Hey Enchanting Creator... Are you feeling confused with so many mixed media art supplies options? Wondering what are the supplies that you should really invest in? Well, let me tell you about my 21 favorite art supplies that will not only help you make great art, but will also help you save money because you will not waste your money on useless products.
Here are my top 21 must have mixed media art supplies list for beginners!
1. Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints is a necessary item for almost every mixed media project. If you are a beginner, you might want to start with more affordable paints like Artist Loft or a craft paint like Folk Craft!
But if you want high quality paints with very vibrant colors and a great color selection, then try Liquitex or Amsterdam Paints. The Liquitex brand is slightly cheaper than the Amsterdam brand, but Amsterdam is of much better quality. Regardless, I love them both!
If you are looking for amazing metallic and sparkly looking acrylic paints, then you've got to try the gorgeous Prizm Pour Paints from Colourarte. They have an absolutely amazing color selection and are definitely worth every penny.
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2. Pouring Medium
Now, if you are into Acrylic Pouring or simply need to get your acrylic paint into a more fluid state, then pouring medium is a must have. FYI... If you haven't tried fluid painting, check out this FREE GUIDE that will get you started on this fun journey!
So what is a good pouring medium? Well, Floetrol is technically not an artist grade pouring medium but it works just as good and is very affordable. It is a great option for beginners. If you want an artist grade pouring medium, then give this Liquitex Medium a try!
3. Mixing Containers/ Small Storage Containers
You'll need some small containers for mixing paint, mixing small batches of resin, or even storing embellishment items. These leak-proof specimen cups with screw on lids are the solution. The graduated markings make it easy for when you need to measure resin, pouring medium, paint, etc. I absolutely love them!!!
4. Reusable Stirring Sticks
When using acrylic paint, resin, modpodge or any other liquid material, you will most likely need a stirring stick. These eco-friendly reusable stirring sticks are life savers! They can be easily cleaned and reused so you will save money and help keep our planet a little bit cleaner all at the same time!
5. Paint Brushes
Paint brushes are needed for almost any type of artwork. Trust me when I say that I’ve bought LOTS of paint brushes over the years... expensive and the cheap kind. But My Artscape and Royal Brush are probably the brands that I have liked the most. They are affordable but yet have a luxurious feel to them!
6. Markers
Posca Pens are one of my favorite tools when it comes to adding details to my artwork. And markers make everything better! If you make a mistake on your artwork, disguise it with a marker accent.
They have an amazing color selection, including glitter markers. Wow! amazing! You can start with a Basic Posca Pack or go with the Mega Posca Pack that includes 31 colors (24 colors & 7 glitter colors). For a more medium range pack, try the Full Range Bundle Set (14 standard colors & 7 Natural colors).
7. Tape
Depending on the type of mixed media piece you are doing, you might need different types of tapes. Painter's Frog tape is great for resin projects. Use it to cover the sides of your painting surface to protect it while you are pouring resin. Masking tape and colorful Washi tape might be needed for other types of projects where you need to create patterns in paintings or when creating photo collages, sketch books, and more.
8. Polymer or Modeling Clay
Polymer or modeling clay are great items to have around for adding dimensional details or a 3-D look to any type of mixed media arts. Modeling clay doesn't harden, so you can reuse it over and over. However, polymer clay can be baked and will turn into a hard permanent sculpture.
9. Paper
Whether you are drawing, sketching, printing out a design with your printer, or need some paper for cutouts, paper is a must have! I always have a mixed media paper pad and some white and colored cardstock on hand. You can also grab some watercolor paper or Bristol paper if you are planning on doing sketches with pencil, marker, pen, or ink.
10. Scissors
Even your kids or grandkids need scissors. So just do yourself a favor and grab these Fiskar scissors.
11. Adhesive
The adhesives I use the most are Elmer's Glue (white or clear), hot glue, Modpodge, and E6000.
I mostly use Mod Podge as a glue or sealer, but it can also be used for decoupage and photo transfer. A simple glue stick is great for paper crafts.
For gluing down crystals and gems, hot glue or E6000 works best. Hot glue is also great for making 3-D designs on mixed media pieces. Just paint over it afterwards and you will have some nice textured designs.
Elmer's glue has a multipurpose use as it can be used as an adhesive, pouring medium for fluid painting, or even for creating a DIY texture paste!
