DIY: How to Make a Watercolor Sketchbook (No Glue or Bookpress)

[@pamfrank3962]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful tutorial ❤️

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. 💕

[@sheilakaye9705]

Love the cat's interest. I had a big white cat when my children were small, he had to supervise everything too. Even took walks with us, I would drape him over my neck and shoulders and carry him back home as he would get tired of walking. He was content for me to carry him. Also, I have four guillotine cutters in various sizes, love them, never have to sharpen them. Some people have trouble with a guillotine feathering the edges, so they say. I advise them to keep the handle tight against the board as they bring the handle down. No more feathering! Thank you for an excellent video on easy book making. Have a great 2025!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing! This guy is 100% deaf, and absolutely loves walking with us. We leash walk him and carry when he tires. ✨🐱

[@fionamartin4281]

I love the sound and feel of cutting paper.

[@natsilver.creates]

It’s very soothing! Thank you for watching! ✨

[@FrancoiseButler-vx1cs]

It is so fine to see you so happy you and your cat creating this wonderfull sketchbook , now it is time to fill it , you can potrait your cat on the first page . I also make my own sketchbook with the cat sitting on my supplies . I cut my paper with a cutter and a ruler , i make my cover with nice pieces of fabric and i sew my signature together first and after put the cover . There is a little bit of glue . I am 75 years old and i love doing something with my hands . In my books i draw a mix of watercolor doodles neurographic zentangles , it occupate my time . I live in France in Marseille . Amicalement

[@natsilver.creates]

I love this!! What an inspiration you are! Thank you so much for sharing and tuning in!! Your books sound lovely! ✨

[@lillianmuske6961]

You did a great job on your water color sketch book . I might try it myself, you made it look easy,!! Thanks for the demo.

[@natsilver.creates]

Love it!! I hope you do!! Thanks so much!!

[@gloriawellington1444]

Your helper is beautiful. I think he/she approves.

[@natsilver.creates]

I think he does! He loves to get in the middle of things.

[@JulesTools23]

Ty for generously sharing your process! I would have never guessed it was just your third one 😊. Yes, winning this one would be fantastic! This tutorial makes me want to get my leather and tool’s out and get back to creating similar projects like wallets, pouches etc. 😊🤩👩🏼‍🎨

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you for sharing and your encouragement!! I hope you do! ✨

[@nicoleperron3315]

I bought some books made like this because they had a leather cover and were filled with handmade paper. Thank you for showing how it's done, so much easier than I thought. Love your little book, nice clear instructions.

[@natsilver.creates]

Handmade paper is lovely! This is store bought! Thank you for the encouragement and feedback! ✨

[@ruthedwards9642]

Looks great!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@lesliecefali3884]

15 sheets actually makes a 60 page book. Love the book!

[@natsilver.creates]

Right!! Haha!! I did a lot of mess ups and didn’t catch that one!! Thank you! Appreciate that and you watching and commenting. ✨

[@lesliecefali3884]

@ So you got more pages than anticipated. That is always a good thing.

[@sfoss9470]

Pretty 🐈‍⬛

[@natsilver.creates]

He is something ✨

[@kmp1956]

I love your assistant!! ❤

[@natsilver.creates]

He is adorable, and I can take no credit! ✨🐱

[@Brenda-m4g]

Thank you for sharing your bookmaking with us. My kitty is constantly on my journal or trying to drink my paint water. I gently push her back all the time. She is such a good sport about it. Looking forward to seeing more from you.

[@natsilver.creates]

Awe! They are so sweet!! 🐱Thank you for saying so and for following along!🙏

[@angelwhispers9360]

Loved it thank you...and you have a lovely presents. Felt I was there with you. Beautiful work 😊

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! I was hoping it would be like we are making it together!! ✨

[@pjlewisful]

loving the kitty

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you! He is puuuurfect!! 🐱✨

[@sherrybarfield8446]

Nice!!💜💙💚💛

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! 💕✨

[@rociocruz2786]

I loved it!I think I’m going to try it!❤😍

[@natsilver.creates]

Yay!! Go for it!!

