This list is intended as a helpful guide rather than a definitive list of essential items. You can make wonderful art with just a few pencils and some paper, while building up your materials over time. Participants may already have access to their own materials, or you could appeal for materials as donations or gifts. It is important to choose high-quality materials wherever possible – they are so much easier for participants to use and will produce a much more enjoyable experience. 

Paper

• Drawing paper
• Watercolour paper
• Wallpaper lining paper (great for drawing big)
• Acrylic canvas boards
• Selection of sketchbooks
• Newsprint
• Old newspapers
• Selection of cardboard sheets

Brushes

• Flat brushes (various sizes)
• Round brushes (various sizes)

Drawing Supplies

• Graphite drawing pencils (assorted soft to hard)
• Watercolour pencils
• Wax crayons
• Drawing pens
• Pastels – chalk and oil
• Charcoal sticks
• Pencil sharpeners
• Felt tip pens

Adhesives and Tools

• PVA glue
• Glue sticks
• Glue spreaders
• Masking tape
• Scissors
• Erasers
• Rulers
• Compass

Painting Supplies

• Palettes
• Watercolour paint sets (pans or tubes)
• Acrylic paint (red, yellow, blue, black and white)
• Colour wheel

Printmaking Supplies

• Print rollers (brayers)
• Block watercolour printing ink (Primary colours as above)
• Pressprint foam sheets
• Inking trays
• Spoons
• Plexiglass sheets (A4 size)

Sculpture Supplies

• Air drying clay
• Small sponges
• Modelling tool sets
• Spray bottles (recycle old spray bottles)
• Rolling pins
• Found objects

• Download the Creative Care Homes digital A-Z guide