Have Art, Will Travel

I've been drawing more lately, mostly just with pencil and sketchbook, but as time allows, I'd like to have more materials to choose from. Since my drawing often happens when I'm on the porch, in the car, or on vacation, I decided that I need a travel art kit.

I know there are a lot of kits commercially available, but I figured I could come up with something on my own that would be more suited to my needs. My rules:

1. Non-toxic materials. I know the kids will get into it at some point [already have], so this saves me from freaking out about it.
2. Self-contained. I don't want to carry a bunch of extra stuff.
3. Nothing liquid or dusty. I don't want everything ruined if one thing spills or breaks.
4. Use mostly materials I already have.

So, here's what I came up with:

It's a vintage case I bought on ebay awhile back, with plans to use it for another project. I like that it's thick enough to hold some supplies and wide enough to store flat paper inside.

Drawing board velcroed to the back. Supply containers rubber banded shut and held in with velcro. The supplies are watercolor pans, Derwent drawing pencils (I splurged on these!), watercolor crayons, and a bag for miscellaneous pencils, sharpeners, erasers, brushes, etc.

Cardboard portfolio (cut from a paper box) secured to the back of the case with carpet tape. Velcro closure. And of course, a seat cushion, though I'm already thinking I might get one of those chairs that folds up like an umbrella.

I also have a peanut butter jar (with tight lid) for water, and that is the one item that has to be carried separately (per rule #3).

And now I'm ready to hit the road! I've used the kit a bit already. It's great for working on the porch or from the back of my car, but I think I will add a small bag for when I just want to pull out a few supplies (walking in the woods or down to the beach).

Coming soon, my review of the Derwent drawing pencils...