Paper workshop shopping list

A paper workshop needs more than paper and scissors. Before shopping, match supplies to the number of participants, tables and planned techniques. Prepare separate material sets so nobody waits for a shared tool, and allow extra paper for mistakes and demonstrations. This list also covers the easy-to-forget items: cutting mats, rigid cardboard, serving equipment, extension cords and coffee supplies.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 45
Catering tableqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 45
Glassesqty 45
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Pitcherqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6

Equipment

Kettleqty 2
Coffee makerqty 2
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Paper materials

Colored craft paperqty 500
White drawing paperqty 300
Rigid cardboardqty 150
Origami paperqty 300
Old magazineqty 40
Watercolor paperqty 100

Tools

Children's scissorsqty 25
Craft scissorsqty 10
Craft knifeqty 6
Cutting matqty 6
Metal rulerqty 10
Pencilqty 50
Eraserqty 25

Materials

Glue stickqty 40
Liquid glueqty 12
Glue gunqty 4
Glue sticksqty 80
Acrylic markersqty 12
Colored pencilsqty 12
Markersqty 12
Washi tapeqty 30
Sticker and decoration sheetsqty 50
Hole punchesqty 8
Staplersqty 6
Staplesqty 10
Paper clipsqty 200
Clothespinsqty 100
Sponge brushesqty 30
Apronsqty 20

Presentation

Sample projectsqty 12
Name badgesqty 50
Pens for registrationqty 10
Presentation boardqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Floor mopsqty 2
Dustpans and brushesqty 3
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 3
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 1 jar
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty crackers - 8 packs
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Dark chocolate - 6 bars
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 50 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 50 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Croutons - 6 bags
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Allow at least 10–15 sheets of practice paper per participant, plus extra sheets for demonstrations and failed attempts. Use a mix of white drawing paper, colored craft paper, origami paper and watercolor paper if the workshop includes several techniques.
Plan one pair of scissors per participant where possible. For shared cutting, provide at least one cutting mat and one craft knife per working table, and keep children's scissors separate from craft scissors.
Buy or collect one old magazine for every two participants if collage or paper cutting is included. Add rigid cardboard to protect tables and give finished work a firm surface while it dries.
Set up one materials station per table rather than one central pile. Put templates, handouts and the required paper types at each table before participants arrive, with a small reserve nearby.
For a workshop lasting two to three hours, prepare two to three drinks per person for the first hour and enough snacks for one serving each. Check dietary requirements before buying food, and set out serving platters, spoons, cups and glasses in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How much paper do I need per person for a paper workshop?: Allow 10–15 practice sheets per participant, then add at least 20% extra for demonstrations, mistakes and late registrations. Buy larger sheets if participants will cut them into smaller pieces.
How many scissors and cutting mats do I need?: Aim for one pair of scissors per participant. Provide at least one cutting mat and one craft knife per working table, and check that every table has the tools needed for its planned technique.
What do I need for coffee and tea at a paper workshop?: For a two- to three-hour session, plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for each following hour. Prepare cups, glasses, a kettle, a coffee maker, pitchers and thermos flasks before setup.
When should I buy the paper workshop supplies?: Check your existing material inventory at least one week before the workshop and buy missing supplies no later than three to five days before it. This leaves time to replace unsuitable paper, missing tools or damaged equipment.

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