DIY Embroidered Leather Sketchbook

Of course you can buy a sketchbook but at some point of any crafters and artists life, a handmade sketchbook is all that is “wanted”. The joy of creating ones own version of art supply is irresistible and of course using it gives even more joy.

There are several ways of making a sketchbook or a diary, however in this tutorial we will see how to join pages using stapler and glue and then making a cover of faux leather to give it a beautiful look.

The size of this sketchbook is A5 i.e. 8x6 inches.

MATERIALS.

• A4 size drawing sheets.
• Soft cardboard for cover.
• Stapler
• Eraser
• Craft glue/glue gun
• Faux leather.
• Sequins
• Tapestry needle and thread
• Binder clips
• Scissor.
• Sewing machine(optional)

STEP 1: FOLDING THE INSIDE PAGES

Before starting to fold the paper you need to choose your paper. The paper chosen must be of quality good enough to support your artwork. If you sketch often then a sketching paper will work good, if you are a watercolorist then I suggest you to use good weighted watercolor paper so on and so forth. Also, keep in mind that too thick paper will not fold easily so avoid going above 300gsm paper.

For this particular sketchbook I have used a 120gsm drawing paper. If you cannot get separate loose sheets in the market or your local art store then purchase an A4 normal sketching pad and use its paper.

Take 2 sheets together and fold them in the center. The more neat the fold the more perfect the sketchbook.

Don’t be sloppy!

Now open these pages and at the crease put them on the eraser on your table. Staple it where the eraser is underneath.

Pull the eraser out of the stapler pin and manually close the pin. Do the same at the other end.

I made total of 9 such sets of folded paper, i.e. I have used about 18 A4 sheets. My new sketchbook will have 36 pages.

Each set well stapled and folded neatly.

STEP 2: JOINING THE INSIDE PAGES TOGETHER

Now that we have 9 sets of inside paper we will join them together before proceeding to make the cover.

On the crease (center) of 1 set apply glue. Put the other set over it and paste them together. Make sure the pages are lined properly and neatly. Do the same for each set. Hold them tightly with the help of a binder clips till it is dried. Check my video below and see how I did it.

STEP 3: FOLDING THE COVER

The paper to be used for the cover should be heavier than the pages used inside. You can use a paper of more the 300gsm of weight or simply use the cover of the sketchpad like I did.

Fold it in the center. You can check my video below to see how I did it. Exactly the way a notebook cover is folded.

Tip: I like to make my cover ½ – 1½ cm larger in width and height than the inside pages so it neatly covers everything inside.

You can paste this cover with the help of glue to the inside pages here and decorate the cover as liked. This step completes the sketchbook unless you want to cover it with leather.

STEP 4: CUT OUT THE LEATHER COVER

I have not pasted the cover yet because I want to add leather to it.

Cut out the faux leather fabric + 1 inch more than the cover on all sides. Cut the corners too.

STEP 5: EMBROIDER THE COVER

Use the sequins and some leather flowers and stitch them in a floral pattern on the front side of the cover. This step may take time but it is worth it.

Here at this point you can also embroider your name or anything you may like to. Check out some small embroidery inspirations from Pinterest.

I used sequins and leather flowers because that did not require any special skill or material to do but just few of my crafty things put together. Hence, anyone can do it and it is not difficult at all.

You can check my video to see how I did it. I have fast forwarded it a bit to make the video short and enjoyable.

STEP 6: PASTE THE LEATHER COVER

After you are done with the embroidery, join the leather with the cover.

Apply the glue to one side of the cover paper and paste it to the leather. Let it sit till it dries.

Now either use a sewing machine or use a tapestry needle and thread sew the edges of the cover. It holds the leather in place, makes it durable and gives it a pretty look.

STEP 7: JOIN THE COVER TO THE INSIDE PAGES

Take a spare drawing sheet and paste it to the inside of the cover to hide all the thread.

Take the binder clips out of the inside pages, you will see they are completely dried and opens like magic.

Put these pages at the center of the cover and fix with the help of the glue.

Hold tightly using binder clips again and let it dry for at least a day.

After this you will have your sketchbook complete and ready to use.

This project does take time but all the work and time invested is worth it all. In the end you will have one of a kind diary/sketchbook that only you own in the whole world. You can take pride in using your own beautiful book for your beautiful thoughts/sketches. The perfect pretty sketchbook for perfect pretty drawings and perfect pretty you.

I love the fact that I did this little love from the very scratch.

Make your versions of this sketchbook and tag us in your creation on Instagram.

Watch the video tutorial below to understand it more effectively.

Don’t forget to pin it, subscribe to our channel and follow our blog.

See you till next time. Bye.

Note: This pattern is original pattern by Hobbiesinn. Please do not claim this pattern as yours. If you wish to share it, you may link to this pattern but please do not copy on your site. You can use it for personal use but DO NOT sell the pattern/pictures or distribute it.

You can however, sell the products of this design but do credit the design to me  @hobbiesinn. Permission is NOT granted for mass production or factory manufacturing of any kind.  Thank you for being respectful and for your understanding!