I decided to paint everyday, and share my paintings on my instagram account @rheneadesign. But the problem is that I do not have many watercolor sketchbooks to paint on. I do not want to spend more money on art supplies so I thought of creating my own. What I currently have are three sheets 22×29 Hahnemuhle 300gsm watercolor paper, a recycled carton, glue, needle and thread. I think these materials can make a good handmade watercolor sketchbook. In this article, I will share how I made my own Hahnemuhle handmade watercolor sketchbook.

What you will need to create a handmade watercolor sketchbook :

Watercolor Paper Carton Board Needle Thread Ribbon Scissors Glue Tape Sticker Paper for Printing your Custom Cover









I started by dividing the 22×29 Hahnemuhle 300gsm watercolor paper by half until I divided it into 12 equal sections.

I teared the paper by hand with the help of a ruler to create that unique watercolor paper effect in the edges.

I folded the paper and divided it into 5 signatures. The papers are faced in an alternate order so same texture is shown when it is laid flat.

I drawed a pencil line on the side of the paper, so it will be a guide for me to easily stitch the paper using a needle and tread.







Use a bookshelf so you can align the lace and the pencil marks before stitching them together. This will save time and effort.

Make sure to seal the thread, ribbons and paper with a glue.

Stitch the signatures one by one. One signature on top of the other until you create something like this.

Cut the ribbon, and glue the excess on the front and back page of the paper to create a solid foundation for the sketchbook.





Cut your carton board as the same size if your sketchpad to create a hard cover and protect your artworks.

You can print a custom design using a sticker paper, and stick it on your carton board.

Glue the carton boards on the front and back of the paper.







Here is the finish product. My first handmade watercolor sketchbook. I hope that I gave you an idea on how to create your own watercolor sketchbook. If you liked it please share your comments in the comment section below.