Must-Have Art Supplies + DIY Projects to Kick Off a Creative School Year

Every new school year, I remember covering my textbooks with recycled grocery bags. That blank brown canvas became the perfect space to doodle, decorate, and sprinkle bursts of creativity. Whether I was sketching quick ideas or passing the time before class, those handmade covers made each book feel uniquely mine.

Today, students may not be lugging around as many heavy textbooks, but the joy of customizing supplies still sparks confidence and creativity. From simple DIY projects to must-have art materials, there are countless ways to ignite imagination and make the school year feel inspiring—whether you’re a student, teacher, or simply an artist at heart.

The right tools can make all the difference. Quality pencils, markers, paints, brushes, and paper encourage experimentation and growth. I’ve curated a Studio Agnew–approved list of essentials for students of all ages—so you can dive into projects with confidence and make every creation truly your own.

A quick note for grown-ups: I’ll link my favorite materials from Amazon using affiliate links—if you purchase through them, it supports my studio at no extra cost. Thank you!

Top Art Supplies for Back-to-School Creativity
Essential tools to spark imagination, fuel creativity, and support art classes at school and beyond. Portable sets make it easy to create anywhere—whether it’s during homework breaks, in the classroom, or on-the-go.

These versatile essentials inspire students and artists of all ages to explore new mediums, experiment with techniques, and bring fresh ideas to life. Here’s my curated list:

Painting Supplies
Every medium has its own personality—and the right tools make a huge difference. Here are my go-to essentials for watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting to get you started.

Paint Sets

• Watercolor Set → My pick
  Portable, quick-drying color—perfect for sketchbooks and after-school creative breaks.

• Acrylic Primary Paint Set → My pick
  Bold, opaque, and fast-drying; great for layering, mixed media, and kid-friendly projects.

• Oil Paint Set → My pick
  Rich blending and slow dry time—ideal for learning color mixing and building depth.
  
  

Mixing & Surfaces

• Palette or Mixing Tray Set → My pick
  Use one tray for warms, one for cools—cleaner mixes, happier colors.

• Canvas → My pick
  Pre-primed canvases save time and keep colors bright.

• Watercolor Paper → My pick
  Heavier, cold-press paper resists warping and loves juicy washes.

Brush Sets

• Watercolor Brushes → My pick
  Soft bristles hold lots of water—great for washes and soft edges.

• Acrylic Brushes → My pick
  Synthetic bristles stand up to thicker paints and repeated rinsing.

• Oil Brushes → My pick
  Firmer filberts and flats help push paint and sculpt clean shapes.

Drawing & Coloring Supplies
From quick sketches to detailed masterpieces, the right drawing tools help kids explore, experiment, and express themselves. Here are my top picks for back-to-school creativity:

• Sketchbook or Visual Journal
  Pick sturdy paper (mixed-media if possible) so kids can draw, collage, and paint in one place.
  
  4.5" x 7" Travel Size Sketch Book → My pick
  9" x 12" Drawing Sketch Book, Top Spiral Bound → My pick
  9" x 12" Charcoal & Pastel Paper → My pick

  9" x 12" Mix Media Paper Sketchbook with Tear Line → My pick
  

• Colored Pencils (soft core)
  Blendable, vibrant, perfect for doodles or detailed notes.
  → My pick

• Dual-Tip Markers (fine + brush)
  One pen, two purposes: outlines + expressive coloring.
  → My pick

• Drawing Pencils
  Soft graphite set for wide variety of options,
  → My pick

• Black Ink Pens
  Great for outlines, journaling, and fine details.
  → My pick
  

Collage & Adhesives: The Sticky Side of Creativity
Not all glue is created equal—and trust me, you don’t want your masterpiece falling apart because of a bad adhesive choice. The right glue can make or break (literally!) your collage, mixed media, or journaling projects. Here are my go-to adhesives that I keep on hand in my studio:

• Glue Sticks
  Quick, clean, and perfect for paper projects.
  → My pick

• Liquid Glue Stick
  For when you need just a little more hold than a classic stick.
  → My pick

• Glue Pens
  Great for precision work—think small embellishments or delicate edges.
  → My pick

• Tape Runners
  Fast and mess-free, perfect for journaling and card-making.
  → My pick

• Mod Podge
  The artist’s best friend for collage and sealing—it’s a glue, sealer, and finish in one.
  → My pick

• Spray Adhesive
  For lightweight paper or fabric projects that need even coverage.
  → My pick

• Glue Gun + Glue Sticks
  When you need heavy-duty hold (or a little drama). Perfect for mixed media, 3D work, and embellishments.
  → My pick
  → Extra Glue Sticks

• Scissors
  Not glue, but essential for collage! Sharp, clean cuts make all the difference.
  → My pick

• Masking / Washi Tape
  For journaling, temporary positioning, or adding a playful edge to your pages.
  → My pick

Tools & Essentials
The right tools make all the difference when creating, measuring, and cutting. These essentials help young artists work with precision and confidence:

Rulers & Measuring Tools

• Architectural Scale Ruler → My pick

• Metal Ruler 6” / 12” with Cork Backing → My pick

• Metal Ruler 24” Non-Slip → My pick

• T-Square → My pick
  Tip: Precision matters for drawing, measuring, or planning any creative project.