[@BabeJohnson]

Well, done! I have created many junk journals and sketchbooks using the same techniques shown here, although I've used a large old opened book for a punch guide. I own a Koi watercolor Pocket Field sketch box. I love it! It was gifted to me from an encouraging friend and it's been a favorite. There's a saying for writers to "write what you know." I'm going to tell you, sketch what you know. You've an abundance of nature and such to inspire. Happy fluttering!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! That’s great advice!! ✨

[@donnacuff1773]

Such a pretty kitty 🐱

[@natsilver.creates]

He is adorable for sure!

[@XenobiaF]

❤ I am happy you were so patient with the cat. 🐈

[@natsilver.creates]

He’s a sweet soul who loves to be near me and I can’t be mad at that. ✨🐱💕

[@XenobiaF]

@ He’s certainly pretty.

[@janmcintosh327]

Love it

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!

[@gast4215]

Thank you very much for sharing! I think I could use one of those. What a great idea to have it bound with leather!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you for watching and sharing! ✨

[@deannefalise2784]

Love the book!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you! Super fun to make!✨

[@victoriabarrientos3280]

Great job! Thanks for sharing 🌺

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you for watching! 🫶✨

[@MarieM-PinkArt]

Lovely 🥰

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you! 🙏

[@brian1758]

WTG Nat! it is a really cute book. I love whimsicle journal books. Thank you for sharing how to make.

[@brian1758]

This is Sondra Hoard

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you Sondra! Appreciate you watching and commenting! ✨

[@EliseD.A.]

❤very nice!😊

[@natsilver.creates]

Thanks so much!! ✨

[@sallysmith2937]

How beautiful are these!!! I like the leather or is it faux leather. I like the cork on the end of the awl….. perfect! Love the key charm! Girl you are living the life! You have earned it and I’m so glad I came across your channel!! 📖

[@natsilver.creates]

This is real leather, although I would love to use recycled or faux or even other materials. Thanks so much for following along! ✨

[@sval-lr5dh]

Beautiful job

[@natsilver.creates]

Thanks so much!! 🫶

[@sallyjohnson1566]

very nice!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you so much!

[@dianabeaudoin3393]

Really nice ❤

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you! ✨🫶

[@junedixon1537]

Your channel came across my feed and I am absolutely loving it! New subscriber and I’m looking forward to watching more. The mini journals are wonderful Christmas gift ideas for my artist friends. Thank you for sharing your talent and ideas with us. 🎨🖌️👩‍🎨

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you June! I love your name and I’m so glad KZbin found you for me!! Appreciate you and keep going!!✨🫶

[@carolwilliams3599]

Great video! You make it all seem so easy. Thanks

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you for watching!!

[@libellula3313]

I love how the book turned out. I love the charm, i have a shark tooth to use. That process was very clear and much easier than others ive seen. I want to make a varied paper book as i do not want to have to take three different sketchbooks with me to Greece this September. Thanks so much for your vlog, very inspiring. Jo in France 🇫🇷

[@natsilver.creates]

Ooooh, a shark tooth charm will be lovely!! I really want to make a varied sketchbook now!! Greece sounds lovely and is definitely on the list!! ✨

[@vivianschilling4817]

I already have some of the papers together (not punched but ready to); just needed to figure out how to put it together, thanks so very much.

[@natsilver.creates]

That’s a start! Have fun and enjoy the process ✨

[@bonniemartin8184]

Love that you’re “living tiny”. Never heard that before and it’s so fascinating. ❤

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you Bonnie! I believe anything under 400 Sq ft is considered “living tiny”. Thank you for watching. 🫶

[@stevesmolik24]

This video popped up unexpectedly and, being interested in making my own pocket sketchbooks, enjoyed watching it. Thanks for showing the paper you used and your method for creating these sketchbooks. I am subscribing to your channel and look forward to seeing more of your work.

