Customer Favourites Brochure

CUSTOMER FAVOURITES

Create your own bespoke kits

Abacus Creative Resources are suppliers of quality creative materials to education establishments across the country. One of the most popular services we offer to our customers is our Creative Kits. Get ready for the new term ahead and get each student off to the best possible start with all the creative materials they need.

All you need to know about our Creative Kit Service: Customisable - When we say customisable, we mean just that! Your kits can include almost every item on our website! If you need a quicker option or just some ideas, we also have a range of standard kits, based on customer favourites, that you can choose from.

Speed - We all know that time is precious! Kits are proven to save time, here’s how:

We put together all the kits so when they arrive all you need to do is handout 1 package! Each student will receive an identical kit including everything they need. You only work with 1 company for all your students’ needs! Your one stop ‘creative’ shop!

PLUS! Between May & October, for every 1,000 kits created, Abacus Creative Resources will donate to projects both in the UK and internationally, to help offset our current carbon footprint and plant new trees to aid in future carbon capture. Speak

Convenience - You can either order your kits in bulk or we can set up a portal & students or parents can order and pay directly with us. We will deliver your kits either direct to your school or your student’s home!

About Us

As an Art, Craft and Design Technology supplier, we are proud to supply education establishments, retailers and creative studios throughout the UK. We stock an exciting range of creative materials from the industries best known brands including POSCA, Winsor & Newton and Daler Rowney as well as our very own Blue Acorn. Our range has grown from simply art materials, to supporting all creative disciplines including Pottery, Textiles, Printmaking, Graphic Design and much more.

Abacus Creative Resources is a family business built by three generations of the Swindell family. Brothers Roy and Roddy who have taken the reins, have an enthusiasm and dedication instilled by their father and founder of the business, Patrick. This has been passed down to Roy’s son, Lyndon who joined the Company to form our new look sales team just over a year ago.

The family’s commitment to the Company is shared by all the team who are based in Carnforth, Lancashire. From the Warehouse to the Marketing department, everyone is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service.

To put it simply, we do our job because we have a passion to source and deliver good quality art materials to education establishments and retailers throughout the UK. Nothing gives us more satisfaction than serving our customers!

Blue Acorn is a unique creative brand thought up by the Swindell family. Our in-house team work closely with creatives to develop a carefully crafted range of stylish sketchbooks, journals, canvasses and essential creative tools for the unique Blue Acorn brand. The brand was developed with artists in mind; providing excellent quality materials to support creatives at every stage of their journey.

Abacus Creative Resources is renowned for our creative kit service. Our dedicated team work closely with education establishments to create individual student kits based on the requirements of each course. We are proud to supply some of the UK’s most prestigious art schools and colleges with our customisable and pre-assembled kits, made to our client’s own specifications.

So, from Fine Art to Fashion, Architecture and Photography we are the one stop shop for your creative needs!

Roy Swindell - Managing Director

Blue Acorn is a unique creative brand, which was brought to life by the Swindell family, owners of Abacus Creative Resources.

With over 50 years experience, our team work closely with creatives to curate a carefully crafted range of stylish sketchbooks, journals, canvases and essential creative tools. We are proud of our beautiful range; from our sewn spine softback sketchbooks to the bold and bright pigment in our cedarwood barrel pencils and not forgetting our wooden handled pallet knives which are lovingly made in Italy.

Recycled Paper Sketchbooks

Explore the exceptional features of our Blue Acorn recycled spiral sketchbook, carefully designed to meet the needs of artists and students. With a focus on sustainability and durability, this sketchbook offers an ecofriendly choice without compromising on quality.

It features 35 sheets of 160gsm 100% recycled cartridge paper, ideal for a variety of artistic mediums such as inks, pencils, sketching pens, brush pens, and light washes of paint.

The 100% recycled cartridge paper is manufactured at the renowned James Cropper paper mill, located less than 18 miles away from our premises. By choosing the Blue Acorn sketchbook, you not only support your artistic pursuits but also contribute to reducing environmental impact.

