The Best Watercolor Journals | Product Review with Sarah Cray of Let's Make Art

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

Can I just say that I know this has transitioned has been stressful but I already feel like yall are getting back to what this community used to be. I love these new video ideas. 🎉

[@LetsMakeArt]

You have no idea how much your comment means to us! We're working so hard behind the scenes to keep the creative fire burning and reading comments like this just reinforces that we're on the right path. THANK YOU!! So grateful you're here making art with us.

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

@@LetsMakeArt I’m so very grateful the company has taken this direction! I can’t imagine how scary it is but from my perspective y’all are doing all the right things. Looking forward to more 🫶🏻🥰

[@martywhalen3673]

Anyone else frantically taking screenshots of Sarah’s journals to add to that painting inspiration folder on your phone? 😂 Seriously though, love the video and seeing so much of your beautiful work, thank you for sharing ❤

[@amandaterrio4823]

I found an Arches 6in x 10in spiral bound watercolor journal. It’s my favorite

[@vikkibyington3066]

Sarah, I like the square journals something like a 5x5. The reason is I have to do most of my painting in bed. These journals allow me to hold it in one hand and paint with the other. I’ve been doing a lot of the abstract type, can’t remember what it is actually called, where you draw a continuous loopy line all around the journal page. I use mostly ink on these and I have found doing these so relaxing. I also see objects or faces within the lines so I can create them in my journal as I go. I tend to see faces….No rhyme or reason, no specific direction. It is very therapeutic for me since I struggle with anxiety especially at night. I also watch your videos that also have such a calming effect on me. Just sharing this in case others need something to help them relax. Thank you, Sarah, for being you. 🙏🏻❤️

[@petunia8472]

I have a lot of unused journals so I’m not buying anything new right now. My biggest take away from this video is to do a little something EVERY DAY! This is my new goal starting tomorrow!!!!! I’m recently retired so time is not an excuse for me. A total artistic mental block is hampering me now. So I think the ‘do a little painting every day’ plan is for me! And I can use all of my current journals!!!! Wish me luck!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Wishing you nothing but creative fun. Happy painting friend!

[@veeroach]

Thank You! Your journals are beautiful. My goal this year is to do more plein air and landscapes. I have never really found joy in journal paper so I take old hard cover books gut them and bind in watercolor paper. They look nice on my shelf.

[@dianefletcher5052]

Sarah I just want to thank you so much for all of your insight. You make me want to paint and I love your paintings.

[@cherylcolby1954]

Sarah, I’m so glad to find this video on sketch books for watercolor. I’ve been looking at them and wondering what is most important to know before purchasing. Thank you so much!!

[@kateprice2419]

A review of what you look for in watercolor brushes would be really useful. I have brush shapes that I enjoy, but there are so many different kinds of watercolor brushes it can be overwhelming to pick one to use.

[@susie1216]

Yes! I agree!

[@traceydeuschle-burke4231]

I agree too

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thanks for the great idea!

[@plove523]

I love all 3 of the Etchr sketchbooks. I gifted myself their signature sketchbook for Christmas a couple of years ago. I usually put my planned sketches in there. The white ones I use for everyday at home. Sometimes it's a finished piece, sometimes it's practicing an element I want to incorporate in a larger painting, working out values and style. Sometimes it's swatching out a new color or brush stroke practice with a new brush. My favorite brands are the Hahnemuhle 100% cotton and the Kolo spiral bound professional watercolor book (the one with the beige cover). I like small books for carrying with me and painting in public and larger ones at home. The orientation at home doesn't seem to matter to me, I can just rotate the book, but for plein air or urban sketching, I like landscape so I can clip my little palette to the top.

[@susansear7968]

I love that you do not feel the need to paint the pages in order!

[@botticelli728]

I've been thinking of using watercolor journals to go through KZbin videos of specific artists as a way of learning watercolor in a more systematic way; this is valuable information. Thank you!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Such a good idea!

[@susanbricker7410]

I forgot to mention that i would love to support LMA if you share links to the items you're showing so you can make a percentage from the sale! I think many in your LMA community would feel the same. Just saying...😉

[@susanbricker7410]

Thank you so much for this Sarah and Michael! I applaud you both for all you've accomplished with YOUR LMA!!! I trust you and cherish your passion to share your expertise and advice to other creatives. You're doing an outstanding job with LMA. I would love to see more videos on paints, (ex.Beam), brushes (ex.the use of each one), and would love to see a live of you using your Hot Press Archer and Olive journal(it's beautiful). I'm a writer and painter and would love to watch you create in it. I've never used Hot Press and I'm interested. I think this is a wonderful idea to add to your painting videos, that i cherish!! You're awesome and I can't thank you and Michael enough for the beautiful community and company you've built and for sharing your love for painting and creativity!! Blessings to you and your family. I'm confident LMA will be all you imagine and more!❤🖌🎨🖼❤

[@kays9104]

Kilimanjaro Watercolor Paintbooks from Cheap Joe's is one of my favorite watercolor journals because there's a sketchpage/notetaking page between each watercolor paper page. I find it takes watercolor very well. They only have spiral bound.

