Making your own sketchbook is such fun and super easy. You are in control of the size, shape, format and paper and you will probably save money too over buying one in an art shop. I have come up with a series of four different types of hardback sketchbook you can make at home using no specialist equipment, just materials you should have already. There is no sewing involved. I will release a film each week to guide you through the process. What you want to add to them is entirely up to you. Just be warned, this can get addictive!

In this second one, we will make a perfect bound sketchbook. All that means is that it has a glued spine like a paperback book. We will put a hard cover on it though.

In the first one, I have shown how to make an accordion/concertina book by cutting and sticking strips of paper together. You can see it here:    • How to make a watercolour sketchbook ...  

The next two, I will show you how to make:
* Accordion/concertina sketchbook from a single unglued sheet of paper
* Ring bound sketchbook

With thanks to Christie Raley and Michael Ann Fitzgerald for suggesting this topic. If there is a question you want to ask me, just write it in the comments!

Materials:
Cover mount board, grey board, old hard back book, recycle sketchbook cover
Paper of your choice cartridge, watercolour, pastel, acrylic
Glue & brush white PVA, acid free if possible or glue stick
Scissors/knife/cutting mat/ruler
Bone folder/knife handle/scissors handle
Bulldog clips or something to keep the pages in place
Heavy weights (or cookery books!)
Newspaper, nonstick paper (clean cereal packet middle)
Decoration up to you!
Optional tape for spine

Many books are sewn, and while these are very durable, the process is more complicated and your will need waxed linen thread, needles, a press etc. If you get bitten by the book binding bug and are interested in taking things further, may I suggest two great books and also a fabulous channel here on YouTube:

Bound by Rachel Hazel ISBN:9780857835079
Making Handmade Books by Alisa Golden ISBN 9781600595875

Sea Lemon:    / sealemondiy  

I am a full time artist based in Berkshire, UK, and every week I share a tip, trick or technique I wish someone had told me about ages ago. I release them at 2pm on Sunday (UK time), so if you like what you see please like the film and subscribe, plus the notification bell so you will be the first to know about new films.

If you are looking for indepth online watercolour courses, please head to www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk and I also do in person workshops in Berkshire. I have written three books: Painting watercolour on canvas, Painting animals in watercolour, Line and Wash Painting. All published by The Crowood Press.

#lizchaderton #bookbinding #perfectboundbook