May 2014

Making any cards for this eventful Spring season? The Touch Twin Markers are for aspiring designers everywhere, and are a “Staff Favorite.” The well-designed rectangular body resists rolling off of your work space, and has a safety cap that stacks elegantly, while preventing damage to the colored nibs. Their vibrant color will bring your cards to life. 

CRETACOLOR RED GRAPHITE PENCIL

It’s Spring – change up your usual pencil routine. Cretacolor Red Graphite Pencils will be your new go-to pencil for quick sketching in the park and on your commute to work. With a sharp pointed tip, you’ll get the best profile drawing of that guy reading the newspaper. 

MONO NP ERASER BY TOMBOW

When you change out your erasers for Spring, add this gem to your tool box. Tombow’s Mono NP eraser is ready to take on even your biggest mistakes. No need to press hard against your surface – a light rub will get rid of your graphite slip-up. 

BAGGU 3D ZIP

You’ve got all these art supplies but nothing to keep them all together. Problem, solved. The Baggu 3D Zip is the perfect pouch for all of your Artsnacks items. In fact, we were able to stuff 52 pens and pencils into its 3D body. If your pencils start to rub in the interior lining, no sweat - this bag is machine washable. 

KURECOLOR TWIN MARKERS

Step outside of your coloring-comfort-zone with this short and stout tool for your next art project. The Kurecolor Twin markers have a chisel tip and a fine bullet tip, giving you a range of line widths. It’s body is a little bit thicker than your usual marker, but this also lets the marker hold more ink. 

April 2014

Three colored pencils in one. Literally! The Koh-I-Noor Tri-Tone Pencils are fun to have on hand when you’re drawing something vibrant. There are three shades of color within the pigment, creating a multi- colored mark when the pencil hits the paper. The opposite tip of the pencil indicates the color combination. You never know when you’ll need a funky pencil like this! 

SNAP! SERIES BRUSH BY PRINCETON ARTIST BRUSH CO. 

Oh SNAP! (We could say that all day.) We’re excited to have the SNAP! Series Brush by Princeton Artist Brush Co. in this month’s box. The synthetic hair-tip will guide your paint evenly, and is easy to clean after with some mild soap and water. Simply reshape the brush into place, and make sure you stand the brush upright on its handle to dry. 

LIQUITEX SOFT BODY ACRYLIC PAINT

We’ve found a clean and consistent jar of paint that will boost your knowledge of color theory. The Liquitex Soft Body Acrylic Paint is flexible, creating stroke after stroke of smooth color. You’ve got two onces to play with, so spread your color accordingly. 

WINSOR & NEWTON VINE CHARCOAL

You’re probably thinking: “This feels so light to hold, what can I do with this?!” Well, there’s a lot you can do with Winsor & Newton Vine Charocal. Vine charcoal is made by burning thin sticks of wood into different sizes and weights. Soft vine charcoal creates a dark bold mark, while hard vine charcoal leaves a fine delicate line. Try making a quick sketch of an object or figure on newsprint, then use your finger to smudge in shadows. (It’s okay to get dirty while using this!) 

March 2014

ARISTO 3FIT MECHANICAL PENCIL

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Aristo is an Austrian brand specializing in high-quality drafting supplies. The Aristo 3fit Mechanical Pencil is the finest product in their collection. ArtSnacks subscribers are one of the lucky few to enjoy this pencil for the first time in the United States. Disguised as a simple mechanical pencil, this tool brings ease to drawing, sketching, and quick note-taking. 

M. GRAHAM & CO. ARTISTS’ GOUACHE

This month, we’ve got a new paint on our radar. M. Graham & Co. Artists’ Gouache has a similar recipe to their watercolor paints. The honey-based gouache won’t crack or chip when dry. You’ll achieve very fine lines without a problem, and with a consistency of soft butter, it’s suitable for impasto or thick brush work. 

GENERAL’S WHITE CHARCOAL PENCIL

It’s time to mix up your usual drawing routine. Let the General’s White Charcoal Drawing Pencil be the tool to do so. The charcoal in this pencil writes very smooth, and is extra rich so your drawing will stand out on the dark page. Use this pencil to draw on your M. Graham & Co. Artists’ Gouache when it’s fully dried. Try using a brown paper lunch bag as your canvas when experimenting with this pencil. 

CONNOISSEUR PROTÉGÉ SHORT HANDLE PREMIUM TAKLON BRUSH

Here’s a professional-grade brush that will handle any type of paint. The Connoisseur Protégé Short Handle Premium Taklon Brush is short in size, but has a soft-haired tuft for bold strokes. The brush shape is ideal for a fine artist to master the challenge of shading, staining, and layering paint. 

February 2014

For this February Box, we’ve fallen in love with a new marker: the Copic Ciao. This is a professional-grade, double-ended marker with the ability to blend like no other. The high-quality color creates dimension in any illustration or design. You should probably ask this marker to be your Valentine.

