Making Sketchbooks, which paper?

[bretto]

Hi Gang,

I'm looking for an economical way of making my own sketchbooks. The "making" park I have figured out (I've also found some nice websites as well) but, since I'm new to this art stuff, I have a severe lack in knowledge on what constitutes "good drawing paper".
I heard some people talk about really good printer paper "32lb" but that's all I know. I need a paper that I can do conte, charcoal, pencil, notes, etc....you know a sketchbook.

I've already tried recycled, laser printer paper (stuff that students dump in recycling bin) but it's not really good paper.

Thanks!

[Inkthinker]

You know... I've never thought to make my own. I always just buy new ones... there's something beautiful about a new, untouched, fresh sketchbook.

[Fredzo]

Hey Bretto,
I think its cool your making your own sketchbook! how do you do it?? please do tell, do tell!

Of course paper is 100% total personal preferance. If you live in, or near a city; visit the paper shops (here in phoenix its called Kelly Paper). they have hundreds of different kinds, and you can take samples home from as many as you want. Art shops carry the thicker papers that are usually 100% Rag (cotton), but im assuming you already know all that... some artists like a smoother paper, others like a rougher surface. it just boils down to what works the best for you.

For godssake, please tell me how you are making your own book! how do you make the binder, and what kind of glue?

-Fredzo

[bretto]

Inkthinker,

You spendy coconut you...

Fredzo,

I did a search last night and came up with these two links:
http://www.arts.ufl.edu/art/rt_room/sketchbk/make_a_sketchbook.html

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Articles2/2623/184/index.php

So there you go:)

And actually, I don't know pjack about papers or all that stuff you explained. I just go to the recycling bin at the computer labs and grab a bunch of paper and stick it into a data binder (those that hold up to 500 sheets of paper). This is how *I* make my sketchbooks. But I'm looking to make something smaller.

I guess I was wondering if there was a nice printer paper that someone just knows it works really well and it's keeping the little secret to themself:)

[kov13]

nice idea, my sketchbook has 60lb paper and is 8.5" x 11.5"
and normal printer paper is around 24lbs

[Fredzo]

Bretto; Thanks for posting those links! I will study them more later, right now i must sleeeep...

Inkthinker; I hear what youre saying about fresh new sketchbooks. There really is something inspiring about those inviting blank pages.

Right now i have a big stack of my favorite drawing paper; cheap, thin copy paper (as in kinko's copy paper). Its great for drawing, but sucks for water-based colors (like dr. martins) because it wrinkles so bad. as most of you know, cotton paper is superior for water applications because the cotton fibers are long, and entertwine to help hold the paper straight; hence less warpage (most copy paper is based on wood-pulp, with fillers like kaolin, calcium carbonate, and talc).

However, thin cotton paper only exists with big, obnoxious watermarks. a little known fact is that those watermarks are there for legal reasons; to reduce counterfeit money. american cash is made (with very special techniques) from mostly cotton. The thinnest unwatermarked paper ive found is arches 90lb hot-press.

BUT I DIGRESS! Forgive my distractions. The cool thing about making your own sketchbooks is you can use your favorite paper. that is why Bretto's idea hit me so hard! right now ive got a million pieces of paper floating around in my room with stupid/slightly interesting sketches on them. hopefully a sketchbook will solve this problem in future situations...

-Fredzo

[bretto]

Hey Gang,

Since some of you are really into this idea of making sketchbooks, I wanted to share "my find" for good, indexpensive paper. DickBlick (big surprise) sells good texturered paper by the ream of 500 sheets for the price of a nice sketchbook.
I actually found the type of paper I like. Canson 70lb paper with medium tooth surface. DB's sells this stuff (from what I've found) 60lb-80lb. Check it out:
http://www.dickblick.com/zz102/09/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=815

[astrocity20]

eh I like regular ol' computer paper myself. But then again I've never spent time investing in different sorts of paper. Its all in the pencil and motion of the hand.

on the other hand I'm to lazy to be making sketch books throw some paper together and staple lol.