer, both in the shop and at home. I’ve been trying to keep a running list of autumn projects, so the pages of my journal are full of half-finished thoughts and little sketches.
One thing people often ask is if fountain pens are messy. The short answer is: not if you handle them properly. Sure, you’ll need to refill the ink every month or two, but it’s not the ordeal most people think it is. We stuck with a cartridge system for ours because it’s straightforward and doesn’t require syringes or bottles. Pop out the empty one, click in a new one, and you’re back in action.
What really surprised me while using it regularly this summer was how much more deliberate my writing became. It’s hard to explain, but something about the way the ink flows makes you pay attention. You don’t scribble or scrawl with a fountain pen; you write. And when you write, you tend to think just a bit longer about what you’re saying. For me, it’s a reminder that the tools you use can affect the way you approach even the smallest tasks.
I’ve started carrying mine in the inside pocket of my jacket. It’s not something I would’ve pictured myself doing a year ago, but I like the idea of always having it on hand. Even if I don’t use it every day, it’s there — ready for the next half-baked idea or quick sketch while the summer light hangs around a little longer.
Customer reviews
Emma T. — Fitzroy, VIC — 2024-02-14 — 5/5
Perfect journal for daily writing
I purchased the Vellum Classic Leather Journal, and it’s even better than I expected. It feels sturdy, looks great, and arrived in just 3 days after I placed the order.
Oliver H. — Newtown, NSW — 2024-06-07 — 4/5
Beautiful pen, minor issue
The Eco-Friendly Bamboo Fountain Pen writes really smoothly and has a unique feel. Only minor complaint is that it was a bit lighter than I expected, but it’s still a great piece.
Mia L. — Hobart, TAS — 2025-03-02 — 5/5
Warm and soft scarf
The Australian Merino Wool Scarf is the perfect size and feels luxurious to wear. Delivery to Hobart was also faster than expected—just four days.
Jack K. — Subiaco, WA — 2024-12-22 — 5/5
Stylish and durable tote
The Vellum Leather Tote Bag is my go-to for work now. It fits everything I need and looks professional. Delivery was right on time.
Sophia A. — Paddington, QLD — 2024-10-19 — 4/5
Lovely design, wish it was heavier
I got the Vintage Copper Desk Lamp and love the design. I do wish the base was a bit sturdier, but otherwise, it’s a gorgeous addition to my desk.
Ethan B. — Manly, NSW — 2025-01-27 — 5/5
Great for gifts
Ordered two leather journals as gifts, and the recipients were thrilled. Packed safely and arrived in pristine condition.
Laura M. — South Melbourne, VIC — 2025-04-16 — 5/5
Pen that writes beautifully
I’ve been using the Bamboo Fountain Pen daily, and I absolutely love how smooth the ink flows. Such a great find!
Harry J. — Adelaide CBD, SA — 2024-05-12 — 4/5
Functional and stylish bag
The Vellum Leather Tote Bag is stylish and holds up well for everyday use. Only complaint is the strap could’ve been a touch longer, but otherwise it’s excellent.
Returns
We accept returns within 30 days from the date you receive your order. All returned items must be unused, in their original condition, and include all tags and packaging. Once we’ve received your return, we’ll process your refund or exchange as quickly as possible.
Refunds typically take 5-10 business days to appear in your account, depending on your payment method. Please note that return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility, unless the item is faulty or damaged on arrival.
Our return policy complies with Australian Consumer Law, which ensures you are entitled to a refund or exchange for faulty or misrepresented products. If you believe you received an item not in acceptable condition, please contact us for assistance.