What arts and crafts supplies will an art supply store carry?

Stores can be divided into two major categories: If the store says it sells “art supplies,” stock will be limited to goods for painting, drawing and sculpting. If the store sells “arts and crafts,” it will also carry crafting goods for woodworking, model making, scrapbooking, and home decoration.

If it’s used by professionals for something other than art, an art store probably won’t carry it. For example, basic hand tools for woodworking will be sold at an arts and crafts store, but not large equipment like lathes.

Which art supplies are safe?

The federal government requires any hazardous supplies be clearly labeled: On the instructions there will be a “Warning!” label with information about the hazards involved in the product’s use. By law, students in grades K-6 are not allowed to use any art supplies in school with this label.

The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) also has a pair of supplementary labels: An approved product, labeled with the letters “AP” in a circle, does not have toxic ingredients in levels that can be considered dangerous. A product with a Cautionary Label, an octagon with the letters “CL,” have toxic ingredients, but can be used safely if the package directions are followed correctly.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available directly from manufacturers, retail stores, and United Art and Education’s website.

Water-based paints and inks will have lower amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs,) decreasing inhaled toxins, and don’t require chemical solvents for cleanup. If oil-based paints must be used, cleaning brushes with citrus-based solvents to reduce exposure to VOCs, but skin irritation will still be an issue.

Are art store classes worth taking?

Store-based classes are targeted at beginners, and provided by companies that make the art products used in class. This doesn’t mean they’re sales pitches: Instead, these companies want to teach artists how to get the most out of their products. Of these, the most popular are Wilton’s cake decoration classes, held in almost every crafting store that carries their products.

Who dominates the art supply industry?

• Dick Blick – This art supply house focuses on mail order, but in recent years has added retail locations, taking over The Art Store chain in 2004. Blick specializes in supplying educators with supplies, offering discounts and ready-made lesson plans.
• Utrecht – Another mail order specialist, Utrecht’s business centers on drawing and painting supplies for artists, drafters, and engineers.
• Michaels – North America’s largest art store chain with over 1,000 locations in the U.S and Canada, the company owns ten private label art brands and the Aaron Brothers Custom Framing franchise.
• Hobby Lobby – The #2 chain in the country with 490 stores in 40 states, this company offers one of the widest selections of arts and crafts including models, fabrics, and seasonal decorations.