What's the Attraction?

Journal lovers — I’m curious what makes your heart sing when you’re looking at homemade journals. Is it the cover color or pattern? Is it the feel in the hand? For instance, is soft leather preferable? Do you care if it lays flat when open? Is paper quality important to you (for instance if you intend to use wet media like watercolor. Or if you are a fountain pen fan and care about bleed-through). Does it need to be softbound or is a durable hard-bound better? Is the size a factor or will any size work fine? For instance does it need to be easily thrown in a bag or backpack? Thick/thin? I’m listening; tell me what you like! Please tell me what criteria you care about.