Art and Craft Buying Guide

Art and craft supplies can be overwhelming to choose from, especially for beginners. If you’re browsing through a store or searching online, the options can be endless. However, it’s important to invest in quality supplies that cater to your specific needs. In this art and craft buying guide, we’ll cover the essential materials, tools and accessories you’ll need to get started.

Drawing and Painting

Drawing and painting materials are amongst the most fundamental tools for artists. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or professional, you should have a set of supplies that caters to your specific style and skill level.

Paper

The type of paper you choose can make all the difference. It’s best to get a variety of papers, including sketch paper, drawing paper, watercolour paper and mixed-media paper. The weight of the paper should also be considered as heavier papers are better for watercolours and oils, while sketch papers are lighter and ideal for dry mediums like graphite and charcoal.

Drawing and Painting Mediums

• Graphite Pencils: These are perfect for beginners and come in various grades, ranging between soft and hard. A set of pencils with differing grades will allow you to create different tones.
• Coloured Pencils: These are ideal for adding colour to your drawings and can create vibrant shades that are long-lasting.
• Paints: Watercolours, acrylic paints, and oil paints are the most commonly used paints. Watercolours are great for blending and creating soft washes, while acrylic paints dry quickly and can be used on different surfaces. Oil paints allow for layering and blending and are ideal for creating texture.
• Markers: Markers are great for creating bold and defined shapes and colours. They are ideal for graphic work and come in different types, including alcohol-based markers and water-based markers.

Brushes

There are a variety of brushes to choose from depending on the medium you’re using. For watercolours, you’ll need a range of round brushes in different thicknesses, while for acrylic or oil paints, you’ll require stiffer brushes that retain their shape.

Sewing and Textiles

Sewing and textiles require different types of tools and materials to create a range of projects from clothing and accessories to home décor items.

Fabric

The most important aspect of sewing projects is the fabric used. It’s essential to consider the type of fabric you are using as it affects the final outcome of the project. Cotton, linen and silk are great for making clothing items while heavier fabrics like denim and wool are ideal for making bags or upholstery.

Sewing Machine

If you’re serious about sewing, you’ll need a reliable sewing machine. Look for one that has a range of stitches and features, like an automatic needle threader, foot pedal and adjustable stitch length.

Thread, Needles and Pins

Polyester thread is the most commonly used type of thread for sewing. You’ll also require a variety of needles in different sizes to cater to different fabric types. Straight pins are used to hold the fabric together while sewing and should be sharp enough to glide through the fabric easily.

Cutting and Measuring Tools

• Scissors: A pair of sharp fabric scissors is essential for cutting fabric accurately. Pinking shears are ideal for fabrics that fray, while small embroidery scissors are perfect for snipping thread.
• Cutting Mat: A self-healing cutting mat protects the surface you’re working on and allows for accurate cutting measurements.
• Rulers and Measuring Tape: A ruler or measuring tape is used to measure fabric and ensure accuracy when cutting or folding.

Jewellery-Making

Jewellery-making requires patience, precision and attention to detail. The right tools and materials can elevate your jewellery design to a professional level.

Beads and Stringing Materials

Beads come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. They can be made of different materials including glass, crystal, metal, wood and plastic. Stringing materials should be strong enough to hold the weight of the beads and come in a variety of materials like elastic cord, nylon thread, silk cord and leather.

Jewellery-Making Tools

• Round Nose Pliers: Used for creating rounded loops and curves in wire.
• Chain Nose Pliers: Used for bending wire, opening and closing jump rings and creating angles in wire.
• Wire Cutters: Used for cutting wire accurately and with precision.
• Crimping Pliers: Used for creating a crimp bead to hold a clasp in place.

Pottery and Ceramics

Pottery and ceramics are a great way to get creative and create customised ceramics that can be used to decorate your home or as gifts for loved ones.

Clay

There are various types of clay, including air-dry clay, polymer clay and firing clay. Air-dry clay hardens over time without the need for a kiln, while polymer clay is oven-baked and firing clay requires a kiln to set.

Pottery Tools

• Wheel and Turntable: Used for shaping and forming the clay into different shapes and sizes.
• Rolling pin: Used for flattening the clay and creating even thickness.
• Carving and Shaping Tools: Used to create intricate designs and detail in the clay.
• Glass Cutters: Used to cut and shape glass for mosaic designs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right art and craft materials can make all the difference when it comes to your creative process and the final outcome of your project. Consider your specific needs and style when choosing your materials and tools to invest in quality products that will last longer and cater to your requirements.