Craft & Design

Discover a whole new world of Craft & Design with ArtStore Online.

At ArtStore Online, we seek to bring you the best Craft & Design brands available and have a wide range of art & craft supplies from trusted and respected brands from around the world. Discover our Craft & Design brands including Educational Colours, Jacquard, Pebeo, PERMASET, STAEDTLER, UHU, X-Press It and more!

At ArtStore Online, whether you are an avid crafter, DIY enthusiast or a complete beginner, we will strive to help you with whatever Craft & Design supplies you need.

What are craft supplies?

Craft supplies encompass a wide range of materials and tools used for various creative endeavours. These supplies are often utilised in crafting, DIY projects, art-making, and other hands-on activities. Common craft supplies include:

Adhesives: Glue sticks, craft glue, adhesive tapes, and adhesives specifically designed for various materials such as paper, fabric, and wood.

Paper and Cardstock: Different types of paper including construction paper, cardstock, tissue paper, scrapbooking paper, and specialty papers like origami paper.

Textile Craft Materials: Fabric paint and dyes, fabric markers, and printmaking supplies.

Crafting Tools: Scissors, cutting mats, rulers, paper trimmers, punches, stencils, heat guns, embossing tools, and die-cutting machines.

Embellishments: Ribbons, beads, sequins, buttons, stickers, rhinestones, pom-poms, feathers, and other decorative elements.

Modelling and Sculpting Materials: Clay, polymer clay, modelling paste, sculpting tools, wire, armatures, and carving tools.

Kids' Crafts: Child-friendly supplies such as safety scissors, washable paints, crayons, markers, coloured paper, stickers, and craft kits designed for children.

Finishing and Display Supplies: Varnishes, sealants, glazes, frames, canvases, easels, and other materials for finishing and displaying completed craft projects.

Craft supplies cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, allowing individuals to explore their creativity and express themselves through various artistic mediums and techniques.

How do I organise my craft supplies?

To organise your craft supplies effectively, begin by sorting and decluttering items. Categorise materials by type and utilise storage containers, bins, and organisers to keep them neatly stored. Prioritise accessibility by storing frequently used supplies within easy reach and maximising vertical space with wall-mounted storage solutions. Label containers and designate specific zones for different crafting activities to maintain organisation. Keep workspaces clear and regularly maintain your organisation system to ensure a functional and inspiring crafting environment.

What is a good crafting project for beginners?

A good crafting project for beginners should be simple, straightforward, and enjoyable, allowing for practice and experimentation while still resulting in a satisfying finished product. Here are a few ideas:

Handmade Greeting Cards: Create personalised greeting cards using cardstock, decorative paper, stickers, stamps, and markers. Experiment with different designs, themes, and embellishments to make each card unique.

DIY Wall Art: Make your own wall art using canvas panels, paint, stencils, and embellishments. Try abstract painting techniques, geometric designs, or inspirational quotes to create custom pieces for your home or as gifts.

Decoupage Decor: Use decoupage techniques to decorate items such as wooden trays, picture frames, or flower pots. Choose decorative paper, fabric, or napkins to collage onto the surface, then seal with decoupage glue for a durable finish.

DIY Candle Making: Make your own candles using wax, wicks, and fragrance oils. Start with simple container candles or try your hand at moulding and shaping candles into fun shapes or designs.

Paper Flowers: Craft paper flowers using colourful cardstock, scissors, and glue. Experiment with different flower shapes and sizes to create beautiful arrangements that will last indefinitely.

Clay Creations: Sculpt with air-dry clay or polymer clay to create small figurines, ornaments, or trinket dishes. Clay is a versatile medium that allows for endless creativity and exploration.

These beginner-friendly crafting projects offer opportunities to learn new skills, express creativity, and create handmade items to cherish or share with others. Choose a project that appeals to you and dive in with enthusiasm!

What is the difference between art and craft?

The distinction between art and craft can be subjective and nuanced, and opinions on this topic vary among individuals and within different cultural contexts. However, some general differences are often cited:

Purpose and Intent: Art is typically seen as being created primarily for aesthetic or expressive purposes, with an emphasis on conveying emotion, ideas, or concepts. Craft, on the other hand, is often associated with functional or utilitarian objects, where the emphasis is on skilled craftsmanship and the practical application of techniques.

Creativity vs. Skill: Art is often seen as emphasising creativity, originality, and innovation, with artists exploring personal expression and pushing boundaries in their work. Craft, on the other hand, is often associated with the skilful execution of traditional techniques and adherence to established patterns or designs.

Materials and Mediums: Artistic expression can encompass a wide range of materials and mediums, from traditional painting and sculpture to new media and conceptual installations. Craft, while also diverse in its materials and techniques, often involves more traditional or specialised materials such as ceramics, textiles, woodworking, glass, or metal.

Perception and Context: The distinction between art and craft can also be influenced by social and cultural factors, as well as historical contexts. In some cultures, certain forms of craft may be elevated to the status of art, while in others, there may be a clear distinction between the two based on factors such as social class, tradition, or artistic hierarchy.

It's important to note that these distinctions are not always clear-cut, and there can be overlap between art and craft practices. Many artists and artisans blur the lines between art and craft in their work, incorporating elements of both creativity and skill to create objects that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Ultimately, whether something is considered art or craft often depends on individual perspective, context, and interpretation.