Derwent Chromoflow - Described by Derwent as vibrant, blendable colors with a smooth laydown. Amy will be testing these soon and will update with her findings.

Pentel Refill Erasers For Pentel Twist-Erase Mechanical Pencils - Latex-free white eraser refill. 12 per pack, 1 1/4"

Slice Precision Ceramic Blade - Remove white pen and gouache mistakes by gently scratching the color away with this tool.

Sakura Sumo Grip Battery Operated Eraser - this is Amy’s current go-to electric eraser. Erasers are available in refill packs.

Amy uses Copic Markers due to the unmatched quality and characteristics of the Copic Super Brush Nib. Sketch or Ciao style Copics feature the Super Brush Nib. Classic style Copics are NOT recommended. Starter color recommendations here.

X-Press It Blending Card - highly recommended for all students, including beginners!

Cryogen Cardstock - 89lb in Curious Metallic White. **DISCONTINUED as of March 2023**

Holtz Perfect Colouring Paper - Recommended with reservations. See Amy’s review here: Holtz Perfect Colouring Paper: Is it Really Perfect for Copic Markers?

Legion Stonehenge 90lb in Kraft - I really like Stonehenge for drawing and colored pencils, also works great with Copic & colored pencil projects.

Tonic Glass Media Mat - use underneath your project instead of scrap paper.

Tonic Glass Media Mat (small) - use underneath your project instead of scrap paper.

Tonic Glass Media Mat (left hand) - use underneath your project instead of scrap paper.

We R Memory Keepers Glass Cutting Mat - use underneath project instead of scrap paper.

Visual Edge Slant Board - this magnetic drawing board is popular at Vanilla Arts retreats. Vanilla Team member Elena credits the angle with improving her flicking technique and uses it frequently.

Graphix Stretch Art Board: a lightweight, convenient art accessory that is moisture proof to prevent warping. It has a two-sided design to ensure longevity.

Copic Ink Refills - essential for good Copic blending and ongoing maintenance. You can also find refills at one of our favorite authorized Copic retailers: Violet Ink.

Copic Sketch Marker Super Brush Nib - flexible tips that provide paint-brush like strokes and a varied line weight. Increases the longevity of your markers

Copic Colorless Blender Solution (#0 or “Solvent”) - Refill your #0 marker or use in the Ranger Waterbrush for special effects in Amy’s classes. (Purchase at Violeta Ink) (Purchase at Amazon)

Ranger Waterbrush Detail Tip - Use one for water, a second for #0 Copic Solution. MUST be this brush for #0 solution as other waterbrush brands will melt!

Copic SP Multiliners - set the standard for safe line art. Can be used both OVER & UNDER Copic Markers. They also withstand numerous coats of ink and the friction of blending.

Copic SP Multiliner Replacement Nibs - essential for multiliner maintenance. Amy uses 0.2 most often.

Copic Multiliners (set A) - can be used both OVER & UNDER Copic Markers. They also withstand numerous coats of ink and the friction of blending. Find Set B here.

Uni Pin Fineliners: The black version can be used both OVER & UNDER Copic inks; stands up to numerous coats of Copic ink and the friction of blending. Uni Pin gray and sepia pens are NOT Copic safe.

Winsor & Newton Fineliner Fine Point Pen, Assorted, Black, Pack of 5 - sleek artistic style, smoothly tapered nib & simple design. Contains: 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, & 1.0mm pens. Copic Safe.

Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Set of 20 - Used in lieu of Copic Multiliners. Triplus are Copic safe. I try to use only colors found in this set of 20. Download out Triplus Color Chart for the set of 20.

Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Light Carmine #21 - Not in the set of 20 but one that I use regularly. Excellent for disappearing sketch lines when combined with Copic.

Uni Posca Extra Fine Marker, White - The opaque, waterbased ink in Uni Posca markers dries to a matte finish on both porous and non-porous surfaces. It work great with Copic markers.

Uniball Signo Ball White - a flat, dense white that releases in a very generous, wet line. Perfect for adding details and accents to coloring projects; especially excels for eye highlights.

Sakura Gelly Roll Med (08) - Amy uses Gelly Roll pens for fine lines and flicks like whiskers and hairs. She prefers other white tools for all other applications but nothing beats a Gelly Roll for fast, light strokes

Uniball Signo Silver & Gold - like liquid metal. You could color gold bars and silver coins with these pens, they add the look of metal leaf to projects. They're an absolute must-have for Christmas cards.

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen, White 101: a true white India Ink, waterproof and lightfast. The Big Brush style makes excellent snowflake dots & smears beautifully for Amy’s windswept cloud technique.

