Mark up your sketchbook

I recently made a sketchbook with some monoprinted book cloth.

sketchbook with hand made book cloth

I used a sewn tab binding. It is pretty sturdy. And it is small enough to take to the woods.

sketchbook by linda germain

But first I am going to:

  • scribble with pencil
  • add relief stamp paptterns
  • glue in some flower prints
  • doodle with marker

make marks in sketchbook

You may think what would be left for sketching? And you maybe right. A lot of the pages will be marked up with information.

collage in your sketchbook

But it is my book. And what I have come to understand is that in my books the linear drawing may not be the star. So if the book is filled with words or printed marks, then that is okay.

I offer you this challenge to use your sketchbook in ways that support your art practice and to let go of any limiting ideas of what your sketchbook should be. I think you will experience more joy.