Use this guide to select art supplies for mixed media, prepare a suitable surface, and run a small compatibility test before starting a finished piece. It is written for beginners who want to combine materials such as collage paper, paint, drawing tools, and ink without buying a large collection first. Allow about 45-90 minutes to gather supplies and make a test page; the time needed for a finished artwork depends on its size and drying time.
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MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook, 9 x 12 in, 60 Sheets, 98 lb/160 gsm
- ✔ Brand: MOFUNY
- ✔ Size: 9 × 12 inches
- ✔ Sheets: 60
Mixed Media Sketchbook, 9 x 12 Inches, 30 Sheets
- ✔ Size: 9 × 12 inches
- ✔ Sheets: 30
- ✔ Paper weight: 98 lb / 160 gsm
Prang Mixed Media Journal
- ✔ Size: 8.5 × 11 inches
- ✔ Binding: Spiral-bound
- ✔ Back cover: Heavy chipboard
Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 45-90 minutes to choose, organize, and test supplies
What You’ll Need
Tools & Materials:
- Mixed-media paper, watercolor paper, or a primed canvas panel
- One water-based paint, such as acrylic, watercolor, or gouache
- A small selection of collage paper or lightweight found paper
- Pencil and eraser
- One or two drawing tools, such as a colored pencil, oil pastel, or water-soluble crayon
- Brushes, a water container, and a palette or washable plate
- Scissors and a glue stick or matte medium
- A scrap sheet for material tests
- Paper towels or a rag and a protective work surface
Knowledge:
- Basic ability to use a brush, scissors, and glue
- No prior mixed-media experience is required
Start with supplies you already own, and add only a few materials that serve different purposes. Check product labels for surface compatibility, ventilation guidance, and cleanup instructions. If working with children, choose age-appropriate, non-toxic products and supervise cutting and use of small parts.
MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook, 9 x 12 in, 60 Sheets, 98 lb/160 gsm
For a single book that needs to handle several kinds of work, MOFUNY is the most balanced pick in this lineup. Its 9 × 12-inch pages give us more room than the Prang journal’s 8.5 × 11-inch format, and the 60-sheet count is double that of the other sketchbook. The stated 98 lb/160 gsm acid-free paper is also a useful point of comparison: unlike Prang, MOFUNY specifies its paper weight and names a broad range of compatible media, including pencil, pen, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, and gouache.The ring binding adds practical flexibility. The book can lie open and rotate 360 degrees, which may help when we want to work across the page or reduce the space the cover takes up. That is a more adaptable setup than the 30-sheet option’s tear-away emphasis, though the latter is the better choice when cleanly removing pages is a priority. MOFUNY’s tradeoff is that it is still a large-format book, so it is less convenient to carry than a smaller journal. The supplied details describe bleed resistance and color-fading resistance, but no real-world performance information was provided to verify how the paper behaves under heavier applications. We would choose it for varied drawing and painting, while keeping expectations measured for especially wet or layered work.
Pros:
- 60 sheets provide the highest page count in this comparison.
- 98 lb/160 gsm acid-free paper is specified, along with a broad list of compatible media.
- Ring binding opens flat and rotates 360 degrees for flexible positioning.
- Hard covers add protection to the pages.
Cons:
- The 9 × 12-inch format is less portable than a smaller journal.
- No supplied real-world performance feedback confirms how it handles demanding wet-media use.
Best for: Artists who want a roomy mixed media sketchbook with a higher page count and stated compatibility with drawing media, acrylic, gouache, and watercolor.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a compact notebook, want micro-perforated pages for clean removal, or plan heavy watercolor techniques and require more specific wet-media performance information.
Bottom line: Choose MOFUNY when we want the most versatile, generously sized option with the clearest combination of page count and media detail.
“Choose MOFUNY when we want the most versatile, generously sized option with the clearest combination of page count and media detail.”
Mixed Media Sketchbook, 9 x 12 Inches, 30 Sheets
This 9 × 12-inch sketchbook makes the most sense when the finished page needs to leave the book. Its micro-perforated sheets are designed to tear out cleanly, a distinction MOFUNY does not list and a practical advantage for sharing, displaying, or submitting work. The spiral binding also lies flat, so it offers a familiar drawing surface without giving up the removable-page feature. Like MOFUNY, it specifies 98 lb/160 gsm acid-free paper, but it has 30 sheets rather than 60, making it the more focused option for a smaller project or selected finished pieces.Its stated media range covers pencils, pens, crayons, pastels, acrylics, and light watercolor washes. That last qualifier matters: compared with MOFUNY’s broader watercolor listing, this product sets a clearer but narrower expectation for wet work. We would not treat “mixed media” as permission for heavy washes or repeated saturation here. The lightly textured surface is aimed at drawing and painting versatility, but the lower page count means it is not the best value in terms of how long a frequent sketcher can keep working in one volume. Choose it over MOFUNY for removable pages; choose MOFUNY when page capacity and a broader stated media list matter more.
