My travel watercolor set up // Affordable beginner materials / Plein Air kit

Hello! My name is Grace and this is The Rusty Thicket! My channel is a personal project that I’ve been wanting to do for the longest time-but only found courage to pursue as of late. I love the goblincore aesthetic and simple living. In here, you’ll be seeing snippets of my art, travels, and behind-the-scenes of the creative world I live in. Expect random crafts, journaling, homemaking, nature walks, making art, vlogs, and tidbits of my life!
𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓆏𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊 𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓆏𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊 𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓆏𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊 𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓆏𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
I'm so excited to share this travel kit with you guys. It's all my favorite stuff and pretty soon I'll get to take it all out to the park. Gather your materials and we'll do it together, hopefully next week!
𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓆏𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊 𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓆏𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊 𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓆏𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊 𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓆏𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
LINKS: I DO NOT make money off of these links! They also may look funny because I shortened them.
The bag: rb.gy/tu19n
The bag (smaller version) rb.gy/tu19n
Mini water cup (similar) rb.gy/61sgy
White pearl eraser: rb.gy/hgq8o
Sweat bands: rb.gy/20d4q
Sketchbook: rb.gy/etcfu7
Koi Palate: shorturl.at/rwBL4
Micron Pens: shorturl.at/kqvR8
Gelly Roll: shorturl.at/duFK0
Travel paint brush (similar) shorturl.at/doqGT
𓆣 FIND ME:
linktr.ee/therustythicket
𓆣 MUSIC:
Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicsound.com

[@dorianadesanto4158]

Also, while you’re in Japan, the Holbein watercolors and gouache is super high quality and much less expensive in Japan than in the US. Stock up! 😃

[@rustythicketstudio]

Oh!? I've never heard of this brand but I will keep my eyes out for them! Thank you!

[@rebeccahesser8057]

They are really great quality, lightfast and super spendy here in the states so definitely something to try

[@dustydesert1674]

I second that - third that? - one of my favorite brands. High quality, very pigmented. Right up there with Daniel Smith, Schminke, M Graham. Of course you’ll need a new empty palette to hold them, but hey, art shopping!!!!

[@rustythicketstudio]

art shopping is my favorite hobby 🤣🤣

[@sofia_aa]

yesss, i love holbein, their gouache is great!

[@GingahSnapsArt]

Re wristband - I use tube sock rags! Once socks get unfixable holes, I cut them in half - the ankle part makes a perfect wristband, and the foot part now mostly works as a travel pocket/backup rag. Cotton socks are super absorbent and durable. They do remarkably well

[@rustythicketstudio]

I've had a few people say this now! It's such a good idea!

[@audreyp3444]

A pen sized spray bottle. Great for watering the pallet or wetting the page if needed.

[@rustythicketstudio]

You are totally right! I do have a small one and didn't think to put it in the video. Its a little bigger than a pen, but it still fits nicely in the bag. Great suggestion!!

[@peggypeter8070]

The suggestion of using a sweat/sports band is a crazy good idea!!🤯 Really clever!

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you! I really wish I remembered where I picked that idea up from, but it's been a game changer!

[@aspenriverrun]

​@@rustythicketstudio Perhaps Leslie Stroz(the wristband idea?) I just started watching her and see she uses them

[@ameliaameliaworks3678]

Great idea on the sweat bands. Ive been cutting up wash cloths and those kitchen sponge type into little squares.

[@sharilynnupsdell9195]

I find a kneaded eraser give a much cleaner removal of pencil than a rubber eraser. I keep mine in a tiny plastic case that goes on a keychain.

[@rustythicketstudio]

I love a kneaded eraser for full graphite and charcoal pieces but I can't let go of that white pearl lol. Having a kneaded one in the kit is a great idea though! I definitely have room for that!

[@user-rj1dg2zw3w]

Hello Grace! We were stationed at Kadena for three years and loved it! So glad I found you! I use an old white sock cut off the top for my wrist, in case someone doesn't want to buy one! I have also glued the little peerless papers down to a watercolor paper cut the same size as my most used journal and write the names under them, then used the watercolor paper, now covered in peerless paints, as my palette! Love watching you! Hope Christmas in Tennessee happened!

[@rustythicketstudio]

Wow!! Such a small world isn't it 😅 We are really loving it here too! (except for the heat lol) The sock idea is brilliant and the palette idea I'm going to have to try for myself! It sounds so much easier than sifting through all the colors! Tennessee was amazing and even though we are glad to be home, it was worth the very long travel time ❤

[@Insidekimsworld]

Congratulations on 500 subscribers. I am #501. I am a proud watercolor addict and am working up the courage to start posting on my channel. Here’s to your coming success on KZbin.

