Art Journal Supply List

To begin a journaling practice you don't need too much.

Here you'll see some of the basic things you'll need.  As we move through the class I'll be introducing you to a variety of ways to make art. In each session I'll share links to any materials that you might want to try.

Although it's fun to play with different mediums, you can take your time to build up a supply collection, because high quality materials can be expensive.

Here are the "Getting Started" basics:

You should be able to find these at any craft supply store (Michael's and Hobby Lobby in the U.S.). The blue colored text is a clickable link, and below those there are links to Amazon and other suppliers.

1. You need a Watercolor Journal,  5.5 x 8.5" is a good size. Something easy to carry that isn't too big or small.

2. Drawing and writing tools such as pencils and pens.

3. Ways to add color!

1. The Journal

This needs to have thick paper for wet media, so you don't want to purchase a Sketchbook unless it has heavyweight paper. A sketchbook is usually made from thin paper, is used just for pencil and pen, and it won't work as well for what we'll be doing. For best results, the paper should be at least 140 lb.. There are Mixed Media journals available, and they are fine if you can find 140 lb paper (they are usually around 98 lbs, and this weight will buckle when wet).

Here are 2 journals I would recommend. You'll be good to go with anything that is similar.

Strathmore Watercolor Journal, Sewn binding, Landscape format

Strathmore Watercolor Journal - Wire Bound, Portrait format

The journal size and format is whatever you prefer. I like a sewn journal because they're great for 2 page spreads. A wire bound journal limits you to one page at a time.

2. Drawing and writing tools and brushes

There are so many choices!

Essential: A pencil and eraser (you probably already have this), and a pen that is waterproof. I like these: Micron Pens – set of 3.

Also essential are some brushes. For travel, Water Brushes are great. Otherwise, just some assorted soft round brushes.

I like these Creative Inspirations brushes

Really nice to have: Uni-Ball Signo White Pen by Sakura

These next two are fun but not essential - I'll demonstrate them in one of our sessions:

 Elegant Writer

Sketch and Wash Pencil

3. Color!

Essential: A Set of Watercolors. The key is that they be transportable, so you'll need a little half-pan set.  

If you already have  tube watercolor, they'll be fine to use for the challenge.

With a set of watercolors you can achieve so much variation in color. They are more transportable than a bag full of markers or colored pencils, although those are fun to have too.

Here are two choices for watercolor:

This set is very inexpensive and they'll work as an initial purchase: Prang Watercolors

This one is my favorite set. They are student grade but the quality is good, and they travel everywhere with me: Windsor and Newton Cotman Compact

It is so exciting to work with color - and there are a lot of mediums to play with. I'm going to introduce you to a number of them in this class, and I don't expect you to buy them all! It has taken me years to build up my supplies.

Here are some of the materials you'll see in our lessons: I'll add more on the days I demonstrate them.

Crayons. I have always loved getting a new box of Crayola crayons! These are still wonderful to work with and so inexpensive.

Gouache Tube Paint. Gouache is opaque watercolor and behaves differently than watercolor.

Gouache Pan Set.

Colored Pencils - small set - Prismacolor are my favorites

Markers. I like water based markers, mostly because a permanent marker is usually smelly. Also there are fun watercolor-like effects you can get with them.

A Glue Stick. For sticking fun ephemera into your journal