Sketchbooks as art

I have little knowledge about bookmaking. I have a lot of old books, so I repurposed one to make this sketchbook. I cut out the original pages from the spine, then reinforced the spine with fabric. The glue I mainly used throughout the piece was modpodge. I poked holes and measured the spine for the reams of paper. I measured and tore five sets of five pieces of paper, then stitched them to the holes in the spine. I added some fabric and original art from the sleeve. The stamps on the inside back cover are made from erasers, showing my email and social media handle. In between the reams of paper I added a thick piece of cream colored watercolor paper, and a page from the original book.

For me, sketchbooks have always been intimidating. A beautiful sketchbook with pretty stickers or nice paper would make me nervous that I would ruin it with drawings I don’t like. Considering this, I would never use this sketchbook, but the process was enjoyable.