[@rustythicketstudio]

I can't believe it! I woke up to 508 and I'm just beside myself!! Thank you so much for being here ❤❤

[@dorianadesanto4158]

Your grey fine liners are by Copic, the tan one is by Sakura

[@rustythicketstudio]

Ohhhh well would you look at that haha. Thank you!! I literally didn't even pay attention to that 😅

[@emmavj6120]

Thanks for the great tip about the wrist band! I’ve just ordered a pair. Really good idea (especially as I never remember to take tissues/paper with me!).

[@rustythicketstudio]

I'm so glad its helpful!! I also struggled with remembering to take paper towels with me haha so I totally understand 😂 It was a game changer for me!

[@kookaburra24]

Love your setup, very similar to mine and I’ve been using those paints for over a decade. So fun to see someone else enjoying them. Only thing I figured out that is handy to have is a pen sized spray water bottle. Wakes up the paints quickly, and can pre-wet the paper. It would fit in your kit too😍

[@rustythicketstudio]

I agree! I actually had one that I forgot to include in the video, but it was on the large size, so I found and even smaller one that travels really well and even makes it through TSA with no problems!!

[@chrisgregore359]

Thank you for sharing your set-up. It is really neat to see. Another idea if a person doesn't want to purchase athletic wrist bands is to cut the toe off a white sock and use that. Also, check out the Tombow Mono Zero eraser ... super tiny tip that you might love.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you!! I'm so glad people are liking it! The sock is genius and SO much easier to find and even already have! I'll be adding that eraser to my list because I LOVE Tombow and HOLY WOW its so tiny! Such a great suggestion!

[@ChristieP-hb6hd]

Purchased this bag after watching your video and am really glad I did! Great travel art bag; love that it stands upright so I can see all supplies. Holds everything I need to work in a travel art journal, can set up anywhere - park bench, coffee shop, airport. Perfect for my needs. Thank you for posting!

[@rustythicketstudio]

I love that you found it so useful! I love the way it sits up too, helps me stay organized, which is a must!

[@karendirmish2696]

Truly enjoyed this! I’m mentally shopping through videos like this! Thanks for sharing, have a good trip back! Karen Dirmish, learner

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you!!! I'm so glad you got a little something out of it ❤

[@heyjude85]

Cool to see someone else has the Koi brand watercolors and that little sketchbook that I have! Now I need that bag to put them in!👍

[@rustythicketstudio]

I'm often told its not the greatest quality, but I absolutely love them and even prefer them over most. That bag though 👀 its just too perfect for what I need, so I can't recommend it enough!

[@_JoyceArt]

9:00 genius! This is precisely why I can’t get enough of watching what people use for their art.

[@rustythicketstudio]

I'm so glad it has been helpful! I also love to watching supplies videos!

[@karent1717]

Such a great idea and I love that case.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you! It was such a great find, I've bout a few more 😅

[@TracieWho]

Congrats on hitting the 500 mark!. I have almost the same type of set up, only my little bag has a snap rather than a magnet to keep it up right. I also have a micro Artists Tool Kit palette that I use (has Daniel Smiths), which gives me room to keep a second palette of gouache. i also use the same size sketchbook. And I keep the kit in my backpack which also has a James Gurney type easel along with a lightweight and compact tripod. Funny thing is that I just picked up that very same Koi paint palette, and I don't think there is a Sakura pen I can pass up. Thanks for the info about the sweat band. I've been needing something other than clipping my towel to whatever. I subscribed and will keep an eye out for your posts.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you!! I almost can't believe it 😅. I really need to get one of those little micro palettes to try..they are so cute and totally on brand 🤣 I'll be placing this in my backpack for traveling home too, so I'm excited to see how it travels outside of a day trip and through airport security 😬

[@northernbirder7351]

enjoyed your video. One useful thing I would add is a micro-sized spray bottle. You can get them about the size of a chalk stick.

[@rustythicketstudio]

I absolutely agree. I actually have one! I totally forgot to add it in the kit/video. I'll be sure to do that!

[@shirjoin]

I have that black Utlim case (from Amazon in the US) and it is my very favorite sketching case. I did add a shoulder strap to it. I understand that Utlim makes a slightly larger case, but it is not available through Amazon US. I have never seen the yellowish green one you have. You have a very exciting opportunity to find art supplies that we dream about.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Adding your own strap is a GAME CHANGER! I should do this!! I seriously understand how lucky I am. I'm hoping to start trying some new brands soon and stocking up on some favorites before we leave in 2025.

