DIY Watercolor Sketchbook // Easy Tutorial No Stapling & No Stitching

[@ared18t]

I have a torn up pair of jeans Denim sketchbook yay

[@jakea1035]

This works a treat. I tried to make a block of w/c paper as well, please be aware that if you try to do the same, two coats of PVA are sufficient for the block. Any more and even a blade struggles to free your painting. Three coats were ideal for the book. Many thanks for this tutorial.

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

You are so welcome and thanks for the tip! 👍

[@oneheart19]

Great idea to make a block too!

[@azmgbbb]

I’m not sure what you’re saying. I’ve read it several times.

[@laschizo]

@@azmgbbb This person is talking about making a block of watercolor paper, like the ones you can buy from manufacturers. It´s when the paper is glued on four sides, you paint on it and then detach it when you are done. This person has made a block and gives tips about the number of layers of glue you need, if you were to make a block as well. If you want to follow the video and make an actual sketchbook, then use 3 layers of glue, if you want to make a block, then use 2 layers of glue at the maximum, otherwise, you won´t be able to detach the sheets of paper.

[@RoseRivera-ed5qf]

Of all the sketchbooks/journals I’ve made, your method is by far the simplest and my new favorite!🤩

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Yay! Thank you! 🥰

[@personalgrowthcourseskmf5443]

I thought the same thing

[@juststartingover2735]

I love sketch books but I also have tons of watercolor and misc types of paper pads that I can now make into sketchbook formats! Thank you!!

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

That's a great idea!

[@E4Alabbasy]

I love the imperfections that comes with handmade sketchbooks 😍 Definitely will try your way I'm in need of a new sketchbook 🌺

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Thank you so much 😀

[@salviaba]

Nice super easy and affordable project. Love it!

[@annepercival7814]

You can also use the back of a large spoon as a bonefolder

[@debicki01]

Nice job explaining each step! Can't wait to try this!

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Thank you - Hope you enjoy! 😊

[@ShelleyWhite-r3w]

SO EASY . THANK YOU!!!

[@pamj2395]

Thank you for this great video. I'm a beginner...haven't started painting yet, but gathering knowledge. Making a sketchbook looks fun. I like how you wave goodbye. ❤️❤️❤️🎨🖌️

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Thank you! 😊 I hope you enjoy watercolor painting! I have videos here on my channel about how to make watercolor charts and watercolor mixing that would be helpful. I think they are fun, low pressure way to learn about your paints. This way you don't have to worry about what to paint or learning to draw. It's just about playing with your paints.

[@bulldogsathome]

Hey!! I am so excited to have found your channel! I am going to give this a whirl!!!

[@britbrat4559]

Has anyone used masking fluid instead of pva glue??? Its what they use for paper blocks....also... I have a tip.. when folding your watercolor paper you need to find the direction of the grain otherwise you damage the paper and ive even had my cotton paper rip in half over time. To do this when you fold your paper always fold in the direction of least resistance..if the grain is hotdog way instead of hamburger lmao it will still work just wet the middle (where your fold will be )of the paper on both sides...let it soak for a minute and then fold the paper...slow and steady is important when folding the paper!!! I hope this helps and it really works wonders for perfect folds!!!!

[@thewindspirits]

Thanks Jessica making mine right now ❤

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

You're welcome! 😊

[@kaitibeeps5887]

!! oh my gosh! you explained this so clearly! i'm going to try this right away, thank you so much!

[@MimiJ-f4n]

This is wonderful! I never thought it could be done so easily. Thank you.

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

You are so welcome!

[@chuhsiao5345]

Is there an update on how well this method holds up against painting and time?

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

I will be doing a sketchbook tour video of it very soon, just finishing it up. I think it's held up well. I have several pages of full washes in there and it's handled fine. The spine has not broken or cracked either. I'm planning on making a second one.

[@dhirachakraborty9696]

Hi Jessica, thank you for the detailed tutorial. I have a question with regards to the glue. I know that most bookbinders glue are water soluble including the Lineco one that you are using. Given that this is a watercolour sketchbook, does the wet paper at all activate the glue during use ? What has your experience been ? Have you had the spine and binding hold up or does it start to come loose after fair use.

[@marshacook7840]

Very sketch book. Dollar tree has some good clamps.😍

[@coloredcarol8074]

Lovely! I have used this technique to make mini sketchbooks and it is wonderful. I want to try the bigger format now 😊

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Yes this works great for this size - if you want to see how it held up over time you can check out my watercolor sketchbook tour here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/parTin2FhK-DatE

[@stephenwelham]

Excellent idea kind regards steve

[@Creativefairydesigns]

thanks for the advise

[@antzieisme]

Thank you!

[@wdashwor]

Thanks so much for the tutorial. I have a lot of loose watercolor paper and am interested in starting with sketchbooks. But the other tutorials I saw involve stitching, etc., which just seems too labor intensive, so I was really glad to find this.

