From the Toysit archive
Easel Pad Newsprint Paper
Explore Alex My Easel Pad as a starting place for sketches and picture stories, then follow one character through four drawings of an imagined adventure.
The play at a glance
A fresh sheet for the next part of the story
Drawing tools and bright geometric shapes surround the words “My Easel Pad” on the original Alex cover. It presents paper as the beginning of a project: a place for a large shape, a quick sketch or the first scene of a story.
The original Toysit account describes a pair of newsprint pads intended for easel use. A stack of sheets also offers a simple storytelling possibility. One picture can show a character arriving somewhere, and the next can reveal what they find there.
Choose the shape of the scene
A wide page can hold a long path, a row of houses or a boat traveling across a lake. A tall page can emphasize a tree, a tower or a ladder reaching toward a window. Turn a sheet both ways before deciding where the main subject will go.
Try a small sketch first. Place the character near one edge and leave space in the direction they are looking. That open area gives the next part of the picture somewhere to happen.
Carry one detail from page to page
Give an invented character a recognizable feature, such as a striped scarf or a round red bag. Repeat it in every drawing. The surroundings can change while the reader follows the same traveler.
Imagine the traveler reaching a gate, finding a mysterious parcel, opening it to discover a paper kite and carrying the kite home. Each picture adds one event. A few words beneath the drawing can supply a sound, a question or the character’s next idea.
Draw a four-picture adventure
- Choose a character and one detail to repeat.
- Draw their arrival at a place you invent.
- Make a second picture showing a discovery.
- Use the third and fourth pictures for a surprise and a homecoming.
- Arrange the sheets in order, add titles and tell the story aloud.
This original Toysit activity works on four sheets or four panels of one page. Choose drawing materials suited to the paper you have.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original product account and commentary are preserved below as historical coverage.
My Easel Pad by Alex
Two extra large easel pads at a great price! Each pad contains 50 sheets of heavy weight newsprint paper. Measures 17 inches x 20 inches to fit most easels.
The Appeal of Newsprint Paper Pads for Young Artists
Textured Experience: Newsprint paper pads offer a distinct texture that young artists find appealing. The slightly coarse surface provides a tactile experience that adds character to their artwork and encourages exploration of different artistic techniques.
Freedom to Experiment: Newsprint paper pads are often more affordable compared to other types of art paper, which gives young artists the freedom to experiment without the fear of "wasting" expensive materials. This affordability encourages them to take risks and explore various styles and mediums.
Loose and Casual Feel: The lightweight and slightly transparent nature of newsprint paper lends a casual and free-spirited vibe to artwork. This relaxed atmosphere allows young artists to express themselves without the pressure of achieving perfection, fostering creativity and self-expression.
Encouragement of Sketching: Newsprint paper pads are commonly used for sketching and initial drafts. The easy availability of newsprint paper encourages young artists to sketch ideas, make rough outlines, and develop their artistic concepts before moving on to more finished pieces.
Exploration of Charcoal and Pencil: Newsprint paper is particularly well-suited for charcoal and pencil work due to its texture and absorbency. Young artists enjoy the responsiveness of the paper to these mediums, as it allows for expressive shading, blending, and fine details.
Disposable Nature: The disposable nature of newsprint paper pads gives young artists a sense of freedom to create without attachment. Finished pieces can be easily discarded if desired, enabling them to focus on the process of creation rather than the final result.
Generous Supply: Newsprint paper pads often come with a substantial number of sheets, providing young artists with ample space to practice and explore. This abundance encourages consistent artistic engagement and improvement over time.
Preparation for Professional Art: Many professional artists begin their artistic journey with newsprint paper, which is often used in art schools and studios. Young artists who use newsprint paper pads are introduced to a material commonly used in formal art education.
Informal and Playful: Newsprint paper pads have an informal and playful quality that aligns well with the spontaneity and curiosity of young artists. This type of paper encourages a more relaxed and enjoyable artistic experience.
Nurturing a Passion: By providing an accessible and inviting medium for artistic expression, newsprint paper pads can help nurture a lifelong passion for art in young individuals, encouraging them to explore their creativity and develop their skills.
Overall, newsprint paper pads offer a range of benefits that resonate with the artistic inclinations and developmental needs of young artists. They provide a platform for experimentation, self-expression, and artistic growth, making them a beloved choice for many budding creatives.
Sources and editorial notes
The original Alex cover and Toysit account support this profile. The two-pad bundle, 50 sheets per pad and 17-by-20-inch dimensions remain attributed to that account. Matching independent specifications were not recovered; paper weight, wet-media suitability and archival properties were not tested. The four-picture story is an original editorial activity using ordinary drawing paper.
- Original Toysit image — Existing same-site photograph reviewed and retained unchanged.
- Original Toysit coverage — Complete original product account and historical commentary preserved.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
Created for Toysit by Tabbloza — the artwork in our header.