Art Toolkit Design Update
Nov. 2017 Update: I am now stocking all Art Toolkits with Moleskine watercolor sketchbooks.
I’ve been working with a wonderful new sewing shop in Seattle over the past year to update the designs of my Toolkits. First, I have new colors! My large Art Toolkit is available in a new grey with bright turquoise trim (it reminds me of blue ice), and the Pocket version in classic black, grey with blue trim, and grey with black trim. Visit my Shop to check them out! I am open to more colors in the future, let me know if you have any suggestions.
Over the years, many of you have requested a large Toolkit that can accommodate an 8.5″ x 5.5″ (21.6cm x 14.0cm) sketchbook. Here it is! This new version is slightly larger than my original (about 6.5″ x 10″ when closed) and includes a large Stillman & Birn Beta landscape softcover sketchbook. In addition, I am including the same essential tools (waterbrush, pen, pencil, ruler, binder clips), a field sketching tips insert, and adding a mister and refill syringe to make this kit more comprehensive. I am discontinuing the binder version of my Toolkit. If you would still like one, please email me as I still have a few available. I hope you like these updates! As always, I welcome feedback and suggestions. I am passionate about improving the Art Toolkit to create the most portable and versatile field sketching kit possible.
Learn more about how I developed the Pocket Art Toolkit and see examples of the Art toolkit tools in action on my blog.
20 Responses to “Art Toolkit Design Update”
Sandra Schultz
I wonder if you have thought about including a couple of loops so you can carry this as a waistpack or shoulder bag. That would be really helpful to me.
Maria
Hi Sandra, Thank you for your note! I forgot to mention in the post, both new versions of the Art Toolkits have end loops so you can attach a shoulder strap. I appreciate any other suggestions, I am always trying to improve my supplies.
Brenna
I just ordered a grey and black one, and can’t wait to receive it! As for color suggestions, I’d love to see olive green as a future option!
Maria
Thank you for the color idea!
Stephanie Harold
Is the new improved Pocket Palette lighter than the old one?
Also, can the new design of the Art Toolkit take a Portrait style sketchbook (long 8.5″ by 5″ on the short side?
Maria
Hi Stephanie, thank you for your questions! The Art Toolkit fits both portrait and landscape style sketchbooks, they just have to be slim, such as a Moleskine or Stillman and Birn softcover. For the palette, it depends which version you are comparing to! If you have one of my very earliest shiny steel palette cases, then yes, it is much lighter. If you already have a matte aluminum case, then it was about the same weight. The new palettes are just about 1.5oz, or ~50grams.
Clarisa Barua
Hi Maria, I am about to order your Art Tool Kit and the Pocket Art Tool Kit, but am confused re the colors. When you list your art tool kits as being grey with blue trim, do you mean “turquoise” when you say “blue’? Just checking as I really want the both of my toolkits to be grey with the turquoise trim.
Clarisa Barua
PS Sorry when you say ‘without the pocket palette’ for the Art Tool Kit do you also exclude the other essential tools and tips, etc? I already have 2 little palettes but always love the extra kit, especially from the US. :-)
Maria
Hi Clarisa, yes, all other tools are included in Art Toolkits that are ordered without Pocket Palettes.
Trileigh
Hi Maria! I love the look (colors) and larger size of your new Art Toolkit. I already have my beloved older toolkit with all the tools and your new palette. Can I order just the cover without the supplies, and how much would that be?
Maria
Hi Trileigh, always nice to hear from you! I’ll send you an email with ideas.
Trileigh
Thanks, Maria, I’ll look forward to hearing from you. I’m currently working on a painting I’ll share when finished!
susan huber
Just want to thank you for sending me the lovely small toolkit! It fits inside my Tom Bihn Pilot and Synapse 19 bags for everyday and travelling uses.
Although I am a landscape photographer, I am analog and use a large format camera in which there is no way to make notes or; sketch. Having this toolkit will be very handy to adapt and sketch in details to remind myself where it was exposed and how exposed. Cheers! Susan
http://Www.susanhuber.com
Maria
Thank you so much, Susan! Your photography is beautiful, I’m so glad your toolkit can support your process. All my best, Maria
Carol Koss
10255-0558, 100% Cotton Strathmore mixed media journal
Is your kit big enough to hold Strathmore’s SPIRAL 5.5 x 8.5 pad. Mind you the spirals do take up room and I used this when I am trailing so I can keep the pages in and simply turn them when I am on to the next painting (after they’ve dried. Thank You
Maria
Hi Carol, I think the spirals may be a bit large for the Toolkit, but you’re welcome to purchase one to try it out and I can help with a return. You may also just enjoy the kit for your tools, I appreciate how it keeps everything in one place! Please let me know if you have any other questions. All my best, Maria
Kepika Thapa
Hi, is your kit other art supplies eco friendly/plastic free ?
Maria
Hi Kepika,
We do not have any single use plastics in our kit and ship in plastic free packaging. The waterbrush and ruler are both plastic, but are durable. Our palettes our made of stainless steel and aluminum. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Taska Sanford
Hi Maria,
You are one of my heros! I love your products but most of all you are a badass woman who makes art in the real world. I am an avid nature journalist and currently have a homemade travel kit. I am headed off to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail in July! I am going ultralight but my 1 luxury item will be my journal/ paints. How much does the empty pocket toolkit weigh? How much does an empty Demi pallet weigh? I have to log every ounce to stay at my 25lb pack goal. Thank you, Taska
Maria
Sounds like a wonderful adventure coming up for you! I’ll update our website with the palette weights, but in the meantime, here’s the weights of an empty Demi Palette: 0.9oz (24.6g) with bag, and 0.73oz (20.7g) without. A standard empty Pocket Palette weighs 1.98Oz (53.5g) with bag and 1.7oz (48g) without. I hope that helps and would love to hear what art kit you end up on the trail!