Written by If you are like me, this scene is all too familiar.
I’ve got a trip planned and I want to take all of this but … uh … how to organize it?
Enter the ArtBin Sidekick Art and Craft Supply Storage with Paint Palette Tray
Specs
- 11.2 x 7.9 x 5.6 inches
- 1.36 pounds
- Easy carry handle
- side-opening, lockable lid
- two removable dividers
- Paint tray
I’ve started traveling more these days. In the past, I’ve mostly used paint that has been dried in the palette, but recently, I’ve been playing with techniques that require paint fresh from the tube. I wanted something that could hold enough paint tubes and supplies for at least two weeks. The sidekick is a perfect size for that.
It will hold everything you see around it, and even more.
ArtBin Sidekick Look and Feel
The Sidekick is made of sturdy, translucent plastic, that will hold up to the rigors of travel. The lid is hinged on the side and opens completely, allowing easy access to the contents.
The latch is easy to open on purpose, but won’t easily be opened by accident.
The handle is inset well into the lid, curving under the plastic, so it won’t come loose. The surface of the handle is well-rounded and smooth so it won’t cut into the hand while you’re carrying the box. It might be a little tight for a large hand, but I think it will be a comfortable fit for most.
There are two dividers, that slide into slots. They are not adjustable but can be removed …
… so, you can have all the space available, or two sections instead of four. I like the options. If I want to take this for a day trip, I could even fit a lunch into one of the two sections, as well as carrying enough art supplies.
A paint palette is included that sits nicely on top of the dividers. There is enough space between the palette and the inside of the lid so your wet paints won’t get all over.
You could fit postcards or small pads into the two sections, or a small amount of paper on top of the paint palette. That’s probably the weakest point of this as a travel kit – there isn’t too much room for paper. I find that to be true of most travel setups, though.
There. That looks much better doesn’t it?
For my go-to setup, I’m using the sections to keep some of my half-pan mini-palettes, all my gouache separated by type, a couple of travel paint brushes, two collapsible water rinse cups, a small water bottle, and a few pens. What would you store in it?
Of course, I have many more paint tubes than I’ve shown here so I had to have another storage container just for those.
The ArtBin Super Satchel Double Deep has more sections, is much larger and can hold all of my paint tubes with room to spare. If the Sidekick isn’t what you are looking for in storage, you should check out the many options available from ArtBin.
Where can you buy this stuff?
- ArtBin Sidekick Art and Craft Supply Storage with Paint Palette Tray
- ArtBin Super Satchel Double Deep, Clear & Aqua, 1 Pack
- Half Pan Set of 15 Ultimate Mixing Set (review)
- QoR Mini half-pan set (review)
- Kuretake Fude, Water Brush Pen & Water Bottle Set
- Art Advantage Collapsible Travel Brush Washer
Disclaimer:
I bought this ArtBin Sidekick Art and Craft Supply Storage with Paint Palette Tray, liked it, and reviewed it because I thought you might be interested. I received no considerations, though this post may contain affiliate links which help support Doodlewash. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks for the great review! Ive had this on my radar for a while, but wondered about brush/paper storage. Maybe we can pitch a watercolorist box, eh?
Thank you, Bekki! Wouldn’t a watercolorist box be great?
Great review Sandra. I think we all struggle with storage both when we travel and at home.
Thank you, Karen! Storage is one of the universal woes!
Thanks for the review Sandra!!! Wow they really thought about the needs of a painter with this box!! 🙂
Many thanks, Lisa. It’s the best of the size that I’ve seen.
That is a pretty handy little box! Now only to travel somewhere. Thanks for the great review Sandra!
Many thanks, Lori!
Wonderful review, Sandra!. Looks like a good solution for carrying supplies.
Thank you, Mary!
I don’t know… Art bin is rather expensive.
I have a rather small shopping bag with minimal supplies. At one side it says ‘smile every day’, at the other side ‘enjoy your day’, all in big smiley. My Smiley bag. And… no, I don’t smile every day. Sometimes i use it in a very ironic way. But in the long run, when I’m settled with paper and paint… and like minded people, I can’t resist smiling.
I have been looking into sturdy carriers, but for some reason I’m not convinced yet.
Personal preference is always the greatest guide. There are times when I only want a few supplies, though I’d use something besides a shopping bag. But I like having the option to take a full kit when I’ve got projects that need to get done, or anticipate sharing my stuff with friends and family.
Thanks for your review and I am a big fan of these products, I use them for store my supplies. They are very good and durable…
Thank you, Walter. I’ve bought several Artbin products over the years and have been happy with all of them.
Looks a lot more organized than my system
What is the pallet made out of?
The pallete is made of plastic.
Thanks! That helps😊