A few weekends ago, I found myself strolling through the Kinokuniya Bookstore in Japantown. By chance I picked up a Lotta Jansdotter import that I can't remember the actual name of. It had lots of scans of her sketchbooks, and photos from her life. And it hit me like a lightningbolt. Ah-ha! THAT'S what I'm missing! No, not a huge Japanese following. (Though I wouldn't mind one.) Sketchbooking. Lotta's sketchbook pages were alive with little swatches of fabric and other ephemera. It seemed like not only did it help her work out creative issues, but it also chronicled her life somewhat. But seriously, the fabric bits knocked my socks off. Fabric is important to her. Fabric is important to me, too. Why had I never thought of this before?
Honestly, I've barely touched my sketchbook since this whole pregnancy thing started up.
But this inspired me to try again. Plus, I had a really fun day to capture:
Life's been a creative/headache-y swirl since then, and I haven't kept up with it. But I haven't forgotten it, either. Why are the things that are so good for us (and so enjoyable) sometimes the hardest to do?
So here's my question to you: Do you sketchbook? What about? How often? Are there any sites/books that get you inspired?
Feel free to answer any of those in the comments below. I want to open the discussion! (It's a creative way of avoiding sketchbooking, too!)
2 comments:
I never go anywhere without my sketchbook, and I actually only pick handbags that my sketchbook fits into.
I use Moleskine sketchbooks and I'm currently on my third one of them. They're a good size and the hard covers make for easy sketching anywhere. I also love the elastic band that holds the books closed, as simple as it may be, it means that the pages stay nice (and whatever I may have stashed in between them) even with the book rolling about in my bag all the time.
I also attach bits of fabrics to my design sketches, so I remember what I was thinking of using for each plushie. The swatches also help if I need to get something specific for a project at the fabric store.
Oh, and is that Heather Ross's "Princess and the Pea" fabric I spy in your sketchbook?
Good eye! It is. I'm dying to get my hands on some more of it. It's so charming.
And thank you for the sketchbook chat! It sounds like you've got it down to a science. I'm with you on the elastic band love. I always have bits and bobs waiting to be attached, and that simple band keeps everything pristine (enough). ^_^
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