Top 20 Foundational Craft Supplies to make Impressive Art for Self-Proclaimed 'Non-Creatives'
Have you ever stood in the sprawling aisle of a craft store, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options, and walked out empty-handed? Have you ever looked at a beautiful piece of art and thought, "I could never do that. I'm just not creative"? If so, you're not alone. This is a story I hear all the time.
The myth of the "creative person" is one of the biggest barriers to making art. We imagine a divinely inspired artist, effortlessly pulling masterpieces from thin air. The reality is much more practical and, frankly, more encouraging. Creativity is a muscle, not a magic trick. And just like any skill, it starts with having the right foundational tools. You don't need a professional studio; you just need a small, curated collection of supplies that empower you to play, experiment, and surprise yourself.
This guide is for you—the self-proclaimed 'non-creative,' the hesitant beginner, the person who wants to make something with their hands but doesn't know where to start. We're going to break down the 20 most essential, versatile, and beginner-friendly craft supplies. These are the building blocks that will unlock a world of impressive, enjoyable art-making, no 'natural talent' required.
1. A Good Set of Graphite Pencils
Forget the stubby yellow pencil from your school days. A quality set of graphite pencils is the true starting point for any artistic journey. They are the ultimate tool for sketching ideas, practicing shading, and building the framework for more complex pieces. The magic lies in the different grades of hardness, from hard 'H' pencils that make light, crisp lines, to soft 'B' pencils that create rich, dark marks perfect for shading.
For a beginner, you don't need a 24-piece set. Start with a small, essential collection: an HB (the standard 'all-purpose' pencil), a 2B (for slightly darker lines and simple shading), and a 4B or 6B (for deep shadows). This small range gives you incredible control over your values, which is the foundation of creating realistic and dynamic drawings.
Pro-Tip: Try a simple exercise. Draw a sphere and use your different pencil grades to shade it, making it look three-dimensional. Start with the HB for the base, use the 2B for the mid-tones, and the 6B for the darkest part of the shadow. You’ll be amazed at the depth you can create.
2. A Kneaded Eraser
This isn't your average eraser. A kneaded eraser looks and feels like a small piece of grey modeling clay, and it's one of the most versatile tools you can own. Unlike a standard vinyl or rubber eraser that removes graphite through friction (leaving behind those annoying pink dust bits), a kneaded eraser lifts the graphite directly off the paper.
You can mold it into any shape you need—a fine point for tiny details, a flat edge for larger areas, or you can simply dab it on the paper to lighten a shaded area without fully erasing it. It’s perfect for creating soft highlights in a charcoal drawing or gently correcting a sketch without damaging the paper's surface. Plus, they last for ages and are just plain fun to fidget with.
3. Mixed Media Paper or a Sketchbook
The surface you work on matters more than you think. Flimsy printer paper will buckle under watercolor and tear from erasing. That's why a dedicated sketchbook or pad of mixed media paper is a non-negotiable investment. Mixed media paper is the MVP for beginners; it's heavy enough to handle light washes of watercolor or gouache, but smooth enough for pencil and ink.
Having a dedicated sketchbook also creates a safe space for you to practice without pressure. It’s a journal for your creative journey. Don't worry about making every page a masterpiece. Fill it with messy experiments, half-finished ideas, and doodles. This is where you build your skills and discover your style.
4. Waterproof Fine-Liner Pens
For crisp lines, sharp details, and doodles that pop, a set of black waterproof fine-liner pens is essential. These pens, often called "artist pens" or "technical pens," come in various tip sizes (e.g., 01, 03, 05) for different line weights. They are the key to styles like Zentangle, stippling, and comic book inking.
The most important feature is that they are waterproof (look for "archival ink" on the label). Why? Because once the ink is dry, you can paint over it with watercolors or markers without it smudging or bleeding. This opens up the wonderful world of "line and wash," where you create a clean ink drawing and then add vibrant color on top.
Pro-Tip: Grab a fine-liner and a piece of paper and just start drawing simple patterns: circles, squares, wavy lines, and dots. Fill a whole page. It's a meditative practice that builds confidence and control.
