This list of must have craft supplies is perfect for anyone who wants to get creative! These are essentials that the pros recommend.
I have quite the “prolific” craft room. Officially I suppose that means that my supplies are represented in large numbers, which is true. But it’s also my fancy way of saying – I’m a craft hoarder.
But the thing is, if you start crafting for a hobby . . . . it happens to the best of us. Because like any sport or activity, there are tools of the trade. And there are quite a few tools of the trade in crafting.
In fact there are so many tools of the trade that it’s easy to lose track of what you have. I try to regularly engage in some serious craft room organization on a regular basis, but sometimes it just ends up in closing the door to the room.
As Scarlett O’Hara stated in all her wisdom, “tomorrow is another day.”
Anyway, as I was sorting through my cabinets the other day I had an interesting thought. I have a lot of supplies to make things with . . . but what are the essentials? What is that list that I would recommend to a newbie?
I decided it was time to put together a list of supplies for new crafters. If you’re just getting started, this is THE LIST of stuff you’ll want to start assembling. With the reasons listed for why you need those items.
And I didn’t come up with it myself.
I sourced this information from my Facebook page as well as my Facebook group – a total of a heck-of-a-lot of crafters were asked their essentials. So let me tell you . . . you can trust this list! I also endorse their picks from my own experience.
If you combine these with either our easy crafts for adults or these Mod Podge crafts for beginners, you’re going to be sitting pretty. Most of the projects require several of these items.
Places to Buy These Craft Supplies
Keep in mind that for most craft projects, you still need to buy some additional goodies. But my friends . . . there are options. Because I don’t know about you, but keeping prices down is the name of the game for me. So I can um . . . buy more craft stuff?
Big Box Retailers
Both Target and Walmart have craft sections. Research what you want online to get an idea of what most retailers are selling the craft materials for, and have that ready during your trip so you can decide whether to purchase their or not.
Retail Craft Stores
I’m sure you’re aware of Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn Stores. The secret here is waiting for sales (they always have them) and using the apps and membership programs.
USE your coupons and pay attention for the big sales (like everything’s 20% off). Sign up for the emails. You can save big just by paying a little attention.
Other Places to Look
These are some great places to take your list and see what you can save on – it’s worth poking around. Especially when it comes to surfaces. Trust me on this!
Are you ready for the list? Time to dig into the necessities . . . and here they are. Let me know which ones you already have in the comments – which ones you want – and if I’ve missed any of your personal essentials!
PS – don’t forget to check out our craft supplies for kids!
Fiskars Scissors
Everyone was in resounding agreement that scissors are by far the most important craft supply you need to have on hand. The recommendation was to have a pair for paper (like the standard orange handled) and a pair for fabric.I personally swear by Fiskars Titanium scissors. I'm about to sound like an "As Seen on TV" ad, but I'm serious – these are the best scissors I've ever used. I've had my current pair for years. Nothing gets stuck to them and they are still sharp!
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Detail Scissors
Continuing the scissors theme – larger scissors can cut out larger items, but when you're getting down to the nitty gritty, they struggle in small areas. If you're cutting out items with more detail, you'll be glad you have these in your craft supplies.
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Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue
Want to glue embellishments to a picture frame? Or maybe you want to glue ribbon around the top of the vase you just decorated! These are just two of the many, many uses for craft glue.My personal favorite is Aleene's. I store it upside on my desk in a cup so that the glue is always ready to roll when I need it. And note: I really like the Quick Dry formula, because I'm impatient.
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E-6000
Everyone agreed that while you definitely need craft glue as part of your stash, E-6000 needs to be on your list of craft items as well. Craft glue is water-soluble to a certain extent.E-6000 is not. And it is very strong. For example, you can glue clear beads on glass with E-6000. Craft glue isn't strong enough for that.Why not use E-6000 on everything? Because it is more expensive (because it's stronger) and it has an odor. I only use it when craft glue won't do the job.That doesn't mean I don't like E-6000, because I do. But no need to over do it. Use the right tool for the right job!
