How to make a sketchbook - ideas for filling it out. How to make a sketchbook with your own hands at home How to make a sketchbook on rings

Nowadays, not only poets and artists use sketchbooks. Notebooks have become an integral part of almost every person. You can spend hours choosing a suitable album in stores, but it’s much more interesting to make something yourself. A handmade sketchbook can become not only a stylish and convenient attribute, but also demonstrate the creativity of its owner.

Sketchbook: what is it?

Sketchbook, translated from English, means “book for sketches.” For a long time, this item was an indispensable attribute of artists and writers, but nowadays it is also used by representatives of other professions, one way or another connected with creativity. In such a unique diary, you can sketch your ideas, findings and impressions, both in words and with the help of a drawing.

Photos, tickets, pictures and other memorabilia are pasted here. Many professional artists have several sketchbooks. Sketchbooks come in different sizes and shapes: large ones for serious projects, and tiny ones for jotting down immediate ideas.

How to make a sketchbook with your own hands?

Before you start making a sketchbook, you should think about what functions it will perform: will it become a notebook for sketches or for notes, or maybe it will combine all these functions? It all depends on your ideas and imagination. First you need to prepare and think through the following things:

Sketchbook size and shape. What matters here is where you will use it and how often.
Format that suits your needs (rectangular, square, etc.)
Paper. It can be not only different in color and texture, but also in thickness, lined or clean.
Cardboard for endpaper.
Fabric or leather.
Needle and thread (preferably silk).
Glue (it is advisable to use different glue during the process: pencil, moment or silicone).
Ruler and pencil.
Scissors.
Gauze or bandage.
Foam rubber or synthetic winterizer.
Thick cardboard for binding or tablet (if you want to make the front and back covers from different materials).
Additional decorations to suit your taste.

If you look at the book binding from the inside, you can see that the sheets are sewn together in small blocks. This entire design is not difficult to repeat; it just requires patience and accuracy.

Let's start with the main part - the paper block. To do this, you will need to sew the sheets into small notebooks. First you need to bend the sheets in half, and then fold them together, connecting them at the folds. Make sure that the edges of the paper match, and do not fold more than 3 sheets at a time, so that later they will be easier to pierce. The number of notebooks will depend on how thick the notebook you want to make.

Now let's proceed to the most important stage of the work - stitching the sheets. Let's start with the outermost hole. We insert a needle and thread into it, then take it out, and then thread the needle into the hole of the adjacent notebook. Now we take the needle out again, but through the adjacent puncture. Next, you must pass the thread inside the first notebook, but at the same time you need to bring the needle out through the same hole, catching the thread stretched inside the book along the way. We sew the rest of the part according to the same pattern, using a needle to grab the threads stretched in the neighborhood. In order to fasten the notebooks together, we bring the thread out and hook the jumper of the other notebook with a loop. Then you should thread the needle through the hole into the book. As a result, the seam should resemble a pigtail.

Now let's move on to the cover. First, cover the spine of the notebook with gauze, and then cut out 2 large rectangles (in the shape of sheets) and 1 narrow one (to cover the spine) from the thickest cardboard. Be sure to leave an allowance before cutting. Next, pieces of cardboard can be wrapped in fabric or leather, making a layer of foam rubber or padding polyester (optional). Then we sew the corners of the fabric and tuck them nicely. The edges of the covering can be glued to a cardboard blank, then we cover them with a flyleaf made of decorative paper.

Before connecting the block of sheets to the cover, you can glue an elastic band or bookmark tape between them.

You can take the easier route and make a sketchbook using staples. There is no need to stitch such an album. All you need to do is make holes in the stack of paper using a hole punch. The cover is made in the same way. The advantage of such a notebook is that, if necessary, you can add new sheets or replace them.

You can add clasps, pockets, bookmarks and much more to your sketchbook. etc. When designing a cover, you can use any materials and develop your own design, showing your individuality. This is the advantage of a handmade sketchbook over purchased notebooks.

