Yesterday I put together a resource guide for some of my favorite art things and I figured that I ought to share it here on the blog as well.  After all, if you're here, it's because you love to make art! So here is a quick guide to some of my favorite art supplies. I limited myself to just a few choices in each category. My true "can't live withouts." You can find a much longer list HERE.

Art Journaling

3-AprilBlueHair-wm

Stamp Carving

10-NoTile-wm

Mixed Media Collage

EyelashFace-wm

Gelatin Printing

Unfolded-wm

ScanNCut

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I recommend any model of the DX machines (like this one) with the AutoBlade. The AutoBlade makes a huge difference. Some accessories that I use all the time:

  • Scanning Mat (you must buy the Scanning Mat for your type of machine, this link is for the DX mat)
  • Metal Hook & Spatula
  • Brother Brayer (for adhering paper/fabric/etc. to the mat) — Using the brayer allows you to get away with using a less sticky mat.
  • Universal Pen Holder — it's not actually universal, but it allows you to put most pens in the machine.

Studio Organization

4Carts-wm

I would say that my "must haves" change a bit over the years, but for the most part, these are the foundational items that I use almost every single day!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a mixed-media artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops, her online classroom www.balzerdesigns.com, and through monthly membership at www.MyArtPractice.com.

35 thoughts on “Some Favorite Supplies

  • hello just wondering which catalyst brushes you recommend or use?
    thanks so much!
    Sheri

    Reply
  • hello just wondering which catalyst brushes you recommend or use?
    thanks so much!
    Sheri

    Reply
  • hello just wondering which catalyst brushes you recommend or use?
    thanks so much!
    Sheri

    Reply
  • hello just wondering which catalyst brushes you recommend or use?
    thanks so much!
    Sheri

    Reply
  • hello just wondering which catalyst brushes you recommend or use?
    thanks so much!
    Sheri

    Reply
  • hello just wondering which catalyst brushes you recommend or use?
    thanks so much!
    Sheri

    Reply
  • hello just wondering which catalyst brushes you recommend or use?
    thanks so much!
    Sheri

    Reply
  • I really like your recommendations and have wondered about your favorite supplies and organization methods. Honestly, I’ve saved a lot of headache and $$ just buying what you suggest for the projects and classes. You’ve vetting the available supplies wayyyyyy bettter than most of us ever will!
    One idea: once I figured out your supply list bested the alternatives, I found myself heading t the art supply store almost daily to get what I needed for the day’s lesson. Maybe a list of all recommended supplies when one pays for a course? Then I can buy/order everything at once. Just a thought.

    Reply
  • I really like your recommendations and have wondered about your favorite supplies and organization methods. Honestly, I’ve saved a lot of headache and $$ just buying what you suggest for the projects and classes. You’ve vetting the available supplies wayyyyyy bettter than most of us ever will!
    One idea: once I figured out your supply list bested the alternatives, I found myself heading t the art supply store almost daily to get what I needed for the day’s lesson. Maybe a list of all recommended supplies when one pays for a course? Then I can buy/order everything at once. Just a thought.

    Reply
  • I really like your recommendations and have wondered about your favorite supplies and organization methods. Honestly, I’ve saved a lot of headache and $$ just buying what you suggest for the projects and classes. You’ve vetting the available supplies wayyyyyy bettter than most of us ever will!
    One idea: once I figured out your supply list bested the alternatives, I found myself heading t the art supply store almost daily to get what I needed for the day’s lesson. Maybe a list of all recommended supplies when one pays for a course? Then I can buy/order everything at once. Just a thought.

    Reply
  • I really like your recommendations and have wondered about your favorite supplies and organization methods. Honestly, I’ve saved a lot of headache and $$ just buying what you suggest for the projects and classes. You’ve vetting the available supplies wayyyyyy bettter than most of us ever will!
    One idea: once I figured out your supply list bested the alternatives, I found myself heading t the art supply store almost daily to get what I needed for the day’s lesson. Maybe a list of all recommended supplies when one pays for a course? Then I can buy/order everything at once. Just a thought.

