Freshening up your interior requires a lot of work.

However, with just a few supplies and a little bit of effort, you can completely change up your whole interior! Here are some ideas to help you out.

Paint It Up!

A fresh coat of paint costs around $25, and it's the cheapest, most affordable way to make your house look brand new! An easy project that isn’t too much of a feat, you can paint the interior of your home with different colors to make it look completely new.

If you want to make your space feel more open and airy, paint your rooms with light pastels. If you want to make an accent wall, paint one wall a darker color than the rest to attract attention. You can also create intricate details with paint to make it more interesting. This way, you'll be able to create a unique spot in your home without having to invest too much time, energy, and money.

Repurpose Your Items

When you're on a budget, you can't really afford to buy a lot of pieces of furniture. But, don't worry— you can easily make something new by transforming your old pieces of furniture to serve a new purpose! For example, you can convert a collection of free second dressers to create a bookcase. You can paint them, mount them on the wall, and place books on them— making it an exclusive yet cheap addition to your home.

Use Fabric

To make a room look fresh and new, use fabric to enhance it. You can easily buy new bedding online or in stores or stitch a couple of covers on your own. Add pops of color to your pillows, throws, and cushions to create an interesting contrast.

Additionally, you can sew different fabrics on a carpet or rug to completely transform how it looks. Using your crafting skills and materials, you can curate a piece that's entirely unique and suited to your taste and décor.

If you’re on the search for the best art supply store online to help you with your DIY interior décor, look no further. At ArtCove, we’ve got all the arts and crafts supplies that you need. You can bulk buy embroidery hoops, buy knitting supplies online, jewelry-making supplies, plastic and acrylic beads, plaster molds, and much more. With so many discount art supplies online, ArtCove is your one-stop destination for crafting!

Get in touch with us or email us at hello@artcove.com for more info.

Don’t you just love wearing comfy woolen stoles, sweaters, and cardigans that are made of beautiful knitted patterns in the winter? After all, winters are all about looking your best and warmest. Knitted sweaters are not only comfy and warm, but they are also a style statement because of their unique designs.

By virtue of technological advancements, the textile industry has been able to launch truly diverse collections, with each piece having a unique design, color, and style. If you happen to not be aware of these diverse styles, this blog is for you. Given below are some intriguing knitted pattern designs that you can create on your own if you have mastered the art of knitting.

Top Knitting Patterns in 2021

Faroese Shawl with a Twist

The traditional Faroese shape has become a little outdated, but designers are keeping it alive with a little twist. This involves adding a center panel to the shawl. This pattern k gives the shawl a beyond appealing look. The look can be added both vertically and horizontally, as per what you prefer. Check out some intriguing designs from Pinterest to spark your creativity and inspiration.

Digital Patterns

Digital patterns on sofa style or Aran-style sweaters and cardigans are a major hit this year. You can opt for plaid, geometric, or Bassett designs. Online fashion retail stores are chock-full with digital print clothing options.

Digital prints aren’t just limited to clothing, but they can also be used for beanies, throws, and cushions. Redecorate your living room for the fall this year by purchasing new cushions, throws, and knitted blankets for a new look.

Home decoration items such as coasters, mugs, and rugs can also be knitted at home by buying arts and crafts material online. Opt for buying premium quality arts and crafts material from Art Cove if you are based in Queens, NY.

Knit Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks were a major hit back in the ’80s and guess what? They are back with a bang! You will find solid ribbed chunky knit turtlenecks everywhere these days.

They mostly look good in basic colors or in dark neutral colors. They can easily be knitted at home with the help of YouTube tutorials. Turtlenecks go great with large-size gold pendants with your hair tied up. Pair them with denim jeans and ankle boots to finish the look.

You will require quality knitting supplies to create knitted patterns at home. But there is no need to worry! There are numerous online stores selling knitting materials. You can buy knitting materials online from Art Cove. We sell premium quality knitting materials in all of Queens, NY. With about 50 years of experience, we offer fast delivery and convenience for our customers through our exceptional customer services. Contact us to find out more.

Having a creative outlet, and being able to express yourself is good for the mind and soul.

It's never too late to be passionate about your creativity, because not only is it exciting and fun, it's also therapeutic.