Memento London Fog Dye Ink Pad - Amy recommends Memento which is Copic safe. She uses colors which disappear when colored over. Desert Sand, and Angel Pink.

Memento Angel Pink Dye Ink Pad - Amy recommends Memento which is Copic safe. She uses colors which disappear when colored over.

Memento Desert Sand Dye Ink Pad - Amy recommends Memento which is Copic safe. She uses colors which disappear when colored over.

Titanium White Gouache - perfect for a splatter snow effect in your projects. Check out Pewter & Snow to see the technique.

Weighmax Pocket Scale - Refill your Copics by weight for better blending. Read more about filling process and correct weights here.

Copic Nib Tweezer -remove your Copic nibs for easy refilling.

Rubbing Alcohol Swabs - For quick cap and marker body cleanups; much cheaper than using #0 solution! Brand is not important.

Art Bin Pen & Nib Box - You might wonder why would Amy recommends this? It makes a perfect Copic Repair & Refill Kit. Check out this article for more information: Ten More Gifts for Copic Marker Lovers

Copic Wallets - the perfect carrying case to store Copic markers or transport them on the go. Features elastic sleeves for easy access and organization and a Velcro closure on the front.

SenseBag Marker Wallet - a durable, washable polyester fabric with a Velcro Fastener. Holds up to 24 Copic Markers, can be laid flat, and features an exterior zipped pocket.

Small & Easy Storage Bag - smaller storage bag that is perfect for beginners. Can hold approximately 75 Copic Sketch markers.

Studio Designs Flexible Foam Table Top Marker Organizer - 44 slots for pens, pencils, markers, and brushes and one slot for mobile phone or other supplies. Sold in a pack of 2

Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Pencils - Amy teaches with Prismacolor and recommends beginners start with Prismacolor’s artist grade pencils. For more info see article here.

Holbein Artist Colored Pencils - Recommended for advanced students who love super soft cores. These are too soft for most beginners but Amy loves them.

Caran d’Ache Luminance Pencils- Recommended for students once they have about a year of colored pencil experience. Amy uses Luminance in her professional work.

Caran d’Ache Pablo Pencils - Recommended for students in combination with Prismacolor or other sets. Pablo has a harder core, useful for crisp lines and detail work rather than coloring broad areas.

Amy teaches with Derwent Lightfast Pencils in some advanced classes. Lightfast pencils are oil-based and can be used interchangeably with Prismacolor Premier when the colors match. For more Derwent Lightfast info see article here.

Huion Light Box - A light box is an essential tool for transferring images to art paper. We recommend two transfer papers below.

Fabriano Artistico Extra White Hot Press or Soft Press - My favorite paper for colored pencil. DO NOT buy the block pad if you intend to trace images with a light box.

Strathmore 500 Bristol (Vellum) - the 500 series is an artist grade paper. Amy prefers Bristol 500 Vellum finish which takes more layers of pencil.

Cryogen Cardstock - 89lb in Curious Metallic White. Recommended for projects with more colored pencil than Copic.

Legion Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Pad, 140lb, Cold Press - 100% black cotton paper. Instead of building up shadows, build up light. Negative space is transformed into positive.

Bazzill Basics Paper Heavy Weight Cardstock, Licorice Twist (12x12) - recommended as a more economical alternative for pencil work. To be clear this is Amy’s second choice after Stonehenge Aqua Black!

Recollections Black Heavyweight Cardstock Paper, 8.5" X 11 - an economical alternative for pencil work. It’s not Amy’s top choice, since it will not stand-up to multiple layers of pencil but makes a good starter surface.

Legion Stonehenge 90lb in Kraft - I really like Stonehenge for drawing and colored pencils, also works great with Copic & colored pencil projects.

Bazzill Classic Cardstock in “Kraft” - for use with Copics + colored pencil. No link here, I recommend buying this from your local scrapbooking shop.

Bienfang Graphics 360 Paper - Amy’s go to sketching paper when she creates her line drawings for classes and stamps.

Pentel Twist-Erase III Automatic Pencil - Amy’s favorite sketching/tracing pencil. Amy prefers the 0.9mm lead size.

Saral Graphite Transfer Paper - a wax free transfer paper that can be used on any surface.

Saral White Transfer Paper - a wax free transfer paper that can be used on any surface.

Tombow Mono Zero Round - Amy’s most used eraser. Similar to the white polymer erasers but very tiny for precision erasing and smudging.

Tombow Mono Zero Round Refills - refill value pack includes 4 eraser refills for the Tombow MonoZ ero Eraser, Round

White Polymer Eraser - a non-abrasive eraser for moderate colored pencil mistakes. Will not damage paper tooth.