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! It’s a fun process and I hope you do make as many as you want! It feels so good to hold the finished product in my same hands that created it!! Appreciate you subscribing! 🙌

[@libellula3313]

Such a beautiful cat 😊

[@natsilver.creates]

I’d say thank you, but we had nothing to do with that! 🤣 We think so too, inside and out! 🐱

[@libellula3313]

@@natsilver.creates im back watching the rest of your video after checking my bookbinding materials. I just had a flash of Wynter's blue eyes.

[@nancyloomis3046]

I absolutely understand your need to touch & smell what you’re using creatively. While I love digital art, I don't do much anymore... but it does have its place and is a MUST for people who work in various digital creation jobs. It is at least human generated. Doing "analog" art is essential to me, however...digital is not. The need to be personal with my art supplies is also why I tend to prefer my fingers to smudge or blend colors sometimes. I love to "feel" what I have in front of me. The amount of information our fingers and noses give us is incredible! We've all heard the term "smellavision," referring to someone on TV or video saying they wish we had "smellavision," so we could smell what they're smelling or maybe that they wish we could feel what they're feeling, (feelavision?) I think we're still a long way from ever having that kind of technology. But as AI is more & more present in so much of what we see and hear and is replacing much that humans have always had their hands-on to do, and that includes making digital art, "human-made, things," holding REAL THINGS in our hands that satisfy our senses, is going to become more & more important...more in-demand, esp in art...not only for creators but for those who prefer to buy "human-made" over machine-made or certainly over something that is all AI that humans had little to do with. IMHO "human-made" is going to become more & more precious. Thanks for sharing!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank YOU for sharing!! Yes!! 30 years of mostly “digital” did me in! I’ve had my fill! I’ll still “draw” on my iPad, mostly for character designs, and a few commissions here and there but feeling and hearing and getting my hands dirty is my absolute favorite!! ✨🫶

[@catcar8212]

Hi Nat. Just saw your video posted to my feed. I love making small books, too. Yours is beautufuI! I laughed when I saw your fancy leather punch. Mine is well used from 1970! It looks identical to yours, but without the stand. Made lots of leather and suede purses back then. Now, I like to use small leather scraps and punch designs in them to use as dangles or charms on journals I make. I'm 70 now and can't imagine life without creating. My cats love hanging with me whenever I craft. Yours is so pretty! I am looking forward to viewing more of your videos. I'm a new subscriber. Best wishes from Cath in Connecticut.⚘️⚘️

[@natsilver.creates]

Hi Cath! Thanks so much for watching and subscribing! How funny! I tried to buy the similar tools they used in the book making workshop I did in Edinburgh and this punch was one of them. Your creations sound delightful and I’m inspired by you! Wynter is the first cat I’ve had in 35 years and he amazes me with his sweetness. I’m glad you have a beautiful 😻 soul too. ✨🫶

[@firstart-joy]

🥳🥳🥳 You did a great job 🎉🎉🎉🤩 Love it…

[@natsilver.creates]

Thanks so much for watching and for your encouragement! ✨

[@MichelleCruz-qh2fl]

Nice book! Thank you for walking us through your process.

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you for sharing and following along!! ✨

[@Soapartisan875]

I love the journal you created and I adore your sweet marshmallow Wynter ❤she is just so purrecious.

[@natsilver.creates]

He is special! Such a sweetheart! 🐱thank you for watching and sharing. ✨

[@Eibmozluver]

I also have a watercolor pad that i didn't know what to do with, and i was also looking for a small travel watercolor book. This is beautiful! To make it even better... I already have all of the tools and materials. I absolutely love it!!!! New subscriber right here!

[@natsilver.creates]

Sweet! Sounds like you’re making a watercolor sketch book!! Thank you for subscribing!! 📖✨🫶🙌🎉

[@Intotheforest25]

I really want one of your books. It m thinking a 5x7 for a small journal when I go hiking. So proud of you❤

[@natsilver.creates]

Hey! You’re kinda cute! 🥰 I think I can make that happen for you! 😉🫶

[@Intotheforest25]

@ lol, my girl!

