It is a new year, it is the perfect time to try out a new hobby!
Creativity in any form is a wonderful way to express your emotions. Sometimes when you are not feeling well, it is hard to talk, or express to your friends and family how you feel. But it is important to have an outlet for your feelings. Sometimes art projects are just the perfect fit. No words, no rules, just colors and expressions. I have found products that I liked because of their quality, ease of use, or the fact that they are specifically made for beginners or people with hand disabilities. I even tried some products that are “quicker” or smaller projects that are good for those with low energy. See below for my latest crafty picks!

1. Want to feel like a fancy artist without the price of the fancy materials? Koi watercolor field sketch kits are perfect for anyone wanting to try watercolors without a huge investment, or without the space to buy a lot of supplies. So why not try something first before buying out the art store? Koi watercolor field sketch kits come in 12, 18 and 24 piece sets and are priced from $24.95- $31.95. You can use these kits to paint small scenes, or to make small greeting cards for your friends. I like the small size which is perfect for travel.
2. I think of pastels as the adult version of crayons. When kids want to create, unwind, or relax, they draw freely on a simple white paper with crayons and draw whatever their heart desires. Cray-Pas™ oil pastels are for adults who need a few moments to play. Using pastels makes everything look brighter and more “professional”. If you need to de-stress and need some time to play, I suggest you give them a try. There are so many oil pastel techniques and you can easily learn them on the internet or your local library. But the easiest way to begin is to buy a pack of Sakura Cray-Pas and just start!
3. Create and Treasure makes these super easy “Ready To Go” Blank Board books for you scrap bookers who want an easier, low energy project. Or, if you haven’t scrap booked before, this is a great way to start, without getting overwhelmed. At $7.95 these are a very affordable way to make unique shaped albums without having to cut out your own specialty papers. They come in a variety of shapes, from circles to doors and tags. They have many different sizes; 5×3, 5×7 and more. This makes the perfect size for “brag books” for moms and grandmas, or “memory books” for someone having memory issues. I think this is also a great idea to give as a gift. You can make a whole kit by just throwing in some markers, stickers, glue dots, etc. It is a perfect blank slate to get creatively inspired. Get yours at: creatandtreasure.com
4. I love paint Markers. You can use them for so many different projects, that they would make a great gift for anyone. If you are not that crafty you can just have them around to sign greeting cards, in something a little fancier then a plain ball point pen. If you are just getting into crafting, you can use opaque paint markers for scrap booking, card making, or any other projects. Moms and children can use them for school projects, posters and just for fun. Permapaque Paint Markers come in fine and dual points for variety. You can use these markers on a multitude of mediums, including the obvious like paper or plastic, but you can also use them on vellum, glass and ceramics. They are odorless, which is an important feature to consider when buying something for someone who has scent or chemical sensitivities. These markers are available in 20 colors including plain and metallic. You can buy them individually or in packs. I really think these markers are a great gift for the young, old, crafty and craftless! Get yours at your local art supply store.
5. I actually first heard of “Gelly Roll” metallic pens when I babysat for my younger cousins who where in there “tweens’. They used them to write in their journals, diaries and even passing notes in class. It seems what was once a fad item for highschoolers is now a fancy way to address Christmas cards, or write out birthday invitations or thank you cards with an extra pizazz. This is another great gift for any age or any level of artistic ability. They would make perfect get well gifts, or stocking stuffers for anyone. The cool thing about using gel ink is that you can write on any color paper, even dark colors like black. You can buy Gelly Roll pens in single packs or in multipacks.

These 5 crafty “finds” are just what I have discovered to be fun lately. By all means check out other craft sites, go to your local art store or craft store. Even “dollar stores” usually have a craft aisle, if you are looking to try an idea or art project out, without the financial commitment. Just have fun!
Article written by Christine Miserandino, butyoudontlooksick.com