ZIG COCOIRO LETTERING PEN & BODY

The two pieces of this pen need each other like Romeo needs Juliet. The ZIG Cocoiro Lettering Pen consists of a refill ink pen and its chic, colored case. This pen makes a smooth mark from start to finish. For those who have a “heavy hand,” try holding the pen at an angle and use the side of the nib.

PRISMACOLOR KNEADED ERASER

Never used a kneaded eraser before? The Prismacolor Kneaded Eraser is here for you to try! It functions by absorbing the graphite and charcoal marks on your paper. It won’t wear down like plastic erasers or leave behind shavings, so it lasts much longer than other erasers. Pro Tip: “Warm up” your kneaded eraser by pulling and folding its body.

PALOMINO GRAPHITE DRAWING PENCIL

The pencil grading system is something every artist should know. “H” stands for hardness while “B” stands for blackness. We’ve picked a pencil grade that will work well with the Prismacolor Kneaded Eraser. This petite orange pencil is perfect for drawing, writing and any other creative activity. Please refer to the chart below if you are looking to experiment with other grades.

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January 2014

via elizagera

via elizagera

Want a modern pen with a classic medium? Faber-Castell’s PITT Artist Pens are ink-based and versatile for your on-the-go drawings. If you are layering colors, the brush tip won’t pull off any pigments below it. Your finished pieces will fool your audience with their painterly qualities.

IROJITEN COLOR PENCILS BY TOMBOW

We’re adding a high-quality, white-coated colored pencil to your art bin this month. Tombow’s Irojiten Color Pencils (pronounced eye-roh-jo-tin) are best for blending and layering colors. They’re highly pigmented but with less wax, so you’re able to build up color without a thick, sticky feeling. 

ZIG WATER COLOR BRUSH2O PENS

A watercolor brush that holds its own water? Talk about practical. The ZIG Water Color BrusH20 has left us in awe at how innovative painting can be. The brush has a retractable valve, so you have the power to gague much water you release by lightly squeezing the body. Try this brush with the M. Graham & Co. Watercolor paint.

M. GRAHAM & CO. ARTISTS’ WATERCOLOR

It takes a steady hand and trustworthy paint to master the art of watercolor. M. Graham & Co. Artists’ Watercolor is the tube you want to use for this task. It’s made with honey to keep color moist and resistant to hardening in the tube. You’ve got the paint, but it’s up to you to provide the steady hand.

December 2013

via elizagera

via elizagera

Ever wanted to try calligraphy, but didn'tknow which pen to use? ArtSnacks has got you covered. The Zig Calligraphy Pen has a 3-millimeter tip for clean strokes and even cleaner letters. Not into calligraphy? Try this pen for doodling purposes.

CATALYST CONTOUR

Prepare for a very different painting experience with the Catalyst Contour by Princeton Brush. This wedge pushes paint around a surface with ease, and creates shapes you wouldn't get with a regular brush. Use this tool to experiment with painting, wheel-throwing, or foodcrafting.

WINSOR & NEWTON ARTIST ACRYLIC PAINT

Winsor & Newton have taken acrylic paint to a new level. The Artists’ Acrylic line of paints remain brilliant and bright from wet to dry finish. This paint also dries a little bit slower– so you’ll get more time to mix colors on the palette, as well as on the canvas. Try pushing your acrylic paint around with the Catalyst Contour.

LETRASET FLEXMARKER

It’s important to know how to have fun with your art supplies. The Letraset FlexMarker can help you do just that. With one chisel tip and one flexible brush tip, you can create different stamps and patterns. Fun is endless with this marker!

GENERAL’S® BIG BEAR™ PENCIL

This month, we’ve got another staple to add to your toolbox–General’s® Big Bear™ Pencil. This pencil provides an extra smooth sketching experience in an inky black color. Your sketches will become one with the paper.

November 2013

One product that we are thankful for this November is the Tombow Dual Brush Pen. The brush tip is flexible for making intricate shapes, but strong enough for a heavier stroke. The fine tip works great for consistent lines, graphics and tighter drawings.

KOH-I-NOOR MEPHISTO MECHANICAL PENCIL

Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from a wood pencil and switch to a mechanical pencil–especially one like the Koh-I-Noor Mephisto Mechanical Pencil. Wrap your fingers around a comfortable rubber grip for an excellent drawing experience.

ALUMICOLOR 3000 SERIES 6” TRIANGULAR SCALE

When mastering a perspective drawing*, a straight edge is in order for those linear lines. Reach for the Alumicolor 3000 Series 6” Triangular Scale when drawing skyscrapers and alleyways. Pairing this scale with the mechanical pencil will become second nature. 

