My Favorite Art Journaling Supplies
Hello Wonderful, Creative You:
It’s always fun to know what art journaling supplies other artists are using, isn’t it? Working with new art journaling supplies gives me such a kick of inspiration. Does it work that way for you too? And if you are new to art journaling and creative self-care techniques, it’s so much easier to get started if someone you know gives you suggestions. (Even if we only know each other in that internet-art-buddy kinda way. I’ve made some real friends on the internet because of art – you know who you are!)
Of course, the art journaling supplies I use rotate a bit – keeping things fresh is part of what keeps me inspired, but I wanted to share some of the goodies that are consistently in heavy rotation in my art journaling work.
A List of My Favorite Art Journaling Supplies
Journals:
- Moleskine Art Plus 3.5 x 5.5 pocket journal – A small journal fits in your purse so you can create in short bursts
- Moleskine accordion fold journal – This one folds out to one long page. Here’s a sample.
- Strathmore watercolor journal– This art journal has nice hefty pages.
Paints:
- Golden high flow acrylic paints – Obsessed! These paints inspire loose, playful pages.
- Windsor & Newton Galeria acrylic paints- These are a good medium grade acrylic paint
- Artist’s Loft Watercolor Pan Set – So cheap and yet so fun on art journal pages!
- Windsor & Newton Watercolor Tubes – For a better quality watercolor paint
Gesso:
- Liquitex gesso – I use gesso in place of white paint to keep pages from sticking sometimes
Pens: All these pens are super fun for writing over paint!
Ink
- Higgins India Ink – Ink is fun to smear around on the page
Brushes:
- Koi water brush – great for portable art kits
- Loew Cornell brushes for acrylic paint
- Bamboo watercolor brush
Glue / Adhesive:
Stamp Cutting Materials:
Portable Art Kit Pouches
Free Art Journaling Class
If you want to start and art journal but feel overwhelmed, or you need a good dose of inspiration, check out one of my free art journaling class.
What supplies can’t you live without in your art journal? Tell us about it in the comments!
Creatively Yours,
Amy
*The links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to click on them and purchase something, you’ll be supporting the work of Mindful Art Studio at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
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I am loving my Korean gelatoes that I acquired on a trip to see my son – I love the vibrant colours and the variety of things that you can do with them xx
HI Tess:
I have actually never used the gelatos. Are you making backgrounds, or other things too? What’s not to love when the colors are vibrant?
Cheers,
Amy
Mmm Amy.
Lots of yummy inspiration here.
I notice one of those water-brushes sitting there. Ive been addicted to those for years.
Haven’t yet tried liquid acrylics.
Should I?
Hi Sally:
Of course I think you should try liquid acrylics! To me, they are one of the most versatile, forgiving mediums. just drip, splatter, or smear them on a page and watch the magic happen! No training required. If you decide to take the plunge, be sure to post on CSC. I’d love to see!
Creatively Yours,
Amy
Thank you SO much for this site! My daughter and I are going to start together!
HI Veronica:
I’m so happy you and your daughter are enjoying Mindful Art Studio and art journaling! If you haven’t already, be sure to get the free Guide to Creative Self-Care. Please let me know if I can help in any way!
Cheers,
Amy
Thank you so so much. Excellent stuff.
I’m so happy it speaks to you Karen!
I really like my small moleskine journal and faber castell pitt pens for my use… I’m enjoying my liquitex basic acrylic paints (bought the set of 36) so as a beginner I had a good variety of colours to experiment with.
I meant for my purse, not use!!
HI Diana! Ooh, this sounds excellent! I just love the freedom of working small. I think the materials you’ve started with give such a wonderful array of options!
Cheers,
Amy
Oh Amy, I love your art work! You’re shares are so inspirational! Thank you for sharing so much with us. I am a New subby, and am enjoying every post thus far. I have a growing list of supplies I want to try now finding this post! One last thing, if Lisa Congdon swears by it, it’s worth it! She’s my most fav inspirational artist RN. I also have those Koi Watercolours & yes they are 100% my top fav. (sshhh I prefer over W&N). Thanks again!
