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Chocolate Musings

Set your goals - make the plans - artfully create your life - live it beautifully. Grab the good chocolate and find your muse.

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Home » My Muses #2: Favorite Lettering Supplies

My Muses #2: Favorite Lettering Supplies

April 5, 2018 3 Comments

Favorite Lettering Supplies – For Beginners & Beyond

The journey of lettering has evolved for me, and I have new ambitions related to my handlettering adventure.  I thought this week I would share with you my very favorite lettering supplies. This list continuously evolves. I occasionally deduct or add another favorite in the mix based on mood. In general, I have several standard supplies that I love, but that’s not saying that I won’t change it in the future.

Lettering became a HUGE part of my life (and finding my way back into the realm of creativity) last April. My husband and I saw this fantastic canvas on display at a relative’s house for Christmas. My mother-in-law saw the same painting and commented how she would love something like that. Since then I was obsessed with learning how to letter so I could put my spin on what I saw and create a canvas for my husband’s mother.

My Muses - Inspiration comes in all shapes and packaging material - a collection of favorite things - beginning lettering supplies

Favorite Handlettering Pens/Markers

If you are starting out and have never picked up a brush pen, I can guarantee you will be frustrated. There were times when I was first beginning that I swept off my entire desktop and declared that I was not cut out to letter. I left everything on the floor for three days one time, staring disgustedly at the mess every time I saw it. Part of the problem is I tried to start with the large brushes and thought I could just take off and do it. In hindsight, I wish I would have known what to start with – so here are my suggestions for different levels of lettering artists. FYI: Contains affiliate links.

Beginner – For a True Greenie (and my favorite STILL)

Start with Tombow Fudenosuke HARD Tipped markers. If you order on Amazon you’ll probably get a set of both soft and hard tip markers.

How to tell them apart:

Hard tip – dark blue marker body (the cap is black). The marker says WS-BH 150 – the H is Hard.

Soft tip – all black marker (the body of the marker matches the cap). The marker says WS-BS 150 – the S is SOFT.

I learned that little tidbit from Marie Browning (@MarieBCreates) when I visited Tombow Headquarters one day for a meet and greet. Tombow USA is headquartered near Atlanta – I literally drive by it on my way to work. They had a fun opportunity to visit the headquarters and craft last October and I won a spot to go.

Tombow Fudenosuke - how to tell them apart two clues - my favorite lettering supplies: Pens & Paper

Once Your Feet Are Wet in Lettering

Let’s be real – there’s no ‘dipping your little toe’ in lettering – you’re up to your neck by now. Once you’ve gotten a feel for lettering and are anxious to try new markers, maybe get a bit of color in your life. Pentel Sign Brush Pens are an excellent way to go.

No idea why I waited so long to get these pens. I’d describe them as a cross between the Tombow Fudenosuke hard and soft-tipped markers. They are pretty dreamy and having a variety of colors is just more fun.

Small Brush Pens

  • Tombow Fudenosuke Black – Soft/Hard Tip
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Multi-Color Hard Tip Pack
  • Pentel Sign Brush Pen
  • Zebra Small Brush Pen
  • Sharpie Brush Pens

When You’re in so Deep and There’s No Coming Back

Tombow Dual Brush Markers are not for the lettering faint of heart. They will take some practice. But they blend and write so nice once you have the technique down. If you’re not sure what to start with – get the Bright pack & the Primary pack to start with. Lots of great blending options with these packs.

If you are really ambitious…there’s always the full 96 pack. I have the 96 pack, but I’m not allowed to open it yet. If you become a regular reader of the blog, you’ll find out why soon.

Large Brush Tip Markers

  • Tombow Dual Brush Pens – Full Set | Bright Set | Secondary Set | Pastel Set | Grayscale Set (there are more sets available as well)
  • Karin Mega Box Markers | Karin Mini Box | Karin Metallic Brush Pens
  • Artline Stix
  • Ecoline Brush Pens

Watercolor Lettering

Water pens are amazing. They have a water-well inside the pen and you squeeze it for more or less water. I use them with watercolor paints AND with markers. Scribble some markers (Tombow or Crayola Supertips or any other kind you have) onto Ziploc bag or another smooth surface, and use the pigment with your water pens or paint brushes. (I’ve claimed a regular, smooth, kitchen plate!)

If you want to start with watercolor paints, I picked up the artist’s loft pan sets at Michael’s one day. The pearlescent watercolor set is gorgeous with that extra shimmer.

Favorite Paper – Brush Lettering

When using brush pens, keep in mind that these babies fray if used on anything but smooth paper. Frayed brush marker tips make for frustrated artists (by the way, did you know that the moment you touch a brush pen or other art supply – you become an artist?!). A splayed tip on a marker makes it nearly impossible to achieve that coveted ultra-thin up-stroke.

