The Products We Commonly Use & Why

Watercolor Color Change Paints Stamps

The Products We Commonly Use & Why

f you’ve watched or read any of our content via our YouTube Channel or even on our website for any period of time, you know that our primary goal is to educate and not to make money off of you on products we ourselves wouldn’t even use. Five minutes into any of our product review videos and you will certainly know this to be true! There should be no question that if we are showing you a product or service and recommend it to you, it is something we like and use.  With that in mind,  please know that we are making a little money for that referral and don’t mind if you do the same. 

That being said,  the FTC isn’t sure you really know this… so to further your education (as you now know we love to do) and empower you to make informed decisions before clicking on an affiliate link,  here is the information. The links below are for products we have purchased, used and recommend. As a part of the Amazon Associates program we receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you,  nor is a direct association with any particular brand(s). 

If you would like to find similar products in other countries or just aren’t interested in Amazon we invite you to use our affiliate link through Jackson’s Art

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PAPERS


Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 32 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 11 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 100 Bright, Made in the USA 

This paper has now become our number one we recommend using to print printable papers and is great for gel plate prints. The color display is quite lovely and has a nice finish showing crisp images.

https://amzn.to/3m2iAXg

FOR GEL PRINTING THESE ARE P’s Top THREE

Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 32 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 11 https://amzn.to/3m2iAXg  

This paper has now become our number one we recommend using to print printable papers and is great for gel plate prints. The color display is quite lovely and has a nice finish showing crisp images.

Apadana Acid-Free Unbuffered White TISSUE PAPER 30 Sheets 15 X 20 Inches https://amzn.to/3jpkHUh 

Pacon Ucreate Printmaking Paper, 9″x12″, White, 100 Sheet https://amzn.to/3JjWY3J

AWESOME BLACK PAPERS 

Black Kraft Paper Roll | 18″ x 200’ (2,400”) | Best Colored Paper for Art – https://amzn.to/3IhxP93

Another great paper for gel plate prints, especially for metallic paints.

Black Mixed Media Pad (9×12)

Strathmore is one of our favorite brands of paper so it is no surprise we have come to love their Black Mixed Media paper. Heavy enough to handle all types of projects yet more lightweight than the Black Chipboard we also love https://amzn.to/3Bqi50N Accent Design Paper Accents Chipboard 12×12 Heavy 50pt Black, 25 Piece. The Mixed Media paper also comes in Tan and Blue. 

Black – https://amzn.to/3CmaqRd

Blue Toned – https://amzn.to/3DrSBAP

Tan Toned – https://amzn.to/3AAcBPX

The following two papers are also great for printable papers depending on what you are wanting in the end. They have tooth so they take colored pencils well, but because of this markers will bleed more on these papers. This can be used to your advantage and why M loves doing a deckle-torn edge and using markers to color it. The metallic watercolors also work well for this technique. 

Southworth 25% Cotton Business Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/90 GSM, Wove Finish, White, 500 Sheets – Packaging May Vary (404C)

https://amzn.to/2KzKVGt

Strathmore Writing Ivory Paper – 8 1/2 x 11 in 24 lb Writing Laid 25% Cotton Watermarked 500 per Ream

https://amzn.to/35Yc4v6

Apadana Acid-Free Unbuffered White TISSUE PAPER 30 Sheets 15 X 20 Inches

Both of us love this tissue paper not only is it super to gel print with, but it is also superior to standard tissue paper in taking color sprays and for ruching creating a lovely paper ruffle. 

https://amzn.to/3jpkHUh

JOURNALS


Arteza Watercolor Sketchbooks, 5.5×8.5-inch, 3-Pack, Gray Hardcover Journal, 96 Sheets, 140lb/300gsm Watercolor Paper Pad, Spiral Bound Book for Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylics, Pencils, Wet & Dry Media

The smaller of the journals we like using for our day to day ideas, happy mail and other journaling are these spiral bound. We are really enjoying the lighter weight paper in these compared to the previous ones we used last year. 