Unlock your creative potential with the Blue Acorn Recycled Supreme Sketchbook—a perfect blend of eco-consciousness and artistic expression.

Made in Britain

Also Available with Kraft Covers!

Softback Sewn Sketchbooks

Blue Acorn softback sketchbooks have a sewn spine and rounded corners, giving an extra touch of quality. There is a large choice of options - black or kraft (natural) covers, portrait and landscape layout, plain pages, lined pages, black pages, available in A3, A4, A4+, A5.

Each sketchbook contains 40 pages/20sheets of 150gsm cartridge paper.

Coloured Pencil Tin

A set of 12 pre-sharpened woodcase pencils with strong pigment colours that apply smoothly and blend easily for subtle shades, tints and colour mixtures. 12 assorted colours in a Blue Acorn reusable and portable tin.

Sketching Pencil Tin

Great value, cedar sketching pencils in a natural finish. Ideal for sketching, shading and an introduction to the use of tone. Double-dipped ends for durability. 12 graded sketching pencils in a Blue Acorn reusable and portable tin.

20CE13 Coloured Pencil Tin of 12 £7.06 20AS7 Sketching Pencils Tin of 12 £5.98

Sketching Pencils

Great value, cedar sketching pencils in a natural finish. Ideal for sketching, shading and an introduction to the use of tone. Double-dipped ends for durability. Available in two Eco-Friendly packaged sets - 6’s and 12’s.

Colour Pencils

A set of 12 pre-sharpened woodcase pencils with strong pigment colours that apply smoothly and blend easily for subtle shades, tints and colour mixtures

Water Soluble Pencils

Blue Acorn Aquarelle pencils are lovely rich, vibrant watersoluble coloured pencils with evenly-dispersed pigments and good colour permanency in a round cedar barrel. Manufactured with high concentration pigments and bleached kaolin, a white clay of the highest purity is used along with other binders to achieve a unique stroke on paper or any other medium. The colours have excellent durability, blendability and lightfastness and are extremely soluble which means an aquarelle technique can be achieved with just a few drops of water.

20CE12 Colouring Pencils - Set of 12 £2.29

20CWJ12 Watercolour Pencils Set of 12 + Brush £3.51

20AS6 6 Sketching Pencils B - 6B £1.28

20SPS12 12 Sketching Pencils 6B - 5H £2.89

Fineliners

Pack of twelve 0.4mm fibre tip fineliners, with water-based ink. Outstanding results for line drawing, light washes, ruler and stencil, technical drawing and dot work.

Canvas Apron

Blue Acorn ‘Natural’ canvas aprons are made from 100%, 7oz cotton canvas and are strong, yet lightweight. Each apron measures 80cm x 57cm, with 2 side straps 100cm length each and an adjustable neck strap. There are 2 deep pockets, 1 shallow pocket and 5 openings for brushes. This is the perfect apron for all artists.

Deluxe Canvas Apron

Blue Acorn ‘Deluxe’ canvas aprons are the ultimate aprons, made from 10oz heavyweight splash-proof canvas, dyed to a stylish ‘sand’ colour. Ideal for pottery and ceramics work as well as painting of all styles, there are 2 deep pockets, 1 shallow pocket and 5 openings for brushes. Each apron measures 80cm x 57cm, with 2 side straps 100cm length each and an adjustable neck strap.

Canvas Brush Roll

This Blue Acorn natural cotton canvas brush roll consists of 12 pockets, that can hold brushes up to 40cm/15ins long. Can be rolled up and tied, while still allowing the brushes to breath. Made from durable cotton canvas.

Aprons can be personalised with your logo!

Stretched Canvas

Blue Acorn Canvas Rolls & Stretched Canvases are of artist’s quality and the canvas used is medium grain, 100% cotton and 10oz. Available in 18mm and 40mm depths. Stretched Canvases are hand built with kiln dried stretcher frames and then covered with 10oz canvas that has been triple primed with an ‘acid free’ acrylic primer that provides an excellent surface to paint on to. Due to the high quality primer used, artists can expect minimal colour shift and a good adhesion to the canvas. Chemical binders and fillers are not used as these tend to allow the paint to sink into the canvas and a change in the colours. The canvas is archival quality and suitable for oil and acrylic paint. They are back stapled with folded uncut corners.

