Finally someone discover the quality of etchr! Everyone should expect "for a good price a good product" ! But, I think, etchr let produce in low- budget-countries, therefore the binding is from low quality. But the paperquality must be excelent, therefore I wish for you that you can tolerate the shortcomings in the execution of the work and use the pages.

I'm coming late to this discussion, Patricia, but, like you, I'd be very upset to have a sketchbook like that. I've just checked my own stock, which is from the UK and found this: My old Winsor and Newton sketch books don't have this front and back page issue, nor is there a problem with the stitching or the glue of the binding (the oldest dates back to 2001) even after the treatment they received from this dedicated plein air painter. This is helped by the fact that the stitching, unlike so many these days, goes from top to bottom, not just two long stitches. However, the new one, waiting in the wings to be used, *does* have the front and back page issue, and there is one pair of pages where the glue has seeped through and gone black! Neither of my old Daler Rowney sketch books, which have been well-used, have this issue. I can't comment on what new books are like, as both were gifts, and as I'm not a D-R fan, I won't be replacing them. I may take a look the next time I go to the (minuscule) art section of the local shop (they only stock Canson, D-R and Royal Talens and not much of the last two!). Again, in the books I have had, as with the W&N, the stitching goes from top to bottom. I have a new Royal Talens sketchbook, and this, too, has the front and back page issue, and I suspect that the binding won't hold as well, as this, too, has only two long stitches to hold the pages in place. I can sort-of appreciate why the companies are going for this long stitching, to make across-page painting 'easier', but if a book is properly bound, that wouldn't be an issue - as those of us who are older can testify! I hope that you're ok - as I said on your sketching kit video, I've just found you, and have seen that you haven't posted for a year.

Hi, Patricia. I've just 'found' you and thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. It was good to watch a calm presentation in real time from an older lady when there is a plethora of younger KZbinrs who speed through what they do at an accelerated pace! I've noticed from your home page that you haven't posted for a year, and wondered if you are ok?

All etcher has the front and back pages bound that way.

Do you have a link to a video to how you made your backboard? I love that concept and would like to make one for myself. Love the diaper bag concept too. Ingenious

Your paintings are beautiful and evoke your familiarity and love of your surroundings. I am just starting watercolor at about the same age as you did and also have some physical limitations, so I am very encouraged by your progress. I relate to many of your comments, especially in being a strong critic of my own work, but hopefully also in a way that leads to growth rather than discouragement. I am envious of your beautiful location! Thank you for sharing your journey and I wish you continued health and growth.

This is so fun to watch! I love how you just go for it and are learning as you go. As far as your sap green goes and then wanting to use perylene green - if you put neutral tint on your palette it works like magic. You can use it to turn any color darker without compromising its original color. It’s an invaluable color that I put on every palette I have. You might want to experiment with it if you haven’t tried it. Thank you for sharing your watercolor journey. It helps me as I watch you. 🙂

Where did you get the black leather bag? What brand? I love it!

Do you miss the convenience of switching out colors?

Woah, it’s your first year and so good already ! A lot of hard work must’ve gone into your watercolour practice!

This is so inspiring, I’ve been wanting to get into plein air painting for a while, but the pandemic has kept me from going places, I’m stuck at home studying from reference

Loved this tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing!

The sketch books you did are better .

Welcome back. I love your sketches. 👩‍🎨🌻🌷💐

Subscribed. 😊💖

I love your wonderful enthusiasm for indulging your creative spirit. It's infectious! However, purchasing expensive products that are damaged, flawed, or simply don't work can be frustrating, angering, and even spirit crushing. The misalignment and pages tears is concerning and I've seen that many times, myself. However, the glued front and page two pages is common and, I'm guessing, works to strengthen the overall binding on both the front and back ends. You can even find it in magazines, too, especially thicker, high-end magazines. It doesn't lessen the concern. What I've learned in my experience is that when I buy a new book, I have to accept it for what it is, despite my disappointment or frustration. If it's really unforgivable, I reach out to the seller/manufacturer and they usually stand by their products. The worst book I ever bought had a layer of glue on the bottom of every page, which bled up onto each page. I had to pull the pages apart, like a block, but usually ended up ripping them. It wasn't a good experience. But, trust me, the paper is so lovely to work with, you may find that you will overcome the initial reaction and just give the company - not the book - a right good snear whenever you think of them. lol! Cheers! ~ Mark

So nice to see you back and doing well, enjoyed your video very much.

The signatures and the glue job might not be the most impressive, but it's still good paper and I think anyone would be happy to get one of these to paint! They are still quite lovely books :) Your handmade books would make a great prize too, I think :)

Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment. Since so many of you have remarked that you believe this to be the situation with all sketchbooks, I went and examined all of my watercolour sketchbooks: Hahnemule, Moleskine, Global Handbook, and all of the Stillman and Birns - the Alpha, Beta, and Delta. Not one of these books, by any of the manufacturers listed had this problem. Each one opened freely and flat from the very first page.

It is typical for books bound like that that there is glue between the book signatures, and especially between the first/last signatures and the endpapers, as that ensure the signatures do not fall from the cover. Also, note that leaving watercolor paper "out" exposed to air will cause the paper's sizing to degrade from humidity, even if the paper itself is archival. And leaving books open like that for a long period (a year, as you say) of time can be bad for the binding.

I think it’s totally normal for the front and back pages to be like that. It’s the way etchr makes their sketchbooks. I am a subscriber and would be thrilled to have one of these given to me. I think most if not all of us would. I think you need to call them and have them explain how their sketchbooks are made. I think you will feel better. My vote is to use the new etchr book! Enjoy the beautiful paper!

