Bookbinding Made Simple
Make Your Own Watercolor Sketchbook by Hand
What if your next sketchbook was one you made yourself?
Not bought. Not ordered online. Made by you, with your own hands, stitched and bound and ready to fill with your art.
There's something that shifts when you paint in a handmade sketchbook. The paper is exactly right. The size is yours. And every time you open it, you remember that you built this.
Bookbinding Made Simple teaches you how to do exactly that.
REGULAR PRICE $67 USD
Join now at the launch price of $47This Is For You If...
✓ You're a watercolor artist who's always been curious about making your own sketchbooks
✓ You've seen handmade books and thought "I could never do that" and you're ready to prove yourself wrong
✓ You want to go deeper into your creative practice beyond just painting
✓ You're tired of sketchbooks that aren't quite right for watercolor
✓ You want a skill you'll use for the rest of your creative life
What You'll Learn
Over 4+ hours of step-by-step video instruction, you'll learn six different ways to create your own handmade watercolor sketchbooks and journals — from simple folds to professional hand-sewn bindings.
Concertina Folded Sketchbook
A fan-fold style perfect for panoramic paintings, travel sketching, and displaying your work like a piece of art. Comes with a full PDF guide so you can refer back any time.
Pearl Stitch Sketchbook
A classic sewn binding with a beautiful, detailed spine. Satisfying to make and stunning to look at.
Chain Link Sketchbook
The one people always ask about when they see it on your shelf. A striking linked stitch that makes every sketchbook feel like a collector's piece.
Chunky Glued Sketchbook
A sturdy, no-sew option perfect for thicker watercolor paper. Fast to make and incredibly satisfying.
Kettle Stitch Sketchbook ✨ BRAND NEW
A traditional hand-sewn binding used by bookbinders for centuries. Strong, professional, and deeply satisfying to make. You won't find this lesson anywhere else in the life i design library.
Bonus: Leather or Canvas Journal ✨ BRAND NEW
Take your bookbinding to the next level. A premium skill that makes a stunning handmade gift or a forever sketchbook for yourself.
Bonus: Paint a Mountain Scene With Me
Settle in with your brand new handmade sketchbook and paint alongside me in this relaxing watercolor session. The perfect way to christen your first handmade book.
What Students Are Already Saying
"Nicki, I'm obsessed! So far I've made 3 in one day! So fun and easy can't wait to use them."
— Artist Lounge Member
"I love the chain stitch! I made a small purse-sized journal with drawing paper and can't wait to start using it."
— Artist Lounge Member
"The process was easier than I expected and I know I'll try a larger one at some point."
— Artist Lounge Member
Make a few and you'll be hooked!
Here's what an Artist Lounge member has to say about the lessons in this class! Regular price $67USD
Join now at launch price of $47 USD
I SHARE ALL MY FAVORITE SUPPLIES
Every lesson comes with a complete materials list so you know exactly what to gather before you sit down to create. No guessing. No running to the store mid-lesson. Just you, your supplies, and a sketchbook taking shape in your hands.
"I really enjoyed making sketchbooks in the fall, so I jumped right in and made a chunky sketchbook."
— Artist Lounge Member
"I've made 3 of the chunky sketchbooks so far and am planning more! They are so easy and fun — and so cost effective."
— Artist Lounge Member
Your Instructor
Nicki Traikos is a self-taught watercolor artist, author, and the founder of life i design a global art education brand that has helped over 80,000 students around the world pick up a brush and start creating with confidence.
Nicki has been making her own handmade sketchbooks for years and has shared these techniques with her Artist Lounge community to overwhelming response. Bookbinding Made Simple brings the most loved lessons together in one place — plus two brand new techniques taught here for the very first time.
Already an Artist Lounge Member?!
Thank you, truly. Before you purchase, please know that the Concertina, Pearl Stitch, Chain Link, and Chunky Glued Sketchbook lessons are replays from past Lounge themes and are already in your member library.
The Kettle Stitch Sketchbook and the Leather or Canvas Journal are brand new and exclusive to this course — never shared inside the Lounge.
Check your library first so you know exactly what you're stepping into.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS THIS A ONE-TIME PAYMENT OR A SUBSCRIPTION?
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
WHEN DO I GET ACCESS?
WHO IS THIS FOR?
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL TOOLS OR EQUIPMENT?
I'M ALREADY AN ARTIST LOUNGE MEMBER. SHOULD I STILL BUY THIS?
IS THERE A REFUND POLICY?
WHAT CURRENCY ARE PRICES IN?
DOES THE COURSE EXPIRE?
DO I NEED TO BE IN A SPECIFIC COUNTRY TO PURCHASE?
Ready to Make Your First Handmade Sketchbook?
Bookbinding Made Simple | 5 bookbinding techniques + 1 journal lesson + 2 bonuses
Full supply lists included | 4+ hours of instruction | Lifetime access
$67 USD
LAUNCH PRICE OF $47 USD
Instant access. Learn at your own pace. Create at your own table.
Yes! I want access!