A reader’s question about my favorite art supplies got me to thinking that I hadn’t updated my list lately. I also tried some new products last year, so here is why I like each one of the above.1. Strathmore Drawing Pack. The paper is wonderfully light and crisp, takes texture rubbing really well, and even looks great with liquid watercolors. The pack above has 200 sheets and only costs about $8. Well worth it.
2. Tempera Cakes. I tried the Dick Blick brand last year and LOVED them. Put each one in a little cup to pass around and just let dry when you are done. No washing and so much less waste. And the colors are denser than the bottled tempera paint.
3. Prang Color Wands. I just tried these after Prang sent me a sample. They color like oil pastels but are a nice small size for younger kids, like 1st and 2nd grade. No messy pastels on fingers and a pleasure to color with.
4. Sharpie Brush Markers. I’m addicted to these as they have the intense Sharpie color with a nice soft brush tip. Perfect for really bright solid coloring. Last year one first grader said, “Mrs. Barbro, I just did the best coloring of my LIFE with those markers!”
5. Stabilo Markers. For projects that call for skin tone colors, these markers are great. They have a lot of variety, and the tips are not too sharp and not too fat. They also are said to last for 3 months with a cap missing. Haven’t tested that length yet, but I do know that they last a few days.
6. Crayola Twistable Crayons. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the colors in these crayons just seem to look better that the paper wrap ones. I try to recycle the plastic when they are done though as I am not crazy about adding more plastic trash to the world.
