Which is the best sketchbook? Taking a look at the Etchr watercolour sketchbook

In the interests of full disclosure, I was sent this sketchbook for free (thank you to @EtchrLab) but I said I would only do a review if I could be 100% honest, so this film is my true opinion. It is the A5 portrait watercolour book with 100% cotton paper and a NOT/cold pressed surface. These sketchbooks aren't cheap, but they have a cult following among artists, so take a look with me and see what you think before you buy. I also share some ideas for getting over the fear of starting a new sketchbook.

I try out fineliners, watercolour, Platinum Carbon ink, Quink, fountain pens and Stabilo Point 88 pens. I plan to use mine for urban sketching, so I really want to see how the paper takes pen and wash.

For comparison, I show it alongside the Moleskine sketchbook I am currently using. This is not specifically for watercolour, but it is interesting to compare size, paper, binding and price.

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#lizchaderton #lineandwash #etchrsketchbook

[majrminer]

Thank you for the honest review. I find many artists now push any product they get for free and hardly mention drawbacks.

The longer I've been sketching, the more I appreciate the cheaper sketchbooks. I can get a lot done in them without concern, and that allows me to be free and unconcerned with what materials and techniques I'm putting down. Thank you again, Liz!

[cathyzura]

Came here to hear about books and somehow ended up with an Amazon cart full of pens, lol! Thanks for the review Liz!

[Cynthia.B]

❤ Thanks to your video tutorial on making your own sketchbooks, I finally made one - a ring-bound one, as that one seemed the easiest to make and the most versatile. I messed up with the hole punch marks, but kind of covered that up! I am feeling a little uncertain about the first page also, so I think painting the set of watercolor pencils that I have would be a good idea there. Thanks for the great suggestion and for reviewing the sketchbooks! 😊

[anncorsaro]

Have a wonderful trip!! I love your artwork, videos and you’re such a nice lady.🇺🇸🇬🇧

[ghajba]

Looking forward to what lovely sketches will fill your new sketchbook!
Have great travels!

[mjpete]

Hullo Liz! Glad that you are enjoying your trip so far! Etcher does make real quality supplies, however you have to do something with the cover that white stains so quick and leaves fingerprints and everything else showing, it’s nice that you can paint the cover and eliminate the problem right away. I feel that you gotta find them on sale or on offer to justify purchasing them! I am looking forward to seeing your book when you get back! Til then be safe and have yourself a grand ol’ time!

[debs_]

I really had to chuckle when you mentioned the kitchen towels and how you wipe your brush on your leg, because almost all my pants have a smudgy paint spot just above the right leg 🤣

[ashleyhawkeswatercolor]

Every time I watch your videos, I sit and chuckle to myself because you say the funniest things! (I’m American so I have never heard some of the things you say and I LOVE it!) My husband always asks me “What are you laughing about this time?” 😂
Anyways, I’m so excited for your trip and think you will love the Etchr!! I have loved mine so much. The paper is a delight! I ended up re-covering mine with leather because I didn’t love the fabric cover, but the Dorland’s Wax idea is brilliant!! ❤

[catepearce]

Thanks for the comparison, the Moleskin seems quite flimsy in comparison to the Etchr sketchbook. Enjoy your time in Aus, its very hot here in north Queensland at the moment. I look forward to seeing your sketches when that is possible. Stay well and stay safe.

[FizzyStarArt]

Hi Liz, the link in the description for the painted cover is private. Have you used Jacksons sketchbooks? I was wondering what they are like.

[malinamorin]

Another wonderful video. Just a little ? though. 
In bold print at the bottom at 1:33 it says, "Link to how to make this in the description". I was hoping to find a link to another video on how you made the sketch book. I didn't see a link for that in the description. Is there a way you could provide that if there is one? Or tell me to read it again because I missed it. Or maybe I misunderstood and there isn't one. Thank you for making such wonderful videos!

[saftah]

May I ask what are those watercolor pens you are using? I am not familiar with them. Thank you

[Linna_fleur]

I never thought about keeping the box. The white cover gets so dirty! It’s what keeps me away from these sketchbooks. The paper is lovely though.