I originally started this post back in November in response to some friends who were looking for recommendations of art supplies for their kids for Christmas... well here we are in January and I still haven't hit post. It IS ENTIRELY possible to do WORK ON something and not actually complete it (eek story of my life).
ANYWAY I wanted to make a solid list with pictures and links for anyone that's looking to step up their supplies for themselves or kiddos! January actually still feels like a good time to share this in case you're looking to start a new hobby or upgrade some supplies! All of these items are supplies both me and my kids use. They are 9 and 4! I am a firm believer in giving kids access to both "cheaper craft supplies" and "fine art supplies". What you allow them to use the supplies for is entirely up to you and them! This list would fall in the "fine art supplies" while maintaining a price point that is budget friendly!
We generally use these supplies when we go out on Nature walks with our homeschool group or on our own, but my kids reach for these supplies time and time again at home too.
Let's start with paper or notebooks. There are two brands of "sketchbooks" we prefer to use. These are slightly on the pricier side, but they are worth it! One of them has a hard cover and the other is soft. Meaning it will bend and has more flexibility. The paper inside both of these is a heavy duty watercolor paper and come in different sizes.
Comes in variety of sizes.
Of course there are SO many options for sketchbooks/art journals. We prefer books that are not spiral bound, can lay flat and ALWAYS have watercolor or mixed media paper. This kind of paper can really hold up to all kinds of materials from markers, acrylic paint and watercolors.
Next up is paint. Since we are generally on the go with our nature journal art supplies, we really love these Sakura Koi Watercolor Pan sets. These are SO great because they include a waterbrush, place to mix colors and close up into a tidy little box! The kids have 12 color box and mine is 24. They also make a set that includes metallic and neon paints!
These paints are vibrant and mix well together. They water down easily and don't get muddy. The lid can also be used for mixing or watering colors down.
The brush twists apart to fit into the box!
As for brushes if you get a kit that doesn't include a water brush, there are plenty individual brushes out there to choose from.
The water brushes above are as follows:
Far Left - brush included in Koi watercolor kit
Second from Left - something I found at Hobby Lobby years ago
Second from Right - Pentel Aquabrush
This brush set comes with three different sizes and is VERY economical for kiddos!
If you couldn't tell by the photo - these brushes can hold water and make it very convenient for on the go (when water might not be available) and very kid friendly. You just gently squeeze the body of the brush (part filled with water) and water is released down through the bristles! They also come with lids!
I did not include pens we use or like, because I've got a whole post on that here! But when we are on the go - I need a good way to keep our utensils accessible and organized. I love these pencil rolls, that hold everything from markers, pencils, brushes and more. This particular one is handmade and was a gift for my birthday a few years ago, but you can find similar ones on Etsy!
You can find these on Etsy, Amazon or art supply stores by searching "pencil roll".
Lastly and probably one of our most favorite parts of sketchbooks or art journaling, is decorating and personalizing the cover! It's fun to acquire stickers from different trips or shops, but a personal favorite of ours is BIG MOODS stickers. They have something for EVERYONE! These are also great on water bottles too.
We try to keep the supplies simple especially for on the go. I can easily fit all of these items for each of us into one back pack with room for extra nature guide books, cameras, snacks and water. Hope you find this useful and happy adventuring!
