How to make a watercolour sketchbook - easy concertina or accordion

[@carolynritchie8778]

Hi Liz. Just wanted to say how much I loved the sketchbook videos. Very clear instructions and demonstrations. I’ve made several of these now. Great fun. Thank you for showing how to do them. Love the “mistakes” too - we all make them! 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

I like to keep it real! 😆

[@blueviolets2022]

Thank you so much. I dont know how I missed this one while searching. A YT thing, I guess. I made one last night, using 9x12 inch papers, and stitched 3 lengths together, using an x type stitch across the 2 ends, where it folds as if there were a fold there. Its really cool looking, but I dont know how usable and long lasting it will be. Lol I used embroidery thread to have the color accent it. Im thinking of attaching the covers the same way, thread on the very ends. You are a wealth of knowledge, I appreciate your videos so very much, thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

that sounds really pretty!

[@pamelahunt236]

Love these ideas! I especially love the concertina style. There is no end to the pretty cover ideas and beautiful paintings that can be inside!! Thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

You can go as fancy as you like!

[@mianoname9825]

Very nice clip, very informative and I really like your teaching style 👍Thank you for also showing how to stick multiple strips together which is where most videos I've seen so far stopped... The option of sticking multiple pieces of paper together also gives you the option of using up pieces of paper (pads, various papers flying around in your house etc.) and making them into a long concertina. Lovely!

[@LizChadertonArt]

The joy of this one is that you can make the book as long as you like. on Sunday 23, I’m doing a ring binder which is great for using up different papers too.

[@conniemorrison]

A mural in a sketchbook...love it!

[@LizChadertonArt]

I love these accordion sketchnooks...

[@caterinalupo9061]

Thank you so much. Video very interesting.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carolmikolj5134]

This was a great video. I make junk journals and have made concertina journals before but I would love a little sketchbook to take on holiday so I will definitely be having a go. I will probably reuse an old hard backed book cover for the binding.

[@LizChadertonArt]

That's a great idea!

[@karendirmish2696]

What a wonderful video to watch! To make my own sketch book, I love watching you because you love teaching! Will I ever make my own sketchbook, only time will tell! Thanks for always sharing! Karen Dirmish, learner 3:37

[@LizChadertonArt]

it is fun sharing ideas

[@milleraz221]

What a delightful project for the coming year. Your instructions are clear and precise and your manner is charming. Thank you

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much! I love these books. They are great as a holiday journal too

[@maureenchye]

Amazing tutorials! You've definitely inspired me to make only 1, but several concertina style sketchbooks! Thank you!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

sorry they are very addictive!

[@artgirl7649]

You are precious! You have a beautiful teaching style. Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge... 🕊️☺️

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome.

[@CandiCardenas-f3n]

Thank you for this video on how to make my own accordion journal. I think I missed the fact that the pages should be an even number, but regardless I made it work. Working along with your video makes me feel like I am crafting with a friend. I love all your ideas, tips and suggestions. The giant button with braided cord is genius. Happy Journaling.

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome! and that's a lovely thing to say 😊

[@polgara28]

Thank you so much for making this video! It looks like a lot of fun! Some great tips in there, also. I especially like being able to recycle the boards from old blocks and paper pads. Have a wonderful day! ❤️

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure. It’s very satisfying to recycle and upcycle!

[@pokemama9317]

Thanks so much for a wonderful video Liz, I really like your teaching style. You take the time to show all the details (like the nip the corner tip) and propose many different options so we don’t need to get fancy equipment. And you have so many wonderful ideas on how to make them look pretty! I might have to do a few sketchbooks now 😃

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much! Be warned it becomes addictive. I have so many books now!!

[@pokemama9317]

@@LizChadertonArt ahah! Thanks for the warning 😆

[@LoreleiBell-n6m]

I've yet to try and make one of these. Made a couple of sketchbooks, thanks to your instructive video, though. (:

[@LizChadertonArt]

be warned, they get addictive!

[@impish22]

wow.. can't wait to try it..!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Have fun!

