Dear Wonderful, Creative You:
I like to make my holiday gift guide for artists based on what I’m excited about at the moment. This year I thought I’d create some little kits for you inspired by the projects I’ve worked on this year. You probably know I’ve been having a creative explosion with my paper cutting right now, so I’m excited to share a paper cutting starter kit here.
I also spent a lot of time focusing on my drawing skills and practicing using watercolor markers, and I’ve been collecting some pieces to make my studio feel more artsy and inviting. Finally, in 2018, I’ve paid much more attention to the way my wardrobe affects my mood and inspiration level, so I’ve included some links about that too.
My hope is that you will feel empowered to send this post to someone you love and let them know what’s on your wishlist. I ask for art supplies and gifts every year, and it’s a great way for the people you love to support and validate your art practice. You deserve that.
Finally, the folks at Legion paper have kindly shared some sample pads with me, and if you comment on this post and share it, you could be one of the random drawing winners to get some Legion paper pads. I’ll announce the winners on Monday, November 26th.
Paper Cutting Starter Kit
Alvin Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Pencil
Breman 18″ Metal Ruler – This is not my exact ruler, but it’s the one I want!
FREEBIE! I’ve been using Legion’s paper for some time. Legion sent me some samples and I have been LOVING the Stonehenge Light paper for paper cutting. Of course it would be tons of fun to share this creative gift with you, so comment on this post and share it on Facebook or via email. I’ll send a couple of randomly chosen folks some of their sample pads!
Travel Journaling Starter Kit
The Sketchbook Project Journal
You also might have seen that I’ve been participating in The Sketchbook Project, which is an amazing community art project open to artists of all ages and abilities throughout the world. Giving someone The Sketchbook Project journal so that they can be a part of this giant community art project would be an amazing gift.
Blue Q jumbo octopus pouch I’ve upsized my art pouch this year, and this baby is portable but holds it all!
Tombow Watercolor Markers – These are wonderful for adding color to my drawings and for practicing brush lettering in my journals.
Georgia O’Keeffe. I LOVE giving art books as gifts. This year I have been so inspired by this biography of Georgia O’Keeffe. I think you would be too. You can also check out my complete list of favorite art books to change your life in 2018.
Gift cards for Mindful Art Studio classes are a great way to support your art practice.
Home Art Studio Inspiration Kit
I have a post with tons of ideas on how to create an art studio in your home, even with limited space, but this is about filling the studio with a few key art objects. Even if your home “studio” is just a little corner in your kitchen or bedroom, you can make the space feel much more inspiring with just a few simple touches. Here’s some of my favorite additions from this year.
Broken Objects Print I love this print. I look at it every day and it reminds me to create beauty from imperfection.
Cork Inspiration Board I find that hanging up pieces I’m working on helps me get inspired and also see them from a distance.
Mason jars are a fun way to hold some basic supplies like micron pens and a pencil. It’s great to keep a few supplies at the ready in a way that looks creative, not cluttered.
Create script sign from Colleen Attara Studio I have one of these signs in plastic and one in cardboard and they jazz up my space!
I’m lusting after this beautiful White speckled coffee mug from Erika Gibson Studios – I think it would be great for sipping while you create or for holding brushes or pens.
Artsy Wardrobe Inspiration
In a way it might sound superfluous, but I find that dressing in colorful clothes, and wearing outfits that feel expressive makes me feel more like an artist.
Use a personal styling service, like Stitch Fix.
Wear some kick ass socks! My favorite pair this year is this one: I identify as a badass.
Wear bright colors.
Use funky jewelry or a scarf
COMMENT FOR YOUR CHANCE AT THE LEGION PAPER FREEBIE!
Be sure to comment about what’s on your wish list and I’ll choose a couple of random winners to send some beautiful legion paper mini pads to.
Creatively Yours,
Amy
*Many of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, if you choose to click on a link and purchase something, you’ll be supporting the work of Mindful Art Studio to support the artist in all of us.