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

You are so welcome! I also have a tutorial on making mini watercolor sketchbooks, which you could also adapt and use with smaller scraps of paper: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6qvdJuXpJiAnbc

[@wdashwor]

@@JessicaLynnIllustration Excellent! :D I'll check it out.

[@RMurrell31]

Very nice, and very simple to do. Well done.👍🏻

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Thank you!

[@carolinew302]

I love this so much. I'm doing one tomorrow. Yay!!

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Yay! So glad to hear! 🙂

[@bestkoreanjesus]

Welcome back!

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Thank you! 😊 I missed making videos so I have a few in the works!

[@Rachel-dv2zy]

Hi! Do you have to use PVA glue or would something else like tacky glue work? Thanks

[@rubylinaluna5134]

Can i use a bondpaper??

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

I'm sorry I'm not familiar enough with bondpaper to answer. I'm not sure it would be able to handle water with watercolors, but it could be an acceptable drawing sketchbook.

[@Medina_Y2K]

Does the PVA glue dry flexible? Would it be better to use E6000? The book looks great!

[@giselecrevier3967]

I was wondering the same thing as the E6000 is the only glue available that "might" do that I can find in my area. I didn't take a chance and ordered the PVA online. Still, I'd like to know

[@ankelooft5226]

Thank you👏🥰👍

[@elizabethgray6697]

Super good idea! Thanks for the step by step. I wonder if contact paper would work? Seems that I always have some leftovers on hand.

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

You're welcome - yes I think contact paper would also work for the spine!

[@jude1515]

Perfect!

[@kicki.Abigail]

Oh no! After one coat of mod podge I realized that I have made the cutting wrong…. I should have folded not cut 4 individual papers!!! (I’m making a smaller sketchbook). I’m on the second coat of glue on the spine now, thinking of doing 5 in total. Will it work? We’ll see 🙈 Edit: It worked!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU👏🏼 amazing tutorial

[@Pifzilla]

Does anyone have any updates on how well this book holds? Like how many months, or years or days?

[@a.humphries8678]

Interested also.😊

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Hey there! I filled this watercolor sketchbook and posted a video tour of it earlier this year, so you'll be able to see how it held up. I made it in 2022, so it's held up well! Here is the link to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/parTin2FhK-DatE

[@a.humphries8678]

@@JessicaLynnIllustration awesome!!

[@peterangel6463]

Is chipboard a type of cardboard or a type of wood?

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

A very thick cardboard. It's often the backing of paper pads.

[@mq461004]

今まで見たなかで一番簡単そう　これ、やってみよう♥

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

ありがとう！ 😊

[@marytesta3003]

Fantastic tutorial.....thank-you! What weight of chipboard works best?

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

You're welcome! I looked back through my order history and found it: amzn.to/3Kqh92V

[@ralphherrick596]

Can you not fold the paper....if so do you still need glue or can you use packing tape?

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Yes you could use the paper without folding it. I also made a journal like this. You do need the glue though, as packing tape will not hold the weight of the inner pages. Eventually the stickiness will wear off and the pages will fall out. Whereas the PVA glue grips each page and dries flexible.

[@sonjavilliger9878]

Wonderfull, e maising, sorry no speak perfect englisch from switzerland 👍😍

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

No worries - thank you! 😊

[@ShorterFeatures]

I’m so excited to make these! I’ve got my first coat of glue drying! How long do you wait in between coats of glue?

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

I'm glad to see this tutorial is so helpful for others! 🥰 I wait until each layer is dry to the touch. You could also speed up the dry time with a hairdryer or heat gun, just be careful not to overheat it.

[@alisonlyons4691]

Brilliant simple and well explained tutorial. Thank you, just subscribed, will check out the video for the smaller ones ......Alioban ❤

[@Rengokutheflamehashira]

Would hot glue also work? Or Elmer’s or regular glue? I’m willing to do more coats for cheaper and less quality glue if that can also work.

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Hot glue may be too stiff when it dries and not allowing the bending of the pages. Elmer's glue would probably be your best cheap alternative though it is not archival and can yellow over time. Definitely recommend doing more coats with that.

[@Rengokutheflamehashira]

@@JessicaLynnIllustration Thank you!

[@sabz607]

um but the book says it is 25% cotten😖

[@Lala_B]

I don’t know why, but this makes me nervous. I’m always impatient and messy with glue. I always stitch my signatures. Gonna try it tho!!

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

I thought about stitching it originally but even with store bought sketchbooks I hate when paint seeps not only through the stitching holes, but in between the page signatures in the center onto other pages. As you can see even I was messy with the glue but it still turned out great and I'm going to make a second one! Definitely recommend trying it at least once 👍

[@Lala_B]

@@JessicaLynnIllustration You’re so right! I have so many pages with leaky stitch holes!😜

[@carolschedler3832]

🎉❤🎉

[@nicchogirl]

Well... hello 💕💕

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Hello 😊💖