[@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919]

Your paintings are gorgeous. I got fed up with wonky journal sizes and stopped buying them. Now I make my own. I love designing and making covers for them. One day these journals will be in the hands of my kids, so I'm making them with a lot of love and care. The actual process of making the journals before painting in them is so satisfying. I get excited to paint that first page. Right now I'm making square journals of all sizes, but the smaller ones are what I'm painting in most lately.

[@JamieStronciski]

Absolutely loved seeing into your journals. Very inspiring! Hopefully we will see some in tutorials. I recently bought one of your prints and I love it. 🥰

[@MsJatek]

I love that you bought LMA and are here to teach us all things watercolor! You inspire me. Thank you 💕

[@marikathrynhendrix999]

I love your Italy journal. Wow!! I bought a tumuarta square shaped journal and just started painting on my Europe trip. It’s great so far! Thick paper. Good to see you do paint on both sides of the paper.

[@annenglish2935]

I haven't painted on it yet, but what a great deal on Amazon! Happy to hear you like it! ❤

[@traciw.5888]

Thank you for sharing your journals. They are gorgeous ❣️

[@lisaannef]

Thanks for sharing your journals. You have some beautiful landscapes!

[@debbywawrzyniak3166]

Thank you Sarah. I’ve wanted to do a watercolor journal for some time. I appreciate your insights!!!!

[@annenglish2935]

Loving your tutorials!!! You are at the heart, Sarah! You and your husband!!! I haven't used the cotton Bee Watercolor Journals but I bought some. Haven't painted in 18 months but still follow my favorites! I'm a newbie that needs to begin again 😂 🎉 ❤ With love and gratitude from a California Gramma ❤

[@lisetteflores5837]

Thank you for showing all the different types of books. I have many books i have never used..i will be flexible and try using different manners of watercoloring and see what happens. Thank you

[@valley.sketches]

I love seeing inside your journals! So beautiful and inspiring!!

[@PattieVelasquez-r4k]

Thank you that was extremely helpful and something I have wanted to try Sarah ❤️

[@ashleybrethold7158]

Love love love the new types of videos! Keep em coming ❤

[@LetsMakeArt]

SO THRILLED to hear this! Don't you worry, we'll keep em coming, it just makes us giddy to know that you enjoyed this video as much as we've been excited about this new series of videos.

[@lynnekeenan9367]

Thank you for this review! Your art is stunning!!

[@johnsalamone3152]

❤ Thank you for this video. Very informative and helpful. Your sky and water paintings on that hot press paper are stunning!!! ❤

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you!❤️

[@rbud9400]

Thank you for this review! Looking at your free painting time is inspiring!!!

[@yetanothercluelessgardener]

I agree 100% that we should be able to adjust and paint on different kinds of paper. I love doing that.

[@amberlean3]

Thank you for this video! This is super inspiring. Your journals are gorgeous ❤ A tutorial I’d love to see in the future in the subscription are parrot tulips!

[@AprilBeck-w9e]

The end where you talk about how you never want to say "you need this...." wether it is paper or paint was poignant. I live in the middle of no where oversees and often run out of supplies that I have brought from the US. To hear you talk about using what you have was very inspiring and encouraging and motivating to keep trying with the materials I can get in country. Thank you.

[@sheriab007]

I definitely love Etcher too. I also love stillman & Birn Beta series in the square format. The stitched binding and rounded corners just make me happy.

[@michelemarquardt326]

I enjoyed seeing your journals, especially the variety of what you paint in them.

[@cindymueller8104]

This review was so helpful. Thank you!! Also, we got a Birds Eye view of your incredible art!! I especially enjoyed the portraits you’ve painted! I would love to have you do a portrait digital box! Please consider. The ones in your journals would be fantastic!

[@christinedrake1645]

your journals are gorgeous... OK I will finally use mine... I was saving them for when I am better... Now I can do it

[@rebeccamettert]

Love this ❤

[@paigeholden8829]

Love this! Have you tried Etchr’s signature series sketchbooks? I have the cold press and I am in love. It is the 100% cotton Fabriano Artistico 300 gsm paper that I love to paint on for my finished works too. And I love the deckled edges 😍 It is pricey but absolutely gorgeous.