5. A Beginner Watercolor Pan Set
Watercolors can seem intimidating, but a pan set is one of the most accessible and forgiving ways to start painting. These sets contain solid cakes of pigment that you activate with a wet brush. They are portable, produce very little mess, and the colors can be easily re-wet and used again, so there's no waste.
Look for a beginner's palette with 12-24 basic colors. You don't need dozens of shades; learning to mix your own colors is a fundamental skill. Watercolors are all about layering transparent washes of color to build up depth and luminosity. Let go of perfection and embrace the beautiful, unpredictable ways the colors bleed and blend on the page.
6. A Few Essential Brushes
You don't need a huge jar of expensive brushes to start. In fact, just two or three quality brushes will cover 90% of your needs. For watercolor and gouache, start with a size 6 or 8 round brush (great for lines and details) and a 1/2-inch flat brush (perfect for broad washes of color).
For acrylics, which are thicker, you’ll want synthetic brushes that are a bit stiffer. Again, a medium round and a medium flat brush are the perfect workhorses. Taking care of your brushes is key: rinse them thoroughly after use (especially with acrylics, which dry into a plastic and will ruin the bristles) and lay them flat to dry.
7. A Basic Set of Acrylic Paints
If you want bold, opaque color that can be used on almost any surface—paper, canvas, wood, fabric—then acrylic paint is your best friend. Unlike watercolor, acrylics are opaque, meaning you can layer light colors over dark ones. They dry quickly into a durable, water-resistant finish.
Start with a small set of primary colors (red, yellow, blue) plus black and white. With just these five tubes, you can mix virtually any color you can imagine. Acrylics are perfect for abstract art, decorative painting on objects, and creating pieces with vibrant, graphic impact. The fast drying time is great for impatient creators!
8. A Metal Ruler
A sturdy, metal-edged ruler is a surprisingly crucial tool. It’s not just for measuring and drawing straight lines. The metal edge is essential for guiding a craft knife safely. Attempting to cut with a craft knife against a plastic or wooden ruler is a recipe for a sliced ruler and, potentially, a sliced finger. A metal ruler provides a clean, safe, and unyielding edge for perfect cuts every time.
9. A Craft Knife and Cutting Mat
For anyone interested in paper crafts, collage, or model making, a craft knife (like an X-Acto knife) is a game-changer. It offers a level of precision that scissors simply can't match, allowing you to cut intricate shapes, sharp corners, and delicate curves with ease.
Always use a craft knife with a self-healing cutting mat. This mat protects your work surface from getting sliced up, and its soft surface helps prolong the life of your blade. Remember to work slowly, use a sharp blade (dull blades are more dangerous because they require more pressure), and always cut away from your body.
10. Quality Craft Glue
Not all glues are created equal! For a truly versatile toolkit, you need at least two types. First, a basic PVA glue (like Elmer's Glue-All or a specific craft glue) is your go-to for paper, cardboard, and wood. It dries strong and relatively clear.
Second, a simple glue stick is indispensable for collage and paper layering. It allows you to apply a thin, even layer of adhesive without the wrinkling and mess that liquid glue can cause. It’s perfect for mounting photos or creating layered paper art.
11. A Good Pair of Scissors
Don't underestimate the power of a sharp, comfortable pair of scissors. A dedicated pair for paper and craft materials (that you never use for anything else) will stay sharp and give you clean, crisp cuts. Look for a pair with a micro-tip for getting into tight corners and cutting out detailed shapes. It’s a simple tool, but a quality one makes a world of difference.
12. A Set of Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are the ultimate low-mess, low-stress entry into the world of color. They offer incredible control and are perfect for detailed work. The key to making them look impressive isn't about pressing hard; it's about building up light layers of color and blending.
You can blend colors by layering them on top of each other or by using a colorless blender pencil or a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Start with a student-grade set of 24-36 pencils. You’ll be surprised at the rich, painterly effects you can achieve.
13. Mod Podge (Sealer, Glue & Finish)
Mod Podge is a legendary, all-in-one crafting substance. It's a glue, a sealer, and a finish, making it the king of decoupage (the art of decorating surfaces with paper cut-outs). You can use it to adhere fabric to a notebook, paper to a wooden box, or to create beautiful collages. It comes in various finishes, like matte, gloss, and sparkle, but the classic matte or gloss is the most versatile place to start.