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Surebonder Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Yes, there are kind of a lot of adhesives in crafting! Hot glue is another one of them. Unlike liquid glue, it attaches things quickly and doesn't need dry time. I like to attach felt to things with hot glue too – it doesn't bleed through.My favorite glue guns are Surebonder and I have the cordless. It seems to have a smaller nozzle so it doesn't string as much. Finger covers are also great to use with a glue gun to prevent finger burns.
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Mod Podge
I know it might seem biased but crafters said Mod Podge is a necessity, even without my input! Learn what Mod Podge is here. You can use it for the craft of decoupage, which is great for beginners.Use the Mod Podge formula guide to determine which one you need, as there are several different kinds.
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Craft Paint
Craft paint is one of my favorite things to purchase because who doesn't love COLOR! I'd say get some basic colors to begin with . . the colors of the rainbow . . . to add to your craft supplies.Then you can expand from there as needed depending on projects. You'll paint everything from glass to paper mache to wood with craft paint!Note that crafters also mentioned chalk paint as a favorite as well. It's got a ultra matte finish and works (no prep) on a variety of surfaces.
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Paint Brush Set
Once you get your paint and Mod Podge, you're going to need some brushes. Some people use foam brushes; I personally prefer soft bristled brushes.Be sure to keep your brushes clean with mild soap and water or brush cleaner. And while you're at it, you can get a water bin if you want.
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Foam Spouncers
These are also called foam pouncers, and they are an important craft supply! They are great for making polka dots, as well as for stippling paint onto jars (giving it a little bit of texture).I also swear by these for glass paint. You'll find them in my painting on glass guide.
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Household Tool Set
I'm always using tools for craft projects. Sometimes you need to unscrew things, or screw things in, or hit things. I know – technical speak. A tool set has everything you need like wire cutters, and pliers, and sometimes a measuring tape!
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Hair Dryer
You might be wondering what a beauty tool is doing on this list – but you wouldn't believe how many crafters said a hair dryer is an essential!You can dry paint more quickly – as well as Mod Podge. You can heat things up to make them more pliable (clay). Get a cheapie one for the craft room. You can also use a heat gun.
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Colored Cardstock or Construction Paper
You can decoupage with it, fold it to make cards, punch it out – paper is definitely a craft supply mentioned over and over again. Some people say cardstock, some say construction paper, and several said both.The nice thing is that both Amazon and retail stores have variety packs which can get you started out with your paper collection quite nicely.
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Paper Cutter
You bought your cardstock, now you need something to cut it quickly! Yes – you can use scissors. But paper cutters are nice for cutting straight lines (and precisely).When you have a bunch of printables or printed photos to cut out, a paper cutter is your best friend. Keep those blades sharp!
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Craft Knife and Mat
Just like glues, there are a variety of cutting tools in the crafting world. Besides what I've already shown you, you're going to need an X-Acto knife and mat for cutting on.It's amazing what you'll cut with your knife – felt, details in paper, washi tape that overlaps an edge . . . there are so many things! You can also cut curves with a craft knife. Do this by moving the paper around the curve, while holding the knife in place.
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Clear Acrylic Ruler
A ruler is a no brainer for crafting, even with a tape measure. Because, you're going to need to draw some straight lines at some point. Or measure a flat surface.I like the clear acrylic ruler because you can use it with your craft knife and mat. AND you can see what's under it, which helps with patterns.
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Craft Tweezers
I don't know about you, but I have fumbly fingers. That's why I always have tweezers in my craft supplies! They're one of those craft items you'll find yourself using more than you think.You can use them for beading and jewelry making, diamond painting, decoupaging with small items, scrapbooking, and more.
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Basic Sewing Kit
You won't believe how often you'll use pins, thread, and needles in NON-sewing projects! Every crafter has a sewing kit in their stash, at least this is what they tell me.
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Soft Tape Measure
A tape measure might come in your sewing kit, depending on which one you get. But, I always lose that one. You'll need a flexible tape measure for sewing projects as well as measuring round items.
