There’s something quietly powerful about words that are chosen with care. For Blue Stiggy, every notebook begins not with a printer or a digital font, but with a vintage typewriter named Dorothy - a 1970s Hermes Baby that still types every personalised message by hand. Behind Blue Stiggy is maker Michaela Bere, whose journey into handmade books grew from creativity, resilience, and a desire to make something truly meaningful.
A maker’s journey shaped by care, family, and creativity
Michaela has always been a maker. From studying fashion design to experimenting with textile art and natural dyeing, creating things by hand was part of her life long before Blue Stiggy existed.
But everything changed when her husband became seriously ill while their children were still very young. Faced with the need to care for her family and rethink her working life, Michaela began building a business that could fit around those realities – one rooted in patience, intention, and flexibility.
It was during this time that a friend gifted her an old typewriter.
That typewriter, Dorothy, became the heart of Blue Stiggy.
Why a typewriter still matters in a digital world
Dorothy isn’t decorative. She’s used every day.
Each personalised notebook is carefully hand-painted, then typed letter by letter using the customer’s chosen words. The result is something that feels deeply human, imperfect in the best way, tactile, and full of character.
The paper itself is just as considered: cotton rag paper made in the UK from textile industry waste, paired with thick cartridge pages inside. Every book is hand stitched using traditional binding methods that haven’t changed for hundreds of years.
For customers, that care is felt immediately.
Some use their notebooks for daily lists. Others pour out thoughts, poetry, grief, or new ideas. The words typed on the cover might be an encouragement, a private joke, or a message only the giver and receiver truly understand.
A personal gift that says more
Blue Stiggy’s personalised notebooks have been gifted for:
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New jobs and fresh starts
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Weddings and anniversaries
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Grief journals and healing
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Writers finding their confidence
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Thoughtful “just because” moments
What makes them special isn’t just how they’re made – it’s why they’re made.
Michaela writes a handwritten note with every order and wraps each piece with care, treating every customer as part of her extended community.
Watch & shop with Blue Stiggy
Blue Stiggy is one of our Premium Sellers and recently featured in Made By Live, where you can see Michaela, Dorothy, and the notebooks up close.
Watch the episode:
Why Writers & Journal Lovers Are Obsessed with Blue Stiggy Notebooks | Made By Live
Shop Blue Stiggy’s personalised notebooks:
Shop Blue Stiggy
Follow Blue Stiggy on Instagram: @bluestiggy
Why Blue Stiggy belongs on Ingenious Gifts
Blue Stiggy is a perfect example of what we mean when we talk about thoughtful, independent making.
It’s not about mass production or fast trends – it’s about slowing down, choosing words carefully, and creating something that lasts.
When you buy from Blue Stiggy, you’re not just buying a notebook.
You’re giving someone a place to write their story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blue Stiggy notebooks are handmade and personalised using a vintage typewriter named Dorothy. Each message is typed by hand, giving every notebook a tactile, human quality that digital fonts can’t replicate.
Yes! Each notebook can be personalised with the words you choose, making it a thoughtful gift or a meaningful journal for your own thoughts.
Blue Stiggy uses UK-sourced cotton rag paper and thick cartridge paper for the pages, and each notebook is hand-stitched using traditional bookbinding techniques.
Absolutely – they’re ideal for journalling, creative writing, reflective practice, memory keeping, and thoughtful gifting for birthdays, milestones, grief, and encouragement.
Each notebook is made to order and personalised by hand, yet turnaround is refreshingly quick. Most Blue Stiggy notebooks are prepared and ready to ship within 1-3 business days. Please check the product page for current lead times.
You can watch Blue Stiggy featured on Made By Live, where you’ll see her process and notebooks up close. The blog post and product pages link to the video.
