If you find yourself lucky enough to be
art shopping in Europe and the UK..
and pinching yourself that you really abroad..
then you will want to make a list of these
stores..
because really...
do you ever have enough supplies?
So here are my favorites from my last trip..
FRANCE
Paris
This is a tiny store, with an old fashioned look..
and I expected Monet to walk in at any moment..
They are paint manufacturers and still sell the same smocks
that I am sure Monet wore and I know you will find them charming
You can purchase their paints in a variety of ways.. sets and single tubes..
I purchased a small travel tin
that I had been lusting after
for several years..
They make several paint colors that
are exclusive to Charvin
which are gorgeous..
you can step back in time
here and soak up the past..
ITALY
Florence
Like Charvin, Zecchi arts has been a continuous business for many years..
they are art supply sellers and manufacture the most amazing
watercolor paints made with honey..
they have everything you can imagine..
and to be clear, there are so many choices,
my advice is to leave yourself plenty of time to browse
and allow the kind sales people to assist you in your choices..
They have been restoring art forever and the beautiful fresco on the wall
in the office is the indication of their authenticity and integrity...
Pens, paints, and inks from floor to ceiling..
and pigments to mix your own paints
which are eye popping..
and more brushes than I have ever seen in one store...
You will not be disappointed but you could be overwhelmed..
ITALY
Florence
Alas I only have shots of this store and the next one from the outside,
so you will have to take my word on the uniqueness and outstanding quality of the shops.
Parione is right next to Zecchi and they are on an enchanting little alleyway filled with fabulous shops.
It is a beautiful paper store with polished wood work and
Filled floor to ceiling as well with paper, writing nibs, leather bound books in all sizes
and papers,
for writing and book making.
I was intrigued by the ships and stages and there were so many paper novelties.
ITALY
Oltrarno
This is a 6th generation book makers shop with a large book making studio at the back of the shop. It is located just across the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. They have an assortment of small paper goods and books and some lovely antique bits.
They have beautiful calendars nibs, papers and writing implements.
Stuffed with lots of cards and writing papers handmade books it is a gem and that sweet butterfly calendar below just had to come home with me and you can see it in my videos above one of my work desks in my studio...
No two paper stores are the same in Italy so you will want to see them all methinks!!
UNITED KINGDOM
London
I was delighted to find Khadi paper at this book binding and supply store. What a treasure this store is and you will want to buy arm loads of papers here. They have everything imaginable and all kinds of book binding supplies.
Papers of all kinds, marbled, wrapping, handmade, rice and printed papers, as well as black wing pencils and pens and all kinds of stationery. I was simply wowed and have to admit I went back twice because I simply had to have some fun papers. They also sell scrap packs which are just perfect for collagists.
If you get to London, make sure you stop by and bring a large shopping bag, you will need it!!
Well dear readers,
I thought I would take a minute to
tell you that I am still going to continue to blog..
but with less frequency.
I have been weekly blogging regularly for years
and I know you have come to expect a Tuesday post..
however
I can no longer keep up with that schedule.
so I will be blogging each week that I do not have a video..
I know you will understand and support my decision.
I will be here next Tuesday however,
because we are taking a holiday at the end of the month to be with family
so the next YouTube video
will be
March 1
and we will continue mono printing!
Ciao, Ciao!
