Materials

Glitter Text Maker - eCards

Pencils
Pencils are the most basics of drawing tools. The major brands are Faber-Castell, Staedtler,(both German) Sanford USA, Rexel(England) and Koh-i-Noor( Czech Republic). There are 19 varieties or degrees of hardness .  The pencils are numbered alphanumerically. The letters B ( soft) and H(hard) stands for hard or soft. The B category runs from 8B( softest and darkest) to B. The H category runs from 9H ( hardest) to H. HB and F are in the middle and are commonly known as the #2 writing pencil. B,2B, 4B, H, and 2H are commonly used for most graphite drawing. I personally use pencils from all the major lines but I prefer the Staedtler pencils. My pencils range from 8B to 4H. Sanford makes a pencil called Prismacolor Ebony( formally known as Design Ebony) it is a jet black smooth pencil perfect for shading.

Paper
For drawing any reasonable quality paper for drawing will do. Strathmore, Beinfang, Canson, all make good papers at an inexpensive price to start out. Some authors recommend smooth Bristol board for shading practice, But I got by on regular drawing paper with a slight tooth just fine. make sure the weight is 50lbs( copy can also be used used but is heavier).

Tortillion
Are spiral wound cones of paper used to smooth out your pencil mark in shading.They come in small and large and can be used for light shading as well.
Eraser

A white plastic and kneaded eraser are a must for drawing. I like the white plastic eraser better than the standard pink pearl because it is useful for other techniques and cleans well. A kneaded eraser is like putty. You break off  pieces or mold it into shapes to get into small areas of your drawing. It is good for lifting out pencil marks and creating highlights

Craft Knife and Pencil Sharpener
The most common sharpeners are made of metal or plastic. In addition to the pencil sharpener, small pieces of fine sandpaper can be used and  there is a special type sold in art and craft stores attached to a small board that is hand held. Craft knives( x-acto etc.) and razors are used to obtain a very sharp point.
Drawing boards
Are good for drawings  that are 11"x14" or larger pieces and keeps your work clean by working on an angle instead of flat. Drawing boards are made out MDF or wood.  I have a 16"x20" drawing board with clips and a large rubber band going across the bottom to keep the paper centered. A drawing table accomplishes the same goal. Just a bit more expensive.