Packing for Italia

Off to Italy tomorrow and the best bit of packing in underway: my art supplies.

I was all set to carry one type of journal with me but then I saw Carole Loeffler's watercolor Moleskine the other night at a meeting and remembered: yes. This is the perfect journal, slim with wonderful paper.

My portable watercolor palette with a couple of brushes. I'm still debating on the caran d'ache as they are not absolutely necessary but lovely to use. It is always a question: what to bring and what to leave at home. Have you ever, really?, badly wished for something that you've left at home?

My tools fit neatly into this zip case. The case is plastic lined and opens nicely so that I can see what I'm looking for. Derwent Inktense pencils are coming along as well. I couldn't leave those behind. But just a selection! Also the Derwent Watersoluble sketching pencils. I love those. I found a Micron pen in Sepia the other day in my favorite sketching size, which is thick - .5 - but is juicy and nice to write with as well.

I'm packing a set of vintage book covers. I will make these into a portfolio and fill it with a selection of  italian papers. I like the variety in size and weights, etc. The Museo della Carta has a wide range of beautiful papers and I'll be able to use their studio to create this very simple container. It will be quite an honor to work there and get a feel for this well-loved museum where the watermark was invented in the mid-19th century.

A presto, mi cara amicas.
(see you soon, my dear friends)

I hope to get in a post or two while away. If not, I will be back with stories and drawings. Fully re-energized and inspired.