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Variety of Glitter
Every crafter loves glitter, even when they hate it. I use glitter during the holidays, and sometimes even during the year! Whether you sprinkle it on things or mix it into Mod Podge, you'll inevitably want a good selection of glitter in your crash stash.
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Sharpie Markers
They come in a variety of sizes and styles, Sharpie markers do. I'm a big fan of their regular markers for drawing and coloring, and the paint markers (especially the oil based ones) are super awesome.I have tried the generic markers and paint markers, and I find Sharpie to be superior. I don't skimp because it has cost me in the long run a few times!
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Hand Sander
There are a lot of good reasons to use a sander, even on unfinished wood. Frequently the inexpensive wood from craft stores can be a little rough and needs help.Also if you're planning on refinishing items from the thrift store or Goodwill, which a lot of crafters do, this makes life so much easier.
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Tracing Paper
I can't believe so many crafters said they use tracing paper – I thought it was just me! It can be used to sketch, draw, trace, layer, and more. I tend to use it for patterns, or to trace an item so I can cut paper for decoupage. It really comes in handy!
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Ribbon Packs
I always think to myself that I don't need ribbon, and then I always need ribbon. Because when a craft project needs a little extra something, it's typically ribbon.I use it for trimming things, whether it be for sewing or a craft. I also use it to hang ornaments, make hair bows . . . a little bit of everything. Ribbon always comes in handy!
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Scotch Tape
It was no surprise to see Scotch tape on peoples' list of craft items! Tape is good for everything paper related, and for wrapping gifts of course. It's also good for taping patterns together. I use double stick tape all the time in cardmaking.
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Painter’s Tape
Crafters use painter's tape for so many different things. Obviously painting is one of them (get my guide to painting straight lines). I also use it for keeping paper together temporarily (since it's removable).
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Kraft Notebooks
This is a craft supply that I actually don't use! But enough people said it that i put kraft notebooks on here. They use them to decorate and of course, keep ideas and plans in. And patterns. And clippings.I use scrap paper to jot down ideas, but I should probably use a notebook. This is a great idea.
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What are your essentials? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this list, I think you’ll also love the following posts:
Penny
Thursday 12th of September 2024
Before I retired as a Special Ed teacher, I made tons of materials for my kids to use. Tactile schedules, busy boards, calendars, and pre-vocational jobs (they were older teens). But I had kids that were Amazonian-strength strong! The only thing I found to hold through their busy hands was silicone caulk. Once it’s set, it won’t come loose. If you need some thing that absolutely won’t separate, try that. It never failed us!
Betsy salm
Thursday 11th of July 2024
What kind of glue do you use to glue stones together, (for flat stone mushrooms).
Amy
Friday 12th of July 2024
Hi Betsy! I used a two part epoxy for my mushrooms. I tried E-6000 and some others and the epoxy was the best. Try something like this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/J-B-WELD-Original-Twin-Tubes-2-Pack-Gray-Epoxy-Adhesive/3377874
Jill
Thursday 9th of December 2021
I love getting your news letter and there is always a new idea or piece of advice that I use but I'm 8n the UK so I can't always get the things you recommend as we don't have the same stores. I don't want to stop reading your blog posts but do you know of a similar group in the UK?
Amy
Sunday 12th of December 2021
Hi Jill! Would you be able to join our Facebook group? https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftywithmodpodge Then you can ask about UK crafting groups there. I'd like to get you in touch with some people and we have a huge community there!
Dessie
Wednesday 8th of December 2021
I also use a printer for printing or copying images. Plastic for smoothing my mod podge images, or an iron for doing the iron method to mod podge. I use alcohol for cleaning glass objects. I use a water pen for trimming out images on napkins. I use the different types of mod podge for different types of projects. I sometimes use stamps and/or air dry clay and molds for additional embellishments, and all sorts of other small items for embellishment.
Amy
Saturday 11th of December 2021
Dessie I love your list! Those are all great things! I absolutely love air dry clay myself.