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The Basics of Daler-Rowney Cachet Sketchbooks

Sizes : 

Portrait – 6 x 4 / 8.5 x 5.5 / 7 x 7 / 11 x 8.5 / 11 x 14

Landscape – 6 x 9 / 8.5 x 11

Paper : 70lb / White Drawing Paper / Acid Free /Neutral PH

Sheets : 110

Price :  $13.79 at the time of this post. Sometimes you can get a two for one deal.

Other Info : Black pyroxylin hard cover that resists water and generous usage. Sewn binding for flat lay.

Buy It Here

These sketchbooks are meant to be used mostly for dry mediums even thought it says it can handle a variety of mediums. I usually use wet media in these all the time cause I’m a rebel like that. Since the paper is only 70lb it warps with even a little water – for how I utilize these books it’s not a problem. Most sketchbooks that are budget friendly have a problem with ghosting as well as warping. Ghosting is when  you can see the artwork or writing on the back side of the paper. With dry media this sketchbook handles pretty well at resisting ghosting but it isn’t perfect. It handles decently for wet media ghosting also but still has some. The Pentel Pocket Brush for example leaves very strong ghosting – again this doesn’t bother me for how I use these.

How I Use These Sketchbooks

I love these sketchbooks because I don’t have to feel guilty about messing them up because that is literally what I use them for. Great for random color tests, blobs or random shapes, patterns as well as trying out different styles if I am trying to figure out how to draw something.Sometimes I even cut portions out or even rip entire pages out – there are no limits to the abuse these take! I use “higher end” sketchbooks for more defined work or studies – stuff where I use a bit more mental awareness of what I want the outcome to be.

I even use heavy amounts of water without fear. I do not create any final artwork in these so the wrinkles do not matter. This is a sketchbook to try things out that maybe you don’t want to share with others, a place you can mess up without fear of being judged!

Summary

Overall the practical use of these cheap sketchbooks is what keeps me coming back for more. They are also affordable and when they have a two for one deal I am always inline to stock up. The paper does age a little bit as seen from my book from 2003 but it isn’t bad. You can still take art from them and scan them and be able to adjust the whites to the correct balance. The binding lasts after alot of use – even from high school when I would tend to drop things!

Cheers!

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Just added these five new posters and framed prints to the shop. This collection was inspired beautiful beach days in the summer walking along the shoreline. It is always such a treat when you find that smooth piece of glass that the ocean formed.

Posters

Framed Posters

Let me know what you guys think of these!

Cheers!

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It Started With A Look

Super excited to be adding these two pieces to the shop this week. I like playing with contrasting ideas, colors, shapes all the time so this unusual pairing is perfect. One graphically bold while the other soft and warm. You know I’ve got my eye on you for a coffee date!

Eye On You was created in one of my sketchbook drawing sessions where I was using a ink brush pen. I tend to gravitate towards repetitive shapes as it is very calming to draw a shape over and over again. I kept it in the black and added a bit of contrast as scanning can wash out a piece. However I didn’t go overboard as I like to keep the integrity of the original piece. Because of this you can see depth variations of the black.

Coffee Date was actually a happy accident of left over paint. I try to use up my palette as much as possible and this little gem was the result! She’s sweet and casual while still looking her best, ready to meet for a quick coffee date before heading out to dinner with friends. So chic, no?

Both are printed on matte poster paper and come in sizes ranging from 8 x 10 all the way up to 24 x 36! All posters are made to order. I’ve been using this mock up image from Emske.com to show the image can look displayed. I plan on making my very own mock ups in the future so that I can more control over every aspect. If you have any suggestions or tips that would be super – Leave a comment below!

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But that is the point of the challenge, any challenge really. To break the mold you have been baking in. Rise above (pun intended) and struggle through. Each drawing improving your technique ever so slightly. Looking back I still like that I chose to focus on Halloween, school photos and the alphabet all in one. The first being the biggest struggle to keep up with! I don’t know how much of an improvement I made, but I think the biggest win for me was the consistency. Next year there will probably be a better theme for me to follow, but I have all year to think of that!

This challenge also inspired a giveaway, the first on this blog! The winner was emailed yesterday that they won but here is the official Winner announcement!

And the winner is…

Brenda @ bestweddingssites

is the winner of a 5×7 ORIGINAL DRAWING of them in the style of my Inktober drawings

and a SOCIAL MEDIA ICON made from that drawing to use!

If you really want your own drawing and you didn’t win – you can still get one by submitting a commission through my contact page HERE. A 5×7 black and white drawing in this style on bristol paper is $35 ($10 for each additional person if it is a group photo). This would make a great gift to someone you love for Christmas!

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Happy Halloween!

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Inktober Day 30

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