Cutting Tools

• Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 12” x 18” → My pick

• Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 24” x 36” → My pick

• 16-Piece Craft Knife Set → My pick
  Tip: Protect your surfaces while making precise cuts for paper, collage, and mixed-media projects.

Paper Folding & Smoothing

• Bone Folder → My pick
  Tip: Perfect for folding paper, smoothing collage pieces, or printmaking—an essential for neat, professional results.
  

Four DIY Back-to-School Projects (Quick, Easy, Fun!)
Each project is written for ages 6–12+ with a grown-up nearby if cutting or sealing is involved. Swap colors and motifs to match your child’s style.

1. Custom Notebook Covers (10–15 min)
Transform a blank surface into a storytelling canvas—perfect for practicing collage, composition, and color.

You’ll need: Brown Bag, washi tape, stickers, markers, scrap paper or printed art, glue stick.

Instructions:

1. Wrap your notebook with a brown bag cover.

2. Lay strips of washi diagonally or in color blocks for fun patterns.

3. Add a name label or cut-out shapes for a personal touch.

4. Seal edges with clear tape for durability (optional).
   

Follow along with this instructional video by Rubber Stamps for extra inspiration and techniques.

2. Decorate Your Own Pencil Pouch (15–20 min)
Turn a blank pouch into a tiny canvas. Patterns, doodles, bold lettering—this simple DIY lets kids practice design basics while making something uniquely theirs.

You’ll need: canvas pouch, fabric markers/paint, letter stickers.

• Canvas Pouch → My pick

• Fabric Markers → My pick

• Iron-On Letters → My pick

Instructions:
1. Sketch light pencil guidelines.
2. Add patterns (stripes, doodles, tiny icons).
3. Finish with initials or a bold word (“CREATE!”).

Tip: Slip a cardstock sheet inside the pouch to prevent bleed-through.

3) Backpack Charms (15–20 min)
A fun way for kids to personalize backpacks, lunch bags, or pencil cases with their own mini artwork!

• Wooden Keychain Set → My pick

• Acrylic Photo Frame Keychains → My pick

• Shrink Plastic Sheets → My pick

Instructions:
1. Use markers, paints, or printed digital art to decorate.
2. Cut or finish as needed (bake shrink plastic sheets for a shrunken design!).
3. Attach to keyring and clip onto a backpack.

4) Desk Organizer from a Can or Jar (10–15 min)
You’ll need: clean can/jar, paper wrap, glue, markers, washi.

Instructions:
1. Wrap with paper; glue seam.
2. Add name, schedule, or color code by subject.
3. Finish with a washi “belt.”

Eco-win: Upcycle what you already have!

Creative Habits That Stick for All Ages
Two-Minute Doodles
Keep a pen and sticky notes handy for “between things” creativity—doodle while waiting for the kettle to boil or during a quick break.

Art Breaks
Take 15 minutes to reset with creativity or movement—sketch, stretch, meditate, ride your bike, or enjoy a mindful walk—and feel the boost it brings.

Display the Small Stuff
Hang a clip string, use a cork board, or tape things to the wall. Giving little sketches or notes a place to live makes everyday art feel special.

One Last Spark
Back-to-school isn’t just about supplies—it’s about identity, courage, and a little everyday joy. A decorated notebook or a tiny backpack charm can help kids feel seen, proud, and ready to learn. During high school and college, those years were some of the best of my life, exploring art techniques and experimenting with all kinds of mediums, tools, and materials. That’s when I first realized how creation begins—and how an artist shapes something from the inside out. Essential tools like a bone folder, a kneaded eraser, and a portable pencil sharpener quickly became must-have supplies for every project.

• Bone Folder → My Pick

• Kneaded Eraser → My Pick

• Portable Pencil Sharpener → My Pick

Keep the Inspiration Coming
If you loved this, you’ll love Sketchbook Stories—my free weekly email where creativity shows up every Wednesday with ideas, art, behind-the-scenes peeks and more. Join Sketchbook Stories below!

Sketchbook Stories

Where creativity appears in your inbox every Wednesday!

Plus, subscribers get:

• Exclusive art drops + early access to new products

• Invites to special events and workshops

• Behind-the-scenes studio peeks

It will be bursting with creativit, imagination, original art, and thoughtful reflections