Pros:
- Micro-perforated pages are designed to tear out cleanly.
- Spiral binding allows the sketchbook to lie flat.
- 98 lb/160 gsm acid-free paper has a lightly textured surface.
- Supports several drawing media, acrylics, and light watercolor washes.
Cons:
- 30 sheets offer less capacity than MOFUNY’s 60-sheet book.
- Watercolor use is specified for light washes only.
- The product details do not establish suitability for heavier wet-media applications.
Best for: Artists, students, and hobbyists who want a 9 × 12-inch surface with tear-away pages for sharing, presenting, or submitting finished work.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a high page count or intend to use substantial watercolor washes rather than the light washes specified.
Bottom line: Pick this sketchbook when clean page removal is more important to us than maximizing sheet count or watercolor range.
“Pick this sketchbook when clean page removal is more important to us than maximizing sheet count or watercolor range.”
Prang Mixed Media Journal
Prang is the simplest and most portable-feeling format here: its 8.5 × 11-inch pages are closer to a standard notebook size than the two 9 × 12-inch sketchbooks. That small reduction may matter when we carry a journal between home, class, or a studio. A heavy chipboard backing also provides support for drawing when there is no firm table available, giving it a distinct practical role compared with MOFUNY’s larger, hard-covered sketchbook and the removable-page 30-sheet option.The limitation is that the product details are less specific about its surface. Prang lists acid-free paper suitable for sketching, drawing, and painting, but does not provide a paper weight, sheet count, texture, or detailed media guidance. That makes it harder to judge how it compares for ink bleed-through or wet techniques. We would select it for straightforward journaling and general drawing when a backing board and familiar size are more important than technical paper information. For planned mixed-media layering, MOFUNY is the safer information-led choice; for tear-out artwork, the 30-sheet sketchbook is more explicit. Prang’s recyclable paper is a useful stated attribute, but it does not replace missing performance details.
Pros:
- 8.5 × 11-inch format is more compact than the two 9 × 12-inch options.
- Heavy chipboard backing can support drawing away from a desk.
- Acid-free paper is listed for sketching, drawing, and painting.
- Paper is described as recyclable.
Cons:
- Paper weight and sheet count are not specified in the supplied details.
- Media compatibility is less detailed than for either 9 × 12-inch sketchbook.
- No page-removal feature is listed.
Best for: Artists who want a notebook-sized journal with a supportive chipboard backing for sketching, drawing, and general painting.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a stated paper weight, a detailed list of compatible media, a known page count, or specific guidance for watercolor and other wet techniques.
Bottom line: Choose Prang for a more portable journal and built-in drawing support, not for the most thoroughly specified mixed media paper.
“Choose Prang for a more portable journal and built-in drawing support, not for the most thoroughly specified mixed media paper.”
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Before You Start
Choose a small project format, such as a 6-by-8-inch paper study or a postcard-sized collage. Mixed-media materials do not all behave alike: water can buckle thin paper, wet paint can loosen some adhesives, and waxy or oily marks can resist later layers. Testing the exact materials and order on scrap paper helps prevent damage to the finished work. Keep water-based materials separate from solvents, and do not combine products unless their labels allow it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Define the project and its layers
Write down what you plan to make and choose two or three material types for the first attempt. For example, plan a paper collage with acrylic paint and colored-pencil details. Assign each material a job: the surface supports the work, paint creates color fields, paper adds texture, and a drawing tool adds lines or small details. Keep the first project simple so you can tell which supplies are working well.
Tip:A short list prevents impulse purchases and makes it easier to choose materials that contribute something distinct.
Check: You have a project idea, a small set of layers, and a clear purpose for each material.
Step 2: Choose a surface that can handle the materials
Select a surface based on how wet your process will be. For a project using glue, light paint, and drawing tools, use paper labeled for mixed media or paper weighing about 140 lb (300 gsm). For heavier washes or repeated wet layers, use sturdier watercolor paper or a rigid primed panel. Check that the surface is suitable for the paint and adhesive you plan to use.
Tip:Thin printer paper can wrinkle or tear when wet. A rigid panel reduces buckling, while heavier paper is easier to cut and handle.
Check: The surface lies flat and its label or product description supports the wettest material in your plan.
Step 3: Gather a compact, useful supply set
Collect one main paint, one adhesive, one or two papers for collage, and one or two drawing tools. Add a pencil, eraser, brush, water container, scissors, and a rag. Acrylic paint is a practical choice when you want an opaque layer that dries water-resistant; watercolor or gouache may suit a more fluid, reworkable look. Use matte medium or a compatible glue stick for collage, following the label directions.
Tip:Choose a few colors that can mix together rather than buying a large paint set. Add specialized products only after a test shows a specific need.
Check: Every item has a planned use, and you have the basic tools to apply, attach, and clean up the materials.
Step 4: Prepare a test sheet and work area
Protect the table and mark a scrap sheet into small sections. Label each section with the material or layer order you will test. Set out clean water for water-based paint, a palette, paper towels, and a place for pieces to dry. Keep lids closed when supplies are not in use, and place tools within reach before starting.