Taking good care of your brushes also means using some excellent paper with a smooth finish. The best paper is marker paper. SO smooth and silky. But my favorite paper in bulk is HP 32lb paper. The first ream is 250 sheets, which lasts me about a month and a half depending on my ambitions for the month or how many practice sheets I use. The second is 500 sheets – double the fun. What did I get? I ordered a half case. 1500 Sheets of paper shipped right to my door. It was on sale and will last me about 2 years at the rate I am going.

Paper

  • 32 Lb Printer Paper (I like the HP brand)
  • Tracing paper
  • Rhodia Paper A5 Dot Pad | Rhodia Blank Notebook | Rhodia Size Varieties
  • Marker Paper Varieties | 6×8 Pad Size
  • Bristol Smooth Paper (the best Tombow Marker blending paper I’ve tried so far!)

Favorite Paper – Watercolor Lettering

Watercolor lettering is like regular watercolor painting. So naturally, the best option is watercolor paper. Anything less than 140 lb paper will buckle.

I would NOT recommend using your brush pens on this paper – not unless you have a weird desire to buy the same marker over and over again because the tip is completely destroyed. 

I like the Canson watercolor paper on a regular basis. My watercolor lettering techniques don’t fully saturate the pages unlike painting a full-watercolor scene. In which case, there is nothing like using cotton paper. Many people who start their watercolor journey scoff at the idea of spending so much on paper. But trust me, when you get to the point and try it, you’ll understand.

I like different sizes of paper – big, small, some as big as your head (please tell me you know the reference and you sang along!)

Some of my favorite watercolor paper.

Hot Press vs. Cold Press

There is some discussion if Hot Press or Cold Press paper is better. To be honest, it is a personal preference. Hot-press paper is more smooth. Cold-press paper has more ‘tooth’ to it (there is more texture) and is rougher. My recommendation is to try them both in small samples and see what you like.

There are lots of supplies out there and many of them require time to develop the skills needed to get used to them. I hope I provided some inspiration for you and your lettering journey. Let me know what you think!

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What are your favorite lettering supplies?

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YouTube Video UCefWa0NWVt5a_q9LWofOWhw_yIQ4ggBQBsg From the Archives: Fun & Whimsical Bullet Journal Set Up - Ideas and Plants - Loose floral wreaths
Lots of spring-inspired doodles with pastel colors. I changed it up this month with horizontal weekly layouts.


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Products I Used: 
Daniel Smith Watercolor: https://amzn.to/3Ip8xbD
Princeton Velvetouch Paint Brushes: https://amzn.to/42IVnPQ
Archer & Olive A5 Dot Grid Notebook: https://archerandolive.refr.cc/triciam
Helix Circle Maker Tool: https://amzn.to/49kx5xY
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen: https://amzn.to/42MogKR



Video Set-Up:

Photography Lights (I use these for my everyday drawing). They're amazing https://amzn.to/2shdb4j
Canon PowerShot G7x Mark III Digital Camera https://amzn.to/3yt2lb4
Blue Yeti - USB Microphone https://amzn.to/2SNwb6a
Scissor Arm Mic Stand https://amzn.to/2CcGgm0






Contains affiliate links - if you use them, I may receive a small commission at no charge to you.
00:00 Introduction
00:12 Sneak Peek
00:33 Welcome Page
01:26 Monthly Calendar
02:42 Brain Dump
03:34 Weeklies
05:35 Journal
06:17 Habit Tracker
06:55 Flip Through
From the Archives: Fun & Whimsical Bullet Journal Set Up - Ideas and Plants - Loose floral wreaths
Lots of spring-inspired doodles with pastel colors. I changed it up this month with horizontal weekly layouts.


____________________

Brain Dump Names: https://chocolatemusings.com/different-names-brain-dump/

Social Links - Let's be Friends!
Website: http://ChocolateMusings.com
Shop: https://chocolatemusings.com/shop/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateMusings
Instagram: http://Instagram.com/chocolatemusingscreates
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateMusings/

____________________


Products I Used: 
Daniel Smith Watercolor: https://amzn.to/3Ip8xbD
Princeton Velvetouch Paint Brushes: https://amzn.to/42IVnPQ
Archer & Olive A5 Dot Grid Notebook: https://archerandolive.refr.cc/triciam
Helix Circle Maker Tool: https://amzn.to/49kx5xY
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen: https://amzn.to/42MogKR



Video Set-Up:

