Supplies for Making High-Quality Visuals
A resource room should contain both ready-made materials for teaching and the right equipment and supplies to create visuals that look good and will last a long time. These are our recommendations for the best supplies.
These papers come in around 30 vivid colors. We suggest purchasing copy weight 8.5" x 11" sheets and cover weight 11” x 17” sheets. The larger sheets allow you to create visuals with one sheet instead of having to piece them. This significantly increases stability and durability.
Variety packs are by far the most cost-efficient option. Copy weight packs are available at general merchandise and office supply stores. The bibleclassworkshop.com store is the only place we are aware of that carries variety packs of the larger paper.
Note: Do NOT make visuals from construction paper. It fades quickly and tears easily.
Prismacolor markers
These markers are not for children’s use. They are artist tools. Prismacolor markers do not smear or streak like cheaper markers; they do allow you to blend colors. They are double-ended to allow for a variety of line thicknesses. We recommend making sure the lids are secure on both ends and then storing them in Ziploc bags in a dark place. A variety of flesh tones and grays are available.
These markers are expensive. The best way to purchase is often in sets. Shop at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby (watch for coupons) or online at jerrysartarama.com or dickblick.com.
Scissors
This will be one of the most used items in the resource room. Invest in several good pair. If you will be cutting the Betty Lukens felts, we recommend high quality sewing and detail scissors.
Posterboard
By far, the most cost effective way to buy posterboard is by the carton. One carton of white and one carton of assorted colors will give your resource room a good start. Check local stores. Posterboard is heavy and the cost of shipping may make online prices not as good as they seem at first glance.
Adhesive
Old school: Rubber cement is a better adhesive to use to make visuals than glue. Liquid glue bubbles and glue sticks clump. Both can "squeeze out” from under the pieces as the visual goes through the laminator, ruining your work.
Our preferred brand is Ross Rubber Cement. Buy 2 or 3 small cans with brushes and then buy a refill can as needed.
New option: Crafter's Tape Roll on Adhesive. We use Ad-Tech; Duck makes a version as well.
Sharpie markers
Buy one box of black and add a box of mixed colors as you can. Visuals and especially lettering need to be outlined and this is the right tool for the job.
Soft pastels
Pastels look like chalk but they are an oil-based drawing/painting tool. Avoid brands like Crayola or Rose that are intended primarily for children. Also remember spray lacquer to keep your art from smearing. We like White Rain hair spray for this job!
High quality yardstick
Making visuals often requires a straight edge and a measuring tool. A thick yardstick with a hole in one end for hanging is a valuable tool.
Magnetic tape
We recommend buying magnetic sheets, not the rolls you can get at mass merchandise stores. The rolls will cause your visuals to curl up. Also, avoid cheap, thin magnetic sheets. A much larger piece is required to hold a visual than when better quality sheets are used. Also, after a period of time, the adhesive on the cheap sheets tends to "let go” requiring replacement.
Double-stick tape
This is what you use to attach a laminated piece to another laminated piece. Even if you want to be able to take the piece off and put it back multiple times, use the permanent tape, not the removable.
Poly bags for hanging visuals
Although many use Ziploc bags, we prefer and recommend poly bags. These bags are larger, have thicker walls, and hold more than gallon Ziploc bags. They are studier and last longer.
Skirt hangers
Skirt hangers, the kind with clips on them, are the best way to hang the bags of visuals. You can order them online, but check local stores first. Some department stores will donate to a "church.” Junk or thrift stores sometimes have them for sale very inexpensively.