A new and very unique sketchbook
Published by on April 15th, 2009 3 Comments »
I adore Moleskines. I love them for writing, but I struggle to be satisfied with them for sketching. So the once quiet hunt for the ideal sketchbook recently took a turn for the better.
What’s wrong with Molesknes for sketching? The very uniform and predictable paper – which is either a little too heavy or a little too thin depending on the notebook. When sketching, I prefer texture in the paper, to feel the pen or pencil scraping across its surface. Moleskine papers take ink and pencil beautifully, but the experience of drawing with them lacks that tactile pleasure.
In recent times I have been using a good quality, acid free cartridge paper, which though ideal, is more akin to finished drawings than simply something to carry around with the purpose of scribbling in.
Then, whilst doing a little research into the possibility of creating a video podcast show about sketching, I came across some very unique, hand-made sketchbooks. These leather-bound books are loaded with hand-made paper – and that was the attraction. Hand made paper is unpredictable. It adds character and expression to lines and shading, and brings the drawing experience alive.
The interesting part of these books is that they are ethically produced. The paper is made by hand with all natural products, and since they are cloth and rag papers, no chemicals are used and they will not yellow with age.
Even the leather covers are “ethical”, being, as the maker describes:
…exclusively water-buffalo hides, cow hides, and goatskins from mature animals that have come to the end of their working life. No animals are bred and slaughtered solely for the purpose of producing leather for my books
I have to admit to it being a rather odd experience. In a society where polish, finish, and precision mass manufacturing are the norm, these books are an odd yet very satisfying change. My sketchbook does not even smell like a new book! It smells like a book that has been in my hands for years. I will not lie and have to admit it will take some adjustment to fully embrace this kind of product.
Next on the list to buy? A black-stained book for watercolour sketching (I love the deckled paper edges in particular, and this would compliment to my current book which has paper not best suited to wet media), a set of delightful smaller notebooks, and these reproduction Edwardian artists sketchbooks. Yes, I could spend a lot of money on these!
I am posting work from this sketchbook on a new SketchBlog.
3 Responses to “A new and very unique sketchbook”
As an artist, I find myself constantly sketching, laying the framework for the next painting or digital piece (often, I scan directly from my sketchbook into Photoshop, and take it from there). And seeing as my multitude of sketchbooks are now starting to get full and worn, I’m in the market for a new one. So I’m glad I found this article.. I’ll order mine now! Gotta admire the stitched leather-bound cover and handmade paper.. very nice.
After a little while messing with the new book, It’s growing on me more and more. The paper demands different techniques to my usual scribbles, and there are times hen I have chosen to use a tougher cartridge that will tolerate more scrubbing with the pen. The sheer pleasure of using these books, more than makes up for any adjustments.
And the following manufacturer quote is good to hear:
“…exclusively water-buffalo hides, cow hides, and goatskins from mature animals that have come to the end of their working life. No animals are bred and slaughtered solely for the purpose of producing leather for my books”
Makes sense to me.