Gifts from the HeART

Posted by Victoria Rose on December 8, 2022

LEGO-The-Starry-Night

Do you have artists, art lovers, or aspiring young artists on your holiday list this year? Or perhaps are looking for a treat for yourself? I asked around and gathered interesting recommendations from the art world this year. Perhaps something on this list will catch your eye or inspire that perfect gift!

For the Artist

Gift someone the perfect views to paint en plain air with an America the Beautiful National Park Pass! Landscape artists and outdoor enthusiasts can use the pass to access over 1,100 National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands throughout 2023. The $80 pass is good for two passholders, with discounts for seniors, military veterans, and others. Find out more information at USParkPass.com.

Looking for something small with an edge? The secret is a pair of Silky Nevanon Fluorine Coated Scissors. Perfect for every artist and crafter, these sleek black scissors are coated to ensure they slide through every surface, including sticky or wet ones. They stay wicked sharp and are easy to clean, even when covered in paint. Find them for $30 in the Silky store on Amazon.com.

Speaking of cleaning, artists deserve some self-care, especially when it comes to their hands. Treat them to smooth skin and a moment of relaxation with sugar scrubs, soaps, body butter, and more from local company Odelia, Marie & Patrice. Based in West Chester, PA, this luxury beauty shop creates items that are sustainable, ethically sourced, and vegan. Find all their items at OMandPatrice.com.

For the Art Lover

The Magic of Ferns, Emie Hughes, The Jeweled Warrior

The top gift for every art lover is, of course, Art! While they may already have beloved works, artist shops and galleries are full of smaller pieces that perfectly complement gallery walls and brighten small corners throughout the home. Check out the hashtag #25daysofminis on Instagram to see how many artists are creating tiny pieces for the holidays. Find something at one of the many galleries throughout the Brandywine Valley that have winter exhibitions and shops ready to delight every art lover! All the information is in the CFL December Art Roundup.

Looking for something a bit more interactive? The Museum of Modern Art in NYC has the perfect gift. MoMA collaborated with LEGO® to recreate a LEGO® Ideas Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” (1889) brick by brick. It is the perfect chance to get hands-on with one of the most famous artworks of all time. Find it and many other unique art gifts in the MoMA store.

Do you know that person who is constantly rearranging their artwork? Help them out with the secret to hanging perfectly spaced and level frames every time! The Black & Decker MarkIT Picture Hanging Kit is at the top of my list, along with this new style of Picture Hangers that combine nails with a sturdy backing. Both are available on Amazon.

Forest Snowman, Martha Fenoglio, Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery

For the art lover who wants to celebrate the Brandywine Tradition, the Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery has the perfect show. Featuring nineteen local artists, the 6th Annual Christmas in Miniature Art Show includes winter scenes, holiday traditions, playful figures, and scenes of the Brandywine. The vibrant pieces stand out even on a smaller scale, ideal to include in gallery walls and to brighten dark corners. Christmas in Miniature is available to view and purchase online at BarbaraMooreFineArt.com through the end of the year.

For the Art Student

I have it on good authority that the most requested gift for art students from elementary school through college are Copic Alcohol Markers. Available in various sets and sizes, they draw smoothly, dry quick, blend well, and have replaceable nibs for enduring use. They are a splurge for students, which makes them a very welcome gift at every age! Find them at local arts and crafts stores or online at Copic.jp.

Sharing artwork is one of the joys of creating, and young artists love being able to create on the go. Even better is making it a sticker! Mini Portable Photo & Sticker Printers use special paper that don’t require ink refills in the printer. Small enough to fit in a pocket, they charge quickly and can be used to print photos too! There are a wide range available, including the popular Canon Ivy.

For a more hands-on artist looking to develop their sculpting skills, clay is the way to go. But trips to the kiln require a lot of work, and possibly a ride from someone with a license. Air dry clay is a great option to create without the hassle. For a professional finish without a kiln, kits from Sculpd provide everything a student or casual potter could want. They include air dry clay, tools, paints, and more. Find all the options at Sculpd.com.

Links and products on this list are simply recommendations, not promotion. Happy Holidays!

About Victoria Rose

Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.