Canvas Boards

These superior quality canvas boards are made by laminating 100% cotton canvas onto high quality boards of excellent stability, stretched by hand for correct tension with tailored corners and then triple coated with one coat of acid free sizing and two coats of highly pigmented primer. This helps to give the boards a balanced absorbency and tooth which prevents sinking of oil colours and improves adhesion. Blue Acorn Artists’ Canvas Boards are prepared for immediate use and suitable for use with oil (including water mixable oil), alkyd and acrylic colours. The medium grain surface is ideal for all techniques including heavier applications of colour.

See online for full range of sizes.

Watercolour Journals

Blue Acorn Watercolour Travel Journals - your ideal companion for artists on the go. Crafted with durability in mind, these hardback journals are designed to withstand the rigors of travel while preserving your artistic creations.

Each journal boasts 60 pages of premium, acid-free watercolour paper, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant and long-lasting. The 200gsm weight of the paper provides a substantial feel, while its ‘NOT’ (cold pressed) surface offers the perfect texture for watercolour techniques.

With a variety of size options available, including A4 Landscape, A5 Landscape, Square, and even Panoramic, you can find the perfect fit to suit your unique preferences and artistic style. Whether you’re capturing scenic landscapes or sketching in the studio, Blue Acorn Watercolour Travel Journals offer versatility and quality to fulfill your every creative need.

Invest in these exceptional journals and elevate your artistic journey. Experience the freedom to create wherever you roam with Blue Acorn Watercolour Travel Journals - the perfect companion for artists exploring the world and expressing their creativity.

Blue Acorn Water-soluble

Montana Spray Paint

Water Based 300, is a revolutionary water-based spray paint - low pressure and, above all, it’s low odour which makes it the perfect tool for studio, classroom or indoor work.

Due to its composition, it is an incredibly versatile paint that may be utilised with various techniques. The paints have similar properties to those of MTN 94 in terms of finish, pressure, coverage and dry time, but the low solvent content means the intensity of its scent is minimal, thus decreasing its impact in enclosed spaces. In addition, before it’s completely dry, the paint can be erased with water or reworked with other techniques such as using a wet paint brush.

Full range of colours and varnishes available on our website.

System 3 Screen Printing Medium

The System 3 Screen printing medium is used to retard the drying time of acrylic colours on screens and reduces the risk of screen blocking, making it easier to wash out. Even when mixed with this screen printing medium, acrylic colours retain great density of colour and a substantial covering power can be achieved on screens, canvas, paper, card and board without cockling of the surface.

System 3 Acrylic

System 3 acrylics are highly versatile, water-based acrylic colours. They offer an excellent painting experience at an economical price. Only high quality pigments are used in the manufacture of the System 3 acrylic ranges, offering significantly greater loading than in other acrylic ranges in this class. System 3’s comprehensive range of colours offers excellent light-fastness*, permanence, durability and covering power.

All colours can be thinned with water to pale washes or used directly from the pot or tube; each form dries quickly to create an insoluble film. The quick drying properties of the range enable the artist to work quickly, superimposing or juxtaposing colours without unnecessary fuss. Full range of colours and varnishes available on our website.

GUIDE

GUIDE

GUIDE

PREPARING YOUR POSCA

Vigorously shake the marker up and down with cap on. The ball inside, with its characteristic thus homogenise the colour.

POSCA marker up and down with inside, with its characteristic homogenise the colour.

PREPARING YOUR POSCA

Water-based paint marker for all materials and all uses.

Vigorously shake the marker up and down with the cap on. The ball inside, with its characteristic clicking, will thus homogenise the colour.

PRIME THE MARKER

Water-soluble; use a brush to create

Water-soluble; use a brush to create washes

Water-soluble; use a brush to create washes

MARKER of paint. are ready

2

PRIME THE MARKER

a spare piece of completely filled with paint. excess paint, and you are ready

RE-PRIME

RE-PRIME

flow less freely during use, again, taking care to put the cap splatter. Re-prime the tip, test

the paint begins to flow less freely during use, shake the marker again, taking care to put the cap to avoid paint splatter. Re-prime the tip, test you go again!

