- Before buying anything, take an inventory of your supplies. Trash anything that isn't usable, donate / sell / give away things you don't want or won't use anymore.
- If buying something new, start small. I recommend getting a travel size version or just a few colors at first. You also don't have to buy the most expensive items--check out reviews and try starting with something more affordable. This way, you can try it out without accumulating a lot or spending too much at first, just in case you change your mind or decide this isn't the material / medium for you.
- You don't HAVE to buy anything. I love the idea of using what we have and I always encourage you to do that first and not feel any pressure of having to buy something--only if you want to :)
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RELIABLE STAPLES, NEW PERSPECTIVES
Let's start with the staples! These are the items we have in our regular rotation and what we usually gravitate towards. I really like the idea of using what we already have in new and different ways--it's a chance to get creative and go outside our comfort zones / think outside the box!
It's also been a goal of mine to live more minimally, so I really try not to buy anything new unless I feel like it's something I will use often and will really add to my art and practice. I have had pretty much the same materials for the past 3 years or so and try to challenge myself to keep things feeling fresh.
When you're feeling bored with what you have,
- Take an inventory of your supplies and identify the items you use the most
- Think of different ways to use them and new techniques to try (see what you can come up on your own, search on YouTube and Pinterest, go to the library and check out some books, ask people you know who have experience with them, etc.)
Besides the basics (pencil, scissors, a good eraser, glue stick, ruler, etc.) here are my tried and true staples and the different ways I've tried using them.
ACRYLIC PAINTS
My favorite brand is Liquitex for the viscosity and variety of colors. I have the set of 48 colors, mini tubes (0.74 oz) which has lasted a long time and given me a lot of color options!
I also like DecoArt's Dazzling Metallics - Glorious Gold which has a more liquid consistency than Liquitex, (good for splattering, dripping, moving around) and it's been my favorite shade of metallic gold!
Besides painting with a brush, try...
- Finger painting
- Making splatters with it (add water to make it less thick if needed)
- Applying it with a palette knife (or plastic knife, fork, or spoon)
- Applying it with toys, food (pastas, my friend Cherise suggested a waffle which was so fun!), bubble wrap and packaging materials, tools, etc.
- Squeezing dots of paint onto the surface and swiping them with cardstock
- Mixing different colors
- Changing the viscosity by mixing water
- Changing the texture by mixing baking soda, sand, salt
- Put different colors in a cup, pour it out and see what happens
WATERCOLORS
I've been using my 24 color palette from Sakura Koi for YEARS (I got it sometime after I watched the movie UP because I saw in the behind the scenes that the artists used this on site in their research for locations for the movie!)
It also includes a water brush which is pretty much the only kind of brush I use. It makes it so easy to add water as you paint.
I enjoy using watercolors in a more abstract way, I like letting it do its own thing and surprise me with the results!
- Add watercolor to drops / splotches / puddles of water. Let the colors mix and dry on its own.
- Drip watercolor over objects: an ice cube, rocks, marbles, etc. Let it dry, then remove items.
- Experiment with adding salt, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice, etc. to change the watercolor.
- Play with layering: with another layer of watercolor, with other paints and mediums.
- Make splatters!
- Use a palette knife or other tools that are not a brush to apply the paint.
- Saturate cotton balls / paper towel / tissue in watercolor then throw them onto your paper.
PENS, BRUSH PENS, MARKERS
I always have a Sharpie handy and like having a few different black pens/markers that are great for writing and drawing. The different tips/widths cover all my different needs.
For writing/drawing I like Unipin Fine Line (I've been using 0.7 a lot) and for a fine line, 0.38 gel pens.
The Stabilo Point Max is great for outlines and drawing.
If I could only pick one brush pen to use for brush lettering, I would choose the Pentel Fude Touch Sign Pen. It has a smaller stiffer tip making it easy to control and get some beautiful letters out of!
Ecoline Brush Pens are my favorite markers--so juicy, goes on smooth, and have bright bold colors! I have the set of 10 and really love them for both lettering and coloring.
Here are a few other ways you can use them:
- The Ecoline markers are great for getting a watercolor effect! Brush a layer of clean water onto your paper (should look shiny but not dripping off the page). Apply the markers to a plastic bag (like a Ziplock bag) then press the marker side of the bag down onto your wet paper. Press and smush the ink around. Peel off for a watercolor style background. Add more water and repeat if needed.