*Not sure about perspective drawing? Check out this video: http://bit.ly/prspect

PALOMINO BLACKWING 602

The final product in the Palomino family is the smooth Palomino Blackwing 602. The lead in this cedar pencil makes for a darker black than your average pencil, even with less pressure. Based on its velvety drawing texture, firm weight, and ease of use, it’s no wonder why the offical slogan is “Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed.”

THE ZIG DRAWING PEN

Are you making all of your holiday cards this year? The Zig Drawing Pen will help with this task. The ink is a water-based pigment, non-bleeding, photo-safe and odorless. Its best uses include outlining, crosshatching, stippling, and writing that thoughtful message on your cards. When this pen hits the paper, creativity is endless.

October 2013

photo via avacmartinez

photo via avacmartinez

Looking for a new doodling material that dates back to the 23 B.C.? Higgins’ Non- Waterproof Black Ink writes clean and is fadeless for the best ink experience with dip pens or brushes. Get ready to get your ink on!

GRUMBACHER ACADEMY MULTIMEDIA BRUSHES

Allow us to introduce you to your new go-to paint brush: the Grumbacher Academy Multimedia Brushes. You’ll get years of use with this brush and timeless lines with every shape you make. This brush is ideal for filling in large areas; try it out with the Higgins ink!

LIQUITEX PAINT MARKER

It’s time for an alternative kind of painting experience. The Liquitex Paint Marker has brilliant water-based color that dries permanently. This marker is great for covering large-scale artwork, outlining murals, and other mixed-media purposes.

TOMBOW MONOTWIN OIL-BASED TWIN MARKER

When you are ready to trace the pencil lines on your latest illustration, reach for the Tombow MONOTWIN Oil-Based Twin Marker. The matte-finished body has a non-slip feel, so your outlining will be accurate every time. Don’t forget to sign your name in the corner–your signature will love this pen, too.

KOH-I-NOOR WOODLESS COLORED PENCIL

Warning: you may get confused when looking at this pencil. The fact that the color pigments aren’t wrapped in a wooden casing may throw you off! The Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colored Pencil consists of color pigments, special oils, and binders to create a solid colored pencil with dense strokes. The more you use it, the more you’ll love the woodless feel.

September 2013

Photo via mallypikachu

Photo via mallypikachu

The MONO Zero Eraser by Tombow has a sweet pen-style grip that won’t ruin your artwork while using it. Thanks to its clever shape and body, it won’t bend or flop around while you are trying to get rid of those un- wanted marks. This eraser is a great addition to any architect’s or illustrator’s toolbox.

KOH-I-NOOR TRIOCOLOR PENCIL

Our friends at Koh-I-Noor have made coloring with a pencil fun again, thanks to the Triocolor Pencil. The easy-to-hold triangle helps make your coloring experience more pleasureable while the thick, artist-grade leads allow you to shade with just one pencil by changing the pressure of your coloring.

STABILO PEN 68

If you want a marker that can double as a pen, the Stabilo Pen 68 can do just that. As a “Staff Favorite,” this pen has the iconic striped Stabilo body, with a 1-millimeter bullet tip for a perfect line every time.

KURECOLOR TWIN S MARKER

Durable. Vibrant. Professional. All strong words to describe the Kurecolor Twin S Marker. For aspiring designers everywhere, these markers will bring your artwork to life, whether you are drawing on glass, acetate, metal, or photo paper.

CHARTPAK BLENDER MARKER

This marker is magical–no joke. The Chartpak Blender Marker has a translucent chisel tip that delivers a clear mark on any surface. You can use this marker for pushing colored ink back inside the lines of a drawing, creating an ombré effect within bright colors, or for transferring laser-copied art on to fabrics. So magical.

August 2013

Photo via miloshkisplosh

Photo via miloshkisplosh

As the newest addition to the Palomino family, the Blackwing Pearl shines with a bright white coat. What makes this pencil different from the other Blackwing pencils? The Pearl is classified as having a medium weight (whereas the original Blackwing is the softest, and the Blackwing 602 is the firmest). This legendary pencil continues to win the hearts of artists everywhere.

MONO SAND ERASER

An eraser that erases ink? Now that’s useful. The MONO Sand Eraser by Tombow clears away excess ink marks from your ballpoint and rollerball pens, and most markers. Caution: rubbing too hard will tear the paper.

FINECOLOUR SKETCH MARKER

Here’s another great twin-tip marker to add to your art box. The Finecolour Sketch Marker gives a bold stroke with even mark, and
offers two different shaped nibs for your drawing pleasure. This marker is perfect for beginners of graffiti beginners, illustrators, and print designers.

SARGENT ART SQUARE CHALK PASTELS

Get ready to get your hands dirty and your creative juices flowing. Sargent Art Square Chalk Pastels are thick to touch, soft to draw with, and easily blendable. When you have finished a drawing using the pastels, spray your artwork with an adhesive (try hairspray), to keep the pigments from brushing off on to anything.

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