If the paint begins to flow less freely during use, shake the marker again, taking care to put the cap on first to avoid paint splatter. Re-prime the tip, test off you go again!

times on a spare piece of completely filled with paint. excess paint, and you are ready 2 4

DRYING TIME at most! The paint porous surfaces than correct any mistakes at just paint another layer of completely cover the first!

TIME paint than mistakes at another layer of the first!

4

DRYING TIME

minutes at most! The paint on porous surfaces than You can correct any mistakes at is dry, just paint another layer of which will completely cover the first!

STORAGE

Water-soluble; use a brush to create washes 8

NIB SIZES

Water-soluble; use a brush to create washes 8

NIB SIZES

Can be layered

Can be layered

NIB SIZES

ix to create custom colours

Can be layered

Mix to create custom colours

Mix to create custom colours

STORAGE

POSCA markers can be kept in any position as as the cap is put back on firmly after use. The ball means the paint stored in the body of the be re-mixed at any time. The exception. It should be stored in a horizontal position.

can be kept in any position as back on firmly after use. The paint stored in the body of the time. The POSCA brush tip stored in a horizontal position.

Your POSCA markers can be kept in any position as long as the cap is put back on firmly after use. The integrated ball means the paint stored in the body of the can be re-mixed at any time. The exception. It should be stored in a horizontal position.

All sizes available individually on our website!

Posca Paint Pens

66 COLOURS

You can reverse the nibs on 3M and 5M

66 COLOURS

You can reverse the nibs on 3M and 5M pens

You can reverse the nibs on 3M and 5M pens

POSCA Paint Markers offer a remarkable solution for a wide range of artistic endeavors, craft projects, and upcycling ventures. They can be used on a range of surafces such as glass, wood, fabric. stone and PVC. As the leading multi-surface creative pen in the industry, POSCA paint markers deliver unparalleled quality and value, making them an indispensable tool for artists of all levels.

One of the notable advantages of POSCA pens is their permanence and bleed-proof properties on various surfaces such as paper, card, and canvas. With a diverse selection of nib sizes, ranging from the very fine to the broad, these markers cater to the unique requirements of every artist.

Bleachable Drawing Ink

Abacus Creative Resources drawing inks are highly pigmented and vibrant and ready for immediate use. All colours are intermixable to create a vast spectrum of shades. The opacity can be reduced by diluting. The colours dry smoothly within minutes. Different techniques can be used on a variety of surfaces, to create fine lines or colouring large washes, using brushes, calligraphy nibs, airbrushes, bamboo pens and more.

11 Colours Available!

Anilinky

Koh-I-Noor Anilinky sets contain dye based watersoluble pans which provide very intense colours suitable for watercolour painting and textile (fabric) applications. As the pans are dye based, the colours bleach out beautifully creating stunning effects. Suitable for silk painting. Fine quality and stunning effects at an outstanding price.

Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink

Caligo Safe Wash Relief Inks are oil-based but they can be washed away safely with liquid hand soap and water. You don’t need solvents to clean up these inks. They are suitable for all types of relief or block printing, for example woodcut and wood engraving, letterpress and linocut. The oil is made from linseed which produces the consistency, tack and results for printmakers.

Available in 75ml tube, 250g tub, 300g cartridge & 500g tub in a a range of colours, see website for full range.

Winsor & Newton Artisan

Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oils are magnificent paints, growing in significant popularity - they are Abacus Resources best selling range of oil paints by far. Designed to look and work just like traditional oil paint, they have the appearance and handling of conventional oil colours, but don’t need solvents to thin or clean them up - just water. This makes it safer and odour-free, ideal for shared studio spaces, schools and colleges or home use. They are available in 40 vibrant tones, with a thick, buttery consistency. This includes a high number of single pigments, each colour formulated with modified linseed or safflower oils (which means drying times vary across the range). They offer high colour brilliance and high pigment strength and therefore very good coverage.

