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.

Watercolor paper – You don’t have to buy watercolor paper in the beginning. If you desire to, however, buy it in a watercolor block. The paper is already stretched so you don’t have to worry about it buckling. We paint on the 110 lb. stock and it holds up pretty well as long as the brush isn’t excessively wet.   

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!  

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 (Do you have Michaels in your area?). You don’t have to buy a whole set to start. Just buy some warm and cool colors and add to them when you can.   

Erasers – We use plastic erasers by Staedtler which are available from Walmart 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 '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.

All Material Copyright © 2005

Jill Novak
All Rights Reserved

11:18 AM - Jun. 6, 2005 - post comment

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