Basic Surfaces

ATC blanks (2.5" × 3.5") – Pre-cut cards made to the standard Artist Trading Card size.

Cardstock – Thick, sturdy paper commonly used as a base for cards and crafts.

Watercolor paper – Textured paper designed to handle wet paints without warping.

Mixed media paper – Paper made to withstand both dry and wet art materials.

Bristol board – Smooth, heavyweight paper ideal for drawing, markers, and fine details.

Chipboard – Thick paperboard often used for sturdy card bases and embellishments.

Cereal box cardboard – Lightweight recycled cardboard from food packaging used as a crafting surface. Also known as Paper Board.

Playing cards – Standard game cards that can be decorated, altered, or used as a base.

Index cards – Thin cardstock cards commonly used for notes and simple art projects.

Book pages – Pages removed from old books and used in collage or mixed media art.

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Recycled & Found Materials

Packaging cardboard – Cardboard from boxes and packaging repurposed for crafting.

Cereal boxes – Food boxes made of thin cardboard often used for card bases and die cuts.

Junk mail – Unwanted mail saved for collage, backgrounds, or embellishments.

Bottle caps – Metal or plastic caps reused as decorative elements.

Tea bag tags – Small tags from tea bags that can be incorporated into artwork.

Security envelopes – Envelopes with patterned interiors used for collage and backgrounds.

Candy wrappers – Colorful wrappers reused for shiny accents and embellishments.

Old calendars – Calendars with artwork or photos that can be cut apart and reused.

Wallpaper samples – Small pieces of wallpaper used for texture and decorative patterns.

Fabric labels – Tags from clothing or textiles saved for mixed media projects.

Bread tags – Plastic clips from bread bags repurposed as embellishments.

Playing cards – Used playing cards collected for altered art and collage projects.

Paint chips – Sample cards from paint stores used for color palettes and backgrounds.

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Papers & Collage Materials

Patterned paper – Decorative paper printed with designs, images, or textures.

Scrapbook paper – Acid-free decorative paper made specifically for paper crafting.

Construction paper – Colored paper with a slightly rough texture often used in children's crafts.

Tissue paper – Thin, lightweight paper used for layering and translucent effects.

Vellum – Semi-transparent paper used for overlays and softening images.

Tracing paper – Transparent paper used for copying designs or adding delicate layers.

Kraft paper – Brown paper made from wood pulp that gives projects a rustic appearance.

Magazine clippings – Images or text cut from magazines for collage and inspiration.

Dictionary pages – Pages from old dictionaries used as backgrounds or decorative elements.

Music sheets – Printed sheet music used in collage and vintage-themed projects.

Maps – Road maps or atlases used for travel-themed art and backgrounds.

Wrapping paper – Decorative paper designed for gifts and reused in paper crafts.

Napkins – Printed paper napkins often used in decoupage projects.

Stickers – Adhesive decorations available in many shapes, themes, and materials.

Washi tape – Decorative low-tack paper tape used for borders, accents, and layering.

Postage stamps – Stamps collected for their artwork, themes, or historical interest.

Receipts – Paper receipts reused as ephemera or collage elements.

Tickets – Event or transportation tickets incorporated into artwork and journals.

Tea- or coffee-dyed paper – Paper stained with tea or coffee to create an aged appearance.

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Drawing Materials

Graphite pencils – Pencils made with graphite for sketching, shading, and writing.

Colored pencils – Pigmented pencils used to add detailed color to artwork.

Watercolor pencils – Colored pencils that can be blended with water like paint.

Markers – Pens filled with ink for bold coloring and drawing.

Alcohol markers – Fast-drying markers that blend smoothly and produce vibrant colors.

Gel pens – Pens containing gel ink that often provide bright, metallic, or opaque effects.

Paint pens – Pens filled with paint used for writing or drawing on many surfaces.

Fineliners – Pens with very small tips designed for detailed lines and illustrations.

Charcoal – A soft drawing material that creates rich blacks and expressive marks.

Oil pastels – Pigmented sticks with a waxy texture that blend easily.

Soft pastels – Chalk-like sticks that produce vibrant colors and blend smoothly.

Crayons – Wax-based coloring tools commonly used by children and artists alike.

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Paints & Coloring Media

Acrylic paint – Fast-drying paint that becomes water-resistant when dry.

Watercolors – Transparent paints activated and diluted with water.

Gouache – Opaque watercolor paint that dries to a matte finish.

Ink – Liquid pigment used for drawing, stamping, and painting.

India ink – A permanent black ink known for its deep, rich color.

Distress ink – Water-reactive ink commonly used to create aged and blended effects.

Spray ink – Ink packaged in a spray bottle for splatters, backgrounds, and washes.

Metallic paint – Paint containing reflective particles that mimic the appearance of metal.

Fabric paint – Paint formulated to remain flexible on cloth and textiles.

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Embellishments

Buttons – Decorative or functional fasteners added for texture and interest.

Sequins – Small shiny discs used to add sparkle to projects.

Beads – Tiny objects with holes that can be sewn, strung, or glued onto artwork.

Charms – Small decorative pendants attached to projects for extra detail.

Ribbon – Narrow strips of fabric used for decoration, ties, or layering.

Twine – Thin string often used to wrap, tie, or accent handmade items.

Yarn – Thick strands of fiber used for stitching, weaving, or texture.

Brads – Metal fasteners with split prongs used to attach movable elements.

Eyelets – Small metal rings inserted into holes to reinforce paper or fabric.

Flat-back Gems – Decorative faux jewels used to add shine and dimension. with flat backs

Flat-back pearls – Imitation pearls with flat backs designed for easy gluing.

Confetti – Tiny pieces of paper or foil used for decoration and shaker cards.

Tiny shells – Small seashells added to artwork for natural texture.

Dried flowers – Pressed or dried blooms used to embellish cards and journals.

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Texture Materials

Modeling paste – A thick medium used to create raised designs and dimensional surfaces.

Texture paste – A spreadable medium designed to add texture and patterns to artwork.

Crackle paste – A textured medium that dries with intentional cracks for an aged effect.

Sand – Fine grains added to projects to create a rough, gritty texture.

Cheesecloth – A loosely woven fabric often used to add softness and texture.

Bubble wrap – Plastic packing material that can be used to stamp interesting patterns.

Corrugated cardboard – Cardboard with a ridged inner layer used for texture and dimension.

Fabric scraps – Small leftover pieces of fabric incorporated into mixed media art.

Lace – Decorative openwork fabric used to add delicate patterns and texture.

Mesh – Material with evenly spaced openings used for layering and stenciling effects.

Drywall tape – A self-adhesive mesh tape commonly repurposed as a textured stencil or embellishment.