The EASY Sketchbook Idea that Changed My Life

How to start a daily sketchbook practice even if you’re too busy to make art. These small, pre-painted watercolor sketchbooks changed everything for me. Take a tour inside my tiny sketchbooks and see how I’m staying connected to my art even when I’m away from home or too busy to paint. Learn how to make simple, one-page sketchbooks that are easy to take with you anywhere so you can fit more creative time into your day.

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#sketchbookideas #sketchbooktour #arthacks

[Bunny-czwo]

Thank you much, you have inspired a 78 year old woman to set down each day with her watercolors and do something 🥢God Bless You

[CazkiwiNZ]

Just a tip…..you can refill your empty disposable Pigma Micron/Fineliner pens if the nibs are still good… just pull the nib with tweezers and syringe in Indian/Bombay ink… which is both cheap AND waterproof!

[AnnmArt]

Thank you for this, in the fast-paced world of reels it's refreshing to see a perfect slow demonstration of paper folding :)

[NormaHaugland]

4:10 pm
Jackie,
I really enjoy the way you deliver your art descriptions - just clear and to the point

[tonyadoughty]

I have made these for over 30 years (since college) and I have a label that I adhere to the back that says "Free mini starter art journal - Hey, you've found starter art! I started this mini art journal just for you. EVERYONE IS AN ARTIST! Add to it with whatever you enjoy. Or just scribble (so fun!) It's yours and I hope you take a few minutes to slow down and just play. Little art to share. Or keep for yourself."

I have been hiding them to be found everywhere I travel or visit, from big vacations to grocery store trips. My favorite part about art is helping others feel that they are an artist too! (I also hide ATCs with a slightly different label.) Guerilla art is the best :)

[polgara]

Absolutely fabulous! I can't wait to do this. If you are reading this comment, take her class, it's SO worth it! 🌻

[m.aburas]

This is the first time a learn something that I can really try to do and maintain. Choosing one simple shape and filling one page while drinking morning coffee is realistic. I have been dragging my travel sketch kit with me for 3 years, and tried to excite myself by changing it at least 10 times but was never able to finish a full sketch even when traveling. I have a very busy life and when I have time I cannot escape my family duties. I will try this tomorrow morning!

[Sick]

This is also why I love zentangle; the small size lowers the burden tremendously.

[Meyersci]

This is a fantastic idea using old-school techniques! I say "old school" because I am old and taught school for 34 years using the foldables like this. :-) We called them "Smoosh Books" and they are so useful, even to teach kids how to follow directions, making one as a way to practice procedure-following in Science. I think my first pre-painted sketchbook from your awesome video will have to pay tribute to the Smoosh. It will likely be a cell division or rock cycle theme, made surreal by the colors and doodles! Talk about skills you never knew you needed again after seventh grade. :-)

[BMad-weqf]

I love this idea. Often when I travel I want to keep a traveler's notebook as a journal of the journey. But I find that I don't have the time to curate the perfect page while on vacation. Your sketchbooks just gave me an idea to create small, beautiful pages can take with me and use for journaling and doodling while on a trip. Then when I come home I take the book apart and tape my beautiful daily notes into the travelers notebook with all of the photos and ephemera that correspond to the diary entries. 😊

[marijkeschellenbach]

What a great idea, especially for those of us who are new to painting and need a lot of practice done in small pieces of time.

[aprilfoxbilligmeier]

Thank you for making art achievable. You can feel good about your art right away. A real mood builder!!! Thank you again 😊

[BluSkyBliss]

Wow, new sub here and your mark making is absolute eye candy. Can’t wait to see your other videos! ❤

[paulakimmel]

Fabulous idea! In my multimedia class we've been making an art journal, making gelli prints and using them to collage. This is a great extension to add to our art journals, both making watercolor textured backgrounds to use and making foldout mini journals!

[chrislora]

Now I know what to do, creatively, with those many practice sheets covered with countless leaves, or circles or blobs of color as I learned more and more about my wonderful watercolor paints. I also love to add marks of all kinds and need to improve those skills. This is a great video to bring all of those skills together! I am SO impressed with your clear, easy-to-follow directions. You are making a big difference in my painting skills, and I often mention you to others who are just beginning in watercolor as one of the best artists to follow. Thank you!

[ashleywright]

Derwent®️ Colored Pencils are terrific. ❤️ your videos! New subscriber. Looking forward to seeing more of your tutorials 🌷

[CazSantiago]

Thank you for taking the time to share this with the rest of us. I'd like to start a doodling practice and these on the go foldable books will be perfect. I love all things stationary, so I'm planning to make a few books at a time, put them in a traveler's notebook to carry around in my pocketbook...great for taking out with me to the beach or the park or just to have on the go this summer!

[christineschmidt]

Idk if this has been said, but these would be fun to store in a pocket of a homemade junk journal. You could add poetry, quotes, gratitude statements or scripture. I'm doing this tomorrow! ❤❤

[LeafyLauren]

I'm here from the Hellen Wells one-piece sketchbook video you referenced! Beautiful works!!!!
I'm in love with how you doodle patterns over them. I'm ready to make these with flowers and all the things I'm inspired by and fill a little library!
📚🐳🐙🦩🐚🦋🦢🌻💐🌌🫀💖
Love from MN

[VeldaE]

I was amused when I realized how you were making these! I have some, made of regular paper, made 25-30 years ago, before watercolor got popular again! Thank you for bringing back an old idea! I’ll be reviving this in my craft room! Cheers, nice video!