Notes from “Catherine"

Behind the scenes shopping with me at secondhand art supply stores

I bought a 10 pack of post-it notes from American Science & Surplus for $1. Why were they so cheap? What’s the catch, you say? Well, they were printed with someone else’s name on them. Now, I get to blame “Catherine” for all of the terrible ideas she has. Haha! If she ever does come up with a good one, I promise to treat her to an ice cream.

Hello again! Let’s visit some of my favorite places: Secondhand art supply stores!

I love buying brand new, fancy art supplies as much as the next addict artist. But, if we were to take a peek at some of my favorite supplies, it might surprise you.

A look inside Make & Mend in Somerville, MA - photo by Francesca J Barr - Read her article about the shop here!

I love shopping secondhand because you’re not only getting a bargain and helping keep good stuff out of landfills, you’re buying a bit of freedom, adventure and inspiration. At Make & Mend in Somerville, MA I picked up a pack of four highlighters, an inexpensive sketchbook and a whole case of slightly used colored pencils and spent less than $20 on all of it. Because the supplies weren’t “precious” I was “allowed” to just use them up and not care so much about the results. Well, the results are that I’ve found a new way I love to work and draw and play. And if I manage to keep the pressure off, I’ll get some portfolio pieces out of it and a whole new style to offer to clients!

The cheap supplies bringing me heaps of joy these days.

American Science & Surplus outside of Chicago, IL is another must-stop whenever I’m out that way. Not only do they have the most random stuff, they write the best sales copy for every odd little item! This is where I got the personalized post-it notes for “Catherine” to doodle on.

For example: This assorted pack of “fashion tape”

Tape Couture...

Attention, Coco Chanels and Oscar de la Rentas! We have Mini Fashion Tape! Actually, we have no idea what this stuff is, but we have a feeling it’s awesome. We also know it’s not the clear, double-sided stuff you use to keep clothing stuck to your skin. This stuff has pizzazz! We’ll send you (6) mini rolls of assorted sparkly glam tape with a dispenser, and you’ll find good uses for it. Maybe it’ll stick to your clothes? Or your bag? Or your arm? Maybe you’ll use it to bling up some gift-wrap? Tape dispenser is 1-1/2" long and 1/2" wide to fit the 1/2" wide rolls that come in combinations of blue, pink, purple, orange, gold and silver, and they’re oh so sparkly.

Headed to Chicago? Head here.

Last but not least is my visit to Savannah’s little gem of a secondhand art supply store: Starlandia. I went on an incredible author-illustrator retreat with Melissa Manlove, Eileen Robinson, Winsome Bingham, Laurel Snyder, LeUyen Pham, Corinna Luyken, Vashti Harrison and Oge Mora (Seriously the best group of people ever), and I promise to write a whole newsletter about this retreat, but this is about the art store.

On day one of the retreat we all went to the art store and found lots of treasure. Also, the folks who were working there were so kind and helpful to our group. Highly recommend giving this place a visit. They sell both new supplies and secondhand. We all loved the packs of different types of art pens they had. A little mystery and fun in every pouch!

I got some more highlighters on this trip, and a cute, little branded case to hold them in!

Starlandia processes 20,000 pounds of art supplies every year. You can trade in your used supplies for store credit and take home some new to you supplies to try out. Read more about their story.

Do you have a secondhand art supply store near you? Have you seen one in your travels? Do you have any unexpected favorite supplies? Please share in the comments!

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Our Next Illoguild Live session all about “Behind The Scenes” is:
MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2024 at 7AM EST

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