By Lucy Corkhill
10th October 2012
Every year more people across the world join Big Draw events and engage in creative activities. There are loads of fun activities going on up and down the country, with one common aim: to get everyone drawing! Check out the website for an event near you.
SIX OF OUR FAVOURITE ETHICAL ART SUPPLIERS
Myriad Natural Toys
Visit the Myriad Natural Toys website for a beautiful vibrant selection of art equipment, from beeswax crayons and modelling supplies to painting equipment. See also the range of crafting kits, including organic wool felting kits and more.
Oxfam
With reams of recycled stationary, from notepads made from old greetings cards to paper made from elephant dung, there’s something for every eco-conscious scribbler and sketcher here. Their range is constantly being updated by new designers so pop into your local Oxfam or check out their website.
Remarkable
From a pencil case that used to be a car tyre, to a biodegradable pen that used to be corn on the cob, this innovative company just makes recycling fresh and fun. From their red brick UK factory, they use UK waste to create good quality everyday products, breathing new life into old rubbish. Though their main focus is on office stationary, there are some great pencils, pens and notepads for budding little artists. Now stocked in Oxfam, Waitrose and Paperchase.
Artemis
These beautiful Artemis assorted plant coloured pencils come in a box of 10 and have leads coloured by natural plant extracts. The ten colours are medium soft and agreeably mellow. They inspire the imagination and can be used for drawing and sketching. The pencils are unlacquered and supplied in a beautiful and handy wooden storage box, designed by Artemis.
The Little Green Paint Box
Based in London, The Little Green Paint Box is a family run company dedicated to sourcing organic, fair-trade and green art and craft materials, so they can be easily accessed in one place by parents, carers and artists. As a mother of six and school teacher, owner Laura has carefully selected each product based on its environmental impact; taking into consideration source material, the manufacturing process, sustainability and disposal. Her focus is to provide quality, creative products which are safe and practical and can be enjoyed and reused with the knowledge we are doing our best for our children and their planet – ‘creativity with a conscience’. Check out their homemade crayons made from soy and bees wax in 8 fantastic colours derived from natural mineral powders, which come in a cute organic drawstring bag. They also feature art projects and activities on the website.
Stockmar
Stockmar crayons and modelling waxes are created from beeswax and natural colour-fast pigments. The crayons can be used on all types of paper as well as parchment, rafia and cloth. Stockmar watercolours are ideal for transparent painting and for wet on wet painting. The colours can be mixed to obtain the required shades. Stockmar Paints are made from gum arabic and fine, natural colour pigments. Stockmar art materials are widely used in Steiner Waldorf Schools because of their natural ingredients and high quality.
