These are the tools and materials I reach for daily in my creative practice—from art journaling to jewelry design. If you’ve ever wondered what I actually use in my studio, here’s my go-to list of trusted supplies.
Sections
8
Paper, Journals, & Sketchbooks
Watercolor paint
Paint pens
Adhesives
Acrylic paint
Books for Makers & Artists
Paper, Journals, & Sketchbooks
My favorite mixed media journal, with thick paper.
These glue sticks have a wonderful scent and provide a delightful sensory experience.
COCCOINA Italian Glue Sticks
Dries clear
REPTILE Premium Craft Adhesive
Best for heavier paper weights.
Yasutomo Nori Paste
Acrylic paint
Acrylic paints are bold, versatile, and fast-drying—perfect for layering color, adding texture, and experimenting across journals, canvases, and mixed-media projects.
Wonderful opaque black.
Liquitex Acrylic Gesso - Black, 8 oz bottle
Pefect white gesso.
Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep, 473ml
Best clear gesso.
Finnabair Art Basics Gesso 8.5oz-Clear
Perfect bright pink.
Holbein : Acryla Gouache : 20ml : Opera
Perfect for mixing colors.
Fluid Acrylic Color - Quinacridone Magenta
Good yellow for mixing
GOLDEN Fluid Acrylics Primary Yellow 1oz
Terrific turquoise.
Golden Fluid Acrylics Turquois (Phthalo) 4oz
A vibrant pinkish purple shade.
Liquitex Acrylic Gouache 2oz Fluorescent Violet
Good for making drips
Daler-Rowney FW Acrylic Ink, Fluorescent Pink
Books for Makers & Artists
A collection of books filled with creative wisdom, practical techniques, and soulful inspiration to encourage your journey as an artist.
A Celebration of Life: 365 Poems - One for Every Day of the Year by Carole Anne ...
Inspiring true story
Old In Art School: A Memoir of Starting Over
Good to listen to.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
The best to rip and play with.
Paper Play: Cut, Craft + Create by Amy Tangerine
Awesome techniques and tips
Creative Watercolor: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to paint color skylines
Bold and Beautiful Watercolor Skies: Learn to Paint Stunning Clouds, Sunsets, Galaxies, and More
Relaxing activity
Meditative Drawing: Learn to Draw Mandalas and Other Patterns
Smooth everyday pen
Uniball Air Micro Pen Black
Creative Writing Essentials
My go-to pens, markers, and highlights for journaling, sketching, and everyday creative play — reliable, smooth, and fun to use.
My favorite permanent pen. Smells better than other popular brands.
Tombow MONO Twin Black Permanent Marker
Best white gel pen
Uni-BallSigno Broad Point Gel Pen - White
I love the colors of these brush pens.
Marvy Uchida Le Flex 10 Pc Pastel Pens
Rich black ink
Kuretake Kure Bamboo Brush Pen
Comfortable to hold
Tachikawa Comic Pen Nib Holder
Fun to write and color with
Mr. Pen- Rainbow Pencils
Primary colors
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen
Great colors of brush pens
Tombow 56437 Fudenosuke Neon Brush Pen 6-Pack
Fun fluorescent pencils
Staedtler Textsurfer Dry Highlighter Pencil
Water soluble
Stabilo-All 3x Pencils
My favorite hard tip brush pen
Tombow 62038 Fudenosuke
My favorite fountain pen
Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen
Writing staple
SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens
Smooth gel pens
SAKURA Gelly Roll Moonlight 10 Gel Pens
Love the golden shadow
SAKURA Gelly Roll Gold Shadow Gel Pens
Great pastel shades
SAKURA 3D Soufflé Pen
Drawing pens
Tombow Mono Drawing Pen, 6-Pack
Love the color
Mr. Pen- Purple Pencil Erasers
I love the colors and brushes in this set.
Kuretake Zig BRUSHABLES 6 BRIGHT Colors set
Bright color marker set
TOM56185 - Tombow Dual Brush Art Pen Bright Colors
Large tombow brush pen set
Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, 108 Color Set
My favorite handlettering starter kit.
Tombow Advanced Lettering Set, Black
Color, watercolor, and wax crayon all in one—these chunky Woody 3-in-1 pencils are perfect for bold lines, smooth shading, and even blending with water for painterly effects.
Stabilo Woody 3 in 1 Pencils and Sets
Stitch & Sew Essentials 🧵
The sewing supplies I rely on—whether I’m at the machine or stitching by hand.
Favorite colorful thread
Sulky 733-4115 Blendables Thread 500-Yard
Easy to use machine
Brother SQ9285 Computerized Sewing
Great for drawing on fabric temporarily
Heat Erasable Pens , Fabric Marking
Lightweight, iron-on adhesive that bonds fabrics together without adding stiffness. Perfect for appliqué, quilting, and craft projects where you still want a soft, flexible finish.
HeatnBond Fusible Interfacing Ultra Lightweight
Thimble set
8 Pcs Thimble + 30 Pcs Sewing Needles
A handy little tool that snaps right onto your sewing machine’s metal plate to keep seams straight and even.
Magnetic Seam Guide for Sewing Machine
Designed for quilting and embroidery, this foot gives you the freedom to stitch in any direction. Perfect for creating swirls, patterns, and detailed designs — great for adding a personal touch to quilts, garments, or mixed-media fabric projects.
Large Free Motion Presser Foot
A sturdy stand that holds your square embroidery hoop in place, keeping both hands free for stitching.
Square Embroidery Hoop Stand
Soft, breathable, and versatile cotton — perfect for quilting, embroidery backings, linings, or practice projects. A must-have staple in any sewing or craft studio.
Medium Weight 100% Cotton Muslin Fabric
Upcycled from vintage saris, each strand is unique with rich colors and textures.
10 Yards Sari Silk Ribbon
Durable clips that hold fabric layers together without pinholes.
Sewing Clips for Crafting and Quilting
Pre-cut cotton squares in bright, coordinated prints — perfect for quilting, small sewing projects, appliqué, or adding pops of color to your stash. An easy way to experiment with patterns without buying full yards.
Perfect for jewelry making, mixed-media art, journaling, or adding a boho touch to gift wrapping and textile projects.
Pure Sari Silk, Painters Pallet
Vibrant skeins that shift through a rainbow of hues, perfect for adding gradient effects and lively details to embroidery, cross-stitch, or mixed-media projects.
Anchor Dark Rainbow Multicolor Embroidery Floss
Soft, durable cotton that’s easy to work with and a joy to stitch. 🌈
Bright Pastel Rainbow
Perfect for use when book binding with embroidery floss.
