Art Supplies
So, you've got a brain full of good ideas, and nothing to build them with. Below you'll find a list of places you can go to pick up art supplies, but don't feel like you have to buy all of your materials brand new. Sometimes the most innovative and interesting work comes from found objects and hand-me-down supplies. Michaelangelo sculpted his "David" from a used block of marble another artist goofed up!
Online Suppliers & Stores
Yeah, the name is weird, but they have great prices on student materials. They have a couple of physical store fronts in the Portland area. Ask about their frequent buyer and student programs.
|
They have a store in most larger cities, awesome coupons, and a great scan-able mobile phone app. Check their website for sales and the nearest locations.
|
Their tag line is "Make more art, spend less money". They feature knowledgeable sales people and low prices on fine arts materials sold with a sense of humor.
|
I've just gotta love a place called "art-a-rama". Again, this retail outfit sells discounted supplies and has a sense of humor...and really good summer sales. I wonder if Jerry knows Joe?
|
Not just the capital city of the Netherlands, this store is a little more on the spendy side, but has nearly everything the professional artist could want in a variety of brands and styles. If you're looking for selection, you need to look no further. They have a store in Portland and a great online store.
|
Self-described as the world's largest discount art supply store, this place DOES have everything. Ask about student discounts.
|
While Amazon.com boasts an impressive number of art books, movies and games, they are not my go-to source for art supplies. They have a hundreds of supplies which are cheap but of dubious quality. However, if you have a discerning eye and a willingness to weed through thousands of searches, you may find a deal here. Maybe.
|
Before they were known for their office politics, this place was a favorite of the crafty crowd. They also sell a mish-mash of household decorations for the aspiring interior decorator.
|
Other Places to Look
Department Stores - If you are desperate for white acrylic paint and don't care whether it is labelled "Martha Stewart" or "Acme Paint" you can try your luck at Fred Meyer, Walmart or similar department stores. Check the Crafts, Home Improvement, and / or Hardware departments before you give up.
Hardware Stores - It can be impossible to find a glue gun around Halloween. Ace just might be the place for such an item if you can't find it anywhere else. The helpful people at Rosenbergs might also be able to locate what you need.
Hardware Stores - It can be impossible to find a glue gun around Halloween. Ace just might be the place for such an item if you can't find it anywhere else. The helpful people at Rosenbergs might also be able to locate what you need.
Maybe a brand name retail store isn't in the cards, so here are some other places to look...
Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops - You'd be surprised at what people give away. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other discount outfits sometimes carry new or gently used items that are ready to tackle your latest idea.
Garage Sales - Prepare to dig, and be amazed at what people are ready to part with.
Auctions and Online listings - Most of us are familiar with Ebay and Craigslist, but there are others out there too. Thrifty Tillamook is a local posting.
Your Aunt B's Closet - Or any other relation that is known for hoarding old pencils and boxes of yarn. Seriously, help them de-clutter and make a beautiful piece of art in the process!
Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops - You'd be surprised at what people give away. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other discount outfits sometimes carry new or gently used items that are ready to tackle your latest idea.
Garage Sales - Prepare to dig, and be amazed at what people are ready to part with.
Auctions and Online listings - Most of us are familiar with Ebay and Craigslist, but there are others out there too. Thrifty Tillamook is a local posting.
Your Aunt B's Closet - Or any other relation that is known for hoarding old pencils and boxes of yarn. Seriously, help them de-clutter and make a beautiful piece of art in the process!