https://amzn.to/35bJ0PR

Arteza 8.3×11.7 Inch Watercolor Book, Pack of 2, 64 Pages per Pad, 110lb/230 GSM, Linen Bound with Bookmark Ribbon and Elastic Strap, Art Supplies for Watercolor Techniques and Mixed Media

The larger and more traditional style journal M plans on using more for ideas and project planing. The paper feels amazing and has a nice weight to it without being to heavy. 

https://amzn.to/3sanHbk

AROUND THE STUDIO & ORGANIZATION


Pacon White Kraft Lightweight Paper Roll, 3-Feet by 1,000-Feet 

Our most fav paper we use to create much of original artwork on or from, great for the accordion folds and catch paper. Many of the projects we create have some piece of this paper. It can’t be beat on the value and for an option to have handy off the roll paper with the 18″ width and being able to pull long sheets. One of the very reasons we love to create our folded journals with this paper. It takes all types of media and is fantastic with the watercolor crystals. A bit hard to hand tear due it being quite fibrous.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006BAWKQ

White Freezer Paper Roll (18 Inch x 175 Feet) 

We use this to cover cardboard to create movable surfaces for all types of projects. 

It can be used in gel plate printing and a lovely marker test surface and blending area. 

https://amzn.to/3pXDlW8

Job Ticket Folders 9×12 with hanger grommet

Perfect for organizing and storing stencils, prints, paper and other craft items

https://amzn.to/3fdSlw1

Plastic Storage Bins, Snap Lock White Lids, 6 Quart, Clear, Stackable, 10-Pack

Fit perfectly in cabinet and easy to see through to find what is inside. 

https://amzn.to/3gaQmc2

Wooden Record Crates

An awesome way to house the job ticket folders full of prints, papers, and stencils.

https://amzn.to/3iSaJNe

Metal Server Tiered Stands

We have 2 Large and 1 Small, these are one of our favorite storage pieces. Not only do they store tons of supplies they are key to how we function in our studio space. 

Set of 1 Large 1 Small   https://amzn.to/2S8G3w2

Large   https://amzn.to/2U6cDiH

Small   https://amzn.to/3vIlqoa

Lazy Susans for the Tiered Stands and Other Supplies

Must have to pair with the metal tiered stands. Also great with round marker storage or simply for tube paints. They even come in tiered versions great for cabinet storage or tight spaces. The larger the Susan the more space you have around the bottom for addition storage.

12″ set of 2   https://amzn.to/3xqDQLo

15″   https://amzn.to/3zEovsL

STENCIL MAKING SUPPLIES


Legion Yupo Polypropylene Pad, 9 X 12 inches, 104lb, Translucent, 15 Sheets 

A wonderful product for alcohol ink art and even more wonderful to create stencils for all types of mixed media including gel plate printing. You can even use with your cutting machine (we have a Cricut Explore Air 2) to cut stencils.

https://amzn.to/2J2MhZt

NARA Alcohol Ink Paper for Painting, 100% Stain Free, 12×12 inches (10 Sheets), 200 GSM/275 Microns

Our go-to stencil material is synthetic papers like this and the yupo brands. The 12×12 allows us to make stencils that fit the 12×12 gel plate and the material just has been our best performing for stencil making. 

https://amzn.to/3asdTkV

 

GEL PLATE PRINTING (aka Gelli Printing or Mono printing) 


We have a separate blog for all the products we recommend because we use and love them. 

Click Here >>

CARD MAKING


Having pre-cut and scored blank cards is a game changer. We always have a cream/ivory and white version on hand as they work with so many card making techniques. Even better these recommended below come with envelopes so you don’t have to worry about finding those separately. 