Hi Jeanine:
Oh thank you so much for being here and taking the time to comment. Yes, I agree, Lisa Congdon is the bomb. I love her authentic, playful ways, and I too trust her art supply suggestions! I’m so glad that you have been enjoying what I’m sharing at Mindful Art Studio as well, have you signed up for my free ecourse, the Guide to Creative Self-Care?
Cheers,
Amy
Oh, Amy, thanks for this post … it has re-inspired me to go reacquaint myself with some art materials I have stashed away, many of which are on your list. My new faves are the caran d’ache neocolor water-soluable crayons. I have just 6, but am in love with the way they behave. You would love them! I also noticed you didn’t mention the Posca paint pen …. I’ve become convinced I ***need*** it LOL!!
Always feel blessed to read your encouraging and inspiring posts, Amy. Thanks for continually keeping the joy of creating alive and well for so many!!!
Well I had a bunch of art supplies that I had accumulated over years. Then I lost my husband and had to move. I didn’t get to take all my supplies but I did bring Derwan watercolor pencils, All the Prismacolor pencils. Well they were stolen. Yes I’m upset but art journals rock. I’ll eventually get them replaced. Did I mention all my Golden paints? Just venting.
Oh what heartache Terri!I can imagine how that hurts, I especially feel those golden paints. Luckily for you, there’s a LOT you can do when you have creative limitations. What would happen if you used it as an opportunity to mine for ideas in a new way? just with pen and paper?
Xo Amy
What can I use instead of all these fancy supplies?
I’m on a very limited budget.
Hey Lisa:
So I guess the first thing I’d say is that I find with my students that buying one or two better quality supplies is MUCH better than a bunch of low quality ones. Many times it leads to feeling like you’ve failed because they don’t behave as you expect them to. I’d say the #1 thing I suggest if you are going to paint in an art journal is a good quality watercolor journal. You can go cheaper on your paints, but when your paper buckles, it’s really frustrating. Michael’s sells some very affordable fun Artist’s Loft watercolors in wonderful fun colors – not realistic, but fun. XO Hope this helps.
Hey,
I am from India and thank you for helping out about the painting stuff things, I mostly I used cameline, fabercaslte,artline things.
I’m so glad that you found it helpful! xo
Lisa, I agree 100% with Amy about buying better quality supplies than lots of cheap ones. Along with the quality journal, I would add one or two quality brushes, one for wide applications and one for more detailed work. I find the watercolor and acrylic brushes sold at Michael’s are more than adequate unless you happen to discover you’re the next Picasso (van Gogh, Wyeth–choose your most admired artist). I think one of the main reasons children stop creating as they get older is that they’re forced to work with inferior supplies. While it would be wasteful to spend $50 on one brush for a child who’s going to lose it, it’s counter-productive to spend $1 on one which is almost guaranteed to leave bristles all over their work. It’s the same for adults. Buy fewer supplies, but the highest quality you can possibly afford.
This is such a helpful comment, Susan! Yes, a good brush, when treated right, can last a long time and do wonders. I agree about kids too – I think it’s the same with my adult students – when they work with inferior materials and they struggle the whole time, it’s discouraging.
Do you have a site or Instagram where we can see your work? xo
Well, the only website I have showcases my work as an author. If you want to take a look at it…I’ll add the link below. My pen name is Suzana Wylie. It’s been a while since I posted — a weird year. I’m not confident enough with my art to share that.
Amy, I missed writing down where to buy the overhead phone holder and the lighting that you use for filming. I’ve looked on your website. Do you have a way of gaining a commission if I were to buy them through you website?
Hi Pam! Oh sure, I’m happy to help, and yes, you can purchase through my affiliate link if you wish, thanks!
That’s all right here on recommended supplies. Happy creating!