Using a sketchbook

One of the ways to know you're an artist is that you own a sketchbook.  Funny isn't it?  I mean, I've owned a sketchbook for many, many years (several in fact) but I've never really understood what to do with one.  I always used printer paper or scraps of envelopes, etc to doodle out ideas and then been really frustrated when the idea turns out well, because I went too far.  

There's a point in all this.  First, that I think I've finally figured out what to do with a sketchbook.  And second, that there's a stage in sketching where you must stop or it's no longer a sketch and you should really consider using better paper (who wants to frame an old bill envelope, no matter how good the drawing)!

Third, one of the blogs I subscribe to, Senior Artist, recently sent a newsletter with great tips and advice (like always) but there was one in particular that I wanted to share.  It was titled "Turn Your Doodles Into Lasting Memories" and it was about how to start a sketchbook, with a 30 day sketchbook challenge.  The article is actually a bit dated since it was originally published in May 2013, but I think it still has very useful info in it.  A slightly more recent article published in September 2013 takes it a little further.

If you're really interested in the author of these articles (Michelle Morris), you can scroll to the bottom of the webpage for a link to her blog and see her artwork.

But what I'd love to know is whether or not you've ever used a sketchbook.  Maybe you use one to paste keepsakes like movie tickets, or restaurant stubs when you travel.  There are so many ways to use one and you don't even have to draw in it!  I use mine for notes and drawing ideas.  Please post in the comments :)