[@LakePowhatanCampgroundManageme]

making things with your hands is so zen. Can't wait to get one of your books for my own! So proud of you!!!!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you! I’m having a lot of fun!!🤩

[@BrendaStaresnick]

..super..I make painted book marks w/scrap watercolor paper..also business cards..thanks from TX 😊

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you for watching and sharing! ✨

[@prettyrichgirl2007]

Hello Nat, I enjoyed your video. Your painting is great. Such a wonderful little book. I would love to have that in my hands. You take care.

[@natsilver.creates]

Hi! Thank you for saying so! I will do a giveaway for it sometime (hopefully soon) Appreciate you sharing! ✨

[@prettyrichgirl2007]

@@natsilver.creates You are soo welcome. I missed about 2 or 3 of your videos, I have to go back and whatch them.

[@natsilver.creates]

@@prettyrichgirl2007thank you so much!!

[@ginabadeaux9319]

very good

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!!

[@heartwardbound]

Just found you. May your journey be blessed.

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you! Appreciate you following along! ✨

[@ReneGlazer]

I love the book.

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! ✨

[@deborahbeatty]

Also, if you fold the 3 sheets together at the same time, you get a neater signature and not so much “hang out” on the end. That’s a tip I got in another bookmaking class. Counter-intuitive for sure, but it works!

[@natsilver.creates]

Great tip! Thank you!! ✨🫶

[@threesixfiveart563]

Adorable. Great giveaway, too

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@susieqb472]

That book would make a great gift or give away i love it i’m new to water color just started about 2 and half years ago i’m still learning love your channel love and hugs Susie

[@natsilver.creates]

Thanks so much Susie! Appreciate you following along and keep going on your learning!! I’ll be experimenting with water color too!! 🫶

[@tripletgirl2484]

Enjoyed your video! Your beautiful kitty just about stole the show. My mom had a white, blue eyed, deaf cat named Kittyboy. Your book turned out great!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you for watching! He steals the show daily! He’s such a sweetheart! What an adorable name! ✨

[@Nubira0203]

very cool, love the book....

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! ✨

[@rmlrhonda]

Great idea and video!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thanks! I love making these sketchbooks! ✨

[@angietaylor5256]

So Cute with the little key!!! Now I know how to create a watercolor book!!! Just gotta find some cheap tools, to do it! Thank you☺️

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! Yes! You got this! ✨🙌

[@bobbiwyatt3548]

Love it!!

[@natsilver.creates]

@@bobbiwyatt3548 thank you!

[@janc6495]

hi Nat, great video!

[@natsilver.creates]

Hi! Thank you so much! ✨

[@Scarletsky138]

I want a long haired white cat!

[@natsilver.creates]

He came along our path in June, and we haven’t looked back. The first cat I’ve had in 35 years! He was eight weeks old and now he’s nine months old, totally deaf and totally delightful. 😼💕

[@Scarletsky138]

@@natsilver.creates ❤️

[@Scarletsky138]

Very interesting! You missed the feel and the sounds of creation. I hear you! I love making sketch books!

[@natsilver.creates]

I love that! Keep going! Yes, feeling all the mediums and supplies has been very therapeutic for me.

[@nancyalemany9876]

What would you recommend for a hole punch guide? There are quite a number on Amazon, even your current guide.

[@natsilver.creates]

Definitely not the one I got! It’s cheap and too lightweight. I’m looking for one, heavier weight, that doesn’t tip when you punch.

[@406annie]

I use an old phone book. You can use any book. You can’t damage the phone book, and it’s always big enough for whatever size journal I’m making. My guide is a folded piece of paper, and I make a new one for each size journal. Easy!

[@dreed1058]

I signed up for a trial of Skillshare - 30 days free. But I can get the same content for free! The book is just the right size for junk journals or sketchbook - love it. Could also use some upcycled old leather from a purse, etc. New sub here! LGIT: Lib grandma in Texas 😂❤.

