The Mess
Art supplies and hobby gear, for making things badly until you make them well.
A quick, honest note before you scroll further: some of the links below are affiliate links, and yes, they earn us a small commission. Of course they do, that’s rather the point of them. Costs you nothing extra either way. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We’re also part of the Commission Factory network. None of that changes what goes on the shelf: if we wouldn’t put it in our own bathroom cabinet, garden shed, or dinner rotation, it’s not going in The Cabinet either.
Wren’s Picks
Amazon prices shift about constantly, so rather than quote numbers that go stale within the week, each pick is marked budget, mid-range, or splurge.
This shelf tips splurge more than the others. Good art supplies are apparently the one category I can’t talk myself out of.
1. Watersoluble Oil Pastels, Tin Box (24pc)
Oil pastels are the medium I keep coming back to. This one I can use dry for blending or wet for a wash, and I haven’t found a reason to put it down.
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2. Pigment Arts Brush Pen, 36 Colours
Thirty-six colours in one box means whatever colour I need already exists in there somewhere. Who doesn’t love a box with all the colours?
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3. Set of 3 Ultra Thin Paint Pens (PC‑1MR / PC‑1M / PC‑3M)
For the fine work pastels can’t do. Outlining, small detail, the bit at the end that makes a piece look finished instead of abandoned.
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4. Learn to Watercolor
Need to start somewhere. This comes with pre-drawn images so you can focus on learning watercolour instead of how to sketch.
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5. Watercolor for the Soul
A reminder that art is about more than the result. Sometimes the point is just sitting with the brush.
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6. Isopropyl Alcohol 70%, 1L
The unglamorous bottle that makes alcohol ink actually move. Also just isopropyl, so it earns its keep twice.
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7. Jac Exciter Piñata Paint Pack
The one alcohol ink brand worth paying for. Everything else in this category is really just resin dye wearing a different label.
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8. Paint by Number, DIY Tree Kit
No decisions required. For when you want the quiet of meditation without actually having to meditate.
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9. 3D Wood Puzzle Book Nook Kit (281pc)
An adventure in itself, learning a new skill and building something beautiful one tiny piece at a time.
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10. Watercolour Paint Set, 48 Colours
The one I’ve actually had open since December. Forty-eight colours, proper brushes, a pad that doesn’t buckle the second water hits it.
View on Amazon →Millie’s Picks
Coming soon, Millie’s picks land here once she’s ready.