Factis Black Eraser - a low abrasive eraser for more serious removal of colored pencil pigment. Check the grit level, some black erasers are too abrasive for our paper!

SumoGrip Retractable Graphite Eraser - incorporates Open-Cell Foam Technology that grabs and traps erased graphite. No black smudges or graphite get left behind.

SumoGrip Retractable Graphite Eraser Refill - incorporates Open-Cell Foam Technology that grabs and traps erased graphite. No black smudges or graphite get left behind.

Sticky Tack - Used as an eraser. Gently lifts minimal amounts of colored pencil pigment when pressed into the surface. Do not rub or scrub!

Magic Eraser - Make your project margins clean and white at the end of every project by dry-rubbing with a magic sponge. Many brands work but avoid any with an extra scrubbing side.

KUM Long Point Sharpener - Amy travels with this sharpener but also uses this when pencils are too short to fit in the Imikas.

Dux Legendary Adjustable Sharpener - a sturdy sharpener with an adjustable dial for 3 different point lengths. Comes with replacement blades and a small travel case.

Dux Alvin Glass Inkwell Sharpener - this little shallow point sharpener is the secret to Amy using a pencil down to .25” in length. Limited supplies available. KUM makes an alternative version here.

KUM Glass Bottle Sharpener - single sharpener in glass container with screw cap. For colored pencils with a diameter of up to 8 mm.

Derwent SuperPoint Manual Pencil Sharpener - is great for sharpening pencils of different sizes (up to 8 mm in diameter), as well as producing an extra-long point for creating fine details in your drawings. 

Sakura Sumo Grip Battery Operated Eraser - this is Amy’s current go-to electric eraser. Erasers are available in refill packs.

Imikas - Amy’s preferred electric pencil sharpener (use sharpest setting). Vintage models work slightly better than this newer version. Watch the price! This sharpener should run under $20.

X-acto School Pro Classroom Electric Sharpener - highly recommended. Large sharpener with six diameter settings. Automatic stop to prevent over-sharpening. This one is loud though and takes up desk space.

Mod Podge Brush - Looking for a smaller, travel sized hake brush? Mod podge makes a super portable brush that’s almost as good as a hake!

Hake Brush - Colored pencils leave dust and that dust can make streaks if brushed off with the side of your hands. Hake brushes carry a slight static charge which picks up dust easily.

ProArt Dry Cleaning Pads (dead mouse) - works best on graphite but they’re also very effective at removing hand oil or greasy smudges from the margins of your art work.

Glassine Paper - Use this paper as a barrier between the side of your hand and your project to prevent smudges. Looks like waxed paper but it’s not. Resist hand moisture and pencil pigment. Smaller pack here.

US Art Supply 3-Drawer Artist Box - permanent storage for your pencil collection. Each drawer is fully removable, pull out only the drawer needed for any project.

Joyjorya Clear Acrylic Wall Mount Organizer - perfect for colored pencils or many other supplies. You no longer have to hide everything in a drawer or box.

Global Art Pencil Case - Colored pencil wallet style cases protect pencils from damage. What you spend on a wallet will save your pencil lover double that cost over the long term.

Hard EVA Travel Case for Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils By Hermitshell - great for travelling with your colored pencils!

Danica Studio Pencil Tin Box - perfect for storing pencils or create the perfect Eraser Kit (recommendations for Kit can be found here).

Zippered Pencil Case - this is better suited to holding small necessary items like erasers, clips, and flash drives. It’s a sturdy little catch-all and it’s been everywhere with me.

ArtBin Slim Line Open Core, Clear (medium) - features a one compartment design that is ideal for storing pens, pencils etc. Impact resistant, can withstand wear and tear.

ArtBin Slim Line Open Core, Clear, 2 pk (4” x 4”) - features a one compartment design that is ideal for storing small supplies. Impact resistant, can withstand wear and tear.

Deckle Edge Ripper - If you like the deckle edge on watercolor paper, this is how to get that look. Takes some practice to get the technique right but looks wonderful for surface matted projects.

Lascaux Final Fixative - Amy uses this on original artwork before framing, not for exercises or class projects. It’s excellent for colored pencil, non-yellowing, colorless and flexible.

Grumbacher Final Fixative - Amy’s most used fixative, excellent for colored pencil and safe for Distress backgrounds. Non-yellowing, colorless and flexible. Fast-drying.

Brush & Pencil Final Fixative - provides long-lasting protection for colored pencil drawings. Fixative is non-toxic, non-yellowing, non-darkening, acid-free, and odor-free.