Drying time for the Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colours is 2-12 days. Available in 200ml & 37ml Tubes and a range of sets.

Daler Rowney Georgian Oil

Daler Rowney Georgian Oil Colours enrich contemporary artistic expression through modern and brilliant colours, optimal pigment loads and a very satisfying feel under both brush and knife. Their smooth and buttery consistency is ideal for experimenting different brush and knife techniques.

Surface dry in 4 to 5 days and easy mixing with mediums provides endless creative possibilities

Daler Rowney Georgian Watermixable Oil

Daler Rowney Georgian Water Mixable Oil colours offer artists the possibility of experiencing oil painting without the need for solvent-based mediums. An alternative to traditional oils, the balanced range of 40 vibrant colours can be thinned, mixed, and washed using water, hence ideal for use indoors and in a classroom environment.

Surface-dry between 5 and 7 days. Available in 38ml & 200ml Tubes.

Uni-Ball Erasable Gel Pen

The uni-ball Erasable gel handwriting pen is a great choice for study, colouring in and journaling. Fully retractable erasable ink pen has a new, improved ink formula for clear writing and accurate erasing, even on fabrics! The coloured pens feature an easy-retract eraser function at the end of the barrel.

Uni-Pin Brush Pen

The Uni-Pin brush tip is ideal for precise fine-tip work and broad expressive strokes. It adapts to changing pen pressure, angle or speed of writing and drawing. Its firmness gives you greater control, enabling you to truly master brush script and painting techniques.

Uni-Ball Gel Pen Broad

The Signo Broad UM-153 gel ink pen is an outstandingly smooth writing pen with opaque ink that is waterproof and fadeproof. The tip is 1.0mm that writes a 0.6mm wide line. Ink flows consistently and leaves a solid broad line of ink. Excellent for bringing out highlights in students’ work.

Ikon K90 Permanent Marker

This Ikon permanent marker is a perfect substitute for the Sharpie fine permanent marker. Very comfortable to hold and has a strong, 0.8mm durable fine nib that writes with a smooth flowing line. Used and preferred by many academic staff and students alike. Artists also love them for drawing as they are very versatile. Suitable for use on cardboard, photo paper, corrugated board, wood, metal, foil, stone, plastic, leather and much more. The ink is quick drying, xylene & toluene free, fade and water resistant and resists abrasion. Black Non-toxic ink.

Rotary Paper Trimmers

Rotary cutters/trimmers are used for cutting paper, photos and other documents using a smooth precision rotary blade. Rotatrim trimmers are hand built in England by highly skilled technicians so you can be assured of the absolute highest quality of craftsmanship, accuracy and reliability.

Rotatrim Mastercut Rotary

The MasterCut ‘MC’ Series range is a precision trimmer which will cut most flexible materials up to 1.5mm in thickness.

– Ideal for regular trimming of classroom and office materials

– One-way cut with overload protection feature

– Finest quality Sheffield Steel self-sharpening precision blades

– Single square chrome steel guide rail eliminates head swivel

– Transparent clampstrip for accurate work placement

– Solid laminate gridded baseboard with aluminium side rule and cursor

Rotatrim Professional Trimmer

These Rotatrim ‘Professional M Series’ trimmers are precision trimmers which will cut most flexible materials up to 2.0mm in thickness and designed for every day continuous use. Features include:

– Overload protection feature

– User option to enable two-way cutting

– Finest quality Sheffield Steel self-sharpening precision blades

– Twin chrome steel guide rails completely eliminate head swivel whilst delivering a smooth gliding action

– Metal end frames and head

– Solid laminate gridded baseboard with aluminium side rule and cursor

– Transparent clampstrip for accurate work placement

Mastercut

Classroom Drying Racks

20 or 40 shelves

Classroom Drying racks, 20 or 40 shelves, desk top or floor standing. Manufactured from a sturdy metal frame with rounded corners for added safety. These simply designed racks allow work to be easily loaded and unloaded and if extra space is required, shelves can easily be removed.

