Review: Stillman & Birn Wirebound vs Hardbound

Stillman & Birn Multi-media Art Journals

Stillman & Birn produces multi-media art journals in five different series--the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta & Epsilon series.  Each comes in a plethora of sizes.

And that's why this review is taking a slightly different direction.  The two Beta and Delta series are virtually identical except that the paper in the Beta is white and the Delta is ivory.

I have a Beta that is wirebound and now a Delta that is hardbound, so I've done examples in both sketchbooks and will discuss the features both have in common, as well as the differences between the two.


The Specs for both sketchbooks
Paper weight: 180 lb (270 gsm)
Surface: Cold Press, Rough 
Bound in the United States

Other Specs for Delta Hardbound
26 sheets, 52 pages

Other Specs for Beta Wirebound
25 sheets, 50 pages

Used in this review-Delta Series Extra Heavy Weight Sketchbook Hardbound 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14.0 x 21.6 cm) and Beta Series Extra Heavy Weight Sketchbook  Wirebound Sketchbook 7 x 10 inches (17.8 x 25.4 cm)

Look and Feel-Both
Both hardbound and wirebound have textured black binder board covers.  The Stillman & Birn logo and the series name embossed on the lower back cover are the only adornment.

I've always said that if an sketchbook (journal, etc.) has something extra special about it, the company will let you know--loud and clear--in the promotional wrapping.  The wrapper for Stillman & Birn has lots and lots to say about the quality of their books.  I'm not going to repeat it all here--it would take too long, lol!  The Look and Feel of the books give proof to the wrapper.  They look quality and they feel quality.  Especially the Beta and Delta, which have extra heavy weight paper.

The paper's thick, but light for the thickness.  (I won't say these are light books, though!)  The thought that comes to mind is eggshell, because you can feel the texture, but still get the impression of smoothness.

Look and Feel-Hardbound
The binding of the Stillman & Birn is stiff at first, and the pages want to spring up, but if you carefully bend the book backward, the binding loosens just enough so that the pages lie flat enough for two-page spreads and scanning.



Look and Feel-Wirebound
The first thing I always check with a wirebound sketchbook is how much wear and tear the paper will get where the coil rubs against them.  I held one page at edge between finger and thumb and shook the book.

An inspection afterwords didn't show any dents or tears around the coils.  Pages slid easily back and forth, and they hang straight rather than slanting downwards, as happens when the holes are too large for the coil (this was true with the Stillman & Birn Epsilon, also, which has the lightest paper of all the series).

The coil was small enough that it didn't get in the way of my hand, though, as with all coils, it is difficult to draw to the very edge of the page.

Performance-The Delta
Color pencil-Lyra Rembrandt

The rough surface of these two series are really nice for color pencil.  The color builds up quickly and it glows!

Alcohol Markers-Spectrum Noirs
Front of page-color laid down                Back of page-color that bled through
The paper is a bit rough for the fabric nibs of alcohol markers, so I wouldn't use them a lot in this book.  The color bleed-through is only about 10%.  I used the hard tip of a Tim Holtz Distress marker for the linework on the front, and an American Craft Precision pen for the linework on the back of the page.

Performance-The Beta
Fabric-tipped Art Pens-Micron Pigma/American Craft Precision pens

Despite the rough surface, the lines come out bold and crisp, yet by varying the pressure you apply it is easy to vary the thickness and tonal values.  

Acrylic pens-Elmers Painter pens

Elmers Painter pens have a very thick tip, so there isn't much fine detail, but the color applies easily and fairly glows on the white Beta paper.

Watercolor/Mixed Media-Twinkling H2Os, Punchinella and Gel pen
I decided to try for a little Christmas in July effect, though I didn't quite get it done in time for July!  The green and red are Twinkling H2O watercolors.  They glimmer, but the scanner seldom picks that up.  I then glued on some pieces of punchinella (sequin waste) and added some flowers, stars and spots with white and metallic gold gel pen.

The paper did warp and dimple from the watercolor.  I know from experience with my previous Delta that most of this will disappear if I leave a weight on the sketchbook.