Pencil Extender - Use your pencil down to less than an inch long by fitting it into an extender. This aluminum style with a twist collar is my favorite. Available on Amazon by many different sellers.

Artist Glove - Marker paper is pretty sensitive. The natural oils on skin can transfer to marker paper leaving an area that is slightly resistant to ink. The artist glove solves the problem of skin oil by forming a buffer between skin and paper.

Prismacolor Art Stix - Thick, soft cores without the wood case help you quickly lay down thick layers and supple blends. Can be used both dull to cover large areas or sharpened for details

Pentalic Watercolor Accordian Fold Dream-Catcher Sketch Book -create individual sketches or one long panoramic one. Expands from 4” X 6” to 6”X 40” Acid free, 140 lb. cold press

Fabriano Artistico Extra White Hot Press - my favorite paper for watercolor combined with colored pencil. Soft Press for watercolor only projects.DO NOT buy the block pad if you intend to trace images with a light box.

Legion Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Pad, 140lb, Cold Press - the first 100% Black cotton paper sized for watercolor. Suitable for pearlescent and metallic media.

Global Art Field Watercolor Journal, Hot Press, 8X8 - the paper is pretty good quality and it doesn't excessively wrinkle or buckle.

Etchr Watercolor Journal - the paper is great. I like mine on the larger side (A4) but there are smaller versions available.

M.Graham Watercolor - If I had to choose one brand of paint only, it would be M.Graham. Has a silky feel from the tube and rehydrates extremely well.

Daniel Smith Watercolor - This company makes wonderful granulating and special effect colors.

Holbein Watercolor - I’ve been gradually adding Holbeins to my collection, they make some really great standard colors which behave very consistently.

Old Holland Watercolor - Another favorite brand, especially their Sap Green and Magenta.

Daniel Smith Blues Set - a great starter set with a focus on watertones.

Daniel Smith Earth Set - a well-rounded earthtones starter set

Daniel Smith, Alvaro Castagnet Master Artist Set - a perfect set for those who love to paint your favorite landscapes and urbanscapes

Daniel Smith, Jean Haines Master Artist Set - if you love beautiful botanicals this is the perfect starter set!

Dr. Ph. Martin's Hydrus Fine Art Liquid Watercolors - lightfast, transparent, fine art quality watercolor. Delivers the same brilliance and permanency as traditional tube watercolors.

QoR Watercolor - If you’re looking for an introductory set, I highly recommend the set of 12 or 24. QoR is synthetic and formulated to be both vibrant and easy.

Tom Lynch Porcelain Palette - porcelain palettes don't stain, the surface is ideal for mixing and they're sturdy and heavy. The single mixing surface is level and large and comes with a plastic lid.

Butcher Tray Palettes - aluminum coated with baked on enamel. They work great for watercolors, rinses right off and never stain the enamel. Amy also uses them to help organize her projects in progress.

Mijello Airtight Palette - Amy purchased this palette as a travel palette. It has slowly become her primary palette, replacing a larger ceramic studio palette.

Etchr Mini Palette - a 37 well, beautifully designed, incredible quality palette. Perfect for travelling or taking with you on your next trip the park!

Silver Brush Co. Black Velvet Brushes - Excellent quality brushes that Amy recommends for beginners. Amy favors round brushes (6, 10) and also the oval (cat’s tongue) washes.

Princeton Aqua Elite Long Point Round - Amy’s current favorite brushes. She loves super pointy rounds and these are the pointiest! Look for the long point round and/or the oval (cat’s tongue) washes.

Rosemary & Co. Kolinsky - A beautiful series of brushes. Amy is especially fond of their travel brushes.

Escoda Prado Travel Brush Set of 3 - the bullet shaped cases make these feel sturdy in the hand & sturdy in your supply bag. The tips are nice and pointy. This set has good range of sizes too.

Microfiber Towels - Used with all watermedia projects for both dabbing projects and cleaning up overspill. Prewash for best absorption and use clean towels to prevent ink or paint transference.

Tim Holtz Classic Distress Inks - Amy uses 2-3 inks per project. Mini versions are okay if using Life Changing Brushes but NOT if using Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tools. DO NOT USE OXIDE DISTRESS INKS!

Life Changing Brushes - Highly recommended for anyone brand new to the technique. Look-alike brushes have been tested and are NOT the same. Amy only uses the largest brushes (2” through 1” ovals).

Mask-It Masking Film by X-Press It - Amy has tried several brands of masking products, she prefers the ease and reusability of Mask-It. One package can make 30-40 projects.

