I finally got around to making my own sketchbooks, which I have been wanting to attempt for quite awhile now. The task seemed rather daunting so it took me awhile to work up the resolve to get started! Several weeks ago, I purchased my materials including two sheets of Fabriano Artistico hot press watercolor paper.
I then proceeded to make some initial cuts on my paper without taking into account that paper has a grain and the book fold should be along the grain. I realized my error and a fellow sketcher from our sketch group referred me to a great website, Roz Wound Up, that walked me through finding the grain of paper, and provided charts for tearing large sheets of watercolor paper in a way that used it efficiently, and even matching papers across the fold.
Tearing paper with the grain using a bone folder held at an angle makes an attractive rough edge that looks nice with the deckled edges of the paper.
My sketching friend also referred me to some excellent YouTube videos on book binding by Sage Reynolds. He covers gluing basics; sewing signatures part one and two; tipping on end papers; making headbands and rounding off (though I purchased pre-made headbands); lining the spine, part one and two; making a case part one, and two; and the optional insetting a ribbon tie.
Here are some of the materials I used to sew the signatures. The dissecting needle worked really well for punching the holes in the paper to prepare for sewing. Since I used 140 lb (300 gsm) watercolor paper, next time I would have only two spreads per signature rather than four so the signatures wouldn’t be so bulky. In bookbinding terminology, signatures are a group of folded papers that will be sewn together to make the pages of the book.
The book block with the binding tape, buckram or binding fabric, end sheet, pre-made headband and backstrip. It’s ready for the case now.
I used heavy book end paper to cover the book board because I think it looks prettier than using plain book binding fabric only.
After covering the book board with sturdy paper, I applied glue to the book cover fabric and laid the book board in place. I added another end paper for additional strength before folding the fabric over the head and foot of the book. Next I set the book block into the case.
I watched the videos several times, and carefully followed Sage’s instructions and viola, actually made my own hardcover books. I am pretty excited about how well they turned out, though I have much room for improvement in my book binding skills. I included the links in case you want to see how Sage and Roz approach the task and perhaps attempt making a hard-bound sketchbook yourself!
These are the finished sketchbooks. I like using sturdy paper (this is end paper for book binding) to cover the book board and book cover fabric for the spine for strength. I think the combination is really attractive.
The wonderful how-to videos took the mystery out of making my own sketchbooks, and made it a satisfying and rewarding experience. Although I took several days to go through the process a step at a time, I’ve been told you can do it in one day if you have all of the materials gathered together in advance.
Note: This blog post was revised on January 26, 2018. I made another sketchbook by re-watching all of the videos as I did each step, and took new photos to replace the dark ones of my original post. The brown book with circles is the sketchbook that I just made. My first two sketchbooks were made out of the black and white paper and black book fabric. They were featured in the original blog post and one of them is shown partially opened in the above photo. I have a special purpose in mind for these sketchbooks which I will talk more about in future posts.
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
This is so great!! Thanks for all the information . . . now if I can only find the TIME 🙂
You’re welcome, Betty. Although I made my sketchbooks in small chunks of time over several days, I am told that you can make several in an assembly line fashion in one day. I think I’ll try that next time.
Great books! Bookbinding is addicting and you’ll be surprised how much you’ll enjoy having just want you want.
I love bookbinding. Thanks for all the tips and links. I’ve made a couple of my own journals. I love the process. You did a great job on your journals. I need to try this style next.
Wow! These books look fab!
These are beautiful! Amazing first sketchbooks!!
I tried once to make a sketchbook and it took me ages! Yours look great, thanks for all the links, maybe I’ll give it another go!
Thanks Shirley, Lisa, Pooja, Raena and Cathy! I am inspired now and can’t wait to try some different cover materials and see if I can improve my technique. Making sketchbooks is not as hard as I expected.
Most impressive – these really look great. You must be very pleased with how they turned out!
Beautifully done!!! Thanks for sharing this information as I’d like to try bookbinding my sketchbooks too !
You have completed a wonderful project! Thank you for sharing the links. I’m sure your sketchbooks will be filled with wonderful memories 🙂
Wow, these are great! I bought stuff to make a book along with a how-to book a few years ago, but never got up the nerve to try it. You make me want to dig out the supplies and try one. Great job and I love the covers! 🙂
These are just gorgeous Janene! Thanks so much for sharing them, and your processes
Beautiful books! Thanks for the links and the how-to, and the photos of your equipment labeled with all the materials/tools names (!). I love that I’ll have all that “right here” (on your site) when I need them in the future. You are right, I’ve done them before, and they are easier than they look. Helps so much to have those step-by-step instructions.
Thanks Alyse! Glad you found my post useful. I didn’t know you were into book binding–I’d love to see the books you’ve made sometime!