[@NoraIerace]

Dear Sarah and Michael, first of all I have to say that I am so excited that you bought Let’s Make Art!!!! I have to say that I personally was a little worried at the beginning of the year when the entire site was on sale… I am almost an original LMA , back in August 2019 when I was introduced to LMA. I was always intimidated by watercolor but it was my pending subject, I needed to learn . I studied oil and acrylic and I have been painting since the 90 but watercolor was frightening…till I found you and I understood how it works and after all it’s just a piece of paper!!!! And boy what a ride since then!!! You taught me things that Oolite Arts or Miami Art league didn’t and I am so grateful for it. I support you and Michael 100% . Congrats. Ps that collaboration with Archer and Olive is it available? I enjoy every video, class , and of course I loved watching you painting with your kids , and Jesse which now I continue doing art journaling with her , and who doesn’t live an art cheerleader Keenan and Nicole and of course Lorie !I just love my LMA family!!! Thanks again !!!❤

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you for all of the kindness and encouragement!! We're so glad you're here creating along with us! Sarah's Archer & Olive collection unfortunately is no longer available.

[@jenniferdjesse4215]

Yay! Thank you so much for sharing! I always wondered about the Etcher journal. It will definitely be on my list, I’m almost done with the one I’m working on.

[@faithycc4388]

Absolutely love this! Thank you so much for making this video on watercolor journals - I’ll go buy a new journal:)

[@ericaposey2440]

Thank you!

[@taylorholloway__]

I love Etchr sketchbooks, im on my 5 one!!! The best

[@vintagehomekeeper]

Oh!! I love the idea of different salts! Also, I would love to see an overview of Friskit type products you like and have used.

[@suel4269]

I love Kilaminjaro paint books exclusively sold at Cheap Joes Art Stuff, USA.

[@susie1216]

Me tooooo!

[@deirdreryan7402]

Yas!!!

[@betsykirk6848]

I loved this. I follow you on instagram and see your morning paintings. I love them and have always wondered what journals/sketchbooks you were using. Once I get through the ones I already have, I know what to look for next. Thanks!!

[@debbieableartandfashion]

hi I love your art pieces, have you done a video showing how to paint that window frame with the landscape background? thanks

[@deannahause2734]

I bought a little journal from Shadowlight Binding. It has Arches cold press and is gorgeous❣️ She has bigger sizes too. It is a special treat to paint in

[@BB-it3mx]

Do you have the 100% Cotton Watercolor Book from Hahnemuehle? I think they launched it early last year? I really like that one.

[@lanastehle9274]

your art is so pretty.❤

[@nhansalgado2332]

Sarah, where did you buy that pink blouse? It’s so beautiful!

[@debrabirkinshaw8409]

Yes 🙌 the paper-crucial.

[@debramyers3571]

What a great comparison! Thank you. I especially appreciate the last portion on non-traditional supplies and finding the value in learning to work with what it is. I have some supplies that frustrate me and I need to step back to let the paper do whatever it is that it does best rather than what I want it to be. (Does that make sense?)

[@debramyers3571]

Oh, and thanks for the inspiration!!!

[@LetsMakeArt]

We totally get what you're saying and could not agree more with your approach of stepping back and allowing the paper to do it's thing!

[@kimlauder6899]

Love this. Thank you ❤

[@hannahcrumley3103]

I love the same Etchr sketch book best! I am interested in trying the sketchbook that you did the cover on- is that still available- could you add a link if it is? Those long narrow books are easily packed and used for landscape for plein air work but I’m not sure if that’s what they are necessarily designed for, that’s all I use them for. I am so happy that you and your husband bought back your company! Yay! I enjoy your tutorials and your wonderful attitude toward art!

[@LetsMakeArt]

The collaboration Sarah did with Archer & Olive is unfortunately no longer available.

[@suewegert2323]

Would like to know the sources for the journals you mention. Really appreciate the information. I e been looking for a journal that isn’t just pulp and they are hard to find that are affordable at least. Keep up the good program.

[@milenamarcocci6320]

Your very beautiful ,sweety and a very great artiste❤❤❤❤ bravissima

[@jkesse1]

OMG such a tease. I want one of those Archer and Olive journal but they don't launch until tomorrow!!

[@YumikoMuto]

It's really fun to watch Sarah's journals. I want to start mine.

[@Color_me_crafty]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on brushes! I just bought a new one, which I was so excited about, but upon painting with it….it is much softer than I realized😬 I don’t love it😂

[@maryborgsmiller9017]

Love this video! I just ordered an etchr journal and cannot wait to try it on vacation. I would love to know which watercolor paper you like the best? I just bought Grubacher at Walmart because that was all they had and I'm not crazy about it. It gets grainy with too much water, but I find that with Caslon XL also. I live in a town with not much available so online purchases are what I have to depend on.

