If you have been wanting a Stablo Nomadic Easel or Just Go sketching or painting board it is very easy to make your own clone for a lot less cost. This is great if you aren't sure if it's for you, or you simply don't want to spend the money on a sketching solution. Or even if you want a different size than those available commercially.
5 x7 sketch board with watercolour Moleskine and Alvyn Crawshaw palette
My solution is based around a 5x7 sized sketchbook (Moleskine). I have a couple of these in portrait as well as landscape orientation. I wanted a sketch board that was no bigger than the sketchpad, so it would easily fit in a bag. But the great part about this solution is that it is customizable to what you want - so if you like 8x10 or 6x8 sketchpads, it is easy to make your own sketch board in whatever size you want.
What you will need:
- poster board or coroplast cut to size 5x7 (or something stiff, lightweight and preferably water proof for spills)
- business card magnet (the kind with the peel-able adhesive strip) - you only need 1 so maybe split a pack with a friend (alternative flat magnets and some glue)
- double or single dipper water cup with a metal clip
- 2x bulldog or fold back clips (big enough to clip on your sketchbook)
How to assemble:
- You will need to notch your coroplast in the centre of the longest side. The notch should be about 1 1/2 - 2 inches towards the centre and wide enough for the spine of the sketchbook to fit in (1/2 - 1 inch). The notched side is now the bottom and should face towards you.
- Clip the water cup to the opposite side of the board at the top. You can move it around to your preferred side.
- Position your magnet so that your watercolour palette will have room to open and still sit on the board. After you decide where it will go you can stick it down (but remember you can't reposition it so choose CAREFULLY!).
Sketchboard without palette:
Sketchboard with palette:
To use the sketch board:
- Hold your sketch board with the pages in a vertical position but with the front and back cover horizontally. This is easier to do on a flat surface or your lap.
- Position the notch so that the pages fit in the middle.
- Open the sketchbook so that the pages hold the sketch board in place.
- Clip the two sides so the sketch board cannot easily come loose from the book. The tautness of the pages will hold in it. (note, if it falls out the notch isn't deep enough).
Optional ideas:
- If you have an awl, a hole punch or any type of hole making tool, add a couple of holes for paintbrushes or pencils. My hole punch will only accommodate paintbrushes as the hole is too small for a pencil or pen.
- Clip fold back clips on the edge of the board to hold folded rags or paper towel to wipe off your brushes.
- Don't have magnets or a magnetic business card, try magnet clips instead (position them magnet up).
- Consider making a board out of something more durable. Wood or a piece of plastic.
- Use a piece of elastic to make a band around the short width of the board to hold pens or brushes especially if you don't have a hole punch.
- Position the fold back clips along the edge of the board and flip back the top side clip to use as a pencil holder.
The home-made sketch board is a very versatile tool and allows you to take a variety of tools with you on a sketching/painting trip while keeping you organized and not weighing you down with tons of accessories or a heavy board.
I hope you enjoy making and using your own sketch board. Leave a comment if you make one!