Easy Project Idea: Find a plain wooden box or picture frame. Cut out images from old magazines or decorative paper. Use Mod Podge to glue them down, then paint a top coat over the entire surface to seal it for a professional, durable finish.
14. Washi Tape
Washi tape is pure, instant gratification. It's a decorative paper tape that comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. It's low-tack, meaning you can stick it down, peel it up, and reposition it without leaving a sticky residue or tearing your paper.
Use it to create borders in your sketchbook, decorate planner pages, add a pop of color to a handmade card, or even create simple geometric "paintings" by laying down strips of tape on paper or canvas. It's a foolproof way to add color and pattern to any project.
15. A Small Set of Gouache
If watercolor and acrylic had a baby, it would be gouache. Like watercolor, it’s a water-based paint that can be re-activated with water. But like acrylic, it’s opaque and dries to a flat, matte, velvety finish. This unique combination makes it a favorite among illustrators and designers.
The opacity means you can layer light colors on top of dark ones, something that’s very difficult to do with traditional watercolor. A starter set with primary colors, black, and white is all you need to explore this vibrant and versatile medium. I often recommend gouache on the Goh Ling Yong blog because it's the perfect bridge for artists wanting to move from drawing into painting.
16. Colored Cardstock
A stack of colored cardstock is a foundational supply for countless projects. It’s sturdier than regular paper, making it perfect for handmade cards, gift tags, paper sculptures, and scrapbook elements. Having a variety of colors on hand means you’re always ready when inspiration strikes. It's the blank canvas for so many three-dimensional and layered paper crafts.
17. Stamps and a Black Ink Pad
Stamping is a fantastic way to create beautiful, repetitive patterns and images without needing to draw them from scratch. For a beginner, a simple set of alphabet stamps, floral designs, or geometric shapes, paired with a single high-quality black ink pad, is incredibly versatile.
You can use stamps to create custom stationery, gift wrap, or patterned backgrounds in your art journal. The key is to use a good pigment ink, which will give you a crisp, clear impression. It’s a simple technique with a highly professional-looking result.
18. Air-Dry Clay
Want to try sculpting without investing in a kiln? Air-dry clay is the answer. This pliable, easy-to-use clay hardens when left out in the air for 24-48 hours. You can use it to make small pinch pots, decorative ornaments, jewelry dishes, and miniature sculptures. Once dry, you can sand it smooth and paint it with your acrylics. It’s a wonderful, tactile way to explore three-dimensional art.
19. Embroidery Floss or Yarn
Introducing fiber into your craft arsenal opens up a whole new world of texture and color. A handful of embroidery floss skeins in various colors is inexpensive and can be used for more than just embroidery. Try making friendship bracelets, wrapping objects to add color, creating tassels, or even simple weaving projects on a piece of cardboard. The tactile nature of working with fiber is incredibly relaxing and rewarding.
20. A Positive and Playful Mindset
This is the most important supply on the list, and it costs nothing. The belief that you can create is more powerful than any expensive brush or paint set. As a mentor, Goh Ling Yong always emphasizes that the goal isn't to create a masterpiece every time; the goal is to enjoy the process of making.
Give yourself permission to play, to make mistakes, to create things that are "ugly" or "just for practice." Your inner critic is the biggest enemy of creativity. Quiet that voice by focusing on the feeling of the pencil on paper, the joy of mixing a new color, or the satisfaction of a clean-cut line. This is your journey, so have fun with it.
Your Creative Journey Starts Now
There you have it—20 foundational supplies that can serve as the launchpad for your creative exploration. You don't need to go out and buy all of them at once. Pick one or two that sound the most exciting to you. Maybe it's the simple elegance of a pencil and sketchbook, or the vibrant potential of an acrylic paint set.
The first step is always the hardest, but it's also the most rewarding. The path to becoming a "creative person" isn't about waiting for inspiration to strike; it's about showing up, picking up a tool, and making a mark. You have everything you need to begin.
So, what will you make first? Head to your local art store (or browse online), grab one thing from this list, and just start. We'd love to see what you create. Share your first project or your favorite beginner supply in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!