All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Loading...
Buying the right art and crafting tools is a bit like picking the right pair of shoes for a hike — get it wrong and every step feels harder; get it right and the journey becomes enjoyable. Whether you’re sketching, painting, sewing, or building models, the right blades, brushes, adhesives, and mats make a huge difference to your results and your patience. In the UK there’s a healthy mix of specialist shops and high-street names that cater to beginners through to professional artists, so knowing where to look and what to buy can save you time and money.
When you want quality tools backed by good stock and helpful advice, several UK retailers stand out. Some focus on professional-grade art supplies, while others are brilliant for bargains and hobby kits. Below I’ll walk you through trusted names where you can find everything from 1/4 inch brushes to heavy-duty craft knives.
Hobbycraft is the UK’s big-box craft chain that feels like a candy shop for makers. You’ll find rotary cutters, cutting mats, embossing tools, and a ton of paper-craft accessories. If you’re into card making or scrapbooking, Hobbycraft’s range of punches, adhesives, and patterned paper is vast. It’s especially handy if you want hands-on browsing and immediate inspiration.
Cass Art is the go-to for artists looking for professional paints, brushes, canvases, and precision tools. Their selection focuses on quality: hog-bristle brushes, palette knives, and archival adhesives. If you want pigment-heavy acrylics or fine sable brushes in sizes like 1/8 inch or 3/16 inch, Cass Art is worth a look. They cater well to students and seasoned painters alike.
Jackson’s Art Supplies offers one of the best online catalogues in the UK for fine art materials. Think high-quality paint mediums, technical drawing pens, and precision tools used by illustrators and calligraphers. If you want rare pigments, fine sable brushes, or specialty varnishes, Jackson’s often stocks items that are hard to find on the high street.
For basic tools and inexpensive accessories, The Works and Ryman deliver solid value. These stores are great for sketchbooks, basic brush sets, scissors, and craft knives that won’t break the bank. They’re ideal if you’re equipping a classroom, grabbing starter kits, or buying tools for a one-off project.
If your interests lie in knitting, needlecraft, or intricate paper crafting, LoveCrafts and Crafters Companion are specialist destinations. They stock items like precision needles, die-cutting tools, embossing folders, and specialty adhesives formulated for fabric or cardstock. Their communities and tutorial resources can also help when you’re learning new techniques.
Different crafts need different toolkits. Below I break down the must-haves for common hobbies so you can shop smarter and avoid buying things you won’t use.
For painting, invest in a few high-quality brushes in small, medium, and large sizes — for example, 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, and 1/2 inch round or flat brushes depending on your style. A sturdy palette knife, several primed canvases, and a mixing palette are also essential. Stores like Cass Art and Jackson’s are perfect for sourcing artist-grade brushes and archival gesso.
Good drawing tools are about precision. Mechanical pencils, graphite grades from HB to 6B, and waterproof fineliners in sizes as fine as 0.1 mm can make line work sing. Look for heavyweight drawing paper or Bristol board when you want crisp ink lines. Ryman and Jackson’s usually have strong ranges of paper and pens for illustrators.
Paper crafting demands sharp cutting tools and clean scoring instruments. A self-healing cutting mat, a metal-edged ruler, and a craft knife with razor-sharp blades are basic investments. For adhesives, acid-free PVA and a good glue runner help avoid wrinkling. Hobbycraft and The Works stock tools geared to beginners and advanced paper crafters alike.
For sewing and textiles, a rotary cutter with a 45 mm or 60 mm blade, a durable cutting mat, and clear acrylic rulers make precision cutting a breeze. Quality dressmaking scissors and a seam ripper are non-negotiable. LoveCrafts and Crafters Companion excel at providing tools and notions for textile projects, from tapestry to garment making.
Model makers need micro files, tweezers, and pin vises. A set of hobby knives with sizes down to 1/16 inch and a selection of fine sandpapers will help you achieve clean joins. Specialist online outlets and store sections at Hobbycraft or Jackson’s are great for picking up scale-model paints and tiny brushes designed for detail work.
It’s tempting to buy the cheapest option, but think of your tools as investments. For example, a high-quality 1/2 inch brush may cost more upfront but will hold shape and deliver smoother strokes for years. Reserve premium spending for items you’ll use frequently — brushes, knives, and cutting mats — and save on disposable items like paper palettes or inexpensive brush sets for practice. This balanced approach keeps your kit functional without blowing the bank.
Online shopping gives access to specialist stock and customer reviews, making it easier to find rare pigments or a 1/8 inch liner brush. Jackson’s and Jackson’s online rivals have extensive catalogues and fast search features. In-store shopping at places like Hobbycraft and Cass Art allows you to feel brush handles, test the weight of a scalpel, and see true colours under natural light. If you’re unsure about a tool, visiting a store first can be reassuring.
Want to avoid buyer’s regret? If you’re standing in a shop, try the weight and balance of a brush or cutter in your hand. For online purchases, read multiple reviews and check the return options from the retailer — and look for close-up images of the item in use. Many retailers include video demos or community galleries showing how tools perform in real projects, which can be a lifesaver when choosing specialty items like palette knives or die-cutting machines.
Treat your tools well and they’ll reward you. Rinse brushes immediately after use and reshape bristles while they dry. Replace rotary cutter blades as soon as they feel dull; a blunt blade causes slips and ragged edges. Clean adhesive applicators regularly and keep small metal tools in a dry roll or case to avoid rust. Proper care turns a small investment into years of reliable performance.
Some retailers go beyond selling and offer workshops, loyalty clubs, and tutorial resources. Cass Art often hosts classes and demos ideal for beginners; Hobbycraft runs seasonal workshops and a community vibe for craft swaps and ideas. If you’re looking to learn a new technique, check a store’s event calendar or online tutorial library — it’s a great way to try tools before committing.
When evaluating tools, ask: does it feel balanced? Is the finish consistent? Are spare parts or replacement blades available? A good cutting mat should self-heal and lie flat without curling, while a brush handle should feel solid and the ferrule should be crimpless. If a retailer stocks replacement blades, pads, or even spare nibs, it’s a sign they support long-term use of their products.
For specialty tools — think gold leafing kits, specialty gilding adhesives, or rare pigments — turn to specialist online shops and artist-focused retailers. Jackson’s Art Supplies and Cass Art often carry unique items, while smaller boutique sellers and UK-based makers on craft marketplaces can offer handcrafted tools you won’t find in large chains. It’s worth subscribing to newsletters from these retailers to catch restocks and limited releases.
Start with a clear project in mind so you only buy what you’ll use. Mix and match retailers: buy premium brushes at artist stores, stock up on basics like glue and tapes from budget chains, and scout online for specialty items. Keep an eye out for bundle deals on starter packs — they can provide a curated set of tools at a reasonable price and reduce decision fatigue.
Choosing the right art and crafting tools in the UK doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you shop at specialist retailers like Cass Art and Jackson’s Art Supplies, big craft chains such as Hobbycraft, or budget-friendly outlets like The Works and Ryman, the key is matching tools to your craft and frequency of use. Invest in a few high-quality essentials, learn how to care for them, and complement your kit with cheaper disposables where it makes sense. With the right mix, your creativity will have the support it needs to thrive.
| Art & Crafting Tool Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora Ledline Single Colour Cob Strip Connector For Cob Led Tape | £ 1,27 |
