I made these sketchbooks! I’m so proud of them! I have gone through many sketchbooks over the years. Some things I hate: I hate the way a hard cover spine doesn’t lay flat and gets in the way of drawing across both pages. I hate the way a spiral binding obstructs your wrist movement and how the pages eventually fall out. I hate when the paper is too smooth and drawings smear easily. I hate when the paper is off-white or even yellowed.
So - I was thrilled when I figured out how to make them “just right” myself! After many YouTube tutorials - I was surprised that the ancient art of book binding is surprisingly easy to learn!
This open spine format allows the book to always lay flat when open. This stitch is called the Coptic stitch. The waxed thread used in this stitch style allows the book to give way to added materials and even added pages so that after a year of heavy use these sketchbooks are still sturdy.
For the tiny sketchbooks like these ( 4 x 5.5 inches) - I added a stretch cord with gemstone chip beads to hold the pages closed.
Here are a few of my previous sketchbooks - a few coats of Mod Podge over a collection of used stamps or my watercolor cutouts make the covers almost waterproof!
The paper I use is superior, I found it after much trial and error; it can handle colored pencils, watercolor, India ink, and alcohol markers with minimal bleed. It is hard to go back to store bought sketchbooks after using one of these! The paper is 67 lb. bright white lightly textured cardstock made by Springhill and I buy it by the case in 11 x 17 sheets on Amazon.
I like to tie in book marks and I also like to add wrap cords to hold extra items safely in transit. A wrap cord also discourages prying eyes.
Do you want to learn how to make them too?!? I teach how to make these sketchbooks at different locations in the Pittsburgh area, follow me on Instagram @juliannazitoart to find out when and where.
If you are curious about what supplies I use - here is the link to my Amazon supply list.
The 11 x 17 Springhill 67 lb Vellum Bristol paper often fluctuates in price per ream of 250 sheets. I have seen it as low as $15 and up to $40 per ream. At times it is completely out of stock so check back often - the price usually comes back down. This paper is worth the wait! (And weight! 😉)
*** Available to purchase soon !! ***
I also like to glue in a pocket with some decorative papers.
Thursday, November 9 - I will be teaching at the Antique Moon Emporium in Allison Park, PA.
Find out more - www.antiquemoonemporium.com
Close up of the spine of a well loved sketchbook after a year of use compared to a new one.