It’s the holidays – do you know what to get for the artist in your life? Whether they are a budding artist or well established in their practice, I have a few suggestions – many that I’ve tested myself and have grown to love in my sketchbook practice. I’m going to start with and give priority to local-to-Pennsylvania goods and mention a few more after. I hope the artist in your life – or maybe that’s you – enjoys these ideas/gifts!
The images in this post are property of the respective owners.
Sendak Roll – Peg & Awl | I love my Sendak Roll and Mini-Sendak Roll. They hold some of my favorite tools – mostly colored pencils and a few travel brushes.
Watercolors – Keystone Creative Goods | I snagged a few of their watercolors while visiting their amazing shop in Philly and love experimenting with them in my sketchbooks.
Inks – Birmingham Pen Company | These inks are delicious! I love working them into my sketchbooks and fill up all of my favorite fountain pens with their inks. I have about a dozen of their colors but could always buy a few more.
Handmade Paper – SHare Studios (now in Maine) | If you are looking for unique, handmade paper, then this is the maker for you. She is always pushing what she can do with her paper and the colors and quality are just out of this world.
Pastels – Pan Pastels | Pan Pastels originated near my hometown in Kutztown, PA and have some lovely pastels that sit in plastic pans that then stack for easy storage and travel. I love dipping my fingers into them and smudging them around my sketchbook for just the right feel and texture.
The companies listed below are other materials and supplies that I use in my own art practice. I love playing with new materials and suggest you try something new in the upcoming year!
Other Materials
Paint Brushes
- DaVinci Watercolor Quill Brushes
- Derwent Water Brushes
- Escoda Travel Brushes
- Tintoretto Travel Brush Set (on my personal wish list)
Sketchbooks:
Stationery Supplies