There’s only one hot topic that’s been making waves since last year… and it’s COVID-19. And since schools have been closed for more than a year now, parents are running out of ideas for activities that will keep their kids engaged while not involving screen time

According to a study, kids aged 2–5 years should be allowed an hour or less of screen time per day. Excessive use of iPads, laptops, and phones has a negative impact on a child’s cognitive development. Therefore, it’s crucial that their screening times stay to a minimum and that they are engaged in healthy activities.

Traditional play fosters interactions, creativity, and problem-solving, and above all, it brings so much joy and fun to kids’ lives. Given below are some fun screen-free activities for kids that you can take up during this spring break.

Bake Together

Since, we’re living through a pandemic and your kids will be staying at home more than usual, it’s the perfect time for them to test their cooking abilities.

We aren’t talking about teaching them cooking in an involved capacity; that could be quite challenging and not fun. We’re talking about baking delicious cakes, cookies, and sweet treats together.

Baking doesn’t involve lighting a stove, so it’s kid-friendly. It can be a lot of fun just baking the simplest things, like banana bread. So buy a little chef’s hat for your little one, grab that whisk and start baking.

Board Games

Board games like Scrabble, Monopoly, and chess require strategic thinking that is beneficial for enhancing cognitive ability. Try playing them outdoors if you have a nice backyard.

Set up a nice backyard picnic with yummy snacks and play some board games while enjoying the fresh outdoor air.

Learn a New Skill

Is there a new skill that your kid wants to learn? If so, this is the perfect time for them to take it up.

You can teach them a new language by getting some Rosetta stone audio CDs at the library, for example. Learning a new language will keep kids away from digital games.

Even if you are opting for screen time make sure it’s educational. Try Duolingo or tinycards; these apps are loaded with different kinds of languages such as French, German, and Spanish. They use a variety of flashcards, spoken sections, and involve vocal practice sessions that can help your kids learn the basics.

These simple all day activities will teach your kids discipline and patience. And nothing exemplifies this like arts and crafts. You can buy them premium quality art and craft materials online for this purpose.

Art Cove is a leading provider of arts and crafts material online across Queens, NY, that sells premium quality products at affordable prices. Contact us today to find out more.

Drawing instills patience, creativity, and freedom of expression in children. It allows them to unlock their creative side and explore their potential.

Good drawing skills necessitate practice, so it’s best to start from an early age. A good way to start is with sketch books, which are available in art and crafts supplies stores online. Pick out one that your child likes and you’re good to go. Below are some tips that will help your child as they start drawing.

4 Beginner’s Tips for Drawing with Kids

Start With Easy Shapes

Start with simple circular, square, and oval shapes. Fruits are perfect for this. The more easily they can be made freehand, the better. Help your kids in the first few tries and then leave them on their own. Give them space to express their skills.

Skies and Clouds

Tell your child to draw what they see outside on a daily basis. Ask them to draw the different shades of the sky during the day. Coloring the sky while leaving the clouds will help your child develop control over strokes, improving the quality of their drawing.

Drawing Animals

Kids are animal lovers, and they love to draw them. You can help them improve in this area by creating a rough sketch that’s divided into parts. There are many sketchbooks available in arts and crafts supplies stores online that are animal-centric.

Polish your kid’s drawing skills by grabbing a bunch of these books from Art Cove today. We sell premium quality art and crafts supplies online.

Drawing Houses

Ask your kid to draw their own house. Give them a bunch of crayons to start the sketch. Help them determine the basic sketch of a house with the roof, windows, and a square structure. Tell them to make a nice garden in the front with blooming flowers.

Always encourage your kids when they make art pieces by hanging them on the wall or sticking them to the fridge with the help of fridge magnets. Refrain from negative criticism. Tell them they have done an amazing job because, after all, no art is perfect, it's just a matter of self-expression.

Buy arts and crafts material online at mind-blowing prices from Art Cove, based in Queens, NY. We have 50 years of experience in this industry and take pride in maintaining a broad array of satisfied customers. Contact us to find out more.

Purchasing only what you need.

A Physical art store is a tempting place that can ruin your budget.

Mirrors are far from boring. There's an assortment of shapes, colors, and materials to choose from, so it's highly likely that one may find a mirror that perfectly fits their aesthetic inclinations. Mirrors can be used to add a bit of drama, create fascinating reflections, and amplify lights. Here are six placement ideas to convince you to reach out for mirrors for solving any interiors dilemma:

1. Brighten your room

Mirrors come in handy when aiming to double the light sources in a room effectively; this may be natural light or light from an artificial light fixture. The bigger the mirror, the likelier it is to brighten up your space, so don't be shy when installing a large one near the window. The addition of a mirror near window frames can also help create the illusion of a more spacious room.