My Etchr's are the same, and if you watch the many reviews on You Tube, they pretty much all mention it. Not from the same batch either. I've bought them in different batches. I would totally accept that in a give away!!!! P.S. My Perfect Sketchbooks have held fast, yes there is a crease and break away on the first signature, they are still my favourite sketchbook!!!! I think many would agree.

Etchr used to use Fabriano paper. I'm not sure if they still do.

Nearly all store bought sketchbooks use extra glue on their facing pages. Totally normal, it's in the manufacturing process, not a flaw.

I've missed your presence, but so glad to hear your journey has you feeling well. Great news! While I'm not sure what your reactions entail, but as someone with food sensitivities, I think I can imagine, sympathetically, what you may experience. So good to see your work and enjoyed the tour immensely! I hope you maintain your healthy radiance, which is clear here. ~ Mark

Patricia, that was such a pleasure to watch !! I especially like your honesty with the viewer and yourself. I’m very surprised you consider yourself a beginner at this point. I can see the growth and effort on each one. These were beautiful my friend.

So nice to see you again and sharing your sketchbook. The paintings are lovely and your progress in watercolour is amazing! Btw I really like the pumpkin field, your’re too hard on yourself, its loose and carefree, love the colours and so what if there are no darks, as artists we can break the rules. Best wishes and happy painting! 👩🏻‍🎨

I watch a lot of sketchbook flip through’s. Yours is the first I have ever commented on. Love that you are back painting and love your work, I also live in Ontario and your landscapes evoke such a feeling of place. . My favourite is the pumpkin field!

I'm so glad to hear you've been able to paint again! (And sorry to hear you've had to put down the brush for so long) Your paintings are absolutely delightful. I can understand your feeling of starting over, but I promise you, there's no such thing as bad art! Happy painting! 😀

I'm so glad to see you back again. Isn't it funny how we critique our paintings? I look at mine and pick out all my short comings. Then I ask myself would anyone really know?😂 I'm just so tickled to see you back. You put out great videos. Please stick with us. Hello from Alabama and stay safe.❤

This was really very helpful, and thankyou for that information on metal pallets, good to know what to expect. I'm trying to choose which to order and now I'll definitely be going with a plastic palette. So thankyou!🙏🏻

I miss your videos! I hope you’re doing well. 😊

How nice is painting super it's amazing.

beautiful work💖💖💖

Hi Patricia, it’s nice to meet a fellow photographer/artist. Covid-19 put an end to my studio and most of my photography business. I did family portraits, weddings, charity events, conventions, the usual large group stuff. Now I spend most of my time painting and looking at what other people are painting. I especially love your hacks, artists are so good at making things work. Thank you for sharing.

Smart and this makes me very happy. I have many kits, and you speak my language. THanks

Hello, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for this video which I watched last night, as today it was instrumental in me making a major decision. I am a 46 year old mature age student who has recently started a design arts degree in photography and film making (after a life of doing things I don’t love) and have found that I was originally trained in celluloid and it too do not want to spend my time in front of a computer . Since I started my degree 12 weeks ago, I have developed a complete love and passion for watercolours and when I started, I believed I could not draw. Today I had to decide on my major and have chosen visual arts and to follow what I am passionate about. Thank you for your lovely video I really enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing more and thank you for being the voice I needed in that moment.

Beautiful sketchbook 👌👌new friend 👍 👍

Good point about name brand camera bags. I'm an amateur photographer & am currently using a small messenger bag for my gear, but I needa bigger bag. So I shall see if I can find a diaper bag or something similar to use instead. Baggies are a great idea because you can keep things compartmentalised & protected from spills or the weather or other stuff that would ne messy. I hope your car was fine after the ice. Thanks for this post! 😊

Have used my metal palette for 22 years and not experienced any rust. I use the same as artist Charles Evans who too has had his metal for about 30 years and no rust. Hope you find a good solution to your rust problem.

I understand 😊 We are moving so that I will have a room all to myself for my art materials and I cannot wait ! Everything is boxed up which is a pain as I miss having all my things ready to hand. Moving house is so tiring boxing up then the move then taking everything out is a treat but exhausting 😊 But once all is over, wow! a room of ones own to paint and have all my lovely art tools at hand on shelves not only will look beautiful but will be a luxury I can not wait to happen. Happy Painting 🎨!

I tend to like the flat open pencil or pen cases or the roll cases, both of which display all the stuff so I dont have to dig around looking for it. I like that board. I might make one soon. Well, when we all dont have to stay at home anymore.

I love watching your videos and seeing your art. Are you posting elsewhere?

Aap jo oil pryog karte ho vo chahiye

I am new to watercolour but I have been painting in oils for many years so I can offer you some advise on colour mixing. In particular, landscapes. Almost every colour you will see in the natural world can be mixed from a double primary palette ( a warm and cool of each of blue, yellow, and red). So that small palette I see you bought likely has 8 to 12 colours in it and that can make 99% of the colours you need.

Great video. Very interesting to how you slowly improved in all aspects and it very much helps others (including me) to just "do it". I am about to begin my journey into water colour and this really helped me to stop worrying about making mistakes and just accept that this is going to be an uphill journey. Thanks for your honesty.

Although, I am viewing your video on February 9, 2020, thank you for this very helpful plein air information.

This was a VERY encouraging video!!!

'There's an abundance of watercolour in my life.' Quite right! If you use it, it's not too much

I really loved your chat my sweet ,,, do keep doing them ..If, ideas are any help you can make use mine,,,,lYA.