Bee Paper - 4"x 6" Super Deluxe Mixed Media Sketching Pad, 60 Sheets

This was first gifted to me a few years ago and was my first watercolor sketchbook. I have tried a few other ones in the years between, but this is better. I use primarily acrylic, but also watercolor here and there. The paper holds up pretty well, and I tend to use a ton of layers when painting. Holds up better than Canson's mixed media paper for both watercolor and acrylic. Brought it again, and it was just as good as I remember!

Though I am still using my first one of these sketch pads, I have just ordered my third one, because I want to have a stash of these for the future. This has become my all-purpose sketch book, planner, list keeper, note pad, dream journal. It was driving me crazy to use different journals for all those things. The paper is great (haven't tried water color, mostly using pens, colored pencil) and I love the big sturdy spirals and nice thick covers. The size is perfect for my purposes, fits nicely in my purse. I am easily intimidated by big pages of blank space - I like to work small, so this size is friendly to my way of working.Just a quick note on how I manage to do all those things in one book - I use a two-page spread for my to-do's, shopping lists - the day-to-day planner type of thing. But instead of using a new page each day, I have a small sticky note at the top upon which I write the date, cross out and write the new day's date. Huge paper savings, I have been using my current one for 2 weeks. It obviously isn't a good system if you rely on looking back to figure out when things happened, etc. But this works for me - no carrying things over to new pages daily, etc. Eventually, the 2 pages are crammed with things and it's time to start a new 2-page spread.(I should note that I keep a small separate calendar for appointments as well, only jotting them in my sketch pad planner on the day they happen.)Meanwhile, on the following pages, I have been writing drafts of poems, making sketches for my fiber arts projects, etc. I just go to the next blank 2 pages, putting a paper clip on one so I know just where to open the book for my current tasks & lists.I decorate the covers, add a some stacks small of sticky notes to the inside cover. My pen fits perfectly inside the spiral.

First, let me say that while I have a ridiculous number of sketchbooks of all brands, I'm a hardcore Strathmore Stan. This is actually the first time I've purchased a Bee Paper sketchbook. I had heard good things and decided to give them a try for Inktober, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.Starting with the impressively thick and hard covers this thing screams quality from the start. There's plenty of paper here, two different textures and it's acid-free-- for the price, it's an amazing bargain. The texture is a sensuous experience, both against the skin and under the glide of a pencil. The paper has a soft white tint and is thick enough for light washes, with minor buckling, that mostly straightens out when pressed between the heavy covers. It erases beautifully over and over again without ripping or pilling and takes pencil, color pencil, and pen and ink with the same ease.I'm seriously in love with this paper and have thrown a couple more in my cart for future purchase. If the rest of their products are as impressive, it looks like Strathmore might have a rival for my affection.

I had one of these pads of paper previously and loved it so much that I decided to get another, but have moved and cannot find this size paper at my local art supply stores. I just love that it's square and just the right size for me to use as an art journal. I like creating pages on both sides and this paper holds up really well with mixed media without warping or tearing, unless I really have a lot of paint on it. I have used acrylics, watercolors, soft pastels, colored pencils, and stamps on it. I usually cover the wire spiral in the middle with masking tape to avoid getting paint in it when doing a 2-page spread. I love that it will lay flat when open, unlike journals that are not spiral bound. This allows me to make one larger layout over both pages, without worrying about it closing before the paint or adhesive is dry and also allows me to leave it open while I sketch. It is very stable when the book is opened up to one page and the other pages are flipped behind it, so you can take it with you to sketch or work on a piece wherever you go. I would recommend this paper to others that want to art journal and like the square format. I have also seen people that will stand it up and allow pages to be shown as art on their tables or in their studio. I will definitely buy another one after I fill this one.

I bought this sketchbook because my boyfriend had one and it seemed super nice, he draws in it every day. Being an art supply hoarder new sketchbooks aren't anything to write home about normally but there is something about this one that feels like its really high quality. The paper thickness is lovely and my tombow and tul graphite pencils apply like butter. They also erase easily from this surface. It has a bit more tooth than most sketchbooks I've tried which is awesome, it allows for darker values than I could get in my old blick sketchbooks. The cardboard back is really thick and sturdy, and does not bend much at all despite the heft of the book (its thicc). I'm enjoying drawing more now which is also a plus!

Lovely little hardcover sketchbook. Each page has two textures, with the toothier side comparable to a slightly rough hot press. Suitable for light washes, paper is heavy enough for mixed media (I have used pencil, micron pens, and watercolour on this). The spiral binding is quite heavy duty, the metal is not especially flexible - it's well made! Front cover seems to be foamcore, with a slick water resistant inside surface. back cover is a thick cardboard. Could use an elastic to hold the book closed between uses.

I love these sketchbooks. I brought my first one whilst I was in California. I am so pleased that I have sound a supplier closer to home.

Must admit the paper is good. But for the size 6x4 inches the price is outrageously expensive. Could have bought a pad of watercolour pad for that price.

Superior paper!

format carré j'adore