What you need for a creativity workshop

A creativity workshop needs more than paper and pencils. You will need enough materials for each participant, a few shared tools, prepared work kits and a clear presentation setup. This shopping list covers the creative supplies, furniture, refreshments and equipment used for the workshop. Check registrations and dietary requirements before shopping, then add a small spare quantity for damaged materials, late registrations or participants who want to repeat an exercise.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet table
Presentation table
Coat rack

Creative materials

Sketchbooksqty 32
Drawing paperqty 300
Colored pencilsqty 10
Watercolor pencilsqty 10
Markersqty 10
Acrylic paint setsqty 10
Brush setsqty 10
Mixing palettesqty 32
Water cupsqty 32
Scissorsqty 16
Glue Sticksqty 32
Color cardqty 200
Magazinesqty 40
Washi tapeqty 20
Name markersqty 10
Poster puttyqty 8
Apronsqty 32
Tableclothsqty 6
Cut-out sheetsqty 100
Canvas clothsqty 32

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Bluetooth speaker

Tableware

Platesqty 36
Bowlsqty 36
Drinking glassesqty 40
Mugsqty 36
Cutlery setsqty 36

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Decorations

Name badgesqty 40
Directional signsqty 6
Photo backdrop

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6
LED light stringsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 1 jar
- Still mineral water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Baguettes - 16 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Plain hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian Spread - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Red onions - 2 kilos
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Salted crackers - 6 packs
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls

Tips

Count consumable materials by participant before ordering: provide one sketchbook and enough drawing paper for every exercise, then add 10% extra for mistakes and demonstrations.
Prepare one work kit per participant with the core supplies, such as colored pencils, markers, scissors, glue sticks and a name marker. Assemble these before the workshop so setup does not delay the start.
Buy shared materials in sets rather than assuming everyone can work at once. Brush sets, watercolor pencils, acrylic paint, mixing palettes and water cups must cover the busiest activity in the program.
Protect the room before materials arrive. Use tablecloths and aprons for paint activities, and keep poster putty, washi tape and cut-out sheets together at the presentation table.
Check the equipment at least one day ahead: test the laptop, projector and projection screen, and bring extension cords and power strips that reach every workstation without creating trip hazards.

Frequently asked questions

How much art material do I need per workshop participant?: Plan one sketchbook and one name marker per person, plus enough drawing paper for every exercise. Add about 10% extra paper and consumables so a group of 20 has supplies for at least 22 participants.
What should I buy for a painting workshop?: For each shared painting activity, include acrylic paint sets, brush sets, mixing palettes and water cups, along with aprons and tablecloths. Base the quantity on the number of participants working at the same time, not only on the total group size.
When should I order materials for a creativity workshop?: Order specialist or larger quantities at least 10 to 14 days before the workshop. Do the final stock check 3 to 5 days beforehand, after the participant list and dietary requirements are confirmed.
How many work kits should I prepare?: Prepare one complete work kit for every confirmed participant, then make 1 or 2 spare kits for a group of up to 20 people. Label the kits with name markers if participants will use them throughout the session.

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