Tuesday, December 15, 2009


A little 28-page watercolor sketchbook I made to bring along on my trip. I did almost everything wrong in the construction of this book--struggling especially with the binding--and nearly drove myself mad trying to string a variety of Caribbean-colored beads I bought onto a too-fat string ... I managed to get a few on before giving up! I found these wonderful things called "glue dots," which I used to affix a little postcard-sized watercolor I made on my last trip to the Virgin Islands and a fortune cookie fortune--"Your dearest wish will come true"--to the inside covers.

On the inside back cover I made a chart of the colors in my travel watercolor kit.

I've also made a couple of simple little accordian books with not so many pages--8 on one side, 6 one the side with "covers."

I wonder if I'll actually have time to paint this much!


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13 comments:

RH Carpenter said...

This looks wonderful and I can't wait to see what you have filled it with when you return. But if you don't have time to paint during your journey, you can always take photos and bring them back for future paintings :)

Mark McC said...

You're so clever. I hope you find lots of inspiration wherever you are! Can't wait to see the end results.

cathyswatercolors said...

What a great book. I'm sure you will have time to paint,lounging on the beach.

debwardart said...

Great idea! And, using Rhonda's idea - you could "dot" a photo to each page and then create a painting of it later.
Your birthday cake was beautiful (and hopefully delicious).
Have a wonderful trip.

Charlene Brown said...

You're always doing things I've been meaning to do but never get around to -- this time it's your chart of the colors in your travel watercolour kit. I am going to do mine right now. Thank you Laura.

Barbra Joan said...

This is why I'm not only a watercolor painter, but I love making these kind of books, once I started it was hard to stop. and so many different kinds. I made one that was one inch in size.

Desiree's Designs said...

What a great momento you will have of your trip, you could collage items from your trip(ie. tickets, maps, etc) to the front and back and create a cover.

Cathy Gatland said...

What a very pretty book, and will be stunning when filled with sketches, paintings, mementoes. I have a 'to do' list a mile long, but making a book like this will be going on it too!

Autumn Leaves said...

Well that sure is beautiful, Laura. I think once you've painted the pages, it sure would make a fabulous gift to someone you love! I know I would cherish receiving such a beautiful book of works!

A Brush with Color said...

OMG, I LOVE this, Laura! Makes me want to do something like this! I'm SOOOO looking forward to holidays when I'll have a little bit of time. You'll inspire me. Have a wonderful trip and I can't wait to see your beautiful work. This is stunning.

caseytoussaint said...

What a great little bok - I'm realy looking forward to seeing the watercolors you do in it.

Sharon said...

There is something wonderfully rewarding about creating a book. This will be a real treasure when you return from the islands with it full of paintings and sketches.

Jennifer Lawson said...

Great book. I can't wait to see what you come back with. Have fun!