As March comes to an end, I thought it would be fun to show some of the art supplies I bought this month that helped out a lot in the process of my work. This Art Haul is inspired by @itsangelika_ on Instagram. You can check out her photos here. Now, here's a few of my favorite supplies this month!

The big item this month was the PushMate, Point Driving Tool. This tool is GREAT for when I need to finish framing a piece. It allows me to push triangular metal points into wooden frames to secure glass in place. Not the most artsy part of being an artist, but a very important tool at that. For the longest time I was looking for this tool and now that I have it, there's no going back.

The second item is the Pigma, Micron 005 archival ink pen which is super fine in both it's width and style. I've had a Micron pen before, but never this thin, so I can get some super fine details in my pieces. The best part about these pens is that they're waterproof, so I can use all the watercolor and gouache I want over and around them and not have to worry about them bleeding. YES!

I'm no stranger to this third item. It's the Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache in Ultramarine (Green Shade). I use gouache in practically everything I do, but I've never had this color, and it's been one I've wanted for awhile now. The color is so deep and rich, it brings a great pop of blue into any piece. 

The last items are buttons. While I don't own a button maker, I am able to rent and use one for a low cost at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's Studio Arts and Crafts Centre. This helps a whole lot when I am selling at shows or want to promote my work on a small scale. The button maker is easy and fun to use! So I included them in this month's Art Haul because I don't know what I would do without it. 

I'll leave links to the supplies listed here so you can find them easily if you are interested in trying them for yourself. I'd love to hear if anyone has ever tired these products before and how you liked them:

PushMate, Point Driving Tool: http://www.dickblick.com/products/fletcher-pushmate/

Pigma, Micron 005 archival ink pen: http://www.dickblick.com/products/sakura-pigma-micron-pen/

Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache in Ultramarine (Green Shade):  http://www.dickblick.com/items/00801-7942/

Kat Rodriguez Buttons: Are not sold online, but will be at the April Gallery Night and Day