Monday, July 4, 2011

colored pencil box


last week i bought enough prismacolor pencils so that i'd have a set that could stay in my daypack. no more hurriedly choosing pencils from the ones spread all over the table; these would be ready to go at a moment's notice. but i needed a box for them, one that fit almost perfectly so the pencils don't bang around when i'm out walking...


i decided to cut up an old box and make one that was the exact size i wanted. i reinforced it with masking tape, then i glued a painting to the top and put packing tape over it to protect it further. the lid is snug enough so that it stays on by itself.


everything i need... a mechanical pencil, my favorite colors (alright well most of my favorite colors), a small bit of eraser, and a piece of muslin for smoothing/cleaning off sticks, stones, etc. i'm using the new pencils that i just got at home, and i put my old ones in the box - i can fit more in that way.

i love this box!! i carry around for the slightest reason! it's my art kit for the woods...

and if you're wondering why i didn't just buy a set of 24 (which comes with a nifty tin), it's because i wanted to choose the colors i like best...


i also got a pencil sharpener for my pack... this is the best 'self contained' and portable sharpener i've found. it's not the greatest design because the shavings get caught between the sharpener and the side of the canister, but it does do a great job of putting long, sharp points on colored pencils. i just shake the shavings down to the bottom often... dick blick sells them here.

left on mt. shasta last week...

* * *

“I am an artist. It’s self-evident that what that word implies is looking for something all the time without ever finding it in full. It is the opposite of saying, ‘I know all about it. I’ve already found it.’ As far as I’m concerned, the word means, ‘I am looking. I am hunting for it, I am deeply involved.’”

~Vincent van Gogh, via tumblr

XO

14 comments:

  1. Nothing like creating exactly what one needs for the sake of art. Great job creating the perfect container for your pencils, etc. Your box inspired me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Enjoyed reading your blog this morning. I found you via Sketchbook Challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a fabulous idea! You've made this look awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh Lynne... what a lovely post to wake up to. LOVE your handmade box, and your beautiful art on a stick! Gorgeous! Any thoughts of selling your rocks and sticks? They are amazing!!! xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. What are your favorite colors of pencils?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like the quote from our good friend Vincent. Happy week, Lynne! -sus

    ReplyDelete
  7. dern it. Another Dick Blick must have which means heaps of temptation when I wander over to the oil pastels.....
    Adore your practical and inspriring pencil box and the V. quote got the funniest tingley feeling up my arms.
    xx
    julie

    ReplyDelete
  8. fun box ! great tools.

    Especially love the quote today.
    Off to look, hunt and be involved !
    Hugs !

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love that box. I think it is so cool that you create art on all things!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Perfect. I really like the confident look on the face of the Monarch of the Pencil Box. :0)

    Just think how long those stones and pieces of wood you draw on have been waiting for YOU to paint their portraits. Lucky Mt. Shasta!
    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the thought of you wandering the woods and stopping when just the right stone or stick presents itself. Love the one you left on Mt Shasta. I wonder if someone came upon it would they take it or leave it?

    Fun that you created your treasure box of pencils. Great quote, love that we're hunting, but with coloured pencils instead of other implements!

    ReplyDelete
  12. oh lynne, can i borrow your box this week ;-) just kidding. i am actually taking more that that... watercolor pencils AND prismacolors..... so elite. I love your box and it's contents... i will have to come up with my own travel set... I am always grabbing supplies every time I walk out the door. Your box looks fab! Artful and fab. I love what you left on Mt. Shasta, quite wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  13. omg- I'm so many posts! Working on a major project lately, and I am so SLOW... The pencil box is a cool idea, and the painting on it is wonderful. The painted stick on Mt. Shasta- such a beautiful way to show your respect and gratitude.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.