Sketching & Painting: Making Your Own Sketchbooks

I needed a new sketchbook so it was time to make some new ones. Figured that was a perfect time to document the whole process I go through and share that information with fellow sketchers. I use 140lb/300 g/m² Fabriano Artistico cold press watercolor paper which I purchase in a 10-pack of 22"x30" sheets. One sheet yields one 32-page, 7 1/2" x 5" sketchbook which I then have spiral bound at our local UPS Store. This video shows the whole process.
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[@yeseniatorres41]

What an incredible video!! It deserves so many more views… thank you so much for this tutorial I had no clue UPS could do spiral binding I’m gonna go purchase everything you mentioned right now!

[@BillBooz]

Thank you very much! Glad you found it helpful and that it inspired you to make your own!

[@Erginartesia]

Hi Bill. I love this video and thank you for putting it on youtube. May I offer one more tip that I learned in college, about tearing paper? Do everything you are doing exactly as you are doing it .. and add this one little step. Just before you tear (and after you have used the bone folder)… - fold the paper and wet just the edge where you plan to tear. I use my finger dipped in water.. I just want to get the edge - fold the paper the other way and do the same thing on that side - fold it back one more time - wait a few seconds to let the water soften the edge - now tear your paper just the way you are doing .. this makes the paper easier to tear and actually makes the edge a bit softer and prettier (IMO) I hope you’ll try this ang let me know if you like that added step or whether it is making no difference for you.

[@jdschneider5858]

Yesterday, I realized I wanted to make my own spiral bound watercolor notebook because I hadn't found want I wanted in the store. And voila! today, I found your video! THANK YOU!

[@BillBooz]

Great! Lots of fun and you end up with exactly what YOU want! Enjoy.

[@TheDabshear]

Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. I will make my own sketchbook with this binding so it can lay flat.❤️🙏☮️

[@BillBooz]

@@TheDabshear - thank you. I’m very happy that you found it useful. Good luck making your sketchbooks!

[@janebridge1325]

This is a great video! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and the process so carefully! :))

[@BillBooz]

Jane, thank you very much. Glad you found it useful!

[@Marin0520]

Loved this video. Greatly appreciate the cm to be included, many people from the US don't do it. Also really loved your attitude, you seem like a man who could teach me a lot. Love from Spain!

[@BillBooz]

@Marin0520, thank you. I love to teach people stuff. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for commenting!

[@cheriemiller669]

Bill, this really helped me make my own sketchbook. Thank you so much

[@BillBooz]

That makes me very happy! Thanks for commenting, Cherie.

[@foreverlearningart]

Fantastic sketchbook! Thank you for sharing!

[@BillBooz]

Thank you very much. They make great sketchbooks!

[@SeventiesGirl1961]

I'd use an old credit card or similar plastic card to spread the glue evenly down the paper. I make my own journals too. I have a spiral binding machine and kit.

[@BillBooz]

Great idea. Lucky you with own full kit!

[@phillipstroll7385]

Thank you sir. I have found all your videos to be helpful and informing. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us.

[@naturesketches126]

Very good instructions! 👍Thank you so much for sharing your skill. I'm so glad you decided to try bookbinding. I haven't bought a single sketchbook since I learned to bind my own. It's very satisfying and rewarding.

[@BillBooz]

Nature Sketches - thank you! Indeed it is!

[@Babyjohn8170]

This is a great video! Thank you so much for sharing.😃👍

[@BillBooz]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.

[@susanmoore8136]

Very useful! Thank you.

[@BillBooz]

Susan, glad you found it helpful.

[@StephanieCorralArt]

Wow! Great tutorial, thank you so much for sharing.

[@BillBooz]

Thank you, Stephanie. Glad it helped you. It’s fun to work with sketchbooks you’ve created yourself! Have you tried it yet?

[@StephanieCorralArt]

@@BillBooz I haven't made one yet, I am using all my current sketchbooks first!

[@drey4504]

Lovely! Thank you for this.

[@BillBooz]

You’re quite welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@NYtalk60]

Thanks so much. I have a lot of good watercolor paper. Great idea!

[@perinilan4364]

Excellent explanation and instructional video. Wonder if I could use cereal box cardboard for the cover pieces, then cover with some sort of acid free paper? Would weight be adequate for sketchbook about the same size as yours?

[@BillBooz]

I should covered cereal box cardboard would work though it won’t be near as stiff. Maybe gluing two layers together would add some heft.

[@cno7470]

Thankyou! This is so helpful!❤

[@BillBooz]

Thank you. Glad you found it useful!

[@phillipstroll7385]

Oh and btw, you've earned another subscriber today. ;)

[@tammaralward5313]

Very nice 🌷🌷🌷

[@BillBooz]

Tammar Al ward - thank you very much!

[@doodleandghoul]

Hey Bill. Great video you have here. You deserve way more subscribers, I just clicked that subscribe button :)

[@BillBooz]

Thank you. Have slowed down considerably in past year. We just moved so hope to start producing again. Appreciate your kind words!

[@linewashbirb1]

Thank you for sharing. This method worked best for me as well. I did something very similar when making my first watercolour sketchbook a couple of weeks ago. I even made a video documenting the process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWSUfX18rLdoa80feature=shared