Essential List for an Art Journaling Supply Kit

Here is my ultimate essential art journal supply list for your kit. If you’re ready to dive into the world of art journaling and create something on those blank pages but feel overwhelmed you’re in the right place.

Let’s explore a comprehensive list of my favorite supplies in my art journal kit. However, don’t go out and buy all these supplies! You can truly start your art journaling supply kit with a few supplies. You may even have what you need. Then you can decide what you enjoy using and add to your art journal supply kit over time. I will highlight a few supplies in bold below that I believe are good essentials to start your art journaling supply kit.  

Before we explore the big list of my favorite supplies in my art journal kit, I want to tell you where to find these art journaling supplies. As a creative art journaler, I find many of my supplies around my house. You will be surprised how many household items can be used in your art journal supply kit! Think junk mail, kitchen utensils, make-up sponges, office supplies, and your children’s art supplies. Other supplies can be found at your local big box or craft store, but many items can be found online through Amazon or my favorite art supply store: Blick Art Materials.  

Heads up, creative friends! This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll enjoy too.

I am including links to both Amazon and Blick Art Materials. I do shop both depending on pricing – I find Blick can typically be less expensive. However, Amazon is convenient when ordering one or two items as I have free shipping with Prime. 

Here is a direct link to my Art Journaling Supply Kit List on Amazon. You can follow that list and check it occasionally as I keep it updated when I discover new finds!

Also, many of these items can be found at your local big box or art stores so no obligation to shop my links, but if you do, I want to give you a big THANK YOU for supporting my little space online.

 Now, let’s get our art on!

1. A Journal That Speaks to You: The first step in your art journaling supply kit adventure is finding the perfect journal, whether store-bought or handmade. Look for a notebook or sketchbook with thick, sturdy pages that can handle a variety of mediums. The journal you choose should resonate with you and make you excited to fill its pages with your creativity. TIP: I work in more than one at a time. 

2. Best Pens and Markers for Art Journaling and Mark Making: Keep it simple and grab a trusty black pen for outlines and some colorful markers for that pop. No need to break the bank. Build your art journal supply kit collection over time. I like a mix of waterproof and water-soluble mark-making tools. 

3. Pencils and Water Soluble Media – Your Sketchy Friends:  Pencils and crayons- graphite and colored – are a must in an art journal supply kit for sketching and mark-making in creative journals. Some of my go-to’s are water-soluble crayons in my art journals. They can add some beautiful color and texture to your pages.  

4. Paints – Acrylic and Watercolor:   Acrylic paints are bold and versatile, while watercolors bring a dreamy vibe. A small inexpensive set of each in your art journal supply kit can make your pages pop with vibrancy. I am including a variety below and selecting them can be overwhelming. Start small and inexpensive and find what you like, then invest more as you grow your art journaling practice. White Gesso is essential in my opinion and can be used as your white paint.

5. Other Medium: There are many other mark-making and painting supplies that don’t fit into a category, but I find them to be as essential in my art journal kit. 

6. Adhesive Magic: Finding the right adhesive for your art journal can be overwhelming. I find I like certain adhesives for certain jobs in my mixed media projects. These are the must-haves for my art journals, but I continue to experiment and will update as I find new ones that you should try.

7. Brushes – The Stroke of Genius: Get the right brushes for your painting adventures. Whether it’s small detail brushes or broader strokes, having a variety can make all the difference. Some of these can also be an investment, so experiment with the more inexpensive brushes in your art journaling supply kit before diving in. If you are serious about watercolor, I highly recommend better brushes. It makes a huge difference to those mixed media projects. 

8. Paper – The Foundation of Creativity: Explore different papers and collage materials to use in your art journaling projects. Smooth, textured, or even handmade—find what complements your style and mediums. For collage, anything goes! From magazine pages, book pages, fabric scraps, and junk mail, collect what you love to see visually and resonates with your mixed media style to add a personal touch to your art journals.

9. Miscellaneous Tools and Supplies – The Extras: For those odds and ends that elevate your art journaling kit game. Think rulers, cutting tools, or any other fun ways to elevate your art journaling and mixed media practice. 

10. Bookbinding Supplies – Bind It Beautifully: If you’re into creating your own journals, stock up on bookbinding essentials. From needles and bookbinding thread, it’s all about making your DIY handmade art journal uniquely and creatively yours.

Other Optional Supplies: 

Now Your Art Journal Supply Kit is Ready to Create!

Armed with a few of these essentials you’re set for a colorful journey of creative self-expression. No rules, just you and your creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, these supplies will help you create pages that reflect your unique spirit.

Time to unleash your artistic side! And hey, if you decide to snag some goodies through the affiliate links, you’re not just getting cool stuff—you’re supporting this creative space too. Win-win!

Happy Journaling!