Description
Revised and Updated! Created with the nature journalist in mind, The Laws Sketchbook for Nature Journaling hardcover blank journal is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in the practice and joy of getting out, observing, and recording nature. This is a great companion sketchbook to The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling and How to Teach Nature Journaling.
Features
- Designed and field tested by John Muir Laws as well as many fans of the previous edition.
- Sturdy hardcovers for support while sketching in the field.
- Removable dust jacket band reveals canvas textured white journal cover that you can personalize with your own artwork (such as these examples from Amy Tan), favorite quotes that motivate you to journal or connect you to nature, or stickers.
- convenient 7″ x 9″ size.
- Elastic band closure to help you sketch on windy days or flip open to the next blank page.
- Pages open flat for double-page spreads.
- 64 pages of 148g white paper, 16 pages of 200g light brown toned paper–excellent for sketching in pen, pencil, and light watercolor washes. This paper is Acid-free.
- 16 pages of reference material on journaling, observation, and sketching including scientific measurement and estimation tools, the Beaufort Wind Scale, and table of contents (you fill it in as you go to help you reference your notes).
Stacie Frerichs –
I recently went on a monthlong trip. I was only taking an iPhone, and wanted to capture both the activities and emotion of the travel experience. I wanted a journal that would work for pencil, pen and water media. At my local bookstore, I was worried that some of my go to writing notebooks were not strong enough for the water media and ruggedness of the travel. I went back several times to make sure the book I purchased would be right. I worried that I was setting myself up to be disappointed by placing high expectations on a book! I eventually chose The Laws Sketchbook for Nature Journaling.
During the trip I appreciated the thick paper, not only was it a pleasure to write on, but I could paint on the same page. The toned paper was an added bonus that encouraged me to practice drawing and shading some of my observations. The lay flat binding held up to repeated openings and worked well as a left-handed person. The rounded corners didn’t get caught on my backpack and still look nice.
The true gem of the book was the 16-page nature journaling section in the back. About halfway through the trip, I realized I was writing more than painting or drawing. I read the section provided by JML. Even though I knew some of the ideas, I was able to absorb the concepts in a new way since I was seeing the world in a new way. For example, the section on “Invitations to Discovery” was directly responsible for several ideas of page layouts, including a cross section of the rainforest and an inventory of the mammals we saw.
While traveling, I find it difficult to pull myself away from evening conversation to document, sketch, and journal during a trip but I prioritized it this time in part because of how nice this sketchbook is to use. I am proud of the way I incorporated art into my journal and feel a deeper connection to the experiences I had. I am confident in saying that the JML sketchbook increased my enjoyment of and documentation of the trip.
When I returned, I looked up the book again online. I realized that you can use the cover like a canvas. Now that I have filled the inside, I am excited to try to encapsulate the trip on the outside of the sketchbook.
Sarah Reid (verified owner) –
The smooth-toothed cardstock is perfect for all types of mediums: pencil, ink, watercolor. The overall size is great — easy to pack-n-go, easy to hold onto. The open-flat design is awesome. The cover is rugged. I, too, am blowing through them because the size and scope has so inspired me, instead of being intimidated by bigger blank pages to fill or a thick cumbersome book. Ready to order more because now I find myself dedicating a journal each to my yard garden, a vacation, a species-dedicated field notebook, everyday adventures … oh my!
Joni James –
Love this journal. The paper is great for fountain pen, Micron pens, watercolors, and colored pencil. The reference pages in the back are handy as reminders and quick reviews too! Sturdy cover, great size, and the pages lay flat for full spreads. Highly recommend!
Melinda Nakagawa (verified owner) –
Great journal. It took me a couple days to get used to this one, but really liked the size and how the pages open flat. Paper is smoother surface that I normally use, but I’m getting used to it. I use fountain pen and watercolor and it works great. It only took me 3 weeks to blast through one journal because it has fewer pages than my 120page (60sheet) sketchbook. I highly recommend it!
Kimberly Healey –
I just recently received this awesome sketchbook and I’m already loving it! The paper is perfect for colored pencil, pen and watercolors. I can’t wait to head out to the field with it.
Anisha Shankar (verified owner) –
Gosh! This just arrived in the mail today and it is beautiful! I love the 9″X7″ size and the paper quality is excellent. I am super excited to begin using it this weekend.