Conclusion: I absolutely love the Stillman & Birn sketchbooks, and this extra heavy paper make the Deltas and Betas my favorite.  The quality is superb from stem to stern, and you could use the books for almost any purpose.  I'm so glad I have one to giveaway.


You can find my other Stillman & Birn reviews at:
Alpha Series Review
Gamma Series Reivew
Delta Series Review
Epsilon Series Review
Comparison of the different series


Giveaway: I'm giving away a copy of the Stillman & Birn Beta Series Extra Heavy Weight Sketchbook Hardbound 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14.0 x 21.6 cm).  It looks exactly like the Delta reviewed here, but has the same paper color as the Beta reviewed here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was sent these Stillman & Birn sketchbooks with no requirements asked of me, and have received no other compensation for writing my reviews.  I have included options for the entrants of the giveaway that include visiting Stillman & Birn sites and following them.  I was NOT asked to do this.  I included the options because I think there are benefits--Stillman & Birn features great artists, whose work you might enjoy, they have occasional giveaways and link to giveaways, and following them is the fastest way to learn of new products or deals.  But I do understand that everyone must guard their time and may not wish to do these things.  For that reason, only the first option is mandatory to enter the giveaway, and it is weighted for more points than the other options.

Comments

  1. I get a little flutter of excitement every time I find your name & a review of a sketchbook or notebook. Thanks for all the links too - very helpful indeed.
    As I've said before it's so good to know there's someone who 'speaks' my language & I learn heaps from you. Thank you so much.
    Paula (PEP)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry - haven't quite got the hang of the sequence of commenting & Raffle gizmo. So what would I do - tangle & experiment with watercolour media; I've got some inused AquaMarkers & of course there's always stroking the feel of the paper & the cover!!!
    Paula (PEP)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just started a journal with my son who has autism so that we can work on something together. We sat last night and made a very large list of ideas he would like to try out. He prefers to work in colored pencil and and ink. This seems like it would be perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  4. i keep hearing about how wonderful the S&B sketchbooks are, i really should get my hands on one eventually

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow what a wonderful giveaway Sandra! I would love to win this sketchbook and try the Twinks on it too. I love your mixed media piece with them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'd use it of course! XD I've heard great things about this product but haven't gotten my hands on it yet. I'd use it for sketching my comics. ^_~

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ohhh I've learned they added hardbound books to the Beta and Delta series. :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. I say one can never have too many journals, egh?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey Sandra,
    These journals look great! Love the heavy watercolor paper and your tests show the strength of the paper. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I will definitely polish up my sketching skills if I won! :) Oh, and I learned from www.stillmanandbirn.com that Birn, the founder of the original company, was a Viennese bookbinder.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I would definitly use it for some of my better works ( or hopefully better). The quality is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. On www.stillmanandbirn I learned the difference between Vellum, cold press and plate papers. Interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ahh, the big brown box continues to give :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. OOo, the perfect giveaway-- I have 5 sheets left in my current sketchbook. LOL I love good timing... what I would do with it? The usual-- draw, doodle, make fast notes on design, stick in things... sketchbooks are always nearby for me, and I use them for everything. :D

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ooooooh... i'd make it into an art journal... i just finished one and am in need of a new one...

    ReplyDelete
  16. i learned that they only sell these in 3 stores in canada - which are not anywhere near me...lol... so if i want one i'd have to order it online, or win it from you. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you for such a generous giveaway! I'm considering embarking on a "365" project where I have to create something every day. This would be great to use.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This sounds like a wonderful sketchbook for me to use as I expand my skills.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I would love to try one of these books they sound great. Thank you for offering someone the change to win one.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've actually been looking for new sketchbooks for me to write in! My notebooks usually turn into some sort of half collection journal, half writing notebook, so I always need good quality blank paper. This looks perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I went to the website and found out that all their products are bound in the US!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I would draw with pens of every color!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm another person who has heard marvelous things about these but haven't had the pleasure of trying one yet. I'd definitely enjoy experimenting with different mediums. :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Firstly I gotta say you do awesome art all the time, it's amazing! I will use the sketchbooks for some copy-sketching, since I'm running out of pages in my current sketchbook! (too ugly to show to the world by the way)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would want to take the time to practice anatomy drawings, I haven't sketched in a while.

