My favorite Art Tools

 Welcome!

All kaleidoscopes by inkspired and KaleidoCam 

Thank you for visiting!

I recently did a blog on things that have made my creative endeavors easier. Today I thought you might like to see what tools I love to use, and perhaps you will find something new for you to try.

Disclaimer: I get no kickbacks, freebies or anything like that. This is just me sharing what I like.

Craft/Art space

As you can see, when I craft I spread out!

However there are some things I always have close to me to use frequently.

Having art supplies that work with me are part of that!

A good set of permanent ink pens is a must for Zentangle and ink & wash technique water coloring. These Sakura micron pens are my favorite.

An original Zentangle elephant by inkspired

This is a handy size chart if you forget what the numbers mean.

They also come in colors, which I have used for this Zentangle Fox:

Zentangle Fox by inkspired

For coloring after using a permanent pen outline I really enjoy the look of watercolor pencils.

I have used several different brands and truthfully right now I do not have a preference. My first set was by Kimball.

Something I invested in was this great carry-all case for pencils. Look at all the different features to fit your needs. I found mine on Amazon. This one I have filled with regular colored pencils.

It even has elastics to hold pencil sharpener and erasers.

You can have great pencils, etc. but if your paper is lousy, it won’t matter much. I have found Strathmore to be a consistent brand I look for. I like the mixed media weight paper, spiral bound for much of the zentangles I do. For a larger piece I use same brand, tape bound.

I have also used Canson.

I have many different brands of colored gel pens I use for all sorts of things like lettering on envelopes and cards and coloring stamped images. Some are great, some are ok. I look for them at Costco during the holidays when they have large assorted packs of things in the art department. Crayola also carries some nice assortments.

BUT 

For white gel pens I only buy these:

Gelly Roll white opaque. Any other brand just seems to be a waste of money.

I love to color whether it is an entire image or just accents. I cannot say enough good things about Stampin’ Up! Duo-ended water-based markers. My dh bought me a complete set some 30 years ago and many of them are still juicy! And I do ALOT of coloring. They come in a set of 10 colors, with 4 different color groups. At least mine did. They might have added a 5th set of neutrals.

These are ‘Brights’ with a softer brush tip and a thin writing tip.

Stampin’ Up! Duo water based markers

Another brand that seems to be consistent and long lasting is Tombow duo-ended markers. Here is a chart someone else made that shows the 2 sizes you get in each duo marker.

Tombow duo markers

 Next, watercolors.

For years I was quite happy with any cheap pan watercolor set, similar to these:

Then I received a set with even more colors! Used it for years; still have it!

A few years ago I was able to take some watercolor classes from a true professional. She had been painting for 40+ years and had a great reputation as both an artist and a teacher. I have learned so much from her, including different paint qualities, brushes and how important the right paper is.

These are 2 brands that I now like:

Daniel Smith extra fine watercolors

Winsor and Newton

If you are having to use a lot of pigment to get the right color shade, try buying the next more expensive paint tube in the same color, different brand. This really made a difference for me, and I ended up using less paint from the tube to get the right color I wanted.

Next I would like to share a product that has made a world of difference to me.

A power Punch tool.

I had seen punches for years of course, and found them cute but not too practical to use frequently. Until the Power Punch tool was shown to me. Super easy to use, it uses weight dynamics so that I can punch cardstock without trying to step on the punch, jump up and down on it or completely smash my hand trying to get a clean, punched image. 

Yep. Tried all of those.

Punch Bunch made the best Aid. It is discontinued now. I did find this one:

It looks flimsier than the Punch Bunch one. I would still give it a try.

Polished Stone is an inking technique with several different variations. I like to use metallic pens to get a great ‘ribbon’ of metallic ink through the paper surface. I think the best is made by Krylon:

For other metallic highlights I like these:

Be sure to use in a well-ventilated area.

Here are a few samples of Polished Stone backgrounds I have made:

My favorite ink is discontinued art pen refill inks Studio II. Try different brands to see which you like best. Not all reinkers are alike.

SplitCoastStampersCommunityFunBoard; Pinterest

Let’s talk Acrylic Paint Pens.

Paint pens have been a game-changer for me in my painted rock endeavors. 

My first set was by Artistro and they remain my favorite. I have tried many other brands. Some good. Some okay. Zeyar is a good brand.  I do lots of detail work and miniatures so the ultra-fine tip is my favorite.