Tip:Use a test surface similar to the final surface. A test on thin paper may not predict how a heavy panel behaves.
Check: The area is protected, the test sheet is labeled, and you can work without searching for tools mid-layer.
Step 5: Test materials and their order
Make small samples of the combinations you plan to use. Try paint on the bare surface, glue one paper scrap onto a painted area, and add your drawing tool after the paint dries. Test any drawing marks that you intend to paint over, too. Let each layer dry according to its label before adding the next; touch an inconspicuous edge lightly to check whether it feels dry rather than tacky.
Tip:Do not assume that a surface that feels dry is ready for every layer. Thick paint and medium can need more drying time than a thin coat.
Check: The test shows whether paper sticks, paint stays on the surface, and later marks remain visible or blend as intended.
Step 6: Adjust the kit based on the test
Review the samples and remove or replace any material that causes a problem. If the paper buckles, use a heavier surface or less water. If a drawing tool will not mark over a glossy or oily layer, place the marks earlier or choose a compatible tool. If the collage lifts, use an adhesive suited to the paper and surface, apply it evenly, and press the piece flat while it dries.
Tip:Change one factor at a time. That makes it easier to identify the cause of a failure.
Check: You have a workable layer order and a supply list that suits the project rather than a collection of untested products.
Step 7: Organize supplies for the finished artwork
Arrange materials in the order you will use them: surface and pencil, background paint, collage pieces and adhesive, then final drawing tools. Keep a clean area for unused paper and a separate spot for wet work. Note the layer order and approximate drying intervals beside your test sheet so you can follow the same process on the finished piece.
Tip:Leave enough room for the artwork to dry flat without touching other sheets or objects.
Check: Your supplies are easy to reach, the surface has a safe drying place, and the tested sequence is written down.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying many paint, paper, and texture products before choosing a project. — Select the project first, then buy a small set with a specific role for each item. Expand the kit only when a test reveals a need.
- Using thin paper for repeated wet layers. — Choose heavier mixed-media or watercolor paper, or use a rigid panel. Test the amount of water and paint on scrap material.
- Adding a new layer before the previous one has dried. — Follow the product label and check that the layer is no longer tacky. Give thick applications extra drying time.
- Assuming every glue, paint, and drawing tool will work together. — Test the exact products and layer order on a matching scrap surface before using them on the artwork.
Troubleshooting
Problem: The paper curls or buckles after painting.
Solution: Use heavier paper or a rigid panel, apply less water, and use thinner paint layers. Let the sheet dry flat before adding more material.
Problem: A collage piece lifts at the edges.
Solution: Check that the adhesive suits both surfaces, spread it evenly to the edges, and press the paper flat while it dries. Avoid flooding lightweight paper with glue.
Problem: Pencil, pastel, or crayon will not mark over a paint layer.
Solution: Let the paint dry fully and test another drawing tool. If the surface is slick or waxy, put the drawing marks below that layer or choose a compatible surface.
Problem: The paint layer smears when another material is added.
Solution: Allow more drying time and check the paint label. Test the next material on scrap; some water-based paints can reactivate when rewetted.
What Success Looks Like
Your starter kit is ready when you can name the purpose of each supply, the surface suits the wettest layer, and a test sheet confirms that the planned materials adhere and appear as expected in your chosen order. The artwork area should be protected, wet layers should have room to dry, and you should know what to change if a test sample buckles, lifts, or smears.
Next Steps
Begin the finished piece using the tested order, working in thin layers and allowing each one to dry as needed. Clean brushes and tools according to their product instructions, close containers, and store paper flat in a dry place. Keep the test sheet with the artwork notes; use it to repeat successful combinations or adjust the kit for the next project. Get product-specific advice from the manufacturer if a material reacts unexpectedly or its label does not describe compatible surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum supplies for a first mixed-media project?
Start with a sturdy surface, one paint, a few collage scraps, a compatible adhesive, one drawing tool, a brush, scissors, and basic cleanup materials. Add products only when the project calls for them.
Can I use ordinary paper for mixed media?
You can use ordinary paper for dry materials or a very light application, but it may wrinkle, tear, or soften under wet paint and glue. Test it first; use heavier mixed-media paper or a rigid surface for repeated wet layers.
Should I use acrylic paint or watercolor?
Choose acrylic when you want opaque coverage that generally becomes water-resistant after drying. Choose watercolor for transparent washes and a fluid look. Check the label and test the paint with your adhesive and drawing tools.
Do mixed-media supplies need to be from one brand?
No. Products from different brands can work together, but compatibility depends on their ingredients and the surface. Test the exact combination and follow each product’s directions rather than relying on brand matching.
How long should I wait between layers?
Use the drying guidance on the product label; drying time varies with layer thickness, room conditions, and surface. Wait longer if the layer still feels tacky, and confirm the timing on your test sheet before working on the finished piece.
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