1) Sharp Scissors - that are used exclusively for art and nothing else. The little yellow and black scissor are my all time favorites!

2) Foam Brushes - they don't leave "hairs" behind and evenly distribute adhesive (but when I am collaging on wood, I prefer synthetic bristles because the rough edges of the wood tears the foam and leaves little black pieces behind).

3) Mod Podge - I have tried many different adhesives for my collages but I haven't found anything that works as well for me as Mod Podge.

4) Craft Knife - one that swivels and one that doesn't.

5) Tweezers - helpful when placing little pieces.

​6) Various types of markers - I especially like the Specrum Noir markers and Sharpies because they are permanent and when I apply mod podge, they do not smear or streak. 

7) Pencil and Eraser - to sketch out the collage before starting.

8) Prismacolor Art Sticks - I love these! I can create papers with all different kinds of looks by dragging the colors across various textures. Often after I make the textures with the art sticks, I then fill in with the Spectrum Noir markers in a complementary color.

9) Acrylic Paint - to create papers. I use paints to create a variety of textures. Often I want the look of paint strokes, so I dry brush acrylics on to white paper. Other times I loosely blend two colors together for a different effect. Painting is always fun!