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Thursday, November 17, 2016

The Perfect Sketch Bag




I'm an organized person by nature and the idea of having everything I need in an organized bag delights me to no end. I keep my sketch bag packed and when I get a chance to sketch I grab the bag and go. No need to worry about forgotten items. 

Over the years I have refined the set-up and it works for me. I use a “Rigger Canvas Bag” I found at a tool store called Harbor Freight (they no longer sell the bag but I've seen similar bags at Home Depot and garden shops). I've made a few alterations to the original bag.  I took out some stitching to open up the pockets on the sides, put cardboard inside on the bottom for added support and a shoulder strap. Now my pens, brushes, palette, sketchbooks…fit snuggly. You just can’t beat it! 

I have been carrying a sketch bag around for so long friends have nicknamed it the “Brenda Bag”. I use my Sketch Bag when I travel across the country and overseas. I simply take everything out, roll up the bag and put it in my carry on luggage. Yes, I carry my palette on the plane. I leave it open for a couple days so the paint will harden and put in a plastic bag. 

The sketch bag has become like a old friend. We have traveled across the U.S. countless times…to Prague, Germany, France, Tuscany…by car plane, train…

If you wish to learn more about my larger 10x11 sketchbook, read the "Perfect Sketchbook".

Would you like to know what I keep in the bag? Here's my Youtube video. Click on my Sketch Bag to view the video.

If you have a problem viewing the Youtube video paste this link in your browser. https://youtu.be/iKsme0wedDk 

Happy Sketching!   
Brenda


25 comments:

  1. Thank you! I especially love the collapsible water bottle, and the small Masonite board to create a 'table' for the palette!

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  2. Your blog posts are always so helpful. Thanks for sharing all that you do!

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    1. Collen, Thank you. Glad it's helpful.
      Happy Sketching!

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  3. The board to make the table...so simple, genius! Thank you for this great information and the blog post.

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    1. Deddie,
      Thanks...Glad you liked it!
      Happy Sketching!

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  4. Thank you Brenda, I LUV my Brenda Bag. :-)

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  5. I just took my "brenda bag" to the shoe maker to sew on the Drings of my new shoulder strap. I love the way it continues to be rigid and hold its shape even with use. It does weight a lot however..... thankfully, we don't walk too far to sketch.

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    1. Elizabeth,
      Yup it's kinda heavy bu that's why it's lasted so long...sturdy! The shoulder strap does make a difference.
      Happy Sketching!

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    2. Foam core or Gator board might work instead of masonite for less weight.

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  6. Hi Brenda, I really like your compact canvas brush holder. Did you make it?

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    Replies
    1. I took an existing canvas brush carrier and cut in half lengthwise & height.

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  7. I love seeing what others use. I'm all over the place, but it works for me. In the car I keep a sketchbook within reach, a small bottle of water strapped to the arm rest in my car, brushes in a toothbrush holder in the side pocket (with a neck lanyard on it), a box of watercolors that lives in the glovebox (similar to the one I keep in the house), my well loved pens in a pouch (that either goes around my neck, on the car door handle, or on my desk at home) and a light satchel to carry my stuff when I want to leave the car. I want to be able to start painting without opening a car door ..... and I want to be able to quickly gather my stuff and hike with it.

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  8. Brenda,
    I see above that a shoemaker attached the Drings for the shoulder strap attachment. Where did you find the shoulder strap? I'm on my way to Harbor Freight to get my bag.

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    Replies
    1. It was an old strap in a junk drawer. I've found camera bags and suitcases have a similar strap that works.

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  9. I was trying to order the rigger bag. But they don't send it outside of USA.
    I really want it.

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    1. I had the same problem here in the UK. I finally ordered one via eBay uk, expensive plus expensive delivery but I really wanted it so ... Hasn't arrived yet.

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  10. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  11. Just ordered the Harbor Freight Rigger Bag..it was on sale, $10.99! Thanks for the info and inspiration.

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  12. Barbara, you're gonna love the bag!

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  13. Hi Brenda,
    I’m in the midst of “outfitting” my rigger bag and wonder where you found the brush folder in your video? It appears to be an ideal way to organize, store and protect your brushes. Any leads will be much appreciated!

    Karen

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    1. Hi Karen,
      Brush holder is one I made by cutting a store bought one in half by length and width.

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  14. Where did you find the sketching gloves? tyia

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