m0mmaBuck Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I know nothing about "better" or "good" art supplies. We do Crayola for markers, colored pencils, crayons, and construction paper. However, I am going to start using Artistic Pursuits in an effort to make sure art gets done around here and their list is as follows: Ebony Pencils Vinyl Eraser Sketch pad Chalk pastels Oil pastels Watercolor Crayons #8 round watercolor Brush Watercolor paper pad Colored paper (preferably cardstock) Black card stock or heavy paper Tissue paper self-hardening clay black liquid tempura paint On which items should I splurge? What are "better" brands? Can I substitute watercolor pencils for crayons if my kids like using colored pencils better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 (edited) I know nothing about "better" or "good" art supplies. We do Crayola for markers, colored pencils, crayons, and construction paper. However, I am going to start using Artistic Pursuits in an effort to make sure art gets done around here and their list is as follows: On which items should I splurge? What are "better" brands? Can I substitute watercolor pencils for crayons if my kids like using colored pencils better? http://www.dickblick.com Here is her link to the specific products: http://www.artisticpursuits.com/1120suppk.html The Artistic pursuits lady puts in brands, and I stuck with them. I was *very* pleased with what she advised. Dick has good prices. He also has a store in Seattle. Those "watercolor crayons" are much "richer" than the pencils and blend and glide when you wet them in a special way. You won't get the same thing with the pencils. It won't make or break the program, but the "niceness" of her choices have made art more fun for both of us. IMO. Edited March 22, 2011 by kalanamak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammyw Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I agree with the above. The products recommended are fabulous and will last a long, long time. Plus Dick blick prices are amazing (and there are always extra "specials"). I highly, highly recommend you get the watercolor crayons btw - they are by far some of our favorite items (me included). They are just special! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3lilreds in NC Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 If you want a less expensive option, check out Miller Pads and Paper. If you search on Artistic Pursuits, you will see their kit prices for everything you need for your level. I don't think you can beat their prices! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 When my girls were little we used 'kiddie-type' products and they were quite often frustrated with the results. Around 4th grade or so we started switching to better stuff. They love prismacolor brand pencils and markers. Since they are available at Michael's I make sure I use one of the weekly 40% off coupons to make them more reasonable. Good luck with the shopping, and have fun. "real" supplies are worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0mmaBuck Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 Thank you all for the suggestions. Art is not my thing but I want my kids to have a chance to see if it is theirs. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Thank you all for the suggestions. Art is not my thing but I want my kids to have a chance to see if it is theirs. :) You know, it isn't mine either. I'm not talented, and had no instruction in it whatsoever, but I have grown to really like it. It is amazing what some NICE things in your hands can do. When I was little, it was 10 pan water colors, a small box of crayons and some construction paper. In high school, there was clay. Nothing, and I mean NOthing else. No wonder I loathed it. I quit AP when it wasn't getting done and moved onto Atelier, and I look forward to it as much as kiddo. Who'da thunk it? P.s. Joanne, your new townie, loves art and has a dab hand at it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0mmaBuck Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 You know, it isn't mine either. I'm not talented, and had no instruction in it whatsoever, but I have grown to really like it. It is amazing what some NICE things in your hands can do. When I was little, it was 10 pan water colors, a small box of crayons and some construction paper. In high school, there was clay. Nothing, and I mean NOthing else. No wonder I loathed it. Did we grow up with the same art teacher? We only had art through the 3rd grade and then the art teacher got married and moved away and our school district never hired another one (at least not before I graduated). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EppieJ Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I'll second the Dick Blick site. I've never actually ordered from them, but I have them bookmarked for when the need arises. They have great prices on Prismacolor which is a brand I highly recommend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0mmaBuck Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 I've seen Prismcolor before. Thanks for the recommendation! I have a bunch of stuff in my cart @ Dick Blick. Now I just need to convince myself to checkout! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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