Shop talk

Arts & Activities, March, 2002

SAX ARTS & CRAFTS announces its 2002 catalog, which contains many exclusive classroom kits and resources to support you in creating an exciting, effective art curriculum as well as cross-curricular learning enhancements. Be sure to stop by the Sax Arts & Crafts booths (#301, 303, 305, 400, 401, 402, 404 and 500) at the National Art Education Association convention and pick up a free copy of the catalog. Visit with paper-sculpture artist Philip Cox, and view his work. Also available are free posters and make-and-take demonstrations. For more information, visit online at www.saxarts.com or call (800) 558-6696 for a free catalog.

Published by KLUTZ[R], Drawing for the Artistically Undiscovered by Quentin Blake and John Cassidy, offers instruction, tips, encouragement and plenty of white Space reserved for the artist-to-be. According to the authors, this is a sketchbook with training wheels. The book comes with a fine line black sketch pen and two watercolor pencils, one black, one red--the exact same European-made, artist-quality tools used by Quentin Blake when creating the book's illustrations. For more information, visit online at www.klutz.com or circle No. 394 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

FABER-CASTELL USA introduces Soft Pastels and Graphite Pencils to the GoldFaber Studio line of Art & Graphic products. This special line was developed with students and aspiring artists in mind. GoldFaber Studio Soft Pastels are available in 70 colors that belong to a unique color system in which colors match across all product lines. This very soft pastel has a pigment density that produces brilliant color and is easy to blend. Supplying versatility for art and drafting projects, GoldFaber Studio Graphite Pencils come in eight degrees of hardness: 4H, 2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B and 6B. The various degrees allow artists to select the pencil that suits their need--softer for sketching and shading or harder for fine details and drafting. The leads are comprised of finely ground graphite and clay, which results in smooth, consistent lay down. For more information, visit online at www.fabercastell.com or circle No. 395 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

DERWENT launches the Pastel Collections, three new sets of colored pastel pencils, pastel blocks and helpful accessories. Pastel Pencils are encased in wood, providing control for detailed work. Pastel Blocks are ideal for creating strong lines and bold sweeps of color. Both the pencils and blocks deliver a soft, powdery texture and a velvety, smooth finish that can stand alone or can be diffused with a light water wash. Presented in Derwent's colorful, signature tin boxes, all three collections, (small, medium and large), include a variety of pastel pencils and pastel blocks, a water-soluble sketching pencil for creating initial designs or extra dimension, a pastel blender, a helpful techniques leaflet, and assorted accessories. For more information, circle No. 396 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

Scratch-Brite[R] from SCRATCH-ART[R] CO., INC. is pre-inked and ready to scratch. The scratchboard, in gold or silver, is laminated with a shiny, metallic base that offers impressive details with minimum effort using any standard scratching tool. The 8 1/2" x 11" sheets are available in one-sheet, 10-sheet and 50-sheet packages. For more information, circle No. 390 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

SANFORD[R] features Colorific[TM] markers designed especially for kids. These markers are guaranteed not to dry out if left uncapped for three days. The specially designed ventilated safety cap is also easier for kids to remove and recap. An easy-to-hold barrel is shaped for small hands and all Colorific markers are certified nontoxic. Markers are available in 24 different colors, in both washable and regular formulas. For more information, visit online at www.sanfordcorp.com or circle No. 391 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

ZEBRA PEN CORP. presents the new Tapli[TM] Mechanical Pencil, the first 0.7mm lead offered by this writing instrument manufacturer. This new pencil is ideal for heavy-handed writers who prefer a thicker, bolder lead. Tapli also features a transparent barrel that is offered in both black and blue, a large eraser and a sleek, soft rubber grip. For more information, visit online at www.zebrapen.com, or circle No. 385 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.

KSB PROMOTIONS announces the 1-2-3 Draw series, written by Freddie Levin, available from PEEL PRODUCTIONS, and distributed by NORTH LIGHT BOOKS. Designed for youngsters ages 6 and up, this series includes 1-2-3 Draw Cars, Trucks and Other Vehicles; and 1-2-3 Draw Knights, Castles and Dragons. Starting with a pencil and simple shapes, young artists can create impressive drawings by following the clear step-by-step instructions. For added inspiration, each book features final drawings in color and fun facts. For more information, visit online at www.ksblinks.com or circle No. 393 on the Arts & Activities Reader Service Card.