Art Tip #2

I originally had hopes of posting arts/crafts tips to my blog every once in a while, but like many of my grandiose ideas...well, you know what happens. I'm going to give it another shot, though, and thought I'd start with Cheap Tricks, which is also the theme for Michelle Ward's Crusade #8. My tip is this: don't think that you have to have expensive art supplies to make "real" art. Top quality products are great but, let's face it, the term "starving artist" didn't come from no where. When you feel compelled to create, you've got to use what you can find or afford. So here's a little secret: Art products made for kids rock!!! There are so many products made for kids which are awesome resources, particularly for journalers and anyone else who makes art on the go.  Here are two of my new favorite things.

1. Crayola Slick Stix - These are very similar to oil pastels but way more creamy and smooth. They are not really meant to blend as well but you can't beat no mess on your hands, portable, and cheap (about $5). What I love most about these is that they dry completely without leaving the oily residue of oil pastels and--are you ready?--you can write over them! Joy in a twist tube. The only thing they need now are sets of 48 colors. Here's a background for journaling I made using them.

2. Blow pens - You just blow through the tube for your own mini airbrush! This set is particularly cool because it has a Magic Blo-pen Activator that turns each color into a new one. Lots of versatility. I've seen them bigger, but these are a perfect size for sticking in my already fat art bag.

Here's another background. They are super fun to use with stencils and masks.

And there are so many more.  But here is one more important tip: if you have kids, buy two of everything. It is so much easier to give them their own set then trying to explain why they can't borrow your cool art supplies. And since they're cheap, no problem.

• Air dry clay in natural colors like terra cotta
• Sidewalk paint!
• Cool effect markers
• Paint brush pens

Comments

[NancyB]

Slick Sticks! I've never tried them! And Oh the joy that you can write one them! Even better! I am a true believer in using what you have and that it doesn't take expensive supplies to create something wonderful! Excellent post! xoxo Nance

[NancyB]

erm ahh I made a typo lol I meant "over" not "one". :D

[michelle]

debra - so glad to have you join in the crusade! i know what you mean about wanting to post more stuff to your own blog...glad the little prompt got you to share your cheap tricks. never seen those crayola sticks...need to find them! and blow-pens...one of my faves! you're right, the kids aisle always has good stuff. thanks again!

[laura]

I love the Slick Stix! Getting kid's their own art supplies doesn't end when they get bigger.. my kid is 18 and she still gloms onto my cool stuff. Great blog, btw.

[Felicia]

Love your cheap art supplies suggestions! Thanks :)

[Belinda]

i've seen these pens but don't think i can find them here. the first ones sound really great!!

[Becky New]

Ooohhhh! Great ideas! I used those blow-pens YEARS ago... you got my wheels turning to bring them back into my art now. hee hee! :D

[Crafty Green Poet]

I love kids art supplies too!

[tricia]

i need to find some of those slick stick things! cool that you can write over them!

[Penny Stuart]

LOVE your ideas! Your layouts are too cool for words!

[Nicole]

Aaaaah! This is the answer to my prayers! I have 4 girls that are constantly hovering over my supplies, even though I've bought them their own. Mine are a little nicer but like you, I buy the cheaper kid stuff (yeay cray-pas!)And they BEG to use it. Duh! Just buy 2 of everything.

[maria]

??? were could i find those magic blow pens i can't find any at the stores. they look great

[Melina]

very interesting. i'm adding in RSS Reader