[@wendyvancamp1738]

That is a nice little bag. Thanks for showing off your painting kit. Happy painting!

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you! 🥰 🥰

[@paulalovesart4545]

Hello Grace! So glad I found your channel. I'm a new subscriber as I can already tell I'd love to see more of your videos, based on the little I've seen so far. Ty for sharing these ideas and tips. I am enjoying sketching and watercolor too. I LOVE the idea of going to a park to sketch, or my local nature places. My hubby and I travel once in a while, and I've started taking a very small amount of items with me. Loving and learning about it all so much. Sincerely, Paula

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're here! I love to travel with my supplies. I don't get to do it very often right now, but I'm hoping to do it more and more, especially in this upcoming year!

[@kimberlym3764]

I always looking to improve my plein air supplies. Thank you for sharing!

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you so much for watching! I love seeing everyone's set up so I figured it was time I shared mine and I'm so glad I did!

[@kimberlym3764]

I would add a binder clip and a mixing chart of the watercolor paints.

[@juliao1255]

Thank you for sharing this. I ran straight to Amazon for the stand-up bag, and the sweat bands-- brilliant! I congratulated myself on having many of items you show -- lol!😂 I go out in my wheelchair, painting nature that I find, wildflowers, leaves, bugs, etc. These items will help a lot, and the bag with the handle can be affixed to the arm of my chair.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Omg! That's such a great idea with the handle! I wish my second one had the handle for real. I'm so glad you found it helpful. Its been a game changer for me. Makes me actually want to haul everything outside and use it!

[@elidasilk8616]

I have these and what a great idea to use them , Thank you

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you for watching! I love being able to repurpose things I already have so that's even better!

[@stephenwelham]

I use a nurses Fanny bag it hold an A5 sketchbook and all I need for plein air painting &sketching brigantine bag perfect

[@rustythicketstudio]

I love that! The most useful items are always the ones you'll actually use!

[@j.g.9271]

I love the bag, and looking at one now.

[@rustythicketstudio]

It was a game changer for me! I love having a grab and go kit and this was hands down the best bag I found

[@user-rf8uz5rf8c]

Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you for watching and commenting! It means everything to me!

[@nlark]

That wristband idea is genius! 👏🏽

[@rustythicketstudio]

I'm so glad you think so! It's totally saved my booty a few times!

[@lourdesgallegos7508]

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but Japan has amazing stationery and artist supply stores, you should take advantage of them while you are still there. Thanks for sharing your set up, I have some thing that I use on the daily, but this is a little more spacious than what I have. Ordering that bag ASAP!

[@rustythicketstudio]

Oh yes! Lots have suggested that I do more supplies type videos and I absolutely will. I have some planned already! I'm so glad you found the video helpful ❤

[@karenkaren9526]

Thank you for your service both of you 🇺🇸

[@rustythicketstudio]

I appreciate you! ☺

[@arielacosta4178]

The sweat band is next level genius, I'm always dropping my paint rag. ty for the tips

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you! I'm so glad you got something out of the video!

[@candyparsons806]

Very nice plein air kit. Thanks for sharing.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@jeanneaguirre6980]

Great presentation-- thorough & a very practical kit for travel, & the wristband (as well as the sock suggestions below) is 'why didn't I think of that??!' I'll use your link to get the bag --- so many uses for that! It looks so sturdy standing, i think my x-large Rx bottles for water (duct-taped together) would adhere to the open flap just by adding a couple velcro strips alongside. Very useful for urban sketching. Thnx for the video! :)

[@rustythicketstudio]

Wow! Thank you! I appreciate that so much! Even better if you can run with it and make it your own!

[@pamcarey6009]

Love your set-up. The difference in ink colors is because they are made by different manufacturers. Copic which is made by the Too Corporation, the Micron is made by Sakura.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you!! It's so crazy that that never even registered! I just didn't pay attention lol. Someone else said the same thing and my mind was honestly blown haha

[@disneyrita]

Okay now I’m ready for a paint sesh at the beach!

[@rustythicketstudio]

omg! Yes!! I can't believe how little I've done that given my location lol

[@analiaf.j.6131]

New subscriber here! I loved the idea of the towel bracelet! I will copy that idea, thank you!

[@rustythicketstudio]

Yay!! SO happy to have you here! I'm glad you could find something useful 🤗❤

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Great video. I am moving to Taiwan in a week. Nice to see a channel in Asia. Great video.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Wow! Taiwan!? I hear its beautiful there! I've have loved everything about Japan except the heat lol. Thank you so much for being here!