- Mix and match the pens/markers you have. Use them together for different widths and colors. Use them to create interesting lettering (write with a thinner pen then use a thicker one to go over all the downstrokes to create a different style font.)
- I have used the ends of my pens (with the cover on) as a stamp with paint to create circles.
CRAYONS & COLORED PENCILS
I have a bag of old crayons I still have from over the years and they still work (and smell so nostalgic!) To that I've added what I feel like are grown up crayons-- water-soluble wax pastels, like this assorted set from Caran d'Ache. They go on very smooth while still keeping some of that crayon texture. You can use it dry or add water to the tip before using or blend colors together with water and a brush.
I'm not the biggest fan of colored pencils but they have come in handy! My favorites are from Posca as they are creamy and go on smoothly / blend well.
I don't have many suggestions for this one but I have used a lighter to melt the wax off of crayons and let it drip onto my paper to create markings.
ASSORTED COLORED PAPER, SCRAPBOOK PAPER, MAGAZINES, CATALOGS, OLD BOOKS
I have a small collection of these items to use for collages, paper weaving, to make stickers and envelopes with, etc.
SOME FUN THINGS TO TRY
I might not use these items regularly, but I feel like they are worth having for their versatility, because they are fun, and because they help add a little extra something to projects!EMBROIDERY FLOSS
I love all the different possibilities embroidery thread offers! I use it with a needle, awl, and foam sheet (to put paper on when poking the holes). The awl I have came with paper punch projects--if you don't have one a larger needle works to poke the holes. If you want to get one, make sure the width of the awl is small--book binding awls can sometimes be too big. I've seen some for sewing and other projects that looks like it has a smaller point.
KNEADED ERASER & INK PAD
This is by far my favorite new thing to use--especially when out and about or traveling! The kneaded eraser can be pressed into objects, textures, etc. to create a stamp. I use Faber-Castell's kneaded eraser which comes in a plastic container and StazOn permanent ink pad with it. And like magic, after a little while, the eraser will absorb all the ink and looks as good as new! It still functions as an eraser as well!
Tip: Tear the eraser into smaller bits for separate icons, words, or letters, instead of trying to use one big piece to pick everything up. The details usually come out clearer this way and handling less eraser makes the process easier.
GOLD LEAF
I love the touch of shimmer and shine gold leaf adds to a project--it's the perfect finishing touch. I got this kit from Speedball which includes the gold leaf, adhesive, and sealant. (I've tried using mod podge and other glues and I have not gotten it to work the way this adhesive does.)
PRESSED FLOWERS
Another fun element to play with that adds beauty, texture, and color. You can make your own or purchase a variety of pressed flowers and leaves online.
MINI ALPHABET & NUMBER STAMPS
These stamps are super versatile for making words and sentences, dating things, or even making all over patterns with. Add them to washi tape or stickers or stamp directly onto your page.
LOOK AT WHAT'S AROUND YOU
There are so many things all around us that we could potentially use in our art! Take a closer look, explore different things, and have fun with it!
- Ticket stubs, maps, brochures, take out menus, shopping bags, napkins, stickers from packaging, paper cup holders, matchbooks, business cards, wrapping paper, greeting cards, bubble wrap, inside of envelopes, stamps from snail mail, etc.
- Poke around your kitchen: baking soda to add texture to paint, food coloring, foods to make imprints or stamps (potatoes, carrots, celery, etc.), spices to add color, liquid soap to make bubbles, etc.
- Go through junk drawers, the garage / attic / basement / storage shed
- Discover texture on garden tools, kitchen utensils, textiles, furniture, baskets, dishes, vases, your car tires. Create rubbings or stamps from them.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
READ: 100 Day Project Resources I am on my 9th project and have written about and shared different project ideas and free printables throughout the years. They are all listed in the link!
WATCH: 50 Mark Making Ideas This video is from days 1-50 of my 2023 100 Day Project! I experimented with a lot of different ways to create a mark each day and share the process (I still need to make part 2!)
PICK A CARD: The Creative Spark Deck (Available as a physical deck or digital download that you print at home) Having a prompt or theme has really helped me in my creative practice! It has given me a starting point and something to expand on. I loved how it made me think of things I never would've considered if I hadn't had that prompt in mind. It inspired my to create this deck which features 50 mini cards with 9 prompts each. They can be used again and again and you can mix and match the prompts as well! You can find more details in the link.