A7-5″ X 7″ Heavyweight Blank Cream/Natural Greeting Fold Over Card Sets – 50 Cards & Envelopes

https://amzn.to/3q7r5Tn

A7-5″ X 7″ Heavyweight (80lb Cover) Blank White Greeting Card Sets (40 Cards & Envelopes)

https://amzn.to/33t41ED

ADHESIVES (GLUE & TAPE)


GLUE

Art Glitter Glue Designer Dries Clear Adhesive 2 oz with Ultra Fine Metal Tip 

Our most favorite glue ever! We have tried others, we love this glue. First time buying get this set as it comes with the tips and what not. 

https://amzn.to/36jzHOD

Purchased it before and looking for the refill? Here is the one we buy.

https://amzn.to/36jhAsh

Mont Marte PVA Glue Craft Glue, Fine Tip 250g-3 Pack

The PVA we use for larger projects when AGG doesn’t make sense for cost and coverage. Meaning you need a glue that won’t dry before you get the area covered, this is the glue we use. Also when we are doing papier-mâché projects and mix with water for the collage wash/bath.

https://amzn.to/3smXuGx


TAPE

There are certain paper crafts and even projects with fabrics that require something besides a glue. This is where double sided tape comes in very handy. It is really handy to have various widths to work in any size space.

Best 2″ Ultra-Thin Permanent Double-Sided Tape for Arts, Crafts, Photography, Scrapbooking, Tear-by-Hand, Paper Backing (2-Inch by 164-Feet/55 Yards)

https://amzn.to/37OCu1Y

8 Rolls Double-Sided Tape Adhesive Sticky Tapes for Scrapbooking, Photos, Invitation Cards, Paper, DIY Crafts and Office School Stationery Supplies

https://amzn.to/3oH8VX1

SEALERS


If you have watched any of our videos you know we are huge fans of Mod Podge and always will be, as we know and love it. That being said we have been enlightened to additional options and continue to grow our product knowledge and use.

Mod Podge CS11201 Waterbase Sealer, Glue & Decoupage Finish, 8 oz, GLOSS

https://amzn.to/37hoD47

Mod Podge CS11301 Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish, 8 oz, MATTE

https://amzn.to/35XZZpt

Ranger TDA46967 Tim Holtz Distress Micro Glaze, 1 oz 

A great addition to help in the sealing process of Mod Podge or Directly to papers as a final step and sealer. Warning this needs to be the last medium applied, as most things will not adhere once this is down.

https://amzn.to/39fys5b

GESSO & CLEAR MEDIUMS


Here are our two videos covering many of the following items. 

3 Brands of Gesso & Mod Podge vs Gel Medium

We are always adding to our product lists and try to get videos out showing the benefits and performance of everything we use. 

Check back and let us know if you want us to try something or if you have recommendations. 

Mont Marte Premium Clear Texture Gesso Acrylic Medium 8.45oz (250ml), Suitable for Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint, Colour Pencils, Pastels, Graphite and Charcoal

https://amzn.to/2J031R8

CRAFTERS WORKSHOP Clear Gesso Matte Translucent 8oz TCW

https://amzn.to/374DOgz

Ranger Dina Wakley Media Gesso 4oz Jar-Clear, 4 Fl Oz

https://amzn.to/2ISIsXh

Ranger Dina Wakley Media Gesso 4oz Jar, White Gesso

https://amzn.to/399bLzf

U.S. Art Supply Clear Gel Medium Matte Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube – Use to create transparent colors

https://amzn.to/398Kayg

U.S. Art Supply Clear Gel Medium Gloss Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube – Adds Gloss to your Acrylic Paint

https://amzn.to/2UWtYrH

U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Acrylic Medium, 500ml Tub – 16.9 Ounces