    ellaetc@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Beautiful sketch book! This would be perfect for getting back into the art I used to do.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love the red and green combination. I just added the Twinkling H20s to my coveted art supplies list. And after visiting stillmanandbirn.com I found there are a few stores in Seattle I need to check out. I am particularly excited about the alpha and gamma series. I'm such a paper nerd!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Learned of the different paper types Stillman and Birn uses.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I would probably give this sketchbook to my daughter who loves drawing.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I learned that the Epsilon series of sketch books are 100lb fountain pen friendly paper!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks for doing all this testing and reporting. I'll definitely try these products based on your recommendations.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I learned that the Beta series Hardbound comes in 8/5 x 11 and also the A4 size

    ReplyDelete
  33. As a drawing student you never have enough drawingbook

    ReplyDelete
  34. I learnt that Stillman & Birn papers are sized both internally & on the surface & so have exceptional wet strength for handling numerous washes.
    Paula (PEP)

    ReplyDelete
  35. I will use it to draw using my one and only fountain pen.

    ReplyDelete
  36. If I have the good fortune to win, I would love to try out the Delta. Ivory paper is very soothing to the eyes!

    ReplyDelete
  37. If I am the winner, I would try out different mediums to find the one I like using the best and then put all of my flower doodles in this book.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Have been working on some gift multi media journals, so this would become part of the package.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I would use the book for combining my mandala's (lyra color pencils) and Zentangle (black pen) to show to my (future) students. Or I can say: I use it to have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  40. love the quality of these sketchbooks...I would turn it into my watercolor art mixed with stamping journal.

    ReplyDelete
  41. The founder of the company was inspired by the oldfashion book binding technique.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I think this would be great to do mixed media and watercolor in. It looks like a nice option to try next time I buy a notebook.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you for offering this fun giveaway! :D I'd use this as a sketchbook for my illustrations. I want to study a postgraduate next year and I'd probably end up doing all the rought sketches for my portfolio here :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. They have the Arizona store listed under Alabama and the Alabama store under Arizona in the store front sales.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Especially enjoyed your review of how the handsome journals' paper treated all of the different drawing/painting media. Brava! And thanks for the opportunity to win.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I use fountain pens a lot and have just recently started experimenting with ink and water and ink and watercolors but I'm not happy with any of the sketchbooks I currently own, they are better for pencil work. I would love to have a good sketchbook to take with me for location work.

    ReplyDelete
  47. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I think I have an obsession with sketchbooks. Oh my! Thanks for the opportunity. I'd use the sketchbook as a travel journal.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I visited Stillman and Birn and learnt that Beta series can be used with multi-media.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I would use it for my morning meditation/zentangling exercise.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I would love to receive a beautiful book like this to try out some watercolor zentangles. Thanks for a chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  53. First, your drawings are amazing! Okay, I would love a book like this and would probably use it for art journaling. I've been looking for a journal that would stand up to almost any type of medium and these seem to fit the bill!

    Smiles~
    Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  54. I would put down ideas for craft projects.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I learned that they have lots of variety for any artist's needs.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I would love to win a real journal, living in Honduras I can not buy such a luxury and have to make my own out of what ever quality paper I can find!

    ReplyDelete
  57. I would use mine primarily for watercolor but would also include other media as well.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Dreaming about Stillman and Birn...and Pugs

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks for all of your great tips and help. Love the sketchbooks.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I went to their website and found several retail locations near me that carry their products. Now I can go see the journals in person to find the best one for me to use. Thanks for the info. It was very helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  61. If I won the book I would use it as a visual journal; creating backgrounds and then writing my thoughts in it. I would want to try out gesso, acrylics, watercolor pencils and neocolor II. I have a few markers and could try those out too.

