Making a Backwards Sketchbook

A backwards sketchbook starts with drawings on paper which then get constructed into a book. They are a great way to both store your drawings, and to help learners reflect upon and rework existing drawings.

Benefits:

  • A way to collect together old drawings which might otherwise not have a life.

  • An opportunity to reflect upon old drawings, and make new marks in response.

  • The drawings can be removed if needed.

You Will Need:

  • A selection of old drawings made on paper. These might be drawings made as a result of drawing exercises.

  • Elastic band

  • Cardboard

Process:

1. Collect. Collect old drawings of various sizes together.

2. Make the Cover. Cut a piece of cardboard twice the size of the finished sketchbook and fold it in half.

3. Fold the Drawings. Fold the drawings so that they fit in the sketchbook.

4. Secure. Secure with an elastic band.

5. Revisit the old drawings by using the sketchbook – you might choose to reflect upon the drawings and make notes in the sketchbook, or add new drawings to your old.

 

Making a Backwards Sketchbook


This is a sample of a resource created by UK Charity AccessArt. We have over 1500 resources to help develop and inspire your creative thinking, practice and teaching.

AccessArt welcomes artists, educators, teachers and parents both in the UK and overseas.

We believe everyone has the right to be creative and by working together and sharing ideas we can enable everyone to reach their creative potential.


Animal Habitats: An Ecological Mural of Planet Earth


Ink Collage Inspired by The Wolf Wilder


Botanical Fairies


Rainbows and Waves for Grey Days


Inspired! Re-Creating Cupid and Psyche in Mixed Media by Year Fives at Linton Heights


Unesco: Celebrating the Power of Making!


Cupid and Psyche: How a Fifteenth-Century Renaissance Panel Became the Most Loved Painting in Cambridgeshire


Thinking Silhouettes


Mini World Light Boxes

See This Resource Used In Schools

Year 5 & 6, Al-Ashraf Primary School
Year 5 & 6, Al-Ashraf Primary School
Year 6, St Michaels Community Academy
Year 6, St Michaels Community Academy
Year 6, St Michaels Community Academy
Year 6, St Michaels Community Academy
Process Art at HP, Home Education group.
Process Art at HP, Home Education group.
Process Art at HP, Home Education group

You May Also Like…

Pathway: Brave Colour

This is featured in the 'Brave colour' pathway

This is featured in the ‘Brave colour’ pathway

Which Artists: Liz West

Liz West, Our Colour Reflection, 2020 © Jussi Tiainen : Hyvinkää Art Museum

Talking Points: Carnovsky

Nuvango Gallery: Carnovsky Opening https://vimeo.com/152368545

Talking Points: Olafur Eliasson

Olafur Eliasson Exhibition at The Tate by Paula Briggs


Wall Drawings with Tape


Abstract Face – Relief Sculptures


Anthropomorphic Animal Paintings


‘Painting’ with Plasticine


The Wildflower Meadow

You May Also Like…

Pathway: Flora and Fauna

This is featured in the 'Flora and Fauna' pathway

This is featured in the ‘Flora and Fauna’ pathway

Talking Points: Eric Carle

Eric Carles Very Hungry Caterpillar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0INNN6jh74&t=395s

Drawing source material: Insects

Butterfly https://vimeo.com/44587050

Talking Points: Artists inspired by flora and fauna

image-from-rawpixel-id-561725-jpeg

Drawing source material: Wild flowers

Wild flower meadow https://vimeo.com/260451976


David Parr House – “What’s Your Space?”


Nursery Night Time Collage


Making the Gift of Home this Winter


Rules and Resolutions

See This Resource Used In Schools…

Ruth at Carden Primary School, Brighton
Ruth at Carden Primary School, Brighton
Ruth at Carden Primary School, Brighton
Ruth at Carden Primary School, Brighton

You May Also Like…

Pathway: Exploring pattern

This is featured in the 'Exploring Pattern' pathway

This is featured in the ‘Exploring Pattern’ pathway

Talking points: Andy Gilmore

Andy Gilmore

talking points: Louise Despont

Louise Despont


#BeACreativeProducer – Animating a Demonstration!