https://amzn.to/3nPWmbf

Golden Acrylic White Gesso – 8 oz Jar

https://amzn.to/375JPd9

TEXTURE AND DIMENSION


MODELING PASTE

Crafter’s Workshop, The Modeling Paste 8oz Light/Fluffy

https://amzn.to/3lKTZ8l

Crafter’s Workshop, TCW9009 Modeling Paste 8oz-Black

https://amzn.to/3qRjNDR

Crafters Workshop Stencil Butter 

4/PKG Holiday, 4 x 2oz – https://amzn.to/3zDGcI7  

Mardi GRAS Stencil Butter 4/PKG, 4 x 2oz – https://amzn.to/3x1mgwV  

Carribean, 4 x 2oz, Carribbean Sea  – https://amzn.to/3iEh5xG

U.S. Art Supply Modeling Paste Acrylic Medium, 500ml Tub

https://amzn.to/3mNwRYb

Golden 35705 Molding Paste, 8 ounce

https://amzn.to/2JWkLNB

DIMENSIONAL PRODUCTS 

GOLDEN 8 Oz Clear Tar Gel

We haven’t used this product on any projects yet (coming soon). However we do have it in the queue and our understanding of the product from the description is it will perform similarly to the Dimensional Mod Podge. We are also going to try mixing it with acrylic paints for use on the gel plate.  

https://amzn.to/2VG9TX5

Dimensional Magic 2oz Mod Podge

Fun product to use on things to add a little dimension and a ton of gloss. Our only gripe about it is we wish there was a bit more thickness to it when it dried. Mayber more like the Nuvo products (which again would love to try in the near future).

https://amzn.to/38FqqQR

Nuvo Crystal Drops – Bundle of 5 Colors – Gloss White, Ebony Black, Ivory Seashell, Liquid Mercury and Morning Dew 

Worth trying and for little more than the one 2oz bottle of the Dimensional Magic the price is certainly a driving force for this product vs MP.

https://amzn.to/3rvRpHi

 

WATERCOLORS


Coliro M600 Artist Mica Watercolor Paint, Metallic, Gold & Silver (6-Color/Set)

A very nice set of metallic watercolors, especially for the price point. We have used these for all types of projects and have been very pleased with the performance.

https://amzn.to/3fswf7i

Finetec F1200 12 Opaque Pearlescent Paints, Diameter 30 mm, in Metal Case

If you can splurge these are the metallic watercolors you want. The Coliro version are very nice, but there is a difference. 

https://amzn.to/2LmJR9k

Pelikan Opaque Watercolor Paint Set, 24 Colors Plus Chinese White Tub

Great brand P has been using since college (80’s ish) This is one of the many they offer we can list others if you are interested let us know. 

https://amzn.to/3m13G3j

Talens        

Another great brand of watercolors is another great brand and available in both transparent and opaque.

WATERCOLOR CRYSTALS or Concentrated Powders

You can certainly get by with either brand but why we recommend both is there are different color options between the sets not available in the other. Our favorite use of this product is creating washes for our papers, backgrounds, and even staining papers. Again please check out this video series for instructions.

Crumple Dyeing Paper https://youtu.be/o2i6ldaYUKM

Paper Dyeing https://youtu.be/BZ2A9U-thc8


Ken Oliver KN06339 Earth Tones Color Burst Powder (6 Pack)

https://amzn.to/2UTzrzp

Brusho by Colourcraft 6 Color Craft Spritzer Brusho Crystal Colour Set

https://amzn.to/3nRdDkk

PENCILS


Please refer to this video for a full comparison of color and even price although that has and will continue to change. 

24 COLOR SETS

AmazonBasics Soft Core Colored Pencils – 24-Count Set

https://amzn.to/35UR6x1

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/Prismacolor-Premier-Colored-Pencils-Assorted/dp/B00006IEEU

72 COLOR SETS

AmazonBasics Soft Core Colored Pencils – 72-Count Set

https://amzn.to/36XszGS

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 72 Pack

https://amzn.to/2UTGnN1

MARKERS & PENS


American Crafts Neutral Blending Markers

Another one of M’s go to products for various blending and coloring in her journal making techniques. Not only does it blend the markers but works well with pencil and acrylic markers. It can also be used to blend areas on printed ink jet papers. 

https://amzn.to/2J50SDU

Chalkola Chalk Markers – Pack of 40 (Neon, Classic & Metallic) Chalk Pens – 3mm Tip

We use these even on paper projects but with a caution: They are chalk and will need to be sealed. The colors are unique and typically can not be found across the spectrum.

