Brenda Swenson: May 2012

My Finished Sketchbooks

I have come to the decision that The Perfect Sketchbook...is one I make. I like stitched bound sketchbooks for travel and journals but for an all around workhorse I like my own best! Listed below are the papers and the sizes I use.

Watercolor Paper

3 Sheets of 22x30
I like an assortment of 140lb. Saunders: Bockingford & Waterford (Cold Press, Hot or Rough)

(available at Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, (800) 227-2788 www.cheapjoes.com)

Toned Papers

8 pieces of pastel paper (11x10)

I use Mi-Teintes by Canson. I prefer creams, grays, and sepia tones. The paper comes in pads or larger sheets. Mi-Teintes can be found at most art supply stores.

Drawing paper

4 pieces of white drawing paper (11x10)

Simple Cover & Backing

For a simple cover and backing have spiral bound at an office supply store (Kinko’s, Staples, Office Max…). They provide a light weight cover, backing, and spiral.

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If you want to get creative with the cover...here's what I do.

Additional Supplies for Decorative Cover

1 Piece decorative paper for cover.

Paper should be at least 1 inch larger than sketchbook size. A good resource for decorative papers is scrap booking stores. Papers that are thin should be avoided (tissue or Japanese paper).

1 piece 11x10, 140lb watercolor paper

1 piece 10½X9½, 140lb watercolor paper

1 piece 11x10 stiff backing for back cover. I use thin illustration board, or mat board.

Miscellaneous items

Yes! Paste

Stiff brush for paste

Bone folder or burnishing stick

Directions

Place 11x10 watercolor paper on top of decorative paper (12x11). Cover watercolor paper with a light coat of Yes! paste.

Turn watercolor paper over and burnish down with bone stick.

Trim 4 corners as seen in picture.

Use paste on 4 flaps, fold over, and burnish down with bone folder.

Cover 10½X9½ watercolor paper with a light coat of paste and mount on top of cover (backside). This gives the inside cover a clean look and extra strength.

Selection of papers in my sketchbook. The papers where punched with a spiral binder (picture taken before spiral was put on). Spiral binding is available at most office supply stores (Kinko’s, Staples, Office Max…).