When it comes to the latest art products, my boss Linda Wehrli, and I turn to our favorite artists, such as oil painter and charcoal artist Casey Baugh to see what they use.

Linda had acquainted me with Casey Baugh after she attended his show at the Noh/Wave Academy Gallery several years ago.

I wanted to improve my charcoal drawing skills, so I took the plunge and attended one of Baugh’s Charcoal Drawing Workshops in 2016 in Downtown Los Angeles. The experience was memorable to say the least!

Before the workshop, we were given a supply list. I was baffled to find a “charcoal sachet” from Edge Pro Gear on the list. What the heck was this? I was already familiar with the kneaded eraser, tortillons, and the vine and willow charcoal sticks which we sell to Pastimes’ students for the Graphite 101 & 102 Course and Charcoal 101 Course.

So, what exactly is this magical charcoal drawing tool?

When I think of a sachet, a small perfumed bag used to scent clothes comes to mind.  The charcoal sachet is similar in concept, but very different in craftsmanship and application.

Edge Pro Gear Charcoal Sachets are handmade from a unique fabric that has been in development for over 10 years. According to their website, this fabric allows just the right amount of powder to be released and blended to create soft textural effects. The custom outer material is woven from a blend of threads for the highest level of use. Both the inner weight and outer dimensions are precisely controlled by Edge Pro Gear’s craftsmen to be up to the standards of professional artists.

Did I mention it looks cool? Each Sachet is embroidered with the Edge logo and comes with a custom leather pouch for protection and storage.

I started to use the charcoal sachet after Casey Baugh’s workshop, and I don’t regret it. The sachet creates a soft, smooth appearance, which is great for portraits and dogs (no lines!).

Pro Tip: To start, firmly tap repeatedly on the paper with the round side of the sachet to create a nice base coat. You can also begin to smooth and blend by gliding the round end along the paper. Once there is a nice base coat, you can then use your kneaded eraser and tortillons to start drawing by removing the loose charcoal from the paper. I use charcoal pencils and willow sticks to add in the darks as well.  (For more expressive, line charcoal work, I do not use the sachet.) Here are some shots of the artwork I have created using the sachet.

Want to see the sachet in action? Check out Casey Baugh utilizing this handmade tool, below!

If you have any questions about the sachet, please feel free to email the manufacturer, Edge Pro Gear. Ready to purchase the sachet or other professional painting tools? Visit the Edge Pro Gear website!

Want to learn how to draw with charcoal? Enroll in Pastimes’ Online Charcoal Drawing Classes! Email Jessica@pastimesinc.com to set up a free online consultation.
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