Receiving the right art supplies can ignite an artist’s passion, as these materials form the very foundation of their creativity. This holiday season, we’ve gathered insights from artists about their top gift wishes, ranging from essential crafting tools to innovative gadgets that enhance the creative process.
By a silly coincidence, art supplies are, to my mind, the foundation of any artist’s toolkit. The Big Ball Bernat Blanket Yarn is one of the favorite among the artists. If you fall into the lucky category of someone who loves to knit or crochet, you have to have this chunky yarn, it’s the perfect combo of texture and color! Georgiana is one of the 36 flavors featured in JOANN’s editorial director Valerie Ott’s favorite knits.
Product on Amazon: Bernat BABY BLANKET BB White Yarn – Polyester – #6 Super Bulky – 220 Yards – Knitting/Crochet
Brand: Bernat
Price: $8.99
Rating: 4.8 with 1,400 ratings
If you’re a paper-loving artist, you might like the 9” x 12” White 50 Sheet Mixed Media Pad by Artsmith. This beloved Italian made paper is the darling of so many media, from watercolors to charcoal, but I absolutely love it. “It can take watercolor or charcoal or marker,” says Mike Kennedy, VP and GMM, Craft & Seasonal at JOANN, “It’s no set one direction in particular it can go either way.”
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are not just a gift; they’re a treasure for any artist who loves to add vibrant colors to their creations. Art educator Lindsay Johnson fondly remembers the joy of gifting these pencils to a student, who excitedly rushed home to share how their eyes lit up with delight upon unwrapping them, illustrating the true joy that comes with thoughtful gifting.
Product on Amazon: Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 150 Count, Ultra-Smooth, Durable, Vibrant Colors
Brand: Prismacolor
Price: $143.46
Rating: 4.8 with 58,153 ratings
The Simplicity Women’s Pajama Sewing Pattern is a very intriguing idea for those artists venturing into fashion. I was pretty proud of the handmade PJ bottoms I made for my girls last year, even though they didn’t fit exactly right,’ says Valerie Ott, these patterns add a personal touch to everyday clothing. The creativity and personal flare with handmade garments is really something to behold.
Product on Amazon: Ekouaer Silk Satin Pajamas Set Women Short Sleeve Sleepwear Soft Button Down Loungewear Pjs Set
Brand: Ekouaer
Price: $35.99
Rating: 4.5 with 2,094 ratings
Angelus Bestsellers Paint is perfect for artists who wish to customize their fashion items or home décor. Valerie Ott adds that many urban artists are interested in fashion and asks, ‘How can I then augment hats, totes, purses, shoes and make them look completely custom?’ This transformation is made possible by angelus paints.
Product on Amazon: Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint Finisher No. 600-4oz
Brand: Angelus
Price: $ 8.95
Rating: 4.6 with 8,012 ratings
Today, artists in the realm of creative technology have an array of creative tools at their disposal and each designed to take their art to new heights. These gifts will be exciting whether you are a digital artist wanting to expand your toolbox or anyone who likes to toy with all the newest tech.
Without further due, we’re diving into some tech that will definitely be the apple of an artist’s eye this season! The Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 One Time Use Camera is the first up. In the age of totally digital everything, being able to capture moments with a disposable camera is something deeply nostalgic, and completely creatively invigorating. For artists to experiment with light and composition, without the pressure of a digital screen, it’s the perfect way. In addition, it’s a fun, low pressure way to engage with photography and makes for a great gift for beginners and seasoned artists alike!
Product on Amazon: Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Disposable 35mm Camera (Pack of 2)
Brand: Fujifilm
Price: $26.64
Rating: 4.7 with 5,479 ratings
If you’re more inclined toward learning and self-improvement (and really who isn’t), it’s a treasure trove of knowledge for a MasterClass Subscription. There are over 180 classes taught by icons like Petra Collins and Anna Wintour for the artists to learn from. It’s like having a world class mentor in your pocket! For that life-long learner who’s seeking to sharpen the skills or gain new inspiration from the practice, this is the perfect gift.
The Apple iPad (9th generation) has become a revolutionary tool for artists, especially when paired with versatile creative apps like Procreate and Adobe Photoshop. This device serves as a portable studio, allowing artists to sketch, paint, and design anytime inspiration strikes, and its user-friendly interface has made it a favorite among both traditional and digital creatives.
Books are always a time honored gift that don’t grow old, they’re moving on to unique finds that speak to an artist’s heart. One standout is “The War of Art: Break through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield and Shawn Coyne. Artists who struggle with procrastination or creative blocks in general will find this book to be a godsend to their creative life. It speaks to those inner battles most people experience, the wisdom, and the strategies to work through them.
Product on Amazon: The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles Paperback
Price: $17.88
Rating: 4.5 with 28,788 ratings
For those passionate about cartooning, ‘Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice’ by Ivan Brunetti offers an abundance of creative exercises and assignments that inspire exploration and growth. This charming guide encourages artists to playfully experiment with their craft, while those who find solace in literature will appreciate ‘On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft’ by Stephen King, whose insights into the writing journey resonate across all artistic disciplines.
Product on Amazon: Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice Paperback
Price: $15.00
Rating: 4.6 with 280 ratings
In order to give the artist’s living space a little bit of creativity, it does make a huge difference. Say you have a handful of Louis C. Tiffany Stained glass Coasters — each a miniature work of art that lends a touch of cool and color to your home.
If you’re looking for a gift that is truly unique, then the Malo Magnetic Desk Toy from MCA Chicago Store is the perfect way to decorate their work place. The 200 steel balls on a magnetic base on the desk are a whole new area for restructuring and creativity waiting to be played with, making for an enjoyable desk companion.
Tech gadgets, timeless books, unique accessories, home decor, however you like to view these, these are not just items, these are invitations to get creative and to inspire every artist. Then wrap one of these treasures up and watch the artist in your life go nuts with excitement and thankfulness!
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