Studio Drying Racks

This range of professional drying racks are mounted on castors, hand made in Britain to exacting standards and to last a lifetime. These racks are used in many studios/workshops and have many excellent features, including sheet limiters at the rear of the shelf, preventing the stacked paper from falling down the back of the rack. They are spring loaded and you can choose paper from any shelf, with ease.

The frames & shelves are powder painted.

We can’t shout loudly enough about the quality of workmanship that has gone into the production of this outstanding range.

Other sizes available at www.abacusresources.co.uk

Made in Britain

Printing press table

The ultimate trolley to secure your printing presses to and even make them mobile. Constructed from heavy duty tubular steel sections, these trolleys can house the heaviest of presses and with four swivel, lockable rubber wheels, enable the easy movement of your presses.

This table has a weight loading of 300Kgs and an intermediate shelf to store your printing ancillaries. Table top = 750 x 1000mm (30mm MDF with welded supports to strengthen) Height = 750mm.

Best Seller

Sewing Machines

Explore Our Range of Janome Sewing Machines!

We have a range of sewing machines to suit all budgets and abilities, perfect for classrooms and studios alike.

The model 230DC has lots of ‘easy to use’ features, which make sewing a pleasure - it is the machine to grow with your skills and is both suitable for beginners and more experienced sewers.

The 725s is the perfect modern mechanical machine for beginners to learn the stitch settings with all the necessary utility stitches, plus many more, together with a 1-step buttonhole.

The 423s is a solid metal bodied machine with a great range of stitches and features. It is very popular in schools where reliability and robustness are essential.

9300DX is a superb introductory level overlocker, offering great value for money. Whilst it is easy to use, it comes with an instructional DVD to explain the wide range of stitch options.

The hd2200 is a combination of power, elegance and simplicity. The solid metal body provides the robustness required by schools and heavy users, whilst the design makes it so easy to use

The Janome M200QDC has been built to the high standard that you have come to expect. Janome models are built to last and the MQDC range is no different. See our website for more details and to view the full range!

9300dx

423s

725s

Beam light box

Light Boxes are perfect for designing and tracing, offering a generous working area with an edge-to-edge back lit illuminated screen. With an integrated, touch sensitive dimming switch, the light level can be set exactly right with step-less fine brightness control.

The pure white and colour corrected 5500K rear illuminated screen, ensures a perfectly even light distribution with no hot-spots and offers highly accurate detail and colour reproduction. With a sealed construction and low power consumption, it is highly practical and designed to look the part.

The boxes run at extremely low temperature meaning that the light box does not heat up and the screen remains at ambient working temperature. Their high efficiency LED’s are also rated for over 50,000 hours of constant use.

The A1 screen size is 820 x 600 x 62mm.

The A2 screen size is 620 x 440 x 62mm.

The A3 screen size is 440 x 330 x 62mm.

Irons & Ironing Boards

Ironing Board

An essential part of the Fashion Department kit. This ironing board is easily height adjusted and very sturdy and stable. Features a safety closing lock and has an Iron rest with silicone parts. The cover is 100% cotton with 8mm Foam.

Essential Steam Iron

This practical iron is great for fashion departments with its quality and value for money. Produces 110g of steam shot and has a continuous steam output of 60g/min. Easy fill 300ml tank and soft touch handle and dial. The sole plate is Stainless steel. Anti drip.

Deluxe

Steam Iron

This powerful steam iron is well built with a heavy jet stream, perfect for the busy studio, workshop or classroom. It has a number of high-efficiency features, like a Durilium Airglide Autoclean soleplate for a lasting easy glide, automatic steam setting, an anti-drip system, and a large water tank for non-stop ironing. It even has an energy-saving Eco mode and turns itself off if left unused.

Plan Chests

Plan chests are a simple, clean and modern way to store paper, plans or drawings. Abacus Creative Resources traditional wooden plan chests combine elegance with practicality to create a useful piece of furniture for any studio, classroom or office and they are made in Britain.