[@leighrogers1383]

Thanks for this Liz...I’m definitely going to give this a try 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

Hope you like it!

[@sailajaallanki6126]

Thank you for explaining so clearly.🎉❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@allyw]

Thanks Liz, I was going to buy a watercolour sketchbook but after seeing this I am going to make one. Great tutorial 🙂

[@LizChadertonArt]

Have fun! It does get addictive - I am guilty of making sketch books and not using them!!

[@rhondaw66]

I love these type of concertina sketchbooks. I was wondering if I could make my own so thank you for this video just what I needed without having to either buy online or have to do my own sketchbooks with the book binding methods. 😍🎨 Happy days

[@LizChadertonArt]

They are easy to make and I love using them

[@rhondaw66]

@@LizChadertonArt I can’t wait to get started and works out better as I can make the size I want that is practical for my needs. It sure has blown me away. So thank you for the wonderful video..

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@rhondaw66 😃

[@isabelwittich9148]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome

[@sds9418]

Oh it's lovely ! All the video is very very interesting !!! Love this too ! Have a good new year Liz ...we hope some more peace all around in the world !

[@LizChadertonArt]

Yes to a peaceful 2022 and glad you enjoyed this 😃

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

This is wonderful! I haven't tried a concertina sketchbook...yet 😉. Went and found some book binders board on Amazon. The boards will be so much easier to use than gluing cereal boxes together lol! Adding the ribbon was such a nice touch. Thank you!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Yes, using grey board is easier and it’s pretty cheap. But recycling the backs of old sketchbooks, or old hard back books is good too. Often packs of paper come with board too so you learn to save all sorts of useful stuff!

[@susancook1617]

Thanks Liz, a great tutorial

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Cynthia.B]

I think this one's my favorite of your tutorials on making your own sketchbooks! If you have time to answer a couple of questions, I'd greatly appreciate it... I was wondering if the watercolor paper I have would be too thick to fold for a concertina book? It is Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper - 22" x 30", Cold Press, 140 lb/300 gsm. Maybe the Binder ring or Perfect bound style would be a better option for this particular paper? Also, I bought some pretty forest green mat board (cut to a few different sizes) to use for the covers, but I might like to cover it with some decorative paper or fabric for some books. My mother suggested my old torn up jeans, which I would like to "upcycle"! The denim is thin enough to cut easily. Have you personally made any sketchbook journals with fabric covers?

[@LizChadertonArt]

140lb will work. You might have to score with a blunt edge to get it to fold neatly and weight it down to stop it boinging open! If you have a bone folder that’s perfect, but the back of a pair of scissors would work. Don’t cut into the paper, just dent it. I have covered a book with cloth. The issue is stretching and the glue seeping through. Usually you iron on interfacing on the back to stop glue coming through and the stabilise it.

[@Cynthia.B]

​@@LizChadertonArt Hello Liz! Thank you so much for the reply! Interfacing - great idea! Can't wait to start making one. Wish I could see all of your beautiful books. Your artwork is wonderful, too. I especially love the farm animal cards. The cow is my favorite. ❤ Thank you and have a wonderful week! 🌷🐰🦋

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@Cynthia.B have fun book making 😊

[@caroltribou3408]

Thank you Liz and especially for taking your time and not rushing through it! I’m wanting to know what cartridge paper is. Is it card stock? And I know it has to be able to take watercolor well and not all heavy papers do. I’m in the US so I know some of the terms are different. Thank you so much!

[@LizChadertonArt]

cartridge paper is heavy good quality drawing paper. this is about 120lb/250gsm. it wasn’t marked so I’m guessing. I didn’t realise that it wasn’t called this everywhere in the world!

[@caroltribou3408]

@@LizChadertonArt :)

[@sarahhunnicutt3769]

I used water reactive crayons to make designs on the paper before I cut it. Now, my two envelopes have the design on the inside. Would you agree that that is just a result of the fact that I colored it before hand, and that I have folded it correctly?thank you.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I’m sorry I can’t say whether you’ve folded it correctly without seeing. But does it work for you?in which case it’s fine 😀