https://amzn.to/374sm4O

Dual Tip Alcohol Based Art Markers, Lineon 30 Colors Alcohol Marker Pens Perfect for Kids Adult Coloring Books Sketching and Card Making 

Great Value – We can’t find the ones we use regularly and the ones seen in the video, these are comparable and certainly in the right price range. Please note we highly recommend sealing anything alcohol marker or direct ink with a UV sealant.

https://amzn.to/3fRiVtl

Sakura 44162 8-Piece Identi-Pen Permanent Marker Set, Assorted Colors

Like many things if you are new to this product this set is worth getting vs just the black pen. One pen can be almost half the price of the set of 8 and we haven’t seen just the individual colors available like the black. Just some things to keep in mind.

https://amzn.to/38IAHM9


ACRYLIC MARKERS

Chalkola Acrylic Paint Pens for Rock Painting, Stone, Ceramic, Glass, Wood, Canvas – Set of 40 Colors, Fine Tip Water Based Paint Markers

M has been using these a ton since getting them back in October 2020, they are really great markers for the price and for the amount of colors you get. Our hope was they would be similar to Posca markers, they are not. Some colors are better than others but we have yet to come across a marker that performs like a Posca. We will have a vs video coming out soon to compare with the Arteza brand which we are thinking is more similar to this marker.

https://amzn.to/38Cem2U

Arteza Acrylic Markers – Set of 40   (CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK)

The out of stock status is one reason we are holding off on our vs video. S

https://arteza.com/dp/acrylic-markers-set-of-40


PENS

Uni-Ball UM 153 Signo Broad Point Gel Pen – White – Pack of 3

This is one of the products we are always saying “why didn’t we know about this sooner”. Great for writing on dark surfaces in journals, adding your signature to artwork over dark areas and fun to use as a highlight around areas that need a little pop.

https://amzn.to/37UUqJF

Faber-castell 0.1mm/ 0.3mm/ 0.5mm/ 0.7mm Artline Drawing System – Black

Great pen set to get if you are starting out since you get the 4 different sizes. These pens are highly pigmented ink, lightfast and waterproof so lend really well to all types of journaling and drawing situations.

https://amzn.to/2WSX4ck

Precision Pen 5 Pack by American Crafts | Black | variety of tips including .01, .03, .05, and .08

Another great set and certainly for the price point. These are similar to the FC pens but do note we have had a little trouble with them being spotty at times. Once they get going they work well though. Again great for journaling, drawing and other applications you need a dark liner pen that is waterproof. 

https://amzn.to/3rKBgOu

 

FUN PRODUCTS WE USE


Cylinder Magnets Multi-use for Office, Science, Crafts Project, LTKJ 100pcs 10x1mm Small Round

Magnets are a great way to make any project more interactive. From floating connections to  creating spinning kinetic connections good times are always had with magnets. These are small and very thin which lend to disguising their presence. 

https://amzn.to/3pVMm28

Zutter Bind-It-All, Version 2.0

Spiral binding can be functional and creative whether you new to creating book or wanting to explore new ways of binding this is a wonderful tool. The punch can be utilized both for the spiral wire or to create interesting connection points for flips or to use other binding materials (ie thread, string, rope, rings, leather etc…).

https://amzn.to/2UV3RBm

We R Memory Keepers 0633356605041 Wire Cinch-1 Inch-Gold (4 Piece)

https://amzn.to/2J6KMd1

Super Heavy Duty Rotary Puncher, Multi Hole Sizes Maker Tool – The Best Professional Punch

I wish this was one of the first things we had when starting our journal making journey. Seriously the most wonderful tool to make holes of various size and through almost anything you put in it. It is a bit chunky of a tool but one you will want to make space for!

https://amzn.to/37KHmpP

FUN PRODUCTS WE WANT TO TRY 


We have an ongoing list of products we are interested in and want on our wish list, these are those items.

Jacquard Ink Jet Fabric 8.5” x 11” Silk Sheets (10 pack)

So many possibilities with this product, I am pretty sure this will work for all sorts of applications and will do videos on those.

https://amzn.to/38nrBFV

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