Our plan chests are available as mobile or static, manufactured in high quality, 18mm solid wood MDF. Each unit has metal runners & bump resistant plastic edges. Due to the weight of these units, certain choices will be delivered in 2 or 3 sections that simply connect with the supplied fittings.

The range is available in a choice of 5 wood finishes: Beech, Maple, Oak, Grey and White. Available in A1 or A2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 drawers.

If you require a bespoke plan chest, please don’t hesitate to contact us as we can have them tailor-made in a variety of colour finishes and drawer options.

Etching press

Studio Easels

These 3 studio easels are all manufactured from oiled beechwood, with high quality fittings. Can all be adjusted for height and angle. Easy to follow instructions. See website for more details.

Etching Presses for manual collagraph printing (copperplate intaglio printing), suitable for school use and studios. Manufactured in Italy by craftsmen, they have solid steel rollers with adjustable height and are supplied with a metal plate and a 3mm felt mat. Print up to a maximum of 22cm wide paper with the 250mm etching press and 35cm wide with the 350mm etching press.

Studio A-Frame Easel

Made in Britain

Abacus 100% Recycled Cartridge Paper

100% 160gsm Recycled cartridge paper, manufactured less than 18 miles away from our premises by the world renowned paper mill of James Cropper. Arguably the most sustainable cartridge paper in the UK, we are very proud to bring this ‘toothy’ cartridge paper to our discerning creative customers. Available in A1 sheets or a new range of A3 & A4 Blue Acorn Sketchbooks.

Abacus Cartridge Paper

This high quality, acid-free paper has a toothy texture and is suitable for all media. Being internally and surface sized it can take watercolour washes. Manufactured in a local mill in the Lake District. Available in 140g, 170g and 220g, in various pack sizes. Please see website for the full range.

100% recycled

Newsprint is a lightweight (49gsm) paper used in Architecture, Art, Graphics, Fashion and Printing Departments. Uses range from initial sketches, designing dressmaking patterns, packaging and screen printing tests to wiping off excess ink from printing plates.

Acrylic Sheets

Abacus Creative Resources stock both ‘Solid Colour’ cast acrylic sheets and ‘Clear’ extruded acrylic sheets. Often referred to ‘Perspex or ‘Plastic’, these acrylic sheets are ideal for Fine Art, Jewellery, Model – Making and many more Design Technology projects. Available in A4, A3 & assorted colour bulk pack.

Clear Etching Plastic

These plastic sheets are excellent for ‘Drypoint’ etching which is an intaglio printmaking method that involves scratching an image into a plate with a pointed tool, opposite of relief printmaking as it is the sunken areas of the plate that print rather than the raised areas. Drypoint is an easy technique and is a great method if you would like to take your drawings into print. Etching into these plastic sheets requires less specialist equipment than etching into metals and no chemicals or acids. Suitable for vacuum forming.

Etching Needle

A high quality etching needles made of hardened steel, used to engrave zinc sheets in the dry-point etching process. Ideal for students and professional artists.

A1 Corrugated E Flute Board

E Flute Board is a versatile and durable construction material with a 2mm thickness. It features a 300gsm natural kraft liner on both sides, making it perfect for construction, model making and painting. Each pack contains 25 sheets. Choose the E Flute Board for its strength and adaptability in various educational and creative applications.

Available to buy in increments of 25 sheets.

Blotting Paper

Heavyweight 315gsm

Heavyweight 315gsm blotting paper sheets are acid free and used extensively by screen printers in the print making process. Each sheet is slightly textured and thick, yet soft, to give high bulk and absorbency, contain no sizing and are useful for other uses where extra absorbency is required.

Lightweight 140gsm

Fords Gold Medal blotting paper is a high quality 140gsm lightweight blotting paper suitable for use with drawing and calligraphy inks. Also used for light applications in screen printing, etching and relief printing and letterpress techniques.

Sold in increments of 10 sheets.

White Environmount Board with 100% Recycled Core

Environmount Board, an affordable and eco-friendly solution for mounting, display, and presentations. With a 100% recycled core sandwiched between two semi-gloss bright white sheets, this board combines cost-effectiveness with environmental sustainability. It’s perfect for educational and artistic purposes, available in a range of sizes A1 - A4 in a 1.2mm thickness.