[@natsilver.creates]

Hi LGIT! Happy to meet you! It’s funny because I was just talking to my friend about how I would love to repurpose leather or recycle or a cycle it rather than getting new. ✨ thanks so much for following along. I really appreciate it.

[@dreed1058]

@natsilver.creates I'm going to really enjoy watching your vids! Thks so much for your thoughts, and BEST WISHES 👌

[@libellula3313]

You and your "art studio" remind me of myself. I found your channel because i want to make myself a watercolour/drawing travel book with varying papers in the same book. Jo in France 🇫🇷

[@natsilver.creates]

Beautiful idea!! I hope the video helps and let me know how it goes!! I love the varying papers idea! ✨

[@StokeonTrent1961]

Love the book and the presentation. I subbed too 😁 🙋👍

[@natsilver.creates]

Thanks so much!! ✨🫶

[@nancyloomis3046]

I just subscribed and hope you get monetized soon. I would love to have a chance to have your beautiful handmade sketchbook! Best of luck 🤞 on your channel!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! I appreciate you watching and saying so! I will definitely do a giveaway for it!! ✨

[@janismurray2454]

Oh Im so Thankful to you! Thanks for not going the perfectionistic route, thats what sends into just being a spectator and watching videos without trying! I would definitely be interested in the giveaway, I just statted watercolors and longing to journal!!

[@natsilver.creates]

Hehe! You are welcome! I think it would be ‘impossible’ for me to go the perfectionist route! Appreciate you following along and I’m glad you are creating! Keep going! ✨

[@craftytraveler9238]

Just found your channel. Are you in a RV or tiny home? I paint,sew,and travel in my RV

[@natsilver.creates]

Hi! Thanks for sharing! We are in our DIY converted school bus.

[@cynthiamostacato7894]

So happy to have found your channel. I love the book you made and your kitty. I love my kitty on my desk too and we talk all the time! You have the life I would love. I have a 35 ft. travel trailer camper. My husband says no way, but he will be taking me to Fl. in the spring and I will be taking my crafts with me for sure…….

[@Andi.Plans2]

I would LOVE to win that! ❤

[@natsilver.creates]

It will happen! I reached the subscribers last night and on my way with the watch hours! I’m loving you all and excited to share more!! I’ll do a giveaway for this book as soon as it happens!! ✨🫶

[@jsiebenborn]

What paper cutter do you use? I’ve been looking for a good one, but there are so many different ones to choose from.

[@natsilver.creates]

I went with Fiskars brand as I knew they made quality products. I’d love a heavier duty one, but this is the one that was in my budget as I’m just starting. I don’t know if this link will be clickable, or if you copy and paste. I will earn a small commission from Amazon. amzn.to/4gZpPvs

[@alisonhendry2928]

❤ this so far and excited to watch the whole thing. But really silly question… where did you get that glorious wool like hat? 😂😂 baseball, news boy style ?

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you for doing so! Means a lot and helps me out!! I bought the hat in 2008 directly from “Spyder” snow clothing company and I just love how comfy and warm it is, and the way it looks!

[@Scarletsky138]

Can you tell us what the wood thing is that you poke holes in the paper?

[@natsilver.creates]

It’s called a “punch guide” and this one is horrible and from Amazon. lol. Once I find, and get a good one, I will definitely share.✨

[@Scarletsky138]

@@natsilver.creates TY! I think I will get it anyway.

[@SuzyQ..]

@@natsilver.createsHello! What’s the sharp tool you used to make the holes with ? Congratulations on your new channel!!🎉Would love to see more bookmaking with other materials as well. And will definitely try to make the leather one soon! I am learning watercolor painting, so I am very excited for the journey, and I have intentions to create art and expand on my creative journey. Thank you for posting this and I look forward to seeing more on your channel and your wonderful journey!💕🙏🏼

[@ralphherrick596]

Where did you get your leather?

[@natsilver.creates]

Thanks so much for commenting. I’m on the lookout for a good, ethical source, and would even love a vegan option more. This batch I ordered off amazon to get me going and when it arrived, I saw it is from India.