Photography Lights (I use these for my everyday drawing). They're amazing https://amzn.to/2shdb4j
Canon PowerShot G7x Mark III Digital Camera https://amzn.to/3yt2lb4
Blue Yeti - USB Microphone https://amzn.to/2SNwb6a
Scissor Arm Mic Stand https://amzn.to/2CcGgm0






Contains affiliate links - if you use them, I may receive a small commission at no charge to you.
00:00 Introduction
00:12 Sneak Peek
00:33 Welcome Page
01:26 Monthly Calendar
02:42 Brain Dump
03:34 Weeklies
05:35 Journal
06:17 Habit Tracker
06:55 Flip Through
From the Archives: Fun & Whimsical Bullet Journal Set Up - Experimenting with Watercolor Leaves in my Bullet Journal. Featuring 2-to-a-spread weeklies and a loosely painted watercolor theme - I hope this planning session inspires you to paint or to try something new.


00:00 Introduction
00:15 Welcome Page Wreath
01:41 Monthly Calendar Page
03:04 Habit Tracker & Monthly To Do Pages
05:47 Gratitude + Week 1
06:35 Weeklies
06:52 Brain Dump
07:15 Journal
07:42 Whoops! Adding a Page
09:06 Final Flip Through


____________________

Social Links - Let's be Friends!
Website: http://ChocolateMusings.com
Shop: https://chocolatemusings.com/shop/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateMusings
Instagram: http://Instagram.com/chocolatemusingscreates
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateMusings/

____________________


Products I Used: 
Daniel Smith Watercolor: https://amzn.to/3Ip8xbD
Princeton Velvetouch Paint Brushes: https://amzn.to/42IVnPQ
Archer & Olive A5 Dot Grid Notebook: https://archerandolive.refr.cc/triciam
Helix Circle Maker Tool: https://amzn.to/49kx5xY
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen: https://amzn.to/42MogKR



Video Set-Up:

Photography Lights (I use these for my everyday drawing). They're amazing https://amzn.to/2shdb4j
Canon PowerShot G7x Mark III Digital Camera https://amzn.to/3yt2lb4
Blue Yeti - USB Microphone https://amzn.to/2SNwb6a
Scissor Arm Mic Stand https://amzn.to/2CcGgm0






Contains affiliate links - if you use them, I may receive a small commission at no charge to you.
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Here's another #minimal #weeklylayout idea - use t Here's another #minimal #weeklylayout idea - use these cute day-of-the-week stickers, add the dates, and VIOLA! Your weekly setup is d.o.n.e.⁠ ✔️⁠
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Check out the link in my profile to these stickers. I also sell timeline strips if you hate writing the numbers over and over again. ⁠
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1373695869/⁠
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Looking back at this February calendar page 📅 S Looking back at this February calendar page 📅 Sometimes simple is best!
Here's an easy-peasy heart layout. Add some paint Here's an easy-peasy heart layout. Add some paint splatters for extra color and fun!⁠
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I can never spell this one right. 🤦‍♀️😆⁠
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3 Comments
Filed Under: Blog, Fun with Handlettering, Get Creative, Get Inspired, My Muses (My Favorites & Inspiration), Pen & Marker Reviews, Product Reviews Tagged: beginner lettering, beginning lettering supplies, favorite art supplies, favorite things, favorites, lettering beginner, lettering supplies, my favorite things, my muses, sources of inspiration and creativity

Comments

  1. Ani Kay says

    April 22, 2018 at 1:33 am

    You are so spot on with your assessment, I went through this exact progression! And yes, now I am so far in there is no turning back and that means I am seconds away from finally getting my hands on some Tombow Dualies. And I am drooling over that 96 pen set! My mouth legit starting watering…I think I may have a problem.

    Reply
    • Tricia says

      April 22, 2018 at 8:27 am

      Hi Ani! I try to tel it like it is! My 96 is still in the Amazon box that it came in. Right in my view point everyday.

      Reply

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About Me


Hi! I'm Tricia, the creative behind ChocolateMusings.com, I know how it feels to lose your inner muse. After years of darkness (which I call the dark ages of my life), I found my inner muse hiding in the forgotten corners of my soul, I vowed never to lose sight of her again.

Bullet journaling helped reignite the passion for art and living life again while organizing my days. I also discovered modern calligraphy and watercolor. Since then, my use of the bullet journal system has evlolved and I call it 'creative planning'. Here on the blog, I show you how to use your planner to ignite your inner muse and explore creativity and art while staying beautifully organized and living a joyful life.

I invite you to grab some good chocolate and dive into my musings. Let’s ignite your inner muse.

Read more on the about me page. You can also find my policies and disclosures here.

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