Speedball Soft Rubber Brayer - a smooth, soft rubber roller that will ensure your masking lays flat.

Lawn Fawn Stamp Shammy - Hands down, the best way to clean your Life Changing Brushes. Amy recommends using a dedicated shammy for brushes and a separate shammy for stamp cleaning.

Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer - The half-pump feature on this sprayer makes it worth every penny. Portable for travel, takes up little room in the studio. It’s perfect.

Cutter Bee Precision Scissors - For use with Mask-It Film. Amy has tried many brands and keeps coming back to Cutter Bee for masking film. The smooth blades do not tear film when turning corners.

Microfiber Towels - Used with all watermedia projects for both dabbing projects and cleaning up overspill. Prewash for best absorption and use clean towels to prevent ink or paint transference.

HP Color LaserJet Pro - Amy has an older M277 model, the current model is the M479. Prints Copic-safe digi stamps using toner, handles X-Press It cardstock beautifully. The scanner creates the crisp and colorful project photos seen on the website here (edited only to crop/resize).

Canon Pixma Pro 100 - Amy uses this to print line drawings on watercolor paper or cardstock up to 13” x 19”. Also great for giclee style art prints, suitable for framing.

Artist’s Bridge - Amy uses this on a daily basis (not on camera) to reduce arm strain and keep her hands from smearing pencil or watercolor.

Slice Precision Ceramic Blade - Remove white pen and gouache mistakes by gently scratching the color away with this tool.

Slice Safety Cutter - clamshell packages are no match for this cutter but Amy also uses the side to squeeze every last drop of paint from tubes.

Kabcon Tablet Holder - Amy views all her photo references on an iPad. This stand securely elevates and tilts the device for better viewing.

Anddyam Sew Store Organizer - Keep your pencils within easy reach and cut down on breakage. Store your pencils, mono eraser or Posca pen while you work.

GessoMagic SiliBrush - prep your canvases using 70% less gesso. ZERO stray brush bristles on your canvas, no brush marks for a more even painting surface and your canvas will dry quicker.

Molotow Grafx Masking Fluid Marker - Amy has never finished a bottle or jar of masking fluid before it hardens. Now testing this pen to see if the smaller quantity lasts until the end. Testing both 2mm and 4mm nibs.

Gray Scale & Value Finder -perfect for determining color value in all media, it’s easy to use & understand This is a great tool for artists, teachers and students

Daylight Company Smart Clip-on Lamp - This lamp stands by itself or clips onto boards. It charges by USB, has 3 brightness settings, a flexible arm and it's portable too!​

Helix Circle Template - This one tool gives you circles as small as 1/8" and all the way up to 5 3/4" diameter. Super handy!

Tonic Tim 5” Holtz Haberdashery scissors - these are still in their testing phase with Amy but she advises that they are very sharp!

Fiskars 8” Softgrip Scissors Straight Stainless Steel - these are great scissors for everyday cutting!

Safe Release Masking Tape for Delicate Surfaces - removes cleanly without damaging most delicate surfaces.

Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refills, 0.9 mm - refill lead for 0.5mm/0.7mm/0.9mm mechanical pencils. Equivalent to a #2 Pencil, resists breaking and never needs sharpening.

Tombow Mono Zero Eraser Refills, Round 2.3mm - my favorite little travel watercolor bucket. Stainless steel, 10oz bucket with a locking cap. Perfect for travel.

Cooper Mega Table Folding Laptop Desk - perfect for bed, couch, or table. Use it for drawing, coloring or even painting.

ITOYA Midtown Artwork Carrier Bag (14x21) - carry large sketchpads, canvases, presentation boards, artwork, posters and frames. Measures 14 x 21 in.

JupiterForce Adjustable Drafting Table - If you’ve ever wondered about the drawing desk you see in video interviews with Elena of VioletaInk.com, here’s her glass top, angled desk.

Keep Going - the third in Austin Kleon’s books for creatives. He offers his most inspiring work yet, with ten simple rules for how to stay creative, focused, and true to yourself—for life.

Rosie Sander's Rose - a collection of more than 50 of Rosie’s most beautiful rose paintings. A must have for botanical lovers!

Fire and Light- a book for artists interested in using color in a new way, this two-part book offers a fresh, comprehensive approach to understanding color in painting.

Color Me Floral - Let’s figure out what kind of floral arrangements you like and the science of how they're put together.

The Floral Workshop - Let’s figure out what kind of floral arrangements you like and the science of how they're put together.

Great art influences for children - Eric Carle was the first artist to inspire me as a child. Give the gift of inspiration to a child dear to your heart. You never know where it might lead.