Field Guide: what about supplies?

I have been getting emails about supplies for Field Guide, suggestions, etc. and I thought that perhaps it’d be good to do a blog post about it along with some recommendations. The first, most important thing is this:

You don’t NEED any specific supply to make the most of class. Substitutions are always welcome! In fact, right off the bat in week #2 I found myself needing gold ink but I don’t have any. What’s a crafter to do? I used gold paint instead. That’s just one example – you can skip things (mist), change things, use brands that you prefer. There’s no “must” for your stash.

I really want that to be clear. You can make your own stash work and have a lot of fun, no shopping required. Many supplies can multi-task, and you don’t need everything or every color of every kind of product to make the most of this class.

Of course if you want to know what I recommend – I’ve made this list based on items that I personally use, love, and suggest both in general and for this class in particular. Today I am going to share my ‘staples’ list if you please.

“Field Guide recommended”:

 1. Rulers rock. I just love rulers in general, this ruler in particular. Whether you’re measuring, tearing paper, marking holes for hand stitching, or anything else it’s a great tool.

2 & 3. Distress ink pads and stains. I recommend these as a general go-to ink and color source, especially since they can do things that other ink pads can’t! Check out www.timholtz.com for tutorials if you want more info on them now. NOT required for class, but they are the one thing that’s not really substitute-able in some techniques shown.

4. Mist is not a requirement, but it is a lot of fun. I recommend the ranger perfect pearls mists for a sprinkle of metallic sparkly shine that doesn’t take over your project. Want more opaque color? Then I recommend the (non-sparkly but very colorful) Mister Huey mists by Studio Calico.

5. Manila tags are available in a lot of sizes and in bulk at office supply stores, or you can get them in smaller quantities at craft stores from companies like Ranger. I like them because it’s a blank slate for trying new techniques in a nice small format and they have lots of uses and are a nice sturdy weight.

6. You can use any liquid adhesive you like in class, I recommend PPA by US Art Quest. The quality is unmatched as far as I’m concerned. It is archival, acid free, uv resistant, and the MATTE finish (which is what I use) dries clear and invisible. It takes time to dry, but will hold darn near anything you might need down onto your project. As an adhesive, sealant, and all-around wet medium it rocks.

7. I use Claudine Hellmuth multi-medium in GLOSS in this class as a medium with stencils to create a resist effect (and other places in class as well) and it’s a great product. It has more body than PPA, is more gel-like (vs runny liquid) so it has unique uses that make it a must in my stash. In the images above I show a sampler – that’s because a) it’s a nice trial size and b) it gives you other great Claudine products like gesso and matte finish multi-medium to test as well.

8. Acrylic paint can be stamped with, watered down to make ‘mist’, and is a lot of fun. I’ve been partial to the ranger dabber paint in gold and pearl because it’s got an applicator sponge so I don’t need a brush even. EASY. However, Martha Stewart and Claudine Hellmuth also make great paints that I love, and truly any paint + brush (foam or regular) will work for class.

9. Glossy Accents is another great liquid medium, I use it over letter stickers and patterned paper (or stamped images) to create a shiny raised finish, it can be used to make a resist finish, as glue, to adhere glitter, and it’s got a fabulous tiny applicator tip making it easy to use as well. There are other brands, and you could substitute out (or skip entirely) easily.

10. Good journaling pen(s). I use Micron journaling pens by Sakura (.03 and .05 being my most commonly used) and I love them. But any pen that you have and like is great. I use mine for journaling, outlining, adding dots and faux stitching, and more.

Those are my top 10 ‘staples’ that you would never find me without when getting crafty – ever! Of course things like scissors, tape, patterned paper, brads, ribbon, and stamps are used in class (and beloved by me) too!

I’ll say it again: you can use/substitute darn near anything in class! So don’t think I’m trying to make you buy stuff. Also I’m happy to give suggestions on colors to try/start with, etc. just shoot me an email.

Got questions about my class or craftiness in general? Leave a comment! I’ll be happy to answer the question or share more info…

link to class info page