    Reply
  • I really like your recommendations and have wondered about your favorite supplies and organization methods. Honestly, I’ve saved a lot of headache and $$ just buying what you suggest for the projects and classes. You’ve vetting the available supplies wayyyyyy bettter than most of us ever will!
    One idea: once I figured out your supply list bested the alternatives, I found myself heading t the art supply store almost daily to get what I needed for the day’s lesson. Maybe a list of all recommended supplies when one pays for a course? Then I can buy/order everything at once. Just a thought.

    Reply
  • I really like your recommendations and have wondered about your favorite supplies and organization methods. Honestly, I’ve saved a lot of headache and $$ just buying what you suggest for the projects and classes. You’ve vetting the available supplies wayyyyyy bettter than most of us ever will!
    One idea: once I figured out your supply list bested the alternatives, I found myself heading t the art supply store almost daily to get what I needed for the day’s lesson. Maybe a list of all recommended supplies when one pays for a course? Then I can buy/order everything at once. Just a thought.

    Reply
  • I really like your recommendations and have wondered about your favorite supplies and organization methods. Honestly, I’ve saved a lot of headache and $$ just buying what you suggest for the projects and classes. You’ve vetting the available supplies wayyyyyy bettter than most of us ever will!
    One idea: once I figured out your supply list bested the alternatives, I found myself heading t the art supply store almost daily to get what I needed for the day’s lesson. Maybe a list of all recommended supplies when one pays for a course? Then I can buy/order everything at once. Just a thought.

    Reply
  • I use the long handled ones. But honestly, I’ve never encountered a Catalyst brush I didn’t love. They take a beating and keep on ticking.

    Reply
  • I use the long handled ones. But honestly, I’ve never encountered a Catalyst brush I didn’t love. They take a beating and keep on ticking.

    Reply
  • I use the long handled ones. But honestly, I’ve never encountered a Catalyst brush I didn’t love. They take a beating and keep on ticking.

    Reply
  • I use the long handled ones. But honestly, I’ve never encountered a Catalyst brush I didn’t love. They take a beating and keep on ticking.

    Reply
  • I use the long handled ones. But honestly, I’ve never encountered a Catalyst brush I didn’t love. They take a beating and keep on ticking.

    Reply
  • I use the long handled ones. But honestly, I’ve never encountered a Catalyst brush I didn’t love. They take a beating and keep on ticking.

    Reply
  • I use the long handled ones. But honestly, I’ve never encountered a Catalyst brush I didn’t love. They take a beating and keep on ticking.

    Reply
  • I’m looking for a way to store my stencils. A couple are large, 9″X12″. I’ve looked for large binders at Staples and Michaels but they are all standard size. What do you use? I see you have what looks like a large binder in the bottom level of your red cart. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply
  • I’m looking for a way to store my stencils. A couple are large, 9″X12″. I’ve looked for large binders at Staples and Michaels but they are all standard size. What do you use? I see you have what looks like a large binder in the bottom level of your red cart. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply
  • I’m looking for a way to store my stencils. A couple are large, 9″X12″. I’ve looked for large binders at Staples and Michaels but they are all standard size. What do you use? I see you have what looks like a large binder in the bottom level of your red cart. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply
  • I’m looking for a way to store my stencils. A couple are large, 9″X12″. I’ve looked for large binders at Staples and Michaels but they are all standard size. What do you use? I see you have what looks like a large binder in the bottom level of your red cart. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply
  • I’m looking for a way to store my stencils. A couple are large, 9″X12″. I’ve looked for large binders at Staples and Michaels but they are all standard size. What do you use? I see you have what looks like a large binder in the bottom level of your red cart. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply
  • I’m looking for a way to store my stencils. A couple are large, 9″X12″. I’ve looked for large binders at Staples and Michaels but they are all standard size. What do you use? I see you have what looks like a large binder in the bottom level of your red cart. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply
  • I’m looking for a way to store my stencils. A couple are large, 9″X12″. I’ve looked for large binders at Staples and Michaels but they are all standard size. What do you use? I see you have what looks like a large binder in the bottom level of your red cart. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply

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