Basic Supply List for Nature Journaling

I was asked what supplies we use for nature journaling (I’m glad you asked!). Below is our basic supply list. I also have a workshop entitled Becoming God’s Naturalist that explores creative and practical ways to get the most out of nature study and nature journaling. It is available in a two CD set along with The Gift of Family Writing. You can find these resources at: www.giftoffamilywriting.com  

 

Our Basic Supply List for Nature Journaling

 

Paper – For finished drawings we use individual pieces of 110 lb. cover stock fastened to clip boards (available at Wal-Mart). The completed drawing or painting is stored in a binder inside plastic sleeves. That way the children don’t have to worry about ruining previous drawings.

Sketchbooks – My children love having their own sketchbooks. Right now they’re crazy about large formats. Buy a couple of different sizes. You can never have enough sketchbooks!  Just about any brand of sketchbook will do. Look for Beinfang or Cannon.

Watercolor paper – You don’t have to buy watercolor paper in the beginning. If you do, however, buy it in a watercolor block. The paper is already stretched so you don’t have to worry about it buckling. I like to work on Strathmore Watercolor paper cold press. It is available in different sizes( 9X12 is nice). We also paint on 110 lb. cover stock. It holds up pretty well as long as your brush isn’t excessively wet.  

Pencils – Our favorite all-purpose pencil is the Mirado Black Warrior no 2 which can be purchased by the package from Wal-Mart. It’s as good as any art pencil of the same number. Buy soft art pencils B, 2B, 4B, 6B and aqua or water soluble art pencils.Let the kids experiment with the different textures. They’ll tell you which ones they like the best.

 

Artist pens – by Faber Castell. These pens are great for noodeling, doodeling, and sketching. My kids love these pens and told me to put them on the list.

Watercolor pencils – Derwent available at Michaels. You don’t have to buy a whole set to start. Just buy some warm and cool colors and add to them as you go.  

 

Erasers – We use plastic erasers by Staedtler which are available from Wal- Mart in packages of three. Plastic erasers remove pencil marks without hurting the paper. Kneaded erasers work well for picking up tone.  

 

Paints – I like Prang 12 count paints for children (little kids can use Crayola). They offer a wide palette to mix from and are relatively inexpensive. I also purchased a set of Grumbacher watercolors for myself. These are not necessary if you are just starting out, but you can get them on sale at Michaels for $2.00 a tube. Some children, like my Elizabeth - age 10, love the tube paints. Don't let age be a limiting factor when it comes to art supplies. My mother let me paint with oils when I was 10 (That's something I haven't done with my kids!)

 

Brushes – Purchase fine quality brushes of different widths and shapes for watercolor. Inferior brushes will ruin your efforts to control the paint. If you’re watching your budget, purchase a couple of sets of packaged brushes from Wal-Mart. They may have to be replaced periodically but they are much better than the brushes that come in the paint box.   

 

    Just as every child can write from what he knows, every child can draw from what he sees. Children who rarely pick up a pencil on their own can learn to express themselves creatively if they are exposed to the right environment – one that’s filled with the beauty of God’s Creation, the work of inspired artists, and the tools of the trade.

 

 Copyright © 2005 By Jill Novak
All Rights Reserved

1:28 PM - Aug. 25, 2005 - post comment

Hey Jill!

Man, I have missed you. So nice to find "Jill words" here! I want to be God's naturalist...thank you for pointing the way.
I am praying for you, friend.
Ann V. Holy Experience

HolyExperience - 4:34 AM - Aug. 29, 2005

Than you!

We are just beginning a journey in nature journaling. I had actually considered writing you and asking for just a basic list, the bare essentials, that we would need to get started. Trying to purchase for 8 children, plus the parents ... gets quite pricey! We are well on our way and will be adding things along as we go. The biggest step is that I didn't wait until I had all the "perfect" supplies ... just a sketchbook, a pencil and some coloring pencils and we took our back packs and went to the state park. We had a great time ... except sketching near the creek didn't go so well ... too wet!! LOL!
Thanks for your encouragement. I love your blog!

gracefuljourney - 8:05 PM - Aug. 30, 2005

Thank You For The List

Wonderful WoWonderful list! We will be journally in our home also this year. I need to add the water colors..... What a great idea! Thank You, again.

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

HIpLVMom - 3:53 AM - Sep. 6, 2005

Your Book

I enjoy reading your blog entries but everytime I go to find out about ordering the Gift of Family Writing it says that it is out of stock. How can I get the book and the CD set?

Anonymous - 2:21 PM - Sep. 6, 2005

Our Book

We are working on the revised copy now. It should be available sometime in October. Check back then.
Blessings,
Jill

JillNovak - 8:08 AM - Sep. 11, 2005

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