Cool Studio Tool for Reference Photos

'Nantucket Breeze'        8x10     pastel       ©Karen Margulis

Cleaning the studio was a good thing. I uncovered all kinds of buried treasures!  Like this cool little clip from Holbein.  Have a look at the photos below to see the clip in action.  I bought them at the last IAPS pastel convention but they somehow got buried in a basket of miscellaneous supplies. They are called 'The Grip Clip' made by Holbein.

The Holbein Grip Clip in Action

This clip is perfect for attaching your reference photos to your support board or easel. It is made of an alligator type clip on one end and a patented head which allows you to slip your paper/photo in and out without ruining the paper.  The best part of this clip is the flexible, bendable connecting piece that allows you to position your paper or photo exactly where you need it. I bought two of the short 4inch clips but they also had some longer ones.

Close up of the Holbein Grip Clip

I usually just use a bulldog clip or piece of tape to attach my photo to my board but I really enjoy the flexibility of this little clip. And it doesn't destroy your photo!  Now I'm sure you are asking where you can get a Grip Clip.  I just did a google search and couldn't find them for sale.  I didn't find them on the Holbein website but I am sending them an email to find out what happened to their clips!
If anyone knows where you can get these clips please share with us!

How do you attach your reference photos to your easel or board? I'd love to hear some of your ideas!

I just had a note from a reader who says you can get a similar clip at www.accurasee.com