Paradise in a box- Choosing Keeping

 

About a month ago I discovered a wonderful instagram account that featured 'exciting' art supplies. The sorts of art supplies that make artists swoon. Not the things that you run out of and have to stop by the art store to pick up, nor the things that you have three or four of shoved into a drawer. No these are the little treasures, supplies as beautiful as they are useful. A metaphorical jewelry counter of sparkling gems. A place where time is taken to admire and savor and, after great debate and soul searching, a few small items are selected. Imagine my delight upon finding out that said instagram account was actually a shop. In no time I was on their website, my 'cart' full of around 700 euros worth of supplies. The things I didn't want to 'forget about'. 

Several days and a lot of deliberation later, I had pared it down to a few 'must have' items. Unsurprisingly one of those items, the box of vials of pigments, was what initially enthralled me. Holding it in my hands I am glad I got it. Now I need a mortar and pestle with which to grind said pigments.

The tubes are collected into sets that are put together with the idea of creating a specific flower. My set is for a red camellia. There were also a pink peony, and a blue Iris. As a botanical painter I should be able to use these colours to paint just about anything so I selected the set with the colours that most appealed to me in terms of there depth and vibrancy.

 

I bought a binder, of course.

I was also enamoured by the Gansai seasonal watercolour palettes. I chose the autumn one. Do you feel that Autumn sometimes gets skimmed over in the anticipation of Christmas?

And as a pure frivolity I chose one each of the silver and gold pencils. These are normal pencils, just more fun.

   And finally a bottle of silver ink. For some reason I thought I was ordering a set of 6 inks and was actually surprised when only one arrived. I did go back and check the site. It was my mistake. However, this is a very beautiful little bottle.

The shipping time was alright for a small company. I received the parcel yesterday. I chose the gift wrapping option as I wanted to see how they would pack it. I think it turned out quite nice, and one of my children really enjoyed 'opening the presents'.

Here are a few of the stickers and papers.

And of course I have begun adding the purchases, along with the stickers (some of which look slightly worse for wear) , into my 'invalid sketchbook'.

Here are the links for the shop- This is not a sponsored post, simply a shop that I found, was delighted by, and thought that you might like too.

Website: https://choosingkeeping.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choosingkeeping/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choosingkeeping

 

 Don't forget:

I will be offering another workshop in November, this time on painting shiny Christmas ornaments. I will be posting it on facebook but if you would like to participate let me know anytime by sending me an e-mail. 

Here is a post of last years Christmas card workshop:

- Christmas cards

 I recently created an instagram account just for my studio tea breaks: @tea_in_the_studio 

you can also check out more of my artwork on my artist account on instagram: @sarahloeckerart

 I will be once again offering special Christmas house paintings for 50 euros plus shipping (Contact me be e-mail if interested). Here is a post from last year with more information:

-Painting of your home

I am also willing to paint you an individual botanical watercolour illustration for 120 Euros plus shipping. (contact me by e-mail if interested). This might be the perfect gift for the avid gardner, cook or nature lover on your list.

 

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