When I started my 100 Day Watercolor Project, I had no idea just how much I would learn—not just about watercolor itself, but about the little tools and supplies that quietly make a big difference. Some of these became my daily go-tos, while others were the “finishing touches” that helped each painting feel complete. All of them, though, made the challenge easier, more enjoyable, and ultimately successful.

Here’s a look at the supplies that carried me through this project—plus a few lessons I learned along the way.

The Watercolor Basics

• Grabie Watercolor Paint Set
  This set became my lifeline. It’s compact, portable, and surprisingly vibrant for the price. I loved knowing that if I wanted to paint while traveling or even just sitting outside, I could easily bring it with me. Having that flexibility kept me from making excuses.

• Princeton Paint Brush Set
  A solid beginner brush set that you can grab at most art stores or even Amazon. They held up well throughout the project and gave me enough range to experiment without feeling overwhelmed.

• Meeden Portable Brush Washer (Stainless Steel)
  Honestly, one of my best long-term investments. I’ve had this washer for years, and I use it both at home and on the go. It’s sturdy, keeps water contained, and made it so much easier to clean brushes quickly during painting sessions.

Paper Choices (and a Little Hack)

• Strathmore Watercolor Pad (9"x12")
  Instead of buying dozens of small sheets, I cut this pad down into 2.5 x 3.5 inch cards. Not only was this more affordable, but it gave me plenty of surfaces to practice on without worrying about “wasting paper.”

• Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Artist Trading Cards (Smooth Surface, Precut)
  For the last 20 cards, I accidentally ordered these instead of the watercolor version. Since they weren’t designed for wet media, the watercolor behaved completely differently and didn’t absorb the same way. It felt like I had to relearn watercolor after 80 cards! While it was a challenge, it also pushed me to experiment with technique and adapt on the fly.
  

• Strathmore Watercolor Artist Trading Cards (Cold Press, Precut)
  If you’re planning on trying watercolor ATCs yourself, these are the ones to go for. They save time, give you a consistent size and texture, and make the whole process feel more polished.
  

💡 Tip: I taped down my cards as I worked. This gave each piece a crisp white border and helped me control the paint better on such a small surface. It’s a small detail, but it really made the final cards pop.

Stickers, Labels & Phrases

One of my favorite parts of the project was adding words to the finished cards—it gave each piece a voice.

• Small Talk Stickers by Tim Holtz Idea-ology
  These little phrase stickers were perfect for capturing a mood or thought. I loved flipping through to find just the right words.

• Brother P-Touch Label Maker (PTH110BP)
  When the sticker book didn’t have what I wanted, this label maker came to the rescue. It let me create custom phrases that felt more personal and sometimes even playful.

Extra Tools That Added a Professional Touch

• Cretacolor Aqua Monolith Watercolor Pencils (36 count)
  I didn’t use these all the time, but they came in handy for small details and shadows that I couldn’t quite get with a brush.

• Micron Pens
  At the end of each card, I signed and numbered them (“Mata #___”). It might seem like a tiny step, but it made each piece feel like part of a collectible series.

• White Acrylic Paint Markers
  These were a lifesaver when I wanted to add highlights, stars, or fine details that watercolors alone couldn’t achieve.

Finishing & Protecting the Cards

• Mod Podge (Matte Finish)
  I used this as a sealer to lock down the stickers and give the cards a protective finish. It worked well, but if I were to do it again, I’d probably switch to the spray version for a smoother coat (and less risk of smudging).

• Trading Card Binder & Sleeves (Future Upgrade)
  Throughout the challenge, I kept the cards stored in a trading card binder I found on Amazon. It kept everything organized and safe as I went along. When the time comes to sell them, though, I plan to upgrade to individual trading card sleeves for a cleaner, more professional presentation. It’s a small step that really makes them feel like true keepsakes.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I learned from 100 days of watercolor, it’s that you don’t need fancy or expensive supplies to make meaningful art—you just need reliable tools and a process that feels enjoyable. Every brush stroke, sticker, and label became part of a rhythm that carried me through the challenge.

If you want a quick visual of the supplies I started with, check out the Instagram reel I made at the beginning of this project. And if you’re curious about my full experience, including the lessons, challenges, and growth, be sure to read my follow-up blog, “My 100 Day Watercolor Project.”

If you’re starting your own 100-day project (or even just dipping your toes into watercolor), I hope this list gives you a starting point. These were the tools that helped me show up day after day, and maybe they’ll make your creative journey a little smoother too.