One Sheet, Six Pockets: Stitch a Sketchbook from Recycled Paper
Got a stack of old maps, brown paper bags, sheet music, or pretty paper you’ve been saving because it was “too good to recycle”? Let’s turn it into a sketchbook instead.
In this class, you’ll learn a beginner-friendly bookbinding technique. The cover is inspired by a traditional origami fold, transformed into a design with six handy pockets (including a couple of hidden ones) and stitched into a simple pamphlet-bound sketchbook. The pockets are perfect for ticket stubs, notes, found treasures, or all those little bits of paper that inspire your sketches or capture a vacation memory.
No previous bookbinding experience is needed—if you can fold paper and thread a needle, you’re ready to jump in. We’ll make one together in class that’s a specific size, but I’ll include everything you need to know to customize yours based on the paper you want to use.
By the end of class, you’ll have a handmade sketchbook that’s equal parts notebook, treasure holder, and conversation starter. And you might start looking at your recycling bin a little differently.
What’s included in this class:
- 7 video lessons, 55 minutes of instruction
- Complete materials list
- Step by step demos from start to finish
- Large photos with close up views of the project
- Lessons are accessible via your web browser on any device
We’ll cover:
- choosing and combining recycled papers
- folding the pocket cover from a single sheet of paper
- selecting and creating pages for the inside
- sewing everything together with a simple pamphlet stitch
- ideas for decorating and personalizing your finished book
Materials you’ll need
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors and/or an exacto or utility knife and cutting mat
- Glue stick (optional)
- Bone folder
- Paper/bookbinding awl
- 17×13 piece of cover paper, 8.5 x 5.5 pages
- recycled paper or other art materials for embellishments
This project is designed to use recycled paper so you can use what you have. The Materials and Tools lesson is available as a preview before you register so you can see exactly what’s needed.
This class works on your schedule.
In this on-demand version you work at your own pace, completing the lessons on your schedule whenever you want to stitch. There’s a comments section in every lesson to ask questions if you need help.
Want to watch a sample lesson? You can watch the “Materials & Tools” lesson for free by clicking on the “Register Now” button below.
I love beginners.
You do not need bookbinding experience for this class. Beginners are welcome!
Every lesson has a comment block so you can ask questions. I will do my best to respond to your questions as soon as I see them so you can keep working.
