Five Star Gift Ideas

For your daughter who enjoys charcoal sketching, I have a few gift ideas that will surely make her Christmas special and inspire her artistic journey even further.

1. High-Quality Charcoal Set: Every artist needs a good set of charcoal pencils, sticks, and vine charcoal. Look for a set that offers a variety of shades and textures, allowing her to experiment and create different effects in her sketches. It's best to choose artist-grade materials to ensure the highest quality and pigmentation.

2. Sketchbook or Drawing Pad: A sketchbook or a drawing pad specifically designed for charcoal sketching would be a practical and thoughtful gift. Look for one with heavyweight, textured paper to handle the depth and smoothness of charcoal strokes. The size of the sketchbook will depend on your daughter's preference, but one that is portable and easy to carry around can be a great option.

3. Charcoal Blending Tools: Blending tools such as paper stumps, tortillons, or blending brushes can help your daughter achieve different textures and tones in her sketches. These tools are essential for creating smooth gradations and softening the lines of her charcoal drawings. Including a few different blending tools in her gift will give her the opportunity to explore different techniques.

4. Easel or Drawing Board: If your daughter doesn't have a dedicated space for sketching, consider gifting her a portable easel or a drawing board. These tools will provide her with a comfortable and adjustable surface to work on and allow her to experiment with various positions and angles while sketching.

5. Charcoal Fixative: A can of charcoal fixative is a practical gift that will help protect and preserve your daughter's charcoal drawings. Fixative is used to seal the charcoal, preventing smudging and preserving the delicate details of her artwork. Opt for a fixative specifically designed for charcoal to ensure it won't affect the appearance of her sketches.

6. Charcoal Sketching Guidebooks: If your daughter wants to improve her charcoal sketching skills or explore different techniques, consider gifting her some instructional books or tutorial DVDs. These resources can provide valuable insights, tips, and inspiration from experienced artists, helping her expand her artistic abilities.

Additionally, you can consider organizing a visit to a local art museum or exhibition focusing on charcoal artwork. It will not only expose your daughter to different styles and techniques but also serve as a source of inspiration for her own creations.

Remember, the most meaningful gift is the one that aligns with your daughter's passion and expresses your support for her artistic journey. With these gift ideas, you can show your daughter that you recognize her love for charcoal sketching and encourage her to continue to explore and grow as an artist.

Or you can get her a star map with an important date you share.

Elaine Bornemeier says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“These are fabulous. They are gifts, so excited for my daughters to receive them for Christmas! Thank you!”