Art Tools and Studio Gear You Can Easily Find at the Thrift Store
I love visiting thrift stores for all kinds of reasons and occasions. Most of the items in my art studio are second-hand finds, both practical and inspirational. I thought I’d share a list of things you can hunt for at the thrift store to spark some creative inspiration:
Big glass jars and cups for holding water and organizing pens, tools, etc. (This one’s a no-brainer, I know.)
Plates as palettes — If you want to feel extra professional, you might find a plate with dividers, but a plain white one works just fine. I’m also on the lookout for a white enamel tray that would make a great palette.
Rulers and compasses (I love when they come in those little vintage cases!)
Stationery and office organizers — I love mixing old wooden boxes with metal ones in a nice retro color.
Books! I’ve found so many art books at thrift stores. I’ve also collected botanical books for floral references and random books that catch my eye (like one about the occult, aliens and space). Mid-century children’s books are also worth searching for.
Vintage ephemera like old tickets, packaging and advertising flyers.
Type inspiration — In the fabric section, you’ll often find old type books (for embroidery) with lots of fonts and lettering styles to inspire you.
Photo albums or binders to archive your paper references and inspiration.
Vintage stationery like notebooks, paper clippers, letter paper and calendars.
Things You Might Need a Little Extra Luck to Find:
Vintage type stamps
A small drawing table — I mostly use mine when working on my iPad. It’s easy to collapse and store away, which is super convenient.
A mix of cups I use to organize my art tools.
Different types of plates repurposed as paint palettes.
Loving the look of vintage stationery!
Some of my favorite go-to books for inspiration.
Type books originally used for embroidery — I often reference them for lettering and illustration projects.
A vintage set of letter stamps.
My beloved drawing table, perfect for illustrating on the iPad.
Please share your best art tool finds or let me know if there’s something I’ve missed. I’d love to hear what you look for and discover at the thrift store!
/Linnea