[@judithmcilwee]

I love the Baohong but difficult to get

[@Maren_Mcclellan]

My favorite watercolor journal is the blue masters touch medium sized! It’s amazing paper. It’s at hobby lobby and there always having a sale. Or canson I use canson the magority of the time. I prefer the hobby lobby one though

[@emilyjohnson2390]

Aside from size, what was your overall impression of the quality of the moleskine sketchbook paper? Would you consider it to be a good option for someone on a budget, or would you suggest skipping it and splurging on an etchr sketchbook? Thanks!

[@betwana]

I LOVE the loose type of painting that was inspired by your friend Joanna ... can you do some tutorials showing how this method is done?

[@JennyRaisbeck]

Agree!

[@colourpalettesbymichelle]

What is the size/type of the Hahnemuhle journals shown in the video?

[@IBeLieveInChrist07]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jainagel3097]

It looks like you have taped some of the painting off and get beautiful boarders. How well does tape work in journals?

[@LetsMakeArt]

Perfect, never had an issue with the tape in the journals I’ve used it in!

[@VickersConnie]

Love this review! 12 days of Christmas? (Or however many days it was)

[@Color_me_crafty]

I know you have a folder of reference photos on your phone😂😂 I feel seen…👀👀 I do not have a journal practice but this sounds like something I need to start!

[@charlinefisher2650]

I use just the regular etcher in 100% cotton but also enjoy using one that’s not cotton is strathmore 400 series. Have also tried a 25% cotton that’s fair. Things get expensive using the cotton all of the time. Tried that one from India made from recycled rags. Which I don’t like

[@allyaceart5613]

How about the best pens for watercolor? I like microns but they can be testy.

[@IlustraLilian]

My favorite is Etchr as well. Unfortunately is prohibitive to import nowadays with the new taxes in my country (Brazil). I truly hate the president, btw. I have to use Hahnemuele and I don’t much like their sketchbook papers. It’s not the worst, but Etchr is much better. Or I have to do my own. I know how to, but I prefer not to. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@sharonling-LetsArtToday]

I loved the 6x6 Dina Wakley journal (white) which is no longer available, but from my understanding it was heavy weight cotton rag (khadi). I would love to hear/see your thoughts, on that paper.

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thanks for suggesting paper, we can definitely add that to our list of topics to cover with this series.

[@gailh4978]

What size is the Etchr journal that you like?

[@cathylathrop8104]

Is that the B5 size in etchr?

[@mandypittman1154]

Are there links on here somewhere? I would love to know that I am finding the right journals so similar ones to what Sarah reviewed.

[@reginamalm6263]

Can share where you buy yours? Please our sell on LMA thanks

[@sarahpierce6250]

I'm going to order some of these journals. Do you all have an affiliate link?

[@LetsMakeArt]

We do not. BUT we hope you order your journals and have THE BEST time creating within them!

[@reginamalm6263]

Looks like a business opportunity LMA. I have been looking for years. I want 100 cotton lay flat paint both sides. 140 pd.i like etchr but its not 140 its 110 out of stock and pricey. The perfect is 140 pd but its its $70 and harder to find

[@jessicakeeler4568]

What was the white journal call it looks like a great size would like to check it out.

[@LetsMakeArt]

It's an Etcher Mixed Media Journal. www.amazon.com/ETCHR-Portrait-Sketchbook-Hardcover-Customizable/dp/B098GH5B2Q/ref=asc_df_B098GH5B2Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693516483782&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11096065266689744490&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1026990&hvtargid=pla-1431709862293&psc=1&mcid=f31accc817273e7e8f5032411ff65308&gad_source=1

[@jessicakeeler4568]

@@LetsMakeArt Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I really appreciate it! Keep up the great work, I like the what you are doing with the platform!

[@johnlang1933]

I bought my first watercolor journal back in December of’23…it’s spiral bound,8x8” handmade 100%cotton paper (made in India from cotton scraps…”tree-free”) the only downside I’ve found is you can’t use tape or frisket on it…it tears the paper and ruins the painting..

[@ingerlarsson7096]

🥰👍🌞🌟

[@LaurieMowat-ss4ri]

The American pronunciation is ‘Moleskin’. Just pretend the ‘e’ isn’t there.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

I really enjoyed this video! And I love Etchr sketchbooks - SKETCHES10 will save you 10 percent. I love how you approach your journals too, I can totally relate with the benefit of having a place to create whatever you want

[@darmarferi]

Thank you !

[@debbieableartandfashion]

could you show us how to paint a lake with water drops that you had in this videos of journals?The Best Watercolor Journals | Product Review with Sarah Cray of Let's Make Art

[@ingerlarsson7096]

🥰👍🌞🌟

[@betsi9183]

Watercolor paint dry and in tubes, I prefer the ones dry but I see more artist prefer the other ones