10 Fabulously Sketchy Gifts
at The Sketchy Artist, by April Ripka [owner & artist]Although it's hard to narrow down the list to just 10 [because I love it all!], I decided to go with items that seem to be popular this holiday season, as well as throughout most of the year. Although I rotate the store's line-up of gifts often, these particular items are a constant staple at The Sketchy Artist. Of course, art supplies are always a great gift for that aspiring artist on your list as well. While I don't stock a lot of gift sets in the store, we are more than happy to help you put together a selection of quality materials catered to their medium of choice as well as your price range. Just ask!
Now on to the list...
#1. Buddha Board (mini)
Always a best seller, the Buddha Board is based on the Zen concept of living in the moment. Simply paint on the surface using water and watch your creation come to life. As the water evaporates, your art disappears leaving you with clear mind and a clean slate. Great for meditation, practicing brush strokes and painting techniques, doodling, venting and more! A fun and paint-free way for kids to express themselves, too!
price: $11.95
#2. Momiji dolls
Based on the Japanese kokeshi doll, these adorable little figurines have a character all their own. The core 'Randoms' collection (featured above) is always changing as well as design collaboartives - their current one is with Hello Kitty! The unique thing about these particular dolls is the little slot at the bottom of each one with a blank note that you can write a secret message on. Momiji is inspired by friendship and little kindnesses. It's about filling life with memories and messages. That, and they are so gosh darn cute!
price: $16.50 - $18.50
#3. Envirosax bags
What can I say? If you have one, you want another. If someone gave one to you, you want to give one back. Forget all those bags that you have to stuff in pouches or leave in your car - they're either too big to carry in your purse or too small to hold everything you need. The Envirosax is the best re-usable bag I've come across so far; it's light, durable, holds A LOT (up to 44lbs) and easily rolls up into a portable size. Best of all, the Envirosax comes in a variety of designs and styles so you can always find a design that fits YOU.
So let's review the perks again:
- super strong, holds 44lbs
- fully washable, won't fade
- water-resistant & convenient
- fun and fashionable
- no more plastic bags!
Available in Minisax, Slingsax and the original Envirosax.
prices: $7.25 [minisax] ; $10.95-11.95 [original] ; $17.50 [slingsax]
#4. anything Stabilo!
Pens, markers, art supplies - really, this German company knows how to deliver! Ingenious and fun, Stabilo has a pen for everyone - the point88 and pointVisco are our two most popular right now! I personally love the CarbOthello pencils - a soft pastel in pencil-form that's also water-soluble. Whether you're looking for an ergonomic set of color pencils for a 3-year old or the perfect, smudge-proof pen that writes like a dream, you'll fall in love with what Stabilo has to offer.
prices start at $0.95!
#5. Photo Strips
A great way to display [and protect] a multitude of photos and/or postcards! They are popular gifts for anyone with an apartment - especially folks fresh out of college who have lots of pictures and little room to display them. There are 4 layouts to choose from, all hanging vertically at various lengths with several slots to fit 4x6 images in.
price: $9.95 - $14.95
#6. Strathmore Visual Journals
The paper quality is excellent and come in a variety of paper types for different applications: drawing, mixed media, watercolor, and bristol. There's an online community encouraging artists and doodlers alike to 'journal' their life visually. Whatever the case, the Visual Journal is sure to inspire.
starting at $8
#7. Feng Shui Lucky Cats
Do you or someone you know need a little good fortune in life?
Consider it done.
Each color, when placed in the appropriate part of a room, helps improve the qi (energy] of the particular quality it represents.
For example, the red cat, when placed in the EAST side of a room, helps improve prosperity or good business - which is why we always have one in our front window. ;)There's one for every aspect in life you think could use some positive juju, making these cute fortune kitties a thoughtful and helpful gift. What could it hurt?
price: $9.00 each
#8. LAMY Safari and Al-star Fountain Pens
I don't think I've seen anyone try this pen and not exclaim their admiration for it. Honestly.
Ever use a fountain pen? It will change the way you write forever. Easy to hold, light-weight and available in a variety of colors, the Safari (plastic coated] and Al-Star (aluminum finish] fountain pens never fail to impress. You can either use cartridges with them or opt for the converter [$5.25] so you can fill it with your own ink. Either way, Lamy pens write like butter and are at a great price for a mid-level fountain pen. There's one on display to try at the counter - just don't say I didn't warn you.
price: $35/$45
#9. Dover booksThere's no picture for this product because the assortment is vast! Odds are you'll be pulled in like a moth to a flame as soon as you step foot in the store. The little books come in a variety of stickers, tattoos, stain glass coloring books, stencils, activities/puzzles and more! The larger books are mostly for coloring, although we always keep an assortment of simple how-to-draw books, mazes and hidden pictures. Coloring books are appealing to all ages because everyone loves to color; it's therapeutic and just plain fun!
price: $1.50 for little books; large books vary in prices
#10. practical, yet oh so sweet, Stocking Stuffers
Sometimes referred to as 'sushi erasers.' the IWAKO Japanese erasers are an infectious multitude of adorable little All the pieces come apart to mix and match and they really do erase - and they do it well! Honestly, I think there's an eraser of EVERYTHING, and believe it or not, what we have in the store is only a tiny tip off the iceberg. Buy 'em single or in packs.
Smencils. What can I say except that they are pencils that smell good. Really good. Not only that, but they are completely woodless = wrapped in recycled newsprint. And yes, they are easy to sharpen. These scented writing tools go fast - very fast - so grab 'em while you can. The pencils are sold individually, but we also carry packs of 12 colored pencils.
price: starting at $1.50
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THE SKETCHYARTIST | 300 Division St. S. Northfield, MN 55057 | 507.645.2811