Sketchbooks

One of my focus's for this year is to try to work though designs more before I start working. I have tried lots of time before to work in a sketch book but it has never quite worked for me. I have tried several types of books but have always been too self conscious to even write my ideas in. I have just kept a scrapbook of ideas that I cut/print out whne i see them.

It dawned on me one day that it was private book and it did not have to look fancy or make any sense to anyone else. I have often been impressed by other peoples sketchbooks and it has intimidated me about started my own. I sometimes wonder if all the effort goes into the sketchbook and not the actual piece. I am not really any good at drawing but I am quite good at doodling and I realised that it doesn't matter as it is my book. I have found that I draw better with a fine pen as it gives good resistance across the page. All these things came together and I found it a lot easier to keep a sketchbook. J gave me some lovely moleskin books for Christmas and I have started to use them. I am amazed at how good they look! They are still not for public viewing but it has made a big difference to my designs. I am able to see links as I flick thought the book rather than just scribble a quick plan o whatever piece of paper came to hand. I doodle, collage, write and stick in picture and it is becoming a real important part of my work.

I won a book about sketchbooks for embroiderers from Bigbucketgirl in one of her giveaway's and it has made interesting reading but they are rather intimidating as they are amazing. I am not quite there yet but I am enjoying juts doodling in my books.