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Must Have Craft Supplies the Pros Use

This list of must have craft supplies is perfect for anyone who wants to get creative! These are essentials that the pros recommend.

Must Have Craft Supplies

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.

picture-of-craft-supplies-on-a-desk-in-a-craft-room

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!

Essential Craft Supplies

Looking for a crafter's list of must haves? Here are the materials you need, from a survey of a large group of creatives. Make sure you have everything you need to get started with these picks!


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.