Because I’ve been blessed with a creative and artistically gifted daughter, I’ve learned a great deal about art supplies over the past several years. As a highly creative family, we’ve cycled through many different phases and interests. I thought I would share what Caroline, in particular, has enjoyed using. If you have a girl in your life who enjoys artistic endeavors, then this post about the best art supplies for creative girls is for you!
I’ve put together this list based on what has been particularly popular in our home. It includes everything from young girls to more serious art endeavors with lots in-between. I’ve grouped them according to how they might be used to make it easier.
Basic Art Supplies for Creative Girls
Let’s start with the basics. These are art supplies that most creative girls would need at some point. Most of these are used on a regular basis in our home and have been for many years.
Storage for Art Supplies
Deciding how to store all of the “stuff” is part of living in a creative home. We have used a variety of bins, drawers, cabinets, and such through the years. Depending how how many art supplies you have and what they are, some of these will be helpful.
Paper Storage Containers
A neat place to store various kinds of paper is a must to keep it from getting messed up.
Melissa and Doug Easel for a Beginning Artist
Caroline received this set with all the bells and whistles for Christmas when she was tiny. It was well-loved and enjoyed! The Melissa and Doug easel is sturdy and well worth the money.
Art Desks for Creative Spaces
Creative girls need a place to do their thing. If a young girl is truly invested in her artistic endeavors, I think it is a wonderful gift if you can give her a dedicated space for it. Caroline has a long desk in her room and also a large area in our unfinished basement where she can paint and make a bit more of a mess. If a girl’s gift is art, it should be supported just as much as if her gift is STEM or music or athletics. Art is not a nice “extra” if it is her calling.
Lighting for Crafting
The lights with a magnifying glass are especially nice for doing detailed clay work, but a desk light is a must for most artists.
Art Supplies for Painting with Watercolors
Watercolors are a beautiful way to paint. These supplies provide a nice foundation to begin exploring this medium.
Art Supplies for Painting with Acrylics
Caroline absolutely loves painting with acrylics. They allow for so much creativity and expression. The following supplies offer lots of ideas for girls who are excited about painting.
Wooden Craft Supplies for Painting with Acrylics
Painting on relatively inexpensive wood items is a great way for girls to practice their skills and do something special.
Art Supplies for Creating with Clay
Creating with clay involves attention to detail and patience. It’s an amazing craft!
Art Supplies for Drawing with Pencils
For girls who are a bit more serious about drawing, these supplies cannot be beat.
Art Supplies for Creating with Foam
Caroline went through a huge foam phase when she was constantly constructing three-dimensional objects out of foam. She put them together with either tape or craft glue. This is an amazing way for girls to develop their 3-D and visual-spatial skills.
Art Supplies for Drawing with Chalk
Chalk is messy, but an important part of developing as an artist. Just spray the important things to minimize the mess afterwards!
Art Supplies for Creating with Felt
Caroline doesn’t show any interest in sewing or fabric arts at this point. She did go through a felt stage though when she was constantly creating things with felt. It’s great for fine motor development, planning, visualizing a finished product, etc.
Art Supplies for Creating with Sharpie Markers
I think every girl goes through a Sharpie stage. Sometimes they never leave it…
Professional Markers for Advanced Artistic Girls
When the inexpensive Crayola markers no longer do the job, prepare to spend quite a bit more. These markers are expensive, but necessary for artists as they advance in their skills. The quality of the tools make a huge difference in the quality of the final product.
Art Supplies for Beginning Artists
For girls just getting started, have a supply of markers and paper available all the time.
Art Sets for Young Artists
There are many sets that contain a bit of this and a bit of that. Most of these sets will simply give a child an opportunity to explore a particular medium. From that standpoint, they are helpful because a child can try something without a huge financial outlay. But be prepared that if the child finds something that they really enjoy, you’ll have to buy more of those particular supplies! LOL!
Best wishes to you and your artist!
Random Thoughts on a Rainy October Sunday
