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Only nine more days to shop for Christmas! Eight more days to shop for Hanukkah! Aaaaaaaaaaa!
Well, no worries. If you want a gift for the art journaler in your life (which might be you, so like maybe leave this post open where someone can see it — hint, hint) there's still time to get these goodies delivered by the holidays!
Here are five art supplies I'm loving right now:
It seems so obvious, but rolling with a brayer requires a palette that is held down on both sides instead of simply along one edge — the way most palette paper is. The Grafix Inking Palette is perfect for exactly what its name indicates: inking. Because it's attached at both sides the paper doesn't pull up on you. As a bonus, it's made from a clear acetate-like substance. For those of you who have ever wanted to incorporate your palette into your artwork, this is perfect! I have found that (a) the paint sticks to the Inking Palette much better than it does to Palette Paper and (b) the clear nature of the Inking Palette means that you can use the view from the front or the back of the Palette in your artwork!
I believe that even three days ago I would have said, there's no way you can take my Liquitex Matte Medium away from me — from my cold dead hands, perhaps, and even then…. However, I was given a bottle of Golden Fluid Matte Medium at the Golden Artist Educator Training, so I decided to try it out a few days ago. I tried it with exceedingly low expectations, but hey, it was free. Uh oh. It turns out that I really really like it. It does a great job "matte-ifying" shiny journal pages so that they don't stick. My one complaint is the bottle. Wish it was a pour spout instead of a big open mouth.
Another result of the give-it-to-me-free-so-I'll-try-it experience. I have to say that I try lots of supplies (free and paid for) and often don't like them and end up passing them on to someone who might enjoy them more. I'm not passing these Q0R Watercolors on. I know, I know. You're thinking, what's the big difference between these super spendy watercolors and my regular cheapies? That's what I thought too. The answer is pigment. Rich, yummy, intense pigment. I'm slowly accumulating a personal palette of the colors I want because these are awesomely intense watercolors.
I already spent an entire blog post waxing poetically about this bad boy, but in case you missed it: this is the only journaling pen I will use. It's perfect in my eyes. Black, permanent, waterproof, writes on anything. Yum! (Note that there are two tip widths and I prefer the slightly wider one that I've linked to above.)
Strathmore Series 400 Mixed Media Paper
As the name promised, this paper takes paint beautifully! I often use it in my art journal and I have several large pieces of mixed media collage that I've done on it. It's great quality paper at a super reasonable price. Love that it comes in a roll so that you can make really big projects! Perfect for using when you don't want to deal with a canvas. Even more perfect for binding into an art journal because it doesn't crack when folded the way that watercolor paper does.
Do you have any of these supplies? Anything else you'd recommend as a holiday gift for the artist(s) in your life?
Thanks for stopping by!
I would recommend Julie Balzer’s TCW stencils and Julie Balzer’s Art Foamies. The art journaler in your life will live them!
I would recommend Julie Balzer’s TCW stencils and Julie Balzer’s Art Foamies. The art journaler in your life will live them!
I would recommend Julie Balzer’s TCW stencils and Julie Balzer’s Art Foamies. The art journaler in your life will live them!
I would recommend Julie Balzer’s TCW stencils and Julie Balzer’s Art Foamies. The art journaler in your life will live them!
I would recommend Julie Balzer’s TCW stencils and Julie Balzer’s Art Foamies. The art journaler in your life will live them!
I would recommend Julie Balzer’s TCW stencils and Julie Balzer’s Art Foamies. The art journaler in your life will live them!
I have to agree with Jade. Those Foamies are simply wonderful!
I have to agree with Jade. Those Foamies are simply wonderful!
I have to agree with Jade. Those Foamies are simply wonderful!
I have to agree with Jade. Those Foamies are simply wonderful!
I have to agree with Jade. Those Foamies are simply wonderful!
I have to agree with Jade. Those Foamies are simply wonderful!
I agree as well. I love Julie’s Art Foamie stamps!! They are my constant go to when I want instant gratification. They make everything look good 😉
I agree as well. I love Julie’s Art Foamie stamps!! They are my constant go to when I want instant gratification. They make everything look good 😉
I agree as well. I love Julie’s Art Foamie stamps!! They are my constant go to when I want instant gratification. They make everything look good 😉
I agree as well. I love Julie’s Art Foamie stamps!! They are my constant go to when I want instant gratification. They make everything look good 😉
I agree as well. I love Julie’s Art Foamie stamps!! They are my constant go to when I want instant gratification. They make everything look good 😉
I agree as well. I love Julie’s Art Foamie stamps!! They are my constant go to when I want instant gratification. They make everything look good 😉
Thanks Julie for a a year of inspiration, tips, and how to’s.
Thanks Julie for a a year of inspiration, tips, and how to’s.
Thanks Julie for a a year of inspiration, tips, and how to’s.
Thanks Julie for a a year of inspiration, tips, and how to’s.
Thanks Julie for a a year of inspiration, tips, and how to’s.
Thanks Julie for a a year of inspiration, tips, and how to’s.
I was looking at the pen (thanks for the recommendation – all my pens clog up on paint!) – have you found it in any stores? Looks like all the ones on Amazon ship from Japan.
Thanks!
I was looking at the pen (thanks for the recommendation – all my pens clog up on paint!) – have you found it in any stores? Looks like all the ones on Amazon ship from Japan.
Thanks!
I was looking at the pen (thanks for the recommendation – all my pens clog up on paint!) – have you found it in any stores? Looks like all the ones on Amazon ship from Japan.
