May Flower Challenge - Day 23, New Supplies

Not worrying about the cost of materials and tools extends my artistic freedom.
                                                                                Jim Rowe


After making a list of all the art supplies I need to bring with me to CA next week, I realized there were a few new items that I needed to buy.  So I went to our local art store last week and found out they don't carry what I need.  I also found out they are the only one art store in all of Grand Rapids, the second largest city in the state of Michigan!  I found that hard to believe!  I thought I would take a chance and swing by Michael's and Hobby Lobby, but I was pretty certain they wouldn't have my items either (and they didn't).  So as soon as I got home, I got online to Dick Blick.  I had never ordered from them before but I knew about them.  I usually order from Cheap Joe's, but I thought I would give Dick Blick a chance.  Everything I needed and wanted they had in stock.  I checked on their shipping and found for just a few dollars more I could have my items shipped by FedEx to our house and I would receive them by the beginning of this week.  I kid you not, but they arrived at our house this past Saturday, while we were still at the cottage.  I had just ordered these on Thursday.  Talk about being impressed!  I've used the Pitt Micron pens before, but I was out of them...

What I'm really excited to learn how to use are the water soluble crayons.  Don't they look like fun...

I've seen these mentioned before but now I'll get to really play with them....

I'm only planning on checking in one bag and carrying another on the plane with me.  So taking all of this into consideration had a lot to do with some of my workshop selections I chose.  Pack light, pack right!!  I'm planning on taking the largest suitcase we have and pack as much as I can fit into it.  I have a carry-on bag I always use, but as I was getting ready for the cottage the other day, I looked at my Vera Bradley duffel bag that I always take with me and thought,  WHY NOT take this as my carry on.  I know it will hold more than my other bag and I know it's within the right sizes.  Needless to say, I'm rather confident that I'll be able to pack everything I need to take without any problems. 

My flower for today if the Iris.  They are in full bloom in our yard and look really nice.  Here's the bud...

And here it is the very next day...

Make sure to check out Lori's blog before this month is over.