I Bought $2,882 Worth of Art Supplies: Here's What I Learned (So You Don't Waste Money)

I spent $2,882 on art supplies in 2025 and honestly reviewing what was worth it! 🎨 From game-changing tools to complete duds, I'm sharing my real experience so you don't waste money on supplies that don't deliver. What you'll learn: ✅ Which $200+ items actually transformed my work ❌ The expensive mistakes I regret (and why) 💡 How to be more mindful with art supply purchases 🎯 My new criteria for buying supplies in 2026 Whether you're a watercolor artist, mixed media creator, or just curious about art supply investments, this honest review will help you make smarter purchasing decisions. What's your biggest art supply regret? Drop it in the comments - I love hearing your experiences! 📘 Danshari (断捨離) comes from Japanese Zen teachings — it means “refuse, dispose, separate.” It’s all about letting go of what no longer serves you and keeping only what brings clarity and purpose. 🎥 Videos Mentioned The Art Supplies I Bought (And Why I'm Conflicted): Not All Regrets:    • The Art Supplies I Bought (And Why I'm Con...   “Stop Buying Art Supplies! Do This Instead” (inspiration) by ‪@SketchBookSkool‬ :    • Stop Buying Art Supplies! Do This Instead.   Pin Badge of Kaonashi: https://www.miwagardner.com/buyart/p/... Lovers eye commission: https://www.miwagardner.com/buyart/p/... Book Tour :    • Video   🖼️ Framing & Hanging Tools Command Velcro: https://amzn.to/4qyytGD Hooks: https://amzn.to/46Da8HQ Wire: https://amzn.to/4kCoZ8O FROGTAPE Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape (Green, 1.41" x 60 yd): https://amzn.to/3UoMBUl Framers Tape II Archival Grade Self-Adhesive Acid-Free Tape (1" x 180 ft): https://amzn.to/3Iox0Rw 📦 Packing & Shipping Essentials Packing Tape Dispenser Gun (Pacific Mailer): https://amzn.to/46XHP6X WORKPRO Premium Utility Knife (All-Metal, Retractable): https://amzn.to/47ikImw Scotch Reinforced Strength Shipping Tape w/ Dispenser: https://amzn.to/4nlTul2 🧰 Studio Tools & Hardware KNIPEX High Leverage Combination Pliers: https://amzn.to/4lnsAZz MUNBYN Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer: https://amzn.to/4nWkloF Black Envelopes for Certificates of Authenticity (COA): https://amzn.to/47lU8ci 🎨 Art Supplies 🎨 See My Favorite Art Supplies at Blick: https://tinyurl.com/esmppz56 Stretcher Board (Art Supplies UK): https://www.artsupplies.co.uk?referra... 💻 Studio & Office JETech Laptop Bag (Waterproof, fits MacBook/Surface): https://amzn.to/3J40WTI Desk Mat (SparrowFloor on Etsy): https://www.etsy.com/shop/SparrowFloor Apparently its still available just not listed so take a screenshot and ask if this specific one is available or not! Noren Curtain (Forest Green Linen): https://www.etsy.com/listing/17882580... 🖋️ Printing & Branding Business Cards (Moo – 25% off): https://refer.moo.com/s/unnkaicrazy 🎨 Color & Inspiration 👉 Don’t miss this if you’re looking to elevate your color game, explore new tools, or simply find inspiration for your next painting session! 🔗 Palette Scout: https://zolliemakes.com/MIWA *Links are affiliate links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you :) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 🫧Join me on this journey!✨ ✨ Website: https://www.MiwaGardner.com 🎙️Listen to the podcast: https://pod.link/1764257886 🎙️Want the full experience (art + stories)? Visit: https://www.miwagardner.com/podcast 📺 YT:    / @miwagardner   📸INSTAGRAM:   / miwagardner_art   📌Pinterest:   / miwagardner   📩Business Inquiries: [email protected] 📬 Mailing Address: PO Box 3332, Kirkland, WA 98083, USA 💌Stay in touch: https://www.miwagardner.com/subscribe - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 🫧 CHAPTERS 00:00 Artists are idealists 03:51 $2,882 of art supplies 35:26 What helps me 36:51 Why we overbuy (impulse, FOMO, unused guilt, false first step) 38:55 More coming...