You can even make use of mirrors to illuminate dark corners in the room. The trick is to maximize both natural and artificial light by placing a mirror in the corner or pairing it up with mirrored furniture.

2. Enhance your room

Mirrors have a cunning way of deceiving the human eye. They can be used to enhance a particular object, but they can also deflect attention from any awkward spaces. The addition of a mirror can also make your room seem more spacious.

3. Make the mirror your focal point

Ideally, you must always dictate the room's center and then position your furniture around it. So, if you don't already have a mantelpiece around the fireplace, make your mirror the center of attention.

Alternatively, when it comes to decorative art, you can even use a mirror with a carved frame instead of a painting.

4. Group mirrors as decoration

Need to fix a boring wall? Breath new life into it using a group of mirrors consisting of the same color frame or the same shape. You could even go big with a statement mirror.

Sucker for orderly organization techniques? Hang mirrors to either side of the window or doorway, following a straight-line pattern to exaggerate symmetry for a sense of balance and harmony.

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5. Different shapes of mirrors

The mirror's shape is also a crucial factor when aiming to enhance the amount of natural light flooding into the room, even after it has been placed correctly. The good news is that there are tons of mirror shapes to choose from. Best of all, they don't have to be practical all the time, take an unusually shaped mirror and make it special.

6. Take mirrors outdoors

Who said mirrors couldn't be used outside? That's right, introduce more natural light into your terrace, garden, or courtyard to exaggerate the amount of natural light or create the illusion of more greenery.

If you're feeling confident about it, you can even create DIY wall décor mirror art! Get craft mirrors in round, oval and square shapes in a wide selection of sizes at Art Cove. We're an online art, craft, and knitting supply store providing artists with materials at super affordable rates. Stock your cart up to $150 and get free shipping in the United States.

Have you ever stood by a donut store, glazing in through the window, and wondered what gave these donuts the colors of the rainbow? Well, the answer is Candy Melts.

Candy Melts is a confectionery coating item that can be used to dip, mold, pipe, and drizzle treats over for making them look all kinds of pretty. It’s available in a wide selection of colors; you can even get creative and mix colors to form new ones!

Let’s get to answering some frequently asked questions about the goodie goods:

Chocolate or Candy Melts candy?

First things first: why can’t you use chocolate instead of Candy Melts? Although Candy Melt looks, taste and feel much like chocolate, they have their differences.

Tempering is a process that is used to melt chocolates. It uses a temperature precision and a candy thermometer to give the chocolate a nice, shiny, and luxurious finish. On the other hand, Candy Melts don’t require tempering, which makes them ideal for beginners. It melts into a semi-liquid state and hardens over treats to give a smooth, glossy finish.

What do they taste like?

Candy Melts are usually vanilla flavored unless stated otherwise on the packaging. Light cocoa and dark cocoa are two such exceptions. You can even add your desired flavoring by using an oil-based extract.

How to melt them?

Candy Melts tend to retain their shape even when they’re kept at room temperature. You can melt them using a microwave or a double boiler.

Microwave is the quickest alternative available to melt a small portion of candy. Pop the candy into a microwave-safe container or a disposable decorating bag and heat it at regular 30-second intervals, gently stirring through the box or kneading the bag until the candy has melted completely. On the other hand, if you plan on melting larger amounts of candy, use the steam from a double boiler. Place the candy in a heat-safe bowl and get stirring to distribute the heat evenly until the candy gives a smooth liquidy finish.

How long do they take to harden?

Candy Melts can take anywhere between a few minutes to an hour to harden completely, depending on the temperature. Best of all, the leftover melted candy can always be remelted and reused, considering it is crumb-free.

Smaller candy projects, such as drizzled popcorns and dipped pretzels or cake pops, tend to harden in the refrigerator in approximately 10 to 20 minutes. But larger items, such as ganache cake toppers, can take roughly around 45 minutes.

What can they be used for?

The possibilities are endless; from dipping, drizzling, molding, pouring to marbling, you can do what you please with Candy Melts. So, get creative with whatever you have in mind!

