Art Journaling Supplies

Here is a list of basic mixed-media journaling supplies to get you going . You’ll be delighted with what you can do with a sketchbook and some simple art materials.

Sketchbooks

Here are sketch books I recommend for art journaling. I like these books because of the weight and quality of the paper. Listen to your heart and hands as you choose the size and style that speaks to you. Some of these journals are spiral bound, and the last one on the list is book bound. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. If you are unsure about what to get, please email me.

Strathmore Visual Journal
This spiral bound journal comes in a variety of paper types. I like their “mixed media” paper. Available at Riley Street Art Supplies in San Rafael or at Riley Street online.

Canson XL Mixed Media
A sturdy, well-priced spiral-bound pad. Available at Michaels art supplies, Aaron Brothers and Riley Street Art Supplies in San Rafael or online.

Aquabee Super Deluxe Sketchbook
Natural white, heavyweight, textured paper works well with wet media, charcoal, pencil, and more. Spiral bound. Available at Riley Street Art Supplies in San Rafael or Blick art supplies  |  Cheap Joes 

Stillman and Birn
These are beautiful, book-bound journals with heavyweight paper. Available at: Riley Street Art Supplies in San Rafael or online

Juicy Supplies

Now it’s time for the fun stuff! Here are the basics: some means of adding color (tissue, water-soluble pencils and crayons), writing/drawing implements (pens, water-soluble pencils), glue, paint, scissors and collage elements.

Bleeding Art Tissue
Made by Spectra. This is an amazing, fun, easy and surprising material to work with! Use as “paint” to add color and visual texture, or collage material. Be sure that the package says “bleeding” on the package. Available at: Riley Street Art Supplies or online at Blick Art Supplies

Water Soluble Colored Pencils
Brands I like: Prisma Color, Caran d’Ache and Derwint. You can buy a small- or medium-sized set and then add more colors to it. Available at Riley Street Art Supply or Blick Art Supplies

Caran d’Ache Neocolor II Water-Soluble Crayons
These water-soluble crayons are richly pigmented and are wonderful to use to create backgrounds as well as draw with. They are firmer and less waxy than oil pastels, yet can also be smudged, rubbed and scratched into. Available at Riley Street Art Supplies or Blick Art Supplies

Pens
So many options! Here are a few suggestions:

For metallics, I like Gelly Roll by Sakura. According to Blick art supply: “Every Gelly Roll pen contains archival-quality ink that is chemically stable, waterproof, and fade-resistant. What’s more, the ink won’t smear, feather, or bleed through most paper.” A Gelly roll pen in black is great for writing.

I also love Uni-Ball Gel Impact RollerBall Pens in gold and silver. Sharpie paint markers: They’re opaque and come in a variety of widths. My favorites are white, black and red extra-fine. Also available in metallics. For a white writing pen, my absolute favorite is “Signo” by Uniball. It has pigment ink, and is very smooth to write with.

Paints

Watercolors
Fluid and versatile. Watercolors drip, flow and blend well. So many options to choose from. If you’re just getting started go with a watercolor pan set. Many options to choose from! Check them out at Blick Art Supplies

Acrylic Paints
Acrylics are great for painting backgrounds and using with stencils. I like to use inexpensive craft paints because they dry quickly and have a matte finish so you can easily write, draw or collage on top. Available at Riley Street Art Supplies or Blick Art Supplies

Adhesives

Glue Sticks
Make sure the glue stick says archival and avoid anything that says “washable.” Uhu is my favorite brand. And it comes in blue, so you can see where you’ve put down the glue — dries clear!

Glue
White Elmer’s glue mixed with some water to thin slightly (3 parts glue, 1 part water) is great to use to collage bleeding art tissue.