Below is a suggested list of materials for this course. At the very least, you will need paper and pencil - and eraser. If you want to do any of the exercises, you will also want to pick up some other items on the list.
I list some that I like and use, but only as a suggestion. I am also providing links to some so that you can get an idea of what to look for. I’m using Dick Blick, a major art supplier, for references because most can be found there.
Here’s the short list to get you started:
Sketchbook (or single sheets of paper). I would really recommend you get yourself a sketchbook if you don’t have one already. You might want to get a separate one to use just for this class. I use mine as both a journal and for sketching, basically anything related to tapestry I keep in my sketchbook (- slash- journal!) I would think 8.5 x 11” would be most versatile, but you may prefer a smaller or larger size. Pocket size could come in handy if you plan to carry it with you often.
Pencil, pens, markers- your preference. Even a standard 2B pencil will work and get you started. My favorite pens are Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens. They come in an assortment of sizes and colors.
Colored pencils. I like Prismacolor, but any brand will work.
If you don’t plan on doing any exercises, that might be all you need. A bare minimum more, consider getting:
Construction paper-nothing fancy, just plain construction paper in an assortment of colors.
And here’s the long list of possible materials for the art activities and prompts. Please do not rush out and get these all right away unless you are sure. You may find you will never use them and I don’t want you to spend a lot of money (it can get expensive fast) and run short on weaving yarns!
The long list:
A journal or sketchbook (or could even be single sheets of paper, like printer copy paper)
Drawing pencils - A standard 2B pencil is fine for starters. You could purchase a set with a range of hardness, but I’d recommend waiting until the course starts and you dive into the first set of exercises. We all have different preferences on the hardness we prefer. B will be soft and H will be hard. I tend to like a 4B for most sketching, but that’s just me- you might gravitate to something different.
Eraser- I like the black erasers (mine says Factis on it Black 18). What you get will depend on the drawing medium.
Colored pencils- Prismacolor is great and comes in a wide variety of packaging. Again, please don’t feel like you don’t need to go out and get the huge box yet. Start with the smaller set until you’re sure you need more.
India ink - same here. Just black is good for starters. I do know you need to be careful about quality for this one. Maybe hold off on this until I can do more research.
Colored papers like construction paper for starters. You might want to get a set of color aid papers later.
Tissue papers - we won’t do a lot with this (unless you really get into transparencies)!. You could start by saving any colored papers you come across.
Glue stick, or rubber cement
Tape (could be masking, scotch, blue- depending on the application)
Light surface for tracing (you can use a window, or a lightbox).
Untraditional mark making tools such as sticks and stones
Watercolors - these come in a wide range, so again, start with something simple if you’re new to this. I can’t help a lot with brands on this one. You could google for recommendations online!
Watercolor paper, possibly a watercolor sketchbook if you find you like the medium.
Derwent Inktense water color pencils or sticks - I’m adding this brand name because this is such a great product. My daughter gave me a set years ago and I use them all the time. If you do decide to get this, you’ll also want a water brush.
If you want to get further into painting, then possibly
Gouache
Various brushes
That’s all I can think of but I may add a prompt that requires something else as the course progresses.
Let me say it again!
There’s no need to rush out and purchase this entire list.
Wait until we use them and see if it’s one of the prompts you want to pursue. I have simply tried to thing of everything that might possibly come into play during the course.
That’s it for the art supplies side; now for the actual weaving:
A simple tapestry loom will do. Whatever you already have is definitely fine. You can make any samples whatever size you prefer. In most cases, I won’t specify a size, but my recommendation would be small (4” to 5” square) for starters. Then, if it’s a technique you want to explore further, go bigger.
In terms of yarn, no need to purchase anything extra for the course until you’re ready to weave. Most likely you already have something you can work with.
Things you can do before the course starts (besides thinking about art supplies):
Start - or keep - LOOKING at the world around you. Start COLLECTING. If you see a color combination, write it down or better yet, snap a photo. If you see an interesting composition, draw it in your sketchbook, on a napkin, or snap a photo.
I don’t know how many people have access to physical magazines anymore, but magazines are great for creating a SWIPE FILE. Just save anything you might be drawn to, whether it’s color, shapes, textures… anything.
Of course, you could also save images you see online, too. There are various programs out there for saving and storing your inspirations. Pinterest is one most people are familiar with.
Whew- hope I covered everything.
We’re gonna have fun!