New Supplies Review

I am excited to show you some new tools that I have purchased to make my drawings better. Drawing things by hand is amazing and I love that the images I create are not digitized. However, creating Mandalas are way easier if you have a template helper.

First off, the ruler at the top. It has many circles on the inside as well as small holes to make circles. I find this very difficult to make circles with because the center doesn’t stay put. So I usually use this as just a ruler or a template for the smaller circles to the left in the picture above. I am pretty sure I must be using this wrong, but if you use a spiral sketchbook, like the one pictured, You will find that the ends catch on those spirals and move your center point. So this ruler is probably better for an individual sheet rather than a notebook. This ruler was a gift so I’m unsure of the price.

Secondly, You’ll find the two green templates. One for circles and one for squares. I have yet to use these, but I see them in a lot of videos I watch on YouTube so I know they are great tools for me to utilize in the future. They were $6 USD for the circle template and $8 USD for the square one at Hobby Lobby. The material they are made out of is pretty sturdy and I think it is well worth the money, especially because it offers such a wide arrangement of options.

Last, but definitely not least, my 360 protractor. This one I found for $5 USD at Hobby Lobby.  If you are creating Mandalas, I would highly recommend this, specific 360 protractor. Let me tell you why. The white outer rim stays put, while the center clear area spins. It works like a charm. It also offers some circle templates on the inside. I’ve used this on my latest creating and immediately fell in love with it. The numbers on the outer rim are easily read so that I can make sure all my angles are correct.  This is a staple in my drawings and I will always run to find one like this.

I love new tools to make my art even better and I love to share my experiences with you. If you know of any tools you’d like me to review, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will try my best to research it.

Using the right tools

I just wanted to take a minute to talk about the common tools I use for my drawings. These tools include a pencil, ruler, eraser, compass, protractor and some pens and markers of your choice.

First and foremost, I choose the right paper for what I’m trying to create. The different paper is a variety from regular printer paper to heavy quality sketch paper. Then I choose the size of the art piece. These usually range from 3.5″×3.5″ zentangle art to as large as 11×17 at the moment. Eventually, I would like to create wall art and even move to a canvas. But for now, I’m going to stuck with the basics.

Secondly, I decide the structure. Should I cover the entire page, run with a theme or just create a mandala in the center? The possibilities are endless. Use your strengths and creativity to go wild.

Choose whether you will leave your art freestyle or structure it with rulers and projectors. I typically use a compass and a 360 projector to create the circles I need for the piece. The projector is very useful when doing mandalas. It allows me to create the exact grid lines I need for every different piece. I then use the ruler to keep my lines tight. You have your own story and direction for your art, so don’t let me define it. These are just the tools I suggest if you would like structure in your art and don’t have a good freehand.

Next, I decide on a writing tool. Either I do the whole thing in pencil or I just do a grid in pencil and define that grid creatively with pen or marker. And lastly, don’t be afraid to add color. I am terrified to add color, I’ll admit it. The problem is that I know that it holds me back sometimes. But after a few adult coloring books and mixing color pallets and I have decided I want to add MORE color. BEWARE!

I would love to know what tools and tricks you use to define your art. Please share in the comments. If you would like me to review a specific thing, please give me as many details about where I can get it and I will do my best. Thank you for reading my very first blog post. Here’s to much more! ❤