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Will J Bailey

Handmade Sketchbook with Saunders Waterford 300gsm Watercolour Paper 19x14cm

Handmade Sketchbook with Saunders Waterford 300gsm Watercolour Paper 19x14cm

Regular price £82.50 GBP
Regular price Sale price £82.50 GBP
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NEXT SHIPPING DATE: 23 JANUARY

Paper Type

I designed this handmade hardback sketchbook with 300gsm Saunders Waterford watercolour paper especially for artists, after I couldn't find one for myself.

The 100% cotton, mould-made, heavy weight paper is far superior to the cheap machine-made, wood pulp-based paper found in most sketchbooks. It is highly stable and durable, with a refined surface, resists warping with wet media, and can be worked on both sides.

As standard I use Hot Press Extra White because it is the most versatile surface; smooth enough for ink drawing yet textured enough for charcoal; suitable for highly-detailed painting in watercolour, gouache and acrylic, and oils too if primed first.  I also offer Cold Press Extra White for artists who prefer thicker, softer, more absorbent paper with a rougher texture. 

The book opens completely flat, so you can work across both pages as a single piece.

The hardback cover is made from 2.5mm board, and premium quality, tough, thick, wipeable black archival buckram.

The binding is kettle stitched, glued three times and reinforced with linen tape and mull, so it is extremely strong. Meanwhile the pH neutral glue is reversible, so the book can be deconstructed if necessary.

40 pages / 80 sides, plus two end papers made from 300gsm Bockingford watercolour paper.  Paper size: 19x14cm portrait, with a watermark on some pages. May be deckled on all sides or on two sides with one cut edge.

All books are entirely hand-made by me in my London studio.  If you need a specific size, cover or paper please get in touch.





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Customer Reviews

Based on 39 reviews
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Sonia Bethwaite
A work of art.

This deserves more than a five star. The packaging was the first gift. I unwrapped it with anticipation and excitement. It was so beautifully packaged that I didn't want to unwrapped it straight away. I savoured it like a favourite chocolate. Now onto the book. What a piece of artwork that is. The binding is exquisite, the paper is the best money can buy in my opinion, and the love that has gone into making this book is perfection. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Lastly, communication was top class. I was told when my book would be ready and was given tracking information. I will definitely be back for another book from this wonderful artist.

Thank you so much for your kind words Sonia! 🙏 I really appreciate you taking the time to write such a lovely review, I really appreciate it - it made my day. Thank you again for your order ☺️

L
Lucy Joyce
Gorgeous sketchbook

So beautifully made! I am very happy I treated myself to one of Will’s sketchbooks, and made with the very same paper I use for my pencil portraits. I can’t wait to use it!

Thank you so much Lucy, I'm happy that you're happy! Good luck with your artwork

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TAMAR RUDAVSKY
watercolor books

books were dispatched in a reasonable time, arrived stateside in less than a week, and the quality is wonderful. sorry I didnt order more books!! but will be back.

Thank you! I'm so glad your books reached you quickly and that you like them!

D
Dennis A Hill
My god, what are you waiting for, man! Get you one of these badboys!

I have the honor of owning one of these beautiful heirloom quality books, and can't say enough good things about Will's work in putting these together. I like to use mixed media. The paper stands up well to experimentation using all sorts of wash and layering techniques, and after I've been playing around with them for a while, filled-in sketchbooks make a lovely gift that my friends and family can all treasure. I will be a repeat buyer.

Thank you Brenda! I really appreciate your kind words. I'm so glad you like your sketchbook!

C
Carol Brozman
Excellent well made sketchbooks

Will’s books are extraordinary. Exceptionally crafted, high quality paper - detail to professional and beautiful design. Highly recommend.

Thank you so much Carol! I'm really happy that you like your books