    ReplyDelete
  62. would love the sketch book, the ones I have are almost full. If I would win
    I would not have to buy a very nice one. Thank you for the chance to win, and I learn a lot from your reviews.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Your examples are extraordinary. Thank you for illustrating the examples for a more vivid understanding of the sketchbooks. I love to use a bit of colour with my zentangles, this looks perfect for on the go. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  64. If I won the sketchbook, I would live to use it for outdoor inspirations for my zentangles. I've been wanting to take it to our water sanctuary and try and interpret the nature of the wildness of the area into the tangles I draw. Something different. But I have been wanting a single book with which to do this with and this one sounds perfect. Just the right size and paper weight.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I would use the sketchbook with my Urban Sketching group, which I just joined in May. I'm so happy I found all these sketchers on-line! Thank you for having this contest!

    ReplyDelete
  66. If I won, it would be for lettering/calligraphy practice. I haven't tried it yet, but it's pretty high on the to-do list!

    ReplyDelete
  67. I really enjoy your reviews. There are so many sketchbooks and papers out there and it helps to have more information about these new paper products coming out.

    ReplyDelete
  68. I would love to use this notebook to play with color and tangles. Thanks for the giveaway, Sandra, and your helpful reviews. Cari

    ReplyDelete
  69. There are 5 types (series) of Stillman and Birn art journals. (I'd love to try them all!) Cari

    ReplyDelete
  70. Oh, I've been wanting to try one of these! I'd use it for watercolor and ink sketches.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I went to the S&B website and learned about the kinds of paper in all 5 series. I'd love to try them all!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I've been chatting about S&B sketchbooks with artists on Cathy Johnson's FB page and with other artists I know use them. I would use them to sketch illustrations for my picture books and to go out on sketching excursions.(I'm a newbie on sketching in public and carrying the S&B would give me confidence I'm sure...) I am just now experimenting with watercolors and I know having the best sketchbook will definately encourage my results and help me to maintain this practice. I've only heard wonderful comments about S&B so I appreciate the chance to win. Thanks for the reviews on these books in your post. Helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I have a BIG pile of sketchbooks that are okay and some are better than okay but I need great. I would adore winning one of these and what I've heard from others it will be the last sketchbook I buy because there is none better.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Wow, thank you for offering this give away. As I need to add to my tiny stack of sketchbooks, consider me entered. I will have to check out the Twinks - they sound cool (even if their "Twinkliness" doesn't scan well).

    ReplyDelete
  75. If I won it would give me a chance to use a better quality sketch book than I have been using!!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I recently decided to put on my "big girl panties" and dive into multi-media art journaling. I only washed the Mod Podge off my hands to enter this fabulous raffle. Thanks Sandra!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I have been practising Zentangles for the past 12 months and would love a good quality sketchbook to continue to learn this art form. Don't have any teachers near me so depending on the www to learn.

    ReplyDelete
  78. The hard-bound would be great....I've found that I need to use the wire-bound upside down because I am left-handed!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I would love to win one of these books... let me ask, does the book come with one of your zentangles??? that would be awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  80. At the S&B website I learned that Beta and Delta books are 180 lb cold press paper, while Alpha and Gamma are vellum. Epsilon is 100 lb plate, a surface that I had never heard until today.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Oh and I forgot to write what I would do in it... I would like to try the colored zentangles like you make, and see how the color bleeds through the page!

    ReplyDelete
  82. I would use it for more mixed media art journaling, seems like it would be perfect for that....or anything! Lol! Thanks for chance to win one :-)

    ReplyDelete
  83. hi Sandra love your work found u via the S&B facebook site was just going to post there about where to buy in australia and if i could get a page of the Beta hardbound sent to me to try , and i see your post ummm meant to be lol anyway i would use it for everyday sketching and also mixed media journaling ... so fingers crossed lol

    hugz bev

    ReplyDelete
  84. I would use it for card sketches - thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  85. I would use it for tangles with color, and art creations/experiments!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Thank you for doing the review on the stekch books and very useful to know which is best. I would use any pens to do on stekch book - pencils, pens, marker pens, etc. Good luck to everyone to win this giveaway :-)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment