art supplies
a few of my favourite things
art supplies
a few of my favourite things
Over the years I’ve collected a wide assortment of tools and art supplies – paper, paints, and canvas, found objects, colourful fabrics, beads, yarns, and more. Almost everything and anything can be used to create an art piece!
My own creative practice includes making my own books and journals, collage, paper arts, and art journaling.
There are a myriad of creative activities you can do. Some of them require their own unique supplies, but many also overlap and can be used in a variety of ways. Whenever possible, approach materials with playful curiosity, use what you have on hand, and explore what feels most satisfying and right for you.
the book/journal & my fave 5
2. images
Books and journals come in many sizes. I prefer 6×9, 7×10, but no larger than 8×10 in size. A too-small book can be limiting, too big can feel like a lot of space to fill; it really depends on what you’re using it for. Personally, I like to make and bind my own journals/books.
There are endless paper choices, many specific to what you’re using them for. Paper for a writing journal will be very different than one that needs to withstand water, paint, glue, etc without falling apart.
Book bindings range from sewn, glued or spiral bound. There are pros and cons to each, again, depending on their purpose. I love a good sewn binding, and there are so many beautiful ones to choose from!
I love making my own books (in fact I’m somewhat addicted ;). The binding can be simple or ornate, again, depending on what the book or journal will be used for. DIY Bonus – you form a relationship with your book/journal when you make it from start to finish – it truly becomes your creative companion!
3. scissors
4. ruler
5. glue
brushes
brushes
brayer
brayer
gel medium
gel medium
gesso
gesso
acrylic paints
acrylic paints
markers
markers
white pens
white pens
• correction pen from office supply store (my fave white!)
black pens
black pens
• Uni-ball micro-point roller pen
make it mobile
make it mobile
spray inks
spray inks
Tip
Start collecting images and words that can be included in your art journal. These can come from many sources – old books & magazines, music and dictionary pages, and so on. Particularly watch for those that you’re drawn to, as well as those that repulse you. You can organize and store your words & images in clear bags or an accordi0n file folder.
Additional Supplies
Add additional art supplies as your interest, curiosity and budget allows. Stencils, stamp pads, pan pastels, etc…the list goes on!
Play and experiment – see what you like and remember, there are no rules!
Check around home for:
- a plastic tablecloth or old towel to protect the surface you’re working on;
- a water bowl and plastic lids you can use as palette trays;
- old credit/gift cards to spread paint around;
- bull-dog clips to hold pages down;
- rags, paper towels and wet wipes;
- parchment or wax paper to protect journal pages;
- an apron or old shirt to protect your clothes;
- a heat gun or blow dryer to speed up the drying process;
- a spray bottle filled with water.
note
The art supplies I’ve listed are ones I use most often in my journals and art making. Unless indicated, I don’t favour one brand over another. There’s something available for every budget. Experiment to find what you prefer.