Kiln Clay

We have a range of Kiln Clays on offer at Abacus. From Etruscan Buff a general purpose clay for school use to Premium Craft Crank which is great for large constructions. See website for full range.

Latex and

Alginate

Alginate is a flexible mould/impression making material manufactured from kelp(a variety of seaweed). When Alginate powder is mixed with water, a gel is formed which is then used for life-casting (making moulds of the face, body, feet and hands, etc.), as it is completely safe in direct contact with the skin and sets quite rapidly. Also used to reproduce patterns and mouldings in plaster, timber, cement, stone and many other materials.

Latex Liquid rubber is an emulsion which will air-dry on the surface of a master pattern to form a thin, peelable mould. Moulds made of latex have a comparatively long life, are easily made and will give good definition and accuracy of reproduction. Masters can be made from a variety of materials including plaster, clay, wood and some non-porous materials. Thickener can be added to increase the viscosity of the latex, to help a mould form on non-porous surfaces, and reduce running.

Brushes Woodpecker Brush Set

50 Flat Assorted

Exceptionally durable and versatile brushes making them perfect for education establishments. Made with White synthetic bristles and a short black wooden handle with a gold band, to give a true quality feel. This set of 50 assorted flat brushes is made up of: 30 x 3/8”, 15 x 3/4” & 5 x 1”

Kingfisher 10 Brush Set Golden Synthetic

The Kingfisher brush bristles are made of durable and versatile golden synthetic hair with a wooden handle. The synthetic bristles facilitate clean and crisp delivery of paint to a wide range of surfaces. Available in short handle round or flat.

This brush set contains 10 golden synthetic brushes - 5 flat, 5 round and is suitable for all paints - exceptionally versatile.

Kestrel Brushes

The Kestrel brush has an air of quality and is used by professionals but priced at educational levels. The top quality bristles are interlocked into long glazed handles making them ideal for oils and thick paints. Available in long handled round and flat in a range of sizes, see website for full range.

Adhesives

Glue Gun

Bostik Handy Hot Melt Glue Gun

An adhesive gun especially designed for use in the education market. It features a compact lightweight design with an easy to use trigger action that will enable all ages to use it.

Will bond most materials used within D&T. The adhesive is non-toxic, non-flammable, waterproof and odourless which means it is safe to use in a classroom. Complete with retractable stand. Fuse rating: 3A.

Bostik Handy Hot Melt Glue Sticks

Hot Melt glue sticks for use with Bostik’s Handy glue gun.

Sticks: PVC, Metal, Fabric, Leather, Tiles, Brick and much more. 14 sticks - 4” (10cm) long, 7.5mm diameter

Repositionable Mounting Spray

A repositionable mounting spray for graphics and exhibitions. Suited for repeated mounting of materials such as paper, film, acetate, textiles, photographic paper, layout paper and stencils. The adhesive will not bleed or soak through surfaces and will not wrinkle lightweight materials.

Mounter Permanent High-Tac

Mounter High-Tac adhesive spray is a permanent adhesive for covering large surfaces.

Ideal for mounting photographs, posters, foamboard, textiles, corrugated cardboard, etc. Mounter High-Tac can be repositioned for a short period of time. This adhesive may leave traces on thin materials, therefore advisable to test before use.

Classroom Essentials

Cutting Mat

Blue Acorn cutting mats are premium quality, self healing and have a 10mm grid on the top surface. The grid lines aid effortless straight line cuts. Heat resistant and perfect protection for all surfaces. Available in A1 - A5.

Ultra Grime Wipes

Extra large, strong and effective on even the most stubborn paint, grease or ink. Uniwipe Ultragrime Industrial Wipes are designed for people and surfaces in the studio, classroom, DT room or laboratory. You will be amazed at their effectiveness. 4 times the size of standard wipes.

Lab Coats

Lab coats made from 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Available XL - S in White, Royal Blue, Navy, Black and Bottle Green. Personalisation available.

Lab coats can be personalised with your logo!