Keeping a sketchbook is a useful activity that will help not only develop various skills, but also preserve ideas and memories for a long time. Of course, you can buy the finished product at any office supply store. But it’s much more pleasant to make a sketchbook yourself and decorate it according to your desire and mood.

On the Internet there are many examples of how to make a sketchbook with your own hands. But in most cases, the option of filing a certain number of pages and making your own cover is considered. This method requires a certain amount of time. I didn’t really want to waste time with filing pages, so I found an easier method, which I will describe in this article.

So, how easy and fast make a sketchbook with your own hands? At the same time, the sketchbook should be small, A5 or B6 format, with thick paper that could be used for watercolors, and also that the pages should be rotated 180 degrees so that you can draw on the spreads. Basically, I needed a cheaper and more reliable sketchbook a la Moleskine.

So I headed to the nearest store in search of regular watercolor tablets (gluing sheets on a cardboard sketchbook type tablet). Fortunately, I just came across a small album from the company Palazzo, called - tablet for watercolors "Old Tallinn". Format 130x187 (closer to B6), 20 sheets in an album, which are already rotated 180 degrees. The paper weight is 200 g/m2 - not much, but quite suitable for watercolor sketches.

To create a sketchbook, we need at least two such albums. But I decided not to stop there and took 4 albums at once so that make a sketchbook more powerful of 80 sheets for watercolors. In addition, also purchase glue and a piece of thick fabric.

I used two types of glue. One is a super glue gel, which, according to the packaging, creates a flexible seam, the other is regular instant glue. I cut the fabric the width of the short side of the album.

The next step was to tear off the thin cover from each album:

Thus, I got two clean glued papers for watercolors, which, by the way, are glued very well and do not fall apart when the pages are opened a full 180 degrees.

Then we carefully fold all four albums together, aligning them along the edges so that the two glued notes are in the middle, and the cardboard tablets become the hard cover of the sketchbook.

Next, take super glue and apply it to the spine, as well as about 1 cm on the cardboard tablets. Spread the squeezed out lumps of glue in a thin, even layer. Here, by the way, you can try using glue that remains flexible, for example, silicone-based.

We take the prepared fabric and carefully glue it to the spine, folding it onto cardboard tablets. As you can see, everything is very simple and fast. In fact, you can already use this sketchbook.

But I decided to strengthen the cover a little and also secure the fabric better on the spine of the sketchbook. To do this, I applied a thin layer of moment glue onto a cardboard tablet.

And I glued another cardboard tablet to it, which we had previously torn off from one of the albums. Thus, the cover became twice as thick, while hiding and additionally holding the fabric spine.

We repeat the same thing on the other side, and our sketchbook ready!

Let the glue dry a little. Eventually sketchbook turned out to be both powerful and compact, while its pages unfold 180 degrees, like the famous Moleskine. Of course, the quality of the paper leaves much to be desired in comparison, but the cost of such a sketchbook turned out to be relatively low, especially considering the low time required for its production and the large number of pages for watercolors. And note - no stitching with threads. The cardboard cover can then be decorated as desired.

After the glue had dried, I decided to test the creation a little sketchbook. There was just an apple on my table, with a drawing of which I opened the first page of the sketchbook. With a light pencil sketch and a light green fill, I defined the shape of an apple.

Then I showed the shadow areas and transitions with darker shades of green, plus I showed a piece of the surface with brown shades.

I could have stopped there, but I had watercolor pencils on hand, so I went over the watercolor a little more with pencils, adding just a little detail:

In general, I liked drawing in own sketchbook. It is pleasant and comfortable to hold in your hands. The hard cover of the sketchbook you make allows you to draw in it even just sitting on your lap. The sheets open perfectly even in the middle by 180 degrees. It took no more than half an hour to create such a sketchbook. An excellent analogue to expensive sketchbooks.

If you are still afraid of spoiling expensive store-bought sketchbooks such as Moleskines, then I recommend paying attention to the budget option described here. It is very well suited for various experiments with watercolors and other graphic materials.