[@creativesolutionsart-h3o]

Very cool! It has been increasingly hard for me to find a 9 x 12 watercolor sketchbook that is 100% cotton paper. I found some cotton paper in Bulk, 100 pages 9 x 12. It’s about the cost of a 20 page sketchbook if I were even able to find it in book form… It seems pretty economical, but I want to turn it into a book except for the pages are loose and I don’t want to make them any smaller by folding them. So I’m trying to use a modified idea of what you did in this video and see if I can make a book out of it :-) if I can, I’ll be able to make five sketchbooks for the price of one! I really like your concept and the vibe of your channel, happy 2025 and may it be very productive for you! 🙏✨😉❤️🕊️

[@bearitraeb]

You could go have them spiral bound

[@blueviolets2022]

You could use those spare individual notebook rings, poke holes in paper and your covers. Sarah Burns, in Scotland made one like that. It would be refilled as needed. Or, trim one side evenly, and glue the edge thickly. Search "perfect bound book making".

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you for sharing! 🙌

[@natsilver.creates]

Appreciate you sharing! ✨

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you so much for following along! There are other “non folding” options I’m going to be exploring here too! Hope your project goes well!! ✨

[@DianaSchroder-q2f]

FYI each section in your book are called Signitures. I watched another video that said that. Love the size book could take it anywhere. Would be good for sketching too.

[@natsilver.creates]

Thanks for sharing that and thanks for watching! ✨

[@marygallo2174]

Super cute and cool!! I wanted to make some sketchbooks on my own, also. But I did not buy the guide for poking the holes. Is it a must have? Could I make a book without it? I have just about everything else. I store my big sheet of paper under a corner of the living room rug that does not get traffic to keep them straight. So when we set up the Christmas tree in that corner, my adult children kept tripping over the paper, haha! Great video, thanks!

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you! I don’t think the guide is essential. As long as you can measure and poke holes! Go for it!! 🙌 Great idea on the storage for larger paper. We have a large rug, but it all gets traffic with two adults and two furry family members. In our first two tiny homes, I stored it standing on its side behind the couch. 🤣

[@bearitraeb]

What is the hole guide called ?😊

[@XenobiaF]

Book cradle

[@natsilver.creates]

It’s a Punching cradle. I’m on the hunt for a more durable option. ✨

[@WeeCrafts]

Great video. I love your vibe. Beautiful sketchbook

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! Appreciate you watching ✨

[@deb.e.mixedmedia]

Cool book! Handmade journals are always the most satisfying.

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you!! It was really fun to make and start learning how to record the process of creating things. ✨

[@natsilver.creates]

Thank you! I have really enjoyed making them!

[@blueviolets2022]

Great idea. I purchased one on etsy, was disappointed in it, and it came from India, which i didnt catch at the time. It was supposed to be bound with a leather thong, it wasn't. They used one long cord to bind all the signatures into the book. Very cool, but wasnt what i ordered.

[@natsilver.creates]

I can see how you’d be disappointed, I'd be too! Will you try making your own?

[@deborahbeatty]

I’m a little confused. You said you wanted to make the sketchbook 4” x 5”, wouldn’t you want 4 x 10? Not 8”?

[@natsilver.creates]

Hi! Didn’t mean to confuse, I’m working and thinking as I go and with the paper being 18 inches, I decided to do 8 instead.

[@ralphherrick596]

Do you have any problems using this watercolor paper????

[@natsilver.creates]

None at all! ✨

[@ralphherrick596]

@@natsilver.creates the cord you used looks like a plastic...would a heavy soft cord work... what do you suggest?

[@Scarletsky138]

Hey Nat I just started my channel too! Its ScarletSkyArt . Ihave the same amount of videos. I only started a couple weeks ago. I gota get Epic Sound now. Isn’t it fun?

[@natsilver.creates]

Love it!! My hubby and I both subbed so you should have two more now!! I tried a short with cap cut music and it worked great, so did another and it was flagged, so I started with Epidemic sound, and I need to get better at using the sounds and I will with time! Keep going!