This post has been a loooong time coming. I’ve been into art from the moment I could pick up a crayon, and my love for creating has only expanded since then.
As a self-taught artist with ADHD, I’ve always loved exploring new artistic mediums, from watercolors to loom weaving to stamp carving and beyond.
Like a kid in a candy store, shopping art-supply stores or browsing on Amazon, I can’t help myself from buying whatever new art supply that sparks my inspiration. And you better believe my Amazon Art Supplies Wish List is well into the 1,000s by now (should we add this to the TME Amazon storefront? Let us know!).
I’m a big believer in trying new things and exploring new ways to create. Whether you’re a kid (or a kid at heart) or an advanced artist, I’ve rounded up twelve of my personal favorite art supplies for artists of all ages and levels.
12 Of My Fave Arts & Craft Supplies For Artists Of All Ages & Levels
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or have been an artist your entire life, there’s no better feeling than finding a new artistic outlet that you can lose yourself in. Well, you need not worry because I guarantee there’s something in this post for you. Keep scrolling to find your new favorite creative outlet.
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1. ‘365 Days of Art‘
The book “365 Days of Art” by Lorna Scobie is perfect for helping you recapture your creative spark. Anytime I’m feeling stuck or in need of inspiration, I open up this bad boy to a random page and fill it out. It’s great for artists of all ages as well. I love this series so much, I also have “365 Days of Feel-Good Art” (for those extra-tough days) and “365 Days of Art in Nature.”
2. Samsung Galaxy Tablet S6 Lite
For beginner graphic artists, the Samsung Galaxy Tablet is one of the highest-rated AND most-affordable options out there. Of course, the dream tablet is the Apple iPad, and Wacom also makes some of the best drawing tablets, specifically for artists, on the market.
3. Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Paint Set
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Set
These Kuretake paints are by far my favorite high-quality watercolors ever. I love them so much, I’m already on my second set!
4. Dr. Ph. Martin’s Radiant Watercolor Set
Dr. Ph. Martin’s Radiant Watercolor Set
One of my favorite mediums to play around with are liquid watercolors. Dr. Ph. Martin’s makes the most radiant, high-vibrancy liquid watercolors. A little bit goes a long way with these and there are so many different color options. Colorations makes affordable liquid watercolors for beginners and kids.
5. SunPrint Paper Kit
SunPrint kits are one of the most fun DIY activities I can think of. It’s a great way to combine nature and science into a memorable craft/DIY activity with the kiddo. Plus, once it’s all over, you have some beautiful framable art!
6. Moleskine Sketchbook
Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbook
Okay, let’s talk artist sketchbooks. Sketchbooking is my favorite outlet. I’ve been sketchbooking since I was in middle school, and I’m very specific about what I am looking for in a sketchbook. I like really thick paper that won’t bleed, so you can use whatever medium without worrying about ruining several pages, and is thick enough to handle ephemera as well.
I also prefer hardbound journals like the Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbook, because I organize all of my finished journals together on my bookshelf once they’re completed (I have over 40 finished Moleskine sketchbooks and counting!). I also can’t say no to a leather-bound artist sketchbook — there’s just something wondrous about them.
7. Willowdale Weaving Loom
I picked up my latest crafting obsession, loom weaving, while we were in COVID lockdown, and I’ve never looked back. It’s such a stress-relieving activity for me — it keeps my hands and mind busy while I’m relaxing on the couch.
8. ‘The Antiquarian Sticker Book‘
“The Antiquarian Sticker Book“
You don’t need to be a scrapbooker to love this sticker book. “The Antiquarian Sticker Book” has over 1,000 of the most gorgeous, high-quality stickers I’ve ever come across. I always find a way to use them, whether to seal envelopes or while I’m journaling in my sketchbook. They’re so stunning, and I have the entire Antiquarian Collection now (“The Imaginarium Antiquarian Sticker Book” is just stunning), which is more stickers then I could ever use in a lifetime, but they’re worth it just to look at. Great for all ages too.
9. Artist Storage Box
An artist storage box is a must-have. I have this 7 Elements box and love all the uniquely sized compartments. It’s perfect for storing and organizing my favorite pens, markers, pastels, etc. And it’s ready to go with me whenever I feel like taking my sketchbook to the beach. You can also find storage boxes with a built-in easel, which makes it perfect for creating art on the go.
10. Caran d’Ache Water-Soluble Wax Pastels
Caran d’Ache Water-Soluble Wax Pastels
My Caran D’ache water-soluble wax pastels are some of my most beloved art supplies of all time. They’re so much fun to play with, and the colors are bright and rich. The magic happens when you take a wet paintbrush to your markings, and the colors come alive. These are artist-quality wax pastels, so they can be pricey, but they’re SO WORTH it. Marabu and Channie’s both make more cost-efficient, water-soluble crayons for budding artists and kiddos.
11. Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Party-Supply Kit
Tulip Tie-Dye Party-Supply Kit
OK, who didn’t fall in love with tie-dyeing while we were trapped inside during COVID? I know I did. And no one does it better than Tulip.
12. Pentel Water Brush Pack
Another way to make painting fun is with these refillable Pentel Water Brushes. There are so many fun ways to use them. You can fill them with water to use over water-soluble pastels — or add in a mixture of liquid watercolor and water, and just go crazy on some paper.
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Lemme know if you want more arts & crafting posts like this one!
Sincerely, Jess
Oh hey, Pinners…
Whoa, this is awesome.
So much guidance in here on tons of art stuff.
Definitely needs to be added to Amazon store front – please @themomedit