I have repeatedly invited all my friends who were interested in my drawings to try their hand. There are three types of excuses in this case:
-I will never succeed;
-I have no time;
-I don’t have tools (“It’s good for you to have a pen, a sketchbook, and paints”).

I’ll write about the first and second excuses sometime next time, but today I’ll tell you how to make an excellent sketchbook for learning to draw in a matter of minutes, practically for free, and from almost nothing. It has certain disadvantages, but we will look at these below.

Like last time, we will. As for me, this is one of the most convenient formats - small enough to carry it with you everywhere and, at the same time, the size allows you to make not only micro-, but also normal-sized sketches. And there is still room to write whatever comes into your head.

To create an A5 sketchbook with a volume of 14 sheets, I just needed:
- 0 rubles;
-10 minutes time.

I took 7 sheets of regular “printer” paper, supplies of which almost everyone has at home. Or at least at work. By the way, if you are ashamed to steal them, contact the management of your company - let them bill you for 7 sheets. For example, at current prices in Donetsk, it will cost about 6 rubles. I deeply doubt that even the most clueless employee will not be given these 7 pieces of paper just like that, especially if he honestly offers to pay for them.

Using scissors, we cut the sheets one by one along the line, collect the resulting 14 A5 sheets in a stack and pass along one side with a regular stapler. If you don’t have such a useful thing at home, a stapler, go to the office and do the same trick as with paper. Only now we buy 4-7 paper clips for the stapler.

Everything is ready - you have it amazing, most the best in the world and a sketchbook that you received as a gift, which you also made with your own hands. Yes, it's not Moleskine, but is it checkers or ride for you? This is a great sketchbook for learning to draw.

For example, I am now actively using just such a sketchbook for exercises based on Mark Kistler’s book “You can draw in 30 days” and I am very pleased. Let's summarize by listing the main advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:
-free (cheap);
-you can choose the opening method/location of the binding (paper clips fit perfectly on any side);
-done in 5 minutes;
-you now have a place to draw!
Minuses:
-lack of hard cover;
-thin paper, suitable for sketches with a gel pen, to a lesser extent with a pencil, and not at all suitable for paints;
- lack of prestige (this is not a branded sketchbook).

My used educational sketchbook looks like this:

By the way, it has already ended, it’s time to make a new one, which I advise you to do.

In the comments to the last post, only three people actively commented, and each of them had quite a lot of unusual versions of the perception of my drawings. Now I’m very interested in what exactly will be seen in the photo of the sketchbook in this post - it’s a very strange design with incredible scope for the imagination.

Today, most poets and artists use sketchbooks for their sketches. And to quickly leave someone a note, a phone number, write down something important in a hurry or just make some notes throughout the day, you need a notepad. In stores you can find a bunch of different options for albums and notebooks. But it is by no means necessary to buy. After all, to make such a thing yourself, you don’t need to be a master. And an album designed with your own hands will only emphasize the individuality of its author.

In contact with

A sketchbook, in English, is a “book of sketches.” But usually it combines two functions: notes, and, of course, sketches.

So, to make a sketchbook, you will need the following tools and materials:

Simple master class

Initially, you need to take 5 large A3 sheets from the sketchbook and divide them in half using a ruler and a stationery knife. For greater accuracy, it is best to do these steps separately for each sheet. To do this, you need to put one sheet on a mock-up mat, place a ruler on the marking in the place where you need to draw a line (in the center of the sheet), and, using a sharp stationery knife, pressing the ruler well to the mat, draw along the sheet, thereby dividing it into 2 parts that are equal to each other.

Next, you need to perform the following steps, again for each sheet separately. Fold the sheet in half and hold it at the bend with the edge of a ruler or a special creasing stick. It is important to do this with a smooth, hard, comfortable object so as not to leave marks on the sheets of paper.

After all the sheets are neatly bent, you should fold them one on one. You should get a kind of sheet block. But necessarily those sheets that are inside will protrude beyond the top ones. This needs to be fixed. It is necessary to attach the ruler so that its edge coincides with the border of the outer sheet in the block. Take a utility knife and start carefully trim the edges of all leaves in sequence. The main thing is to take your time and do everything carefully.

