11 best art stores in Singapore for cheap DIY supplies

If you are feeling imaginative and wish to unleash your creativity through art, start by stocking up on supplies. Art stores in Singapore can help any fledgling Picasso get into shape. They sell supplies such as materials for painting, drawing, photography, and more.

Check out our list of the 11 best art stores in Singapore to get cheap art supplies.

1. Drawing Etc. Art Supplies

Drawing Etc. Art Supplies is the first artist-run art store in Singapore. It carries a wide variety of art materials, ranging from Professional to Graduate level, to meet every need.

If you are thinking of getting watercolour paints, you can’t go wrong with their Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours (5ml) (S$8.60). Find your creative spark with the widest range of watercolours available in-store – 79 colours from the Extra Fine series.

If you prefer oil colours, opt for their Gamblin 1980 Oil Colours (37ml) (S$12.15). The colours are formulated with pure pigments, refined linseed oil and calcium carbonate. You can paint with true colours, without homogenised textures or muddy colour mixtures.

62A Arab Street, 2nd Level, Singapore 199759

+65 8892 5192
Tue to Sun: 11am – 7pm
Closed on Mon
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2. Elsie Departmental Store

Elsie Departmental Store is your number-one source for all things art-related. The store is dedicated to giving you only the very best handicraft supplies, and tools for crocheting, knitting, quilting, beading, felting, and cross-stitching, with a focus on variety and good price.

If you have recently picked up crocheting, a craft that uses a hooked needle to create fabric by interlacing yarn, our recommendation is to purchase the Crochet Needle (4.0mm) (S$3). These have a soft grip handle, making them easier to hold for beginners.

If you cannot keep track of your stitches, get the Lock Pins (S$2), which are designed to help you not lose sight of your progress and add a touch of colour and style to your project.

3. Straits Art Co. Pte Ltd

Straits Art Co was the first art store established in Singapore. It has been connecting people and art since 1947. They endeavour to provide the best-suited art materials for fine artists.

If you are looking for a flat brush to paint large areas of colour, such as skies or fields, get their Colourpro 8092 Flat Brush (Size 4) (S$5.60). A long-handled brush made from synthetic fibre, its body is gentle to the touch with a resistance that enables it to snap back when bent. It draws precisely while leaving grooves, perfect for creating textures.

While you’re at it, it doesn’t hurt to purchase “The Masters” Brush Cleaner & Preserver (717g) (S$62). It can remove paints, inks, glass stains, grime and even hardened colour from brush hairs, restoring your brush’s performance. But water is necessary to activate it.

4. Art Friend

Art Friend has been serving graphic artists, hobbyists and companies in the design sector since 1981. They aim to stock the finest and best-priced materials. They also look out for new and interesting products as they understand that their customers love to experiment.

If you are looking for a versatile medium that can be used for various artistic endeavours including drawing and painting, you can’t miss their Fw Artists Ink (29.5ml) (S$7.75), an acrylic-based permanent ink. A large extent of lightfastness over a range of colours makes it ideal for use by artists in the production of pictures for permanent displays.

If you do calligraphy on the side and can’t stand uncontrolled brush strokes, the Daley Rowner Calli Ink (29.5ml) (S$6.83) is your best bet. An acrylic-based, pigmented, water-resistant ink, it facilitates the optimal flow of ink from the pen tip or your brush.

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5. Umistrong

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6. Krafer’s Paradise

Krafers’ Paradise has been a leader in retail art supplies since 2008. It is also the sole distributor of Montana cans here in Singapore. In addition to providing customers with premium art materials, the store advocates for independent and emerging art in Singapore.

If you are looking to get air-dry clay for your little one, you can’t go wrong with the AMOS iClay Refill (50g) (S$4.80). The clay is lightweight and does not crack after drying. It is suitable for colour mixing and comes in colours such as Sky Blue, Neon Pink and Light Green.

If you are looking to get a set of coloured pencils, go with the KCK Aqua Maestro Colour Pencil – 24 Colours (S$10.80). These are designed using a classic hexagon barrel. This enables the artist to maintain the best possible grip. The enhanced 3.7mm diameter core gives you more coverage while colouring.

7. PaperMarket

PaperMarket is a lifestyle brand that celebrates life. They curate quality products that spark joy, and are a speciality gift shop for special occasions and everyday surprises.

Staying true to their name, they ply a range of Origami Paper (S$10.61). This pack contains 300 high-quality origami sheets printed with 12 different natural-looking and attractive Japanese washi prints. That’s sufficient paper to put together modular origami sculptures, distribute to students for a class project or put to other creative applications.

If you are environmentally friendly and don’t want to waste paper on wrapping gifts, get their Reusable Gift Wrap – Alphabets from A to Z (S$8.95). This reusable gift wrap is printed on RPET (Recycled Plastic material). Each piece has 2 ropes on the corners for easy wrapping. The classical design features a range of Alphabets and Animals from A to Z.

8. Overjoyed

Overjoyed is another popular art store in Singapore specialising in art supplies. Given their wide range of products, it is no surprise that amateur to professional artists go there to buy art materials.

If you are looking for a canvas board to draw on, go with the OVJ Cotton Canvas Board 280gsm 6” x 8” (S$0.70). Crafted from 100 percent medium-tooth cotton canvas, the stretched canvas board is coated three times using premium white gesso glue. The triple coating produces a smooth, non-absorbent surface ready to embrace your artistic touch.

If you prefer a more versatile substrate, their OVJ Craft Felt (20 x 30cm) (10 in a pack) (S$4.89) offers a range of felt cloth sheets in different colours and sizes for a variety of art projects. They are ideal for DIY crafts, creating costumes and even making toys.

9. Knotty Shop

If you are a student and are looking for an art shop in Singapore to buy textile supplies for a school project, drop by Knotty Shop at the Bras Basah Complex in the Central district.

Knotty Shop is your one-stop solution for everything tapestry-related. It sells embroidery thread (S$1.10), knitting and animal-related books (S$5 – S$18.90), as well as embroidered cat purses (S$25). The lady boss is friendly and shares what she knows.

If you are a complete newbie, this art store in Singapore also offers stitching classes, so you don’t have to worry about your skills leaving others in stitches.

10. Yarn Holic

Yarn Holic is another textile-focused art store in Singapore that plies a range of fabrics.

If you are new to crocheting, get started with the 100g Nylon Polypropylene Yarn Crochet Knitting Bag Thread (1.5mm) (S$4) and the Tulip Crochet Hook Double Pointed Classic (1/2 steel version) (S$3.50). The latter is lightweight, so beginners can practice longer without tiring their fingers. Tulip is also a well-known brand globally for crochet and knitting supplies.

They even have a Yarn Holic Crochet Class (S$60). Participants learn how to hold the yarn, stitch a small square pouch, work with a flat shape and count stitches. If you prefer to bring along your own object, they can guide you too for S$50 over 2 hours.

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