[@jessicathompson1456]

I keep a smaller piece of kneaded eraser between the last page of the book and the cover. It does leave a little greasy spot but I don’t care. I always have it with me and it never dries out there and doesn’t get in the way. Bigger books get bigger pieces but I never have more than a quarter of one tucked in. Just smush it between the page and cover and close the book. Never forget my eraser anymore.

[@rustythicketstudio]

That is so clever! I usually hate the texture/ feel of a kneaded eraser but I'll remember this for future outings for sure!

[@jodyporta2188]

You are adorable!! Someone set me your video bc I’m new at all this and travel frequently. Thank u

[@rustythicketstudio]

😊 You're so sweet!! Thank you! I hope it helps you to enjoy your travels even more!

[@sandrabeck8788]

Great to see another woman artist getting s you tube start! Subscribed, good ideas

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you 🥰🥰 I'm having a marvelous time and I'm so excited to be building a little community!

[@Jobena1]

I lived in Okinawa . I was a Corpsman in the Navy I was stationed on Camp Foster US Naval Hospital and MCAS Futnema. I miss Okinawa ALOT. I would definitely buy Japanese watercolor professional paints. Holbein comes to mind. I think the Koi colors can become a little chalky as they age. Also look for a fountain pen. I have 2 one fine nib and a medium nib Japan has some of the best fountain pens brands. More ecomincal because you can also get Carbon black Ink that's waterproof. I use them as part of my Urban sketch kit I loved all the Japanese stores like the Big Green store, I spent a lot of time down in Naha City..found excellent artists and stationary stores. I would move back in heartbeat. PLus my fav food is Japanese food.

[@rustythicketstudio]

That's awesome! The military is such a small world. I love hearing other's experiences of Oki. We love it here besides the heart. I know we will miss it very much when we leave. Its been so good to us! I've had Holbein recommended a TON so I will definitely be picking up some of those soon! I love my Koi colors so much, I'll probably never stop using them, but finally having the time and money to start exploring other options is exciting! I get most of my supplies at Green Note and its easily my favorite art store!

[@lmarieries]

I have watched a bunch of travel painting kit videos and this one has been so thoughtful and enjoyable! I really like all of your selections!

[@rustythicketstudio]

Omg! Thank you SO much! I love that people are finding it useful. It scratches all all the itches I had for a kit (simple, affordable, organized, lightweight, etc...) I just had to share.

[@Mirathehermit]

nice artblog, you got my subscription

[@rustythicketstudio]

Welcome!! Thank you sooooo much!!

[@martharoblesfurgason5806]

Thanks for sharing your setup. It's practical and well thought out. Question. Would you be able to carry all your supplies in the larger bag? You're right the handle would be very useful, but I'm wondering if you would organize the pens in back, larger items in the middle and the smaller one in front? Anyway, thanks a bunch and good luck with your trip back home! 😊

[@rustythicketstudio]

Thank you! I think the larger bag would be nice to add other supplies that i wouldn't normally take, or maybe an extra/ different kind of sketch book. Otherwise I'd probably pack it the same way!

[@tracytroyer4996]

Hi Gracie. Loved your travel kit. I'm hoping someone will get me the bag for my birthday. I left tons of hints... well, a neon sign. I plan to create my own kit, starting with the same bag.

[@rustythicketstudio]

I'm so glad you love it!! I really hope you have the happiest of birthdays and that you get everything you wish for. Don't forget you could have the chance to win it in the 1K sub giveaway when we get there too!

[@MsVnewman]

I’m looking for a collapsable water cup this size, but your link goes to a larger one that seems more standard. Any ideas? Not seeing anything this size.

[@ZaiyaFineArt]

omg i have the same teeturtle

[@rustythicketstudio]

He's the cutest! My hubby got him for me 😍

[@nattyw495]

Thank you for you and your husband sevice to americas democracy.. i like how your bag it has a handle and it stands up the color is pretty, .. may i suggest a small set of caran dashe neo color 2 and a small set of derwent graphtint color pencils both are water soluble so if you dont have water or need to do quick study you can always add water later to your creative art piece..💙✍🎨👩‍🎨🇺🇲🇨🇦💙

[@rustythicketstudio]

These are GREAT ideas to add! I will keep my eyes peeled for them and if I can't find them around, I'll snag some online. I'm always looking for new materials. I used to use cheap watercolor pencils waaaaaay back but I'd love to get some nice ones

[@deathofthemagi]

Thank you for the video. Heads up though, you linked the wrong sketch book. I was about to add it to my cart when i realized how big it looked in comparison to the girl in the photo. You linked the 5.1 x 8.3 instead of the 5.5 x 3.5

[@rustythicketstudio]

Omg! Thank you so much! I will fix that right away!