The last product I want to mention is Glitter Glue.

If you are not using Stickles then you don’t know what you’re missing!

Purchasing any other brand glitter glue, for me, is a waste of money.

Made by Ranger, it has the most glitter-per-drop and best variety of color choices available. You might think that larger $1.50 bottle of sale glitter glue is a better deal? It’s not!

I sincerely hope you find a new-to-you product that you fall in love with. Missed my blog on fave tools? Go back a few blogs and you can catch up.

Being creative, no matter the medium, is such an essential part of being human I believe. You were created in the image of an incredibly creative God. So go ahead and explore some new avenues of creativity to discover more about

You!

‘Til next time,

inkspired

You can find me on Pinterest: K.Kloberdans

I love feedback.

I love to see what others are creating.

Rockin’ Paint

Welcome

All kaleidoscopes by inkspired and KaleidoCam 

Let’s do some crafty things with rocks!

Found on Etsy 

With paint!

Why?

1) It’s fun

2) immediate results

3) great fine motor activity

4) a fun way to teach colors

5) it’s very inexpensive (cheap!)

6) you probably have the main materials already

7) encourages creativity

8) they make great personal gifts

I know there are more reasons,

but that should get you started.

By Decozilla

Check out ‘rock painting’ in your search engine

and you will find tons of ideas and patterns.

Find these on Etsy

Someone asked me once where do I get my rocks.

I replied ‘In my front yard!’

Found on Pinterest 

I have featured rock painting in previous blogs so I will try not to repeat myself.

Preparation for the rocks is no big deal.

I just use water and a nail brush-

it has very stiff short bristles.

Let dry thoroughly before painting.

Found on Pinterest 

I have deliberately chosen to feature rocks 

with simple designs.

Almost any age child can paint a rock.

Of course, the younger they are,

the messier things might get!

Supplies

*Washed, dry rocks

*Acrylic paint -

this can be from a bottle, or a paint pen

*paint brushes, various sizes

and/or

*Sharpie permanent markers

One of my current favorite paint pen brands is

Artistro 

They come in a nice assortment of colors

and different size tips.

To finish your rocks I recommend-

*Mod Podge - any of the finishes

*Spray acrylic sealer

(I like Krylon, seems to always work well)

By Rock Monsters? Pinterest

Here are some fun ideas for faces-

By graphicriver.net

Start out with base coating your rock.

Depending on several things,

 you may need up to 3 coats for solid coverage.

Be sure to dry in between each coat.

What to do while you’re waiting?

Practice drawing your faces on scratch paper!

or practice your lettering spaces,

or your flowers.

Or

Go eat lunch!

Sold on Etsy

By Kala Escobar

If you choose paint pens, drawing words,

or flower details, or ladybug dots

becomes so much more fun.

 By WTYIIPRN, Pinterest 

By beardians,me

Why use both Mod Podge and Spray Sealer?

I have read that if you use Sharpie markers

that some spray sealants will

Melt

all your Sharpie details.

Have not been willing to try this myself!

The Mod Podge seals the paint,

and then the spray sealant can make it 

water resistant or even protect it from UV rays

depending on what variety of spray you choose.

Paintingrocks.blogspot.com

Did you know Mod Podge comes in several formulas?

I didn’t, until I went to buy a jar!

It now comes in-

* matte finish

*glossy finish

*satin (semi-glossy) finish

*glitter

*puzzle saver

*dishwasher safe!

*fabric

And 10 more!!

Great stuff;

by Plaid Enterprises

and no, I am not affiliated or paid by them!

Found on Pinterest

After painting your rock and giving it time to dry

you are ready to seal it.

Do you have to seal it?

Of course not!

However by sealing your rock it will look much better and preserve it from dings and chips.

Start with 2-3 coats of your preferred

Mod Podge formula.

Again, let dry thoroughly between coats.

I use 2-4 light coats of spray sealer next.

Dry in between coats.

I do that many because I am spraying rounded surfaces and I want to be sure I get it all covered.

Mandala painted rock found on Pinterest 

I do hope you try a few rocks,

I have found it quite relaxing,

and addictive!

Search my blog labels for

‘Rock painting’ or ‘painted rocks’

and you should find more tips from past blogs.

‘Til next time,

inkspired