12. Glitter
Glitter is an absolute must have in my house! I use it on anything that needs some glam.
Embellish acrylic pour paintings, add sparkle to resin pieces, make glitter lines on geodes, and more!
But make sure that you don't use the cheap craft glitters found at craft stores. They will make your artwork look cheap! Choose high-quality GLAM Powders from EnchantingFineArt.com. They have amazing sparkle and shine like little diamonds.
13. Mica Powders/Resin Pigments
Mica powders and resin pigments/dyes are necessary if you are doing resin projects. Let's Resin is a fantastic brand that offers concentrated epoxy dyes, opaque resin dyes, and translucent pigments.
And if you are looking for sparkly mica powders made specifically for resin, then checkout the Rezin Arte line from Colourarte.
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These cute micro pearls can make any mixed media piece look glamorous. Add enchanting accents to your projects by using small embellishments like these!
Just take a look at this gorgeous seashell piece that Tammy Anderson did with these pearlescent micro pearls from EnchantingFineArt.com. Thy are available in different colors, and in a pearlescent and iridescent finish.
Glitter sand is also a great embellishment if you are planning to do seascapes or for simply adding texture to any type of art. Take a look at how Tammy added burgundy GLAM Glitter Sand to her Mulberry piece.
Play around with other cute embellishments like seashells, glow in the dark gravel, moss, and crushed glass.
15. Texture or Modeling Paste
Mixed media pieces need texture! I use Liquitex Professional Modeling Paste or US Art Supply Modeling Paste. Sometimes I use my own Homemade Modeling Paste or DIY Texture Paste for adding 3-D texture to paintings.
16. Varnish or Top Coat
To protect your mixed media piece from the environment, you will need to add some sort of top coat or varnish. Use spray varnish, liquid varnish, or resin to preserve your project(s).
17. Protective Equipment & Gear
Even though some people might not consider protective equipment and gear as art supplies, I do think they are necessary. I always like to have an oversized silicone mat protecting my working space when I do art projects.
And of course some gloves and an apron are essential when working with resin, fluid art, or any other messy craft. This apron is very pretty, sturdy, and functional. Safeguard nitrile gloves keep my fingernails nice and clean.
18. Torch
Torches come in very handy when working with resin or fluid art. They are necessary for getting rid of pesky bubbles. Torches are also very handy for creating a burnt wood finish. Be extremely cautious when using it, but also have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case you accidentally light something on fire.
I currently use the Bernzomatic TS8000 torch paired with the Standard Propane Fuel Cylinder and I love it! You can also start with a culinary torch such as the Jo Chef one that already comes with 2 cans of butane fuel.
19. Storage Items
Having some sort of storage for all your supplies and materials will make your life sooo much easier and creating art will be so much more relaxing.
Before getting this 4 shelf unit, I was so stressed out because all my supplies were just laying around everywhere. I felt so proud of myself after separating everything in plastic storage containers and stacking them on this black shelf!
I use plastic storage containers for storing embellishments like beads, paint bottles, glitters, markers, and even my shipping supplies, etc. These are the the different sized containers that I personally use.
Mini Storage Containers or ArtDot Storage Containers for small embellishments like sequins, rocks, seashells, beads, cabochons, and jewelry accessories.
Stack and Carry 2 Layer Box for storing tape, scissors, labels, paper, envelopes, shipping supplies, etc.
Bigger Sterilite Boxes for storing paint tubes, glitter jars, resin supplies, etc.
20. Good Lighting
To capture the details and true colors of my artwork, I use a light ring when recording my process. This is my process for recording top-down digital art videos.
But even if you don't record your art process, it's always a good idea to have some good lighting. This Neewer Ring Light is a very good option if you have a dark art room. It's affordable and sturdy.
21. Craft Table or Hobby Desk
I would highly recommend that you have a table that you can use exclusively for doing your artwork.
If you don't have a lot of space at home (like I do) try this affordable Flash Furniture folding table.
The Ameriwood Home Hobby Desk is more fancy and more of a permanent solution.
If you need lots of storage space, then check out this compact South Shore Craft Table with interchangeable modules and a scratchproof surface.
From painting to embellishing and from tools to storage, I hope all of my favorite mixed media art supplies help you get started on your creative journey.