Art Cove is a go-to online sotre if you are into baking, crafts, and other creative hobbies such as knitting. We are an online art supply store with tons of Candy Melts and candy making accessories in stock. Buy all the material you need for your masterpiece, and we’ll ship them for free over $150.

Polymer clay works perfectly for beginners and professional artists alike. It's a challenging, complex, yet versatile medium that allows you to get creative and get good results without any added tools.

So, what is polymer clay? It's a modeling clay that's derived from PVC (polymer polyvinyl chloride). Oven-cured ones are manufactured in a wide selection of colors and finishes and can be hardened to retain their shape. Here are 4 dos and don'ts of polymer clay that you should know before you get your hands on:

1. Is it safe?

This one is for our skeptical parents: no, polymer clay isn't toxic and doesn't release any toxic fumes while baking. It has been tested and certified as a non-toxic crafting material and is safe to be baked in the home oven at the temperatures recommended by the manufacturer. Not complying with the directions may result in color changes or breakage. Lastly, you don't need to seal it with any glazes or varnishes for protection; polymer clay in itself is very durable water-resisting plastic.

2. Can you paint it?

Acrylic paints usually work well when painting the polymer clay's surface, but some may tend to get sticky so, it's best you do a patch test first. It would be best if you never used nail polish on any polymer clay project as the chemicals tend to dissolve the clay causing it to turn sticky over time.

3. What to do when your clay is hard and crumbly

Yep, polymer clay tends to give off the dry soil feel when it gets old. But you don't need to throw away your crumbling clay; it's possible to soften the clay by placing it in a Ziploc bag and submerging it in hot water or simply put it in your pocket for a while. If all else fails, you can add a few drops of mineral oil or liquid clay to soften it.

4. How to store it?

Are you try to store clay minus the damage? It's not all that tricky. You'll want to keep the clay away from any sources of heat (like a sunny window or by the heater/radiator) to avoid it from being cured or hardened. It's best to store separate colors of polymer clay in sandwich bags or partitioned plastic boxes.

There's no right or wrong when it comes down to craft, and polymer clay is one evolving medium. You can make sculptures, miniatures, and jewelry. You really can't go wrong with polymer clay unless you've burned it or added paint thinner to make it sticky. So, let your imagination run wild!

Art Cove has an exclusive product line called clay & accessories that holds a variation of air-dry clay and Sculpey polymer oven-bake clay, so you get the best of both worlds. Not to brag, but we're one of the best online art supply stores in the hood. Buy art, craft, and other knitting supplies and get free shipping over $150.

Art education in schools is often looked upon as a luxury by both the parents and students. But an art teacher knows that art plays a vital role in preparing tomorrow’s learners and leaders.

Art challenges artists at all levels, and it’s a beautiful gift we can pass from one generation to the next. Here’s why integrating arts with academics as a permanent subject in school can prove to be fruitful:

1. Improved cognition

Displaying difficult concepts visually often makes it easier for the student to understand the situation better. Kindergarten teachers are now rapidly utilizing arts to teach math (and other subjects, for that matter), and it’s working.

Besides, art educates learners about the balance they must maintain using colors and layouts while projecting their perspective. This is now a near essential skill due to the coronavirus pandemic that has forced us to attend school online and present academic work digitally. It can also prove to be helpful in their professional lives.

2. Mindset growth

Art helps learners develop creative problem-solving skills. It also helps develop motor skills, decision making, language skills, social skills, and risk-taking capabilities.

A study found that greater art education in schools led to higher test grades, graduation rates, attendance, and lesser disciplinary conflicts on campus. The trick is to establish the expectations and goals so that the students can motivate themselves in the same direction; this creates a healthier and sustaining learning environment.

3. Communication and Self

Communication is the most crucial aspect of our existence. It’s not just limited to verbal communication; in fact, it includes physical and emotional contact. Art teaches students a multitude of communication skills that they can express in their unique way. This is a great way to attain affirmation from their peers that boosts self-confidence. Art is the core of our identity as individuals that deepen our cultural and self-understanding.

At Art Cove, we take your child’s future seriously. We provide the best quality art, crafts, and knitting supplies to educate our community as a whole. Young adults should participate in arts and crafts three hours per day weekly to see significant improvements.

We take pride in successfully running our online store for the past 50 years. As a token of appreciation for being our loyal customers, we’re offering free delivery across the United States for over $150. What are you waiting for? Add art to your cart!