Finding that special something.
If I was to make it, I would make it just like this.(or almost just like this)
Hi everybody, let’s talk a little bit about finding the perfect sketchbook. Is there even the perfect sketchbook out there for us all to sketch in? I didn’t think there was until I received a sweet package in the mail last week from a friend, and she said I think you’ll like this one!
It’s the Ottergami botanical B5 notebook and it’s pretty perfect. Other than that being in the US and not in Canada, this hikes up the price a little bit for me to purchase it. But it’s not far off with shipping the price is similar to any of my other favourites, like for example, Stillman & Birn or the Fabriano.
So, I was excited to try this new sketchbook that my good friend sent to me. The cover is wrapped in linen with a beautiful emboss leaf on it. It’s pretty neutral in colour which is also a plus & I could paint it probably if I wanted to.
The sketchbook lays beautifully and flat and the paper is super smooth. It’s 180 GSM and comes with a few stickers as well and an envelope pocket at the back. I like that it has a penholder on the side and in elastic that you can close it with.
The only con I think would be that it’s pretty heavy. This also could be because there are 128 pages in the sketchbook.
I did some swatches of different materials as you can see from the images and the quick timelapse above. The paper takes every type of material even watercolour. The watercolour can’t act like traditional watercolour but it can be used as colour on the page rather than using it in a way that a traditionalist would use it.
I have a few sketchbooks on the go and I think this is probably one of my favourites. I have the Pith Pomelo sketchbook which I absolutely adore and I’ve talked about it many a time but the paper is much thinner than the Ottergami.
I’m not sure if this is the best travel sketchbook to take with you as it is quite heavy, but if you only take one sketchbook it may be the sketchbook to take!
Do you have a favourite sketchbook?
Tell me which one is yours and why in the comments below, I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
I’ll put the link to the Sketchbook in the comments… and be sure to link yours.
On another note, there are a few Drawing Sessions coming up.
has another Paint a Book Cover and chat about books your reading session coming up soon. Head over to read her most recent post on Books Are My People , where she always has great reviews on recently released books. has another co-working session with Sarah Dyer this Thursday. Always great to get work done!I have a Patreon Sketch & Draw Session this Thursday. We’re visiting a small town in France near Burgundy which was where one of our friend’s Grandmother used to live.
I have to jump over to YouTube now to do my morning Live. You’re always welcome to join!
I have a Realistic Painted Dogs Workshop today. You can sign up HERE
I’ll be telling you all about the course I’m about to start taking again with the Visual Arts Passage. I’m very excited, it’s definitely brought more to my daily practice and given me a sense of direction. ( I’ll talk about this in my next post)
Until then,
X
Char
Thanks for including the coworking sesh! That sketchbook looks wonderful!
I’ve just finished a Pith Oroblanco sketchbook and it was brilliant. It lies flat when open and is just the best preparation for going larger (says she who is still petrified about going larger!!) x