Giving artists the perfect tools to fuel their creativity is a gift like no other, and this holiday season, we’ve gathered insights from artists themselves on what’s topping their wish lists, from essential crafting supplies to innovative gadgets.
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.
For those who love to work with yarn, the Bernat BABY BLANKET BB White Yarn is a top pick, available on Amazon. This #6 Super Bulky Polyester yarn comes in a 220-yard skein, priced at $8.99, and boasts an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 1,400 reviews.
If you’re an artist who cherishes paper, the 9” x 12” White 50 Sheet Mixed Media Pad by Artsmith is a dream. This Italian-made paper is renowned for its versatility, handling everything from watercolors to charcoal beautifully. As Mike Kennedy, VP and GMM, Craft & Seasonal at JOANN, notes, “It can take watercolor or charcoal or marker, and it’s no set one direction in particular it can go either way.”
The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils is not a simple gift at all. Any artist who enjoys adding beautiful colors to their work will depend on these pencils. Art educator Lindsay Johnson recalls gifting them to a student: ‘They rushed home reporting giddily that their eyes grew wide, they gushed with appreciation, when my student opened the wrapping paper.’ These moments are the joy of giving.
A must-have for many artists is the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils set. This 150-count collection offers ultra-smooth, durable, and vibrant colors, retailing for $143.46 on Amazon, and has earned a stellar 4.8-star rating from over 58,000 customers.
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.
For artists working with custom creations, Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint Finisher No. 600-4oz is a highly recommended product. Available for $8.95, this finisher maintains a 4.6-star rating with over 8,000 reviews on Amazon, ensuring your painted designs last.
In today’s creative landscape, artists have access to an incredible array of technological tools designed to elevate their work, making them perfect gifts for digital artists looking to expand their toolkit or anyone excited by the latest innovations.
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!
Photography enthusiasts might appreciate the Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Disposable 35mm Camera, available in a convenient 2-pack for $26.64. This classic option holds a 4.7-star rating from over 5,400 Amazon customers.
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), when paired with creative apps like Procreate and Adobe Photoshop, has revolutionized the way artists work, offering a portable studio for sketching, painting, and design anytime, anywhere, thanks to its intuitive interface and versatility that appeals to both traditional and digital artists.
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.
For those seeking to overcome creative hurdles, ‘The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles’ is a highly recommended read, available in paperback for $17.88 and holding a 4.5-star rating from nearly 29,000 Amazon reviewers.
For artists who adore the art of cartooning “Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice” by Ivan Brunetti has a plethora of creative exercises and assignments. This is a delightful guide — one that nudges artists to experiment with and refine a medium that’s both playful and profound. We also shouldn’t ignore those who only get solace from written words. “On Writing: Another exceptional choice is A Memoir of the Craft” by Stephen King. King’s insights into the writing process won’t just help writers, they’ll help us with creative processes across disciplines.
Another valuable resource for artists is the paperback book ‘Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice,’ priced at $15.00. This insightful guide has garnered a 4.6-star rating from 280 reviews on Amazon, offering deep dives into the art of cartoon creation.
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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