Thanks!
I was looking at the pen (thanks for the recommendation – all my pens clog up on paint!) – have you found it in any stores? Looks like all the ones on Amazon ship from Japan.
Thanks!
I was looking at the pen (thanks for the recommendation – all my pens clog up on paint!) – have you found it in any stores? Looks like all the ones on Amazon ship from Japan.
Thanks!
I was looking at the pen (thanks for the recommendation – all my pens clog up on paint!) – have you found it in any stores? Looks like all the ones on Amazon ship from Japan.
Thanks!
Hi Julie, I practically have all the above mentioned products except the mixed media paper roll :). Good to know they’re great for making handmade bound art journals. I agree with you regarding Golden’s matte medium jar. What I do is pour it into an empty flip-top bottle. This made such a huge difference in convenience and ease.
p.s. I have 1 Scarlett Lime pilot permaball pen left….I’ll be sad when it dies! thanks for suggesting an alternative.
Hi Julie, I practically have all the above mentioned products except the mixed media paper roll :). Good to know they’re great for making handmade bound art journals. I agree with you regarding Golden’s matte medium jar. What I do is pour it into an empty flip-top bottle. This made such a huge difference in convenience and ease.
p.s. I have 1 Scarlett Lime pilot permaball pen left….I’ll be sad when it dies! thanks for suggesting an alternative.
Hi Julie, I practically have all the above mentioned products except the mixed media paper roll :). Good to know they’re great for making handmade bound art journals. I agree with you regarding Golden’s matte medium jar. What I do is pour it into an empty flip-top bottle. This made such a huge difference in convenience and ease.
p.s. I have 1 Scarlett Lime pilot permaball pen left….I’ll be sad when it dies! thanks for suggesting an alternative.
Hi Julie, I practically have all the above mentioned products except the mixed media paper roll :). Good to know they’re great for making handmade bound art journals. I agree with you regarding Golden’s matte medium jar. What I do is pour it into an empty flip-top bottle. This made such a huge difference in convenience and ease.
p.s. I have 1 Scarlett Lime pilot permaball pen left….I’ll be sad when it dies! thanks for suggesting an alternative.
Hi Julie, I practically have all the above mentioned products except the mixed media paper roll :). Good to know they’re great for making handmade bound art journals. I agree with you regarding Golden’s matte medium jar. What I do is pour it into an empty flip-top bottle. This made such a huge difference in convenience and ease.
p.s. I have 1 Scarlett Lime pilot permaball pen left….I’ll be sad when it dies! thanks for suggesting an alternative.
Hi Julie, I practically have all the above mentioned products except the mixed media paper roll :). Good to know they’re great for making handmade bound art journals. I agree with you regarding Golden’s matte medium jar. What I do is pour it into an empty flip-top bottle. This made such a huge difference in convenience and ease.
p.s. I have 1 Scarlett Lime pilot permaball pen left….I’ll be sad when it dies! thanks for suggesting an alternative.
Theyre from Japan. I dont know of anywhere local that stocks them.
Theyre from Japan. I dont know of anywhere local that stocks them.
Theyre from Japan. I dont know of anywhere local that stocks them.
Theyre from Japan. I dont know of anywhere local that stocks them.
Theyre from Japan. I dont know of anywhere local that stocks them.
Theyre from Japan. I dont know of anywhere local that stocks them.
Gina is right–decant mediums from the large jars into a smaller container and just refill as necessary. Keeps the main part of the jar from drying out too soon!
Gina is right–decant mediums from the large jars into a smaller container and just refill as necessary. Keeps the main part of the jar from drying out too soon!
Gina is right–decant mediums from the large jars into a smaller container and just refill as necessary. Keeps the main part of the jar from drying out too soon!
Gina is right–decant mediums from the large jars into a smaller container and just refill as necessary. Keeps the main part of the jar from drying out too soon!
Gina is right–decant mediums from the large jars into a smaller container and just refill as necessary. Keeps the main part of the jar from drying out too soon!
Gina is right–decant mediums from the large jars into a smaller container and just refill as necessary. Keeps the main part of the jar from drying out too soon!
i tried the big roll of MM paper but it is hard to get it to flatten. Misting helped (at suggestion of manufacturer)but then it got a ripple. I then ironed it but it was not ideal product. So ok for big art practice but not a saleable finish.
i tried the big roll of MM paper but it is hard to get it to flatten. Misting helped (at suggestion of manufacturer)but then it got a ripple. I then ironed it but it was not ideal product. So ok for big art practice but not a saleable finish.
i tried the big roll of MM paper but it is hard to get it to flatten. Misting helped (at suggestion of manufacturer)but then it got a ripple. I then ironed it but it was not ideal product. So ok for big art practice but not a saleable finish.
i tried the big roll of MM paper but it is hard to get it to flatten. Misting helped (at suggestion of manufacturer)but then it got a ripple. I then ironed it but it was not ideal product. So ok for big art practice but not a saleable finish.
i tried the big roll of MM paper but it is hard to get it to flatten. Misting helped (at suggestion of manufacturer)but then it got a ripple. I then ironed it but it was not ideal product. So ok for big art practice but not a saleable finish.
i tried the big roll of MM paper but it is hard to get it to flatten. Misting helped (at suggestion of manufacturer)but then it got a ripple. I then ironed it but it was not ideal product. So ok for big art practice but not a saleable finish.