Who likes sketchboxes?

Chris · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 1:21 am Post subject: Who likes sketchboxes?

Ok, I know there are some fans of sketchboxes here. I've seen some pictures of the ones on Russ's page. But I wonder, are wood handcrafted sketchboxes out of date or even desired? Do people still want them or do they opt for cheaper, lighter plastic versions?

I have been toying with these questions for some time because I would like to build some. I've never really used one myself, but I only use pen and paper and those are very easy to carry.

I love hand crafted objects. I love the quality of these items. Is this odd?

I would like to actually build some sketchboxes, but am not sure where to start. So to everyone out there, what do you want in your perfect sketchbox?

Sorry about all the questions.

Russ · Custodian Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 1246 Location: Tokyo

I suppose it's redundant for me to say so, but I love wooden sketchboxes. I have no idea why! Plastic is probably lighter, but wood appeals to the artist in me. Besides, building stuff out of wood is within my reach -- crude as my projects usually turn out.

I prefer light wight sketchboxes and as small as is practical since I rely on public transportation and have to carry everything with me.

artwalk · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 7:16 am Post subject:

Any links or pictures on how these wooden sketchboxes look like? Smile

Russ · Custodian Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 1246 Location: Tokyo

artwalk · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:00 pm Post subject:

wow russ, you made these?! they look great! i especially like the smallest one in the lineup. hmm, maybe i can build one of these... just maybe. Rolling Eyes

Katja144 · familiar face Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 5

I'd love to have a wood sketchbox...but they're so pretty! I'd feel awful getting it all messy with paint and such--plus it doesn't clean up as easily, as the paint may soak into the wood, etc.--so I'm inclined to stick with plastic.

Russ · Custodian Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 1246 Location: Tokyo

Somehow, I think they look even better when they've been abused and splattered with lots of paint, and I'm deliberately sloppy with mine. For the record, I'm not one of those people who feel the need to buy "pre-distressed" jeans, etc; this only applies to sketchboxes.

Okay, I have been known to dunk my hat in the river to give it "character"

Trish · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:21 pm Post subject: Cigar Art Box

Of course there's another way to go - by using an old cigar box and modifying it to be more durable.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cinemafia/106346343/in/pool-make/

--Trish

Chris · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 10:49 pm Post subject:

So I've got my hands on some solid blocks of mahogany wood. They are 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches by up to about 9 inches long. I'm going to start my first sketch box with one of these pieces. I'll post photos as soon as I start. I will obviously be limited by the size of the pieces, but I should be able to come up with something good.

My plan for the box is to make it out of only two pieces (top and bottom). So there will be no joints at all. Wish me luck Very Happy

artwalk · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:16 am Post subject:

I would love to own a wooden sketchbox someday but while I don't have one yet, I'd settle for an Altoids for now...

A minimal palette of Indian Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Sepia, and Ultramarine Blue. Very Happy

DeAnander · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:26 am Post subject: altoids sketching

You made those gorgeous recent sketches using that altoids paint tin?

[hides head under laptop]

artwalk · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 8:04 am Post subject:

No, I used my Winsor & Newton 14-color sketchkit for those. I just finished the "Altoids" today. Had to fixed the bottom of the pans with double-sided tape so they don't get loose and interfere with the sliding top cover. The white thing around the pans is just styrofoam.

Hopefully, I'll get to use this tomorrow as I'd be on a walkabout tour at one of our heritage sites here. Smile

Russ · Custodian Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 1246 Location: Tokyo

Now that styrofoam idea is a stroke of genius. Easy to obtain, easy to cut, and it even looks good. It's one of those things that make me slap my forehead and wonder why I never thought of it before!

Trish · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:45 pm Post subject: Altoids Box

I used one of the larger Altoids tins a while ago, but I agree the styrofoam idea is a pretty cool way to get around the shaking pans problem.

artwalk · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 11:17 pm Post subject:

Russ and Trish, but before the styrofoam idea, I used a softer sponge-like foam that doesn't keep its shape when pushed inside the tin. Somehow, the inner cut gets distorted and pushes the pans out. So I had difficulty sliding the top cover out once the pans get in the way.

But when my wife was about to throw some styro packaging, I thought it might work since its more solid and might hold its shape better. It did hold but the problem of pans sticking out was still there. The double-sided tape at the bottom of the pans did the trick. Smile