The result should be a more or less even edge for all the leaves. If there are still some lint left, you can use regular polishing and easily get rid of them.

After this, use a ruler to measure the length and width of the block. Using these dimensions, cut out the cover from colored paper. Bend the resulting sheet following the example of sheets from the block, put the already prepared “filling” with paper into it. If necessary, trim the edges of the cover using a ruler and a utility knife.

If thin paper was chosen for the sketchbook, then you can immediately “punch” it. It is better to hole thick sheets separately. But, before doing this, you need to use a ruler and pencil to mark the desired locations for the holes. If the hole punch is double, you can not mark anything and just do everything by eye. Holes should be made at the edges of the bend, in the form of a semicircle.

To sew all the sheets into one album, you need to stretch a pre-prepared lace through the resulting holes. Make a knot on the outside. You can make stylish pendants at the ends of the lace by tying, for example, your favorite ones to them.

This DIY sketchbook can be used as a notebook for a university or school, as a drawing album for a child in first grade, or as a regular notebook. Such a unique album is in no way limited in its design by the imagination of the master or amateur who makes it with his own hands. Some avid sketchers even number their sketchbooks on the covers. For those who are planning to make it themselves, it would be better to read or watch master classes.

How do professionals do it?

Many master artists approach the creation of their albums very meticulous: they make leather covers, pockets for notes, and any additional decorations. To create such sketchbooks you may need the following materials:

Fabric or leather
Cardboard for endpaper
Gauze (for cover)
Foam rubber (or padding polyester)
Button and elastic band (to make a fastener)

One of the fairly famous sketch masters uses the following rules for creating his sketchbooks:

In fact, keeping a sketchbook even for a beginner will be very interesting and useful. There you can visualize any thoughts by making notes on them. And it would be a shame to throw away an album you made with your own hands and with your soul.

Nowadays, not only poets and artists use sketchbooks. Notebooks have become an integral part of almost every person. You can spend hours choosing a suitable album in stores, but it’s much more interesting to make something yourself. A handmade sketchbook can become not only a stylish and convenient attribute, but also demonstrate the creativity of its owner.

Sketchbook: what is it?

Photos, tickets, pictures and other memorabilia are pasted here. Many professional artists have several sketchbooks. Sketchbooks come in different sizes and shapes: large ones for carrying out serious projects, and tiny ones for recording momentary ideas.

How to make a sketchbook with your own hands?

Sketchbook size and shape. What matters here is where you will use it and how often.
Format that suits your needs (rectangular, square, etc.)
Paper. It can be not only different in color and texture, but also in thickness, lined or clean.
Cardboard for endpaper.
Fabric or leather.
Needle and thread (preferably silk).
Glue (it is advisable to use different glue during the process: pencil, moment or silicone).
Ruler and pencil.
Scissors.
Gauze or bandage.
Foam rubber or synthetic winterizer.
Thick cardboard for binding or tablet (if you want to make the front and back covers from different materials).
Additional decorations to suit your taste.

If you look at the book binding from the inside, you can see that the sheets are sewn together in small blocks. This entire design is not difficult to repeat; it just requires patience and accuracy.

Now let's proceed to the most important stage of the work - stitching the sheets. Let's start with the outermost hole. We insert a needle and thread into it, then take it out, and then thread the needle into the hole of the adjacent notebook. Now we take the needle out again, but through the adjacent puncture. Next, you must pass the thread inside the first notebook, but at the same time you need to bring the needle out through the same hole, catching the thread stretched inside the book along the way. We sew the rest of the part according to the same pattern, using a needle to grab the threads stretched nearby. In order to fasten the notebooks together, we bring the thread out and hook the jumper of the other notebook with a loop. Then you should thread the needle through the hole into the book. As a result, the seam should resemble a pigtail.

Before connecting the block of sheets to the cover, you can glue an elastic band or bookmark tape between them.