[@prym1camo845]

I am in Tennessee. Pickwick Lake

[@rustythicketstudio]

Hello neighbor! That's on the Tennessee River isn't it? Beautiful area!

[@prym1camo845]

@@rustythicketstudio It is! We love it

[@phillipstroll7385]

Howdy neighbor. Tennessee welcomes you home. Screaming eagles

[@UJB123]

Lol! 101st. Glad she missed that tornado.

[@artieross9537]

Just subscribed.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Yay!!! So happy to have you here ♥️♥️

[@MsVnewman]

The bag with handle isn’t on Amazon USA. Any ideas where to find it? Thanks. Great set up

[@rustythicketstudio]

Sadly, I haven't seen it anywhere besides in LOFT, a store here in Okinawa. I've been on the hunt though and if I come across it I will let everyone know!

[@fromcyn4472]

I can see you have a small water cup but I'm looking for a spray bottle or flask for water. Otherwise, we're ready to go!

[@rustythicketstudio]

Absolutely! It's been suggested a few times and I actually had one that I should have put in the video! Mine is a mini pump one and it fits in the bag perfectly, so it's doable for sure!

[@marnellenorth8381]

I happened onto your KZbin and love your Utlim bag. I would really like the one with the handle, but can't find it on Amazon. Do you have a link for that one? Thanks!

[@rustythicketstudio]

I have never seen that one online unfortunately, but I'm always keeping my eyes open for new ones and especially new colors, so I'll be sure to post about it if I ever come across one that I can link!

[@sandraharris8386]

Subscriber no. 709 here, really loving these tips. Could you tell me what that little sponge is called please? I’d like to search it out.

[@rustythicketstudio]

700+ 😍😍Ahh! How crazy this has been! I'm absolutely loving it! The little dabber sponge is called a finger sponge and if you search that online you can get packs of like 30 of them! I actually found these at a dollar store in the states and I've seen them at Michaels too!

[@sandraharris8386]

Thank you so much! Found and ordering now. Also, I'm not surprised your subscriptions are growing so quickly. You present in a clear and well-thought-through manner and I enjoy listening . Plus I'm finding the subject matter interesting and useful.

[@rustythicketstudio]

This is SO sweet of you to say and exactly the kind of feedback I need!

[@liliana1lfr]

Hi, enjoyed this video! Could you please jot down the dimensions of this bag? And have you seen them in more than one size (aside from the pencil case?) Thank you both for your Military service for our country. 🇺🇸

[@rustythicketstudio]

Of course! I'm getting about 9.75 inches in length, 7.5 in height and packed the way I have it, about 2 inches thick, but it sits closer to 1.5 when empty but not mashed down. I have not seen it in another size other than the pencil case, but I also haven't looked for it! For all I know there's a bigger one out there!

[@liliana1lfr]

Thank you so much!!!

[@rustythicketstudio]

Oh and I just picked up another bag for the 1k giveaway and realized there IS an even bigger bag! I tried to find it online with no luck for a link, but it does exist @@liliana1lfr

[@liliana1lfr]

I'm still searching, too!

[@sarahmitchell9247]

Ditto on the Holbein comment…really high quality. Koi watercolor are lower quality

[@rustythicketstudio]

I wish I did like some of the higher end stuff. The Holbein I'm excited to try, but I just keep coming back to the koi every time. There is something about the clarity in them that I feel I don't get from a lot of other brands.

[@lisaannef]

$60-$71 for Canada vs $25 in the US. That is a crazy difference eh.

[@rustythicketstudio]

Is that for the bag!? Wow...that's a huge difference 😨 I love this bag but I can't say I'd love it at more than double in price.

[@lisaannef]

@@rustythicketstudio lol ... I was thinking that as well. Yup, same bag. I can find something else for a lot less but same idea. I have been using a hanging travel toiletry bag which works well when travelling. It's roomy with a few options of different places to tuck things into.

[@rustythicketstudio]

A hanging toiletry bag is legit genius! I may have to put together a version of one to try it out for less table top accessible locations!

[@sallyreff2574]

I find masking fluid so stinky - I wouldn't use it on an airplane.

[@rustythicketstudio]

The kind I have in the bottle is definitely too stinky for the airplane, but the pen has zero odor! After using it some though, it does tend to yellow the paper in large areas, so I don't think I'll be bringing it anyway 😥