I covered two bookbinding boards 12x8.25 inches with black book cloth and then covered the inside of the portfolio with sturdy paper with an Italian and French motif. Next I decorated the front with gold letter on plastic bubble tiles and spelled the word 'sketches' in Spanish. To hold it all snug, with the loose paper inside, I made two fasteners with grosgrain ribbon, metal fasteners and some Velcro. This way my sheets of paper won't slip out and they can double duty to hold my paper as I sketch or paint. The whole thing weights 17.5 ounces; much less than 4 sketchbooks would weight.
It's too hot here to sketch or paint. On my way home I noticed the temperature outside was 114 degrees Fahrenheit and it was almost 5pm! Tomorrow a day at the beach to try and escape this oppressive heat.
Marta,
This is a fabulous project. Will you come to my apartment to do crafts with me and expand my knowledge of bookbinding?? I can't wait to see how you put all of your paintings together when you return!
What a clever idea. I look forward to seeing it in Florence!