Build an Art Bag to Carry Material
Mixed-Media Art Supplies Container to Tote Along Everywhere
Inspiration strikes when an artist least expects. So, it is important to have what is needed when it is needed. Build an art bag!
How many times have you been out and about and though, “I wish I had my art journal with me; I would love to capture the look of [fill in the blank] in it right now.” Or, when was the last time you were in a park or a playground and thought, “That tree has a great texture, I wish I could do a rubbing so I could incorporate it into a piece later.”
Those are frustrating thoughts, are they not? Inspiration strikes artists, not just mixed media artists, when they least expect. Because of this reality, it is important to create a carry along art bag so these moments are not lost. You will not regret putting this together and either keeping it in your car, or putting it next to your door so it is ready for grab and go at a moment’s notice.
To build an art bag, you will need the following:
- Canvas tote bag (the kind people use to carry small books)
- Two or three heavy-duty glue sticks
- Spiral bound art journal (5 inches x 9 inches fits great)
- Charcoal pencils
- Disposable camera
- Black ultra-fine sharpies
- One-gallon zip-lock bag
- Two or three business-sized envelopes
Why do we need all of these things?
- If you prefer a bag larger than what is described above, there is nothing wrong with that. Remember, you are more likely to carry a smaller bag along with you (or stow in your car) than you are something large and heavy.
- It is better to carry more than one glue stick because these little things tend to roll away at a moment’s notice. Not only that, but you will have back-up sticks when one runs out.
- Spiral-bound art journals make expansion easier, plus it is easer to tuck things into the pages. If you choose a solidbound art journal, you will soon see how the book will begin to buckle and the cover will begin to bend. If this does not bother you, then do not worry about this.
- Charcoal pencils will give you the opportunity to do rubbings whenever you come across an interesting texture, or if you want to do some sketching. Be sure to keep them in a case or in a plastic bag.
- A disposable camera? Yes, these are for the once-in-a-lifetime artistic shots you will want to either recreate or incorporate later. If you lose this camera, you are only out a few dollars as opposed to quite a bit more if you put a standard or digital camera into the bag.
- The black ultra-fine sharpies give you the opportunity to write out journal entries, as well as sketch.
- Keep the one-gallon zip-lock bag to collect items like leaves, paper ephemera, bottle caps, or anything else of interest.
- Use the business-sized envelopes to collect maps, brochures, announcements, postcards, and anything else that interests you while you are out and about. (The town hall in most areas has a lot of great paper elements to collect and create with!)
Now that you know what should go into an art bag, go ahead and build one! Tote it with you wherever you go and never miss an artistic moment.
