When I’m trying to get my kids away from the screens and tapping into their creative sides, one of my go-to’s is pulling out the craft supplies. This is especially helpful on a rainy day! While I sometimes purchase special items for a specific craft or activity, the best way to get them thinking outside the box and using their ingenuity is to pull out a variety of craft items and let them explore. It’s always amazing what they can come up with without adult oversight and instructions.
If you’re not sure what kind of supplies to have on hand, then I’m here to help. We’ve created a list of what we consider to be some of the must-have craft supplies that you need to get started on your craft supply collection. These craft essentials will work for tons of projects and are everything a beginner needs for most projects. Keep reading for our list of craft supply essentials!
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Craft Supply Essentials for the Beginner
Cutting Tools
These basic cutting tools are everything you need as a beginner crafter:
Scissors
Somehow, the tool that is always missing at our house is the scissors. And we own well over 10 pairs of scissors. Even though there’s a designated scissor spot, they “somehow” disappear around the house for the various projects my girls are working on.
Hopefully, you can keep a better handle on your scissors than we do, as scissors are essential for every crafty person. But I suggest having multiple pairs of scissors for crafting needs. Keep a few kids-sized scissors for young kids, some sharp adult scissors, and a pair of designated “FABRIC-ONLY” scissors that are kept under lock and key. You can thank me later.
Craft Knife
If your kids like to create props out of cardboard boxes, then an X-acto knife sure comes in handy! Sometimes you need something besides scissors to get the job done. Those holes in the Valentine’s Day boxes are a lot easier to make with a sharp Exacto Knife.
This is definitely an adult-only tool but is handy for all kinds of around-the-house needs, like scraping the craft stickers off of windows and such.
Paper
If there’s one supply to always keep on hand it’s paper. While there are endless types of paper, these are the ones I recommend for beginning crafters:
Cardstock
From watercolor and finger paints to card-making, to paper dolls, cardstock is the best multi-purpose paper. I prefer one that is at least 60lb weight, so it can hold up to wet paint.
Construction Paper
Some multi-colored construction paper is great for paper crafts. It’s inexpensive and easy to fold and cut for young crafters.
Tissue Paper
Tissue paper in various colors can be used for crafts like mosaics, sun catchers, paper flowers and butterflies, and much more! It’s great for working on fine motor skills, like scrunching with fingers or folding. If you’re looking for some tissue paper crafts, I love these ideas from 3 Boys and a Dog
Scrapbook Paper
Having some patterned paper is great for decorating paper crafts, die-cutting, decoupage, etc. You can buy whole sheets or a collection of smaller remnants of patterned scrapbook paper for your projects.
Glue
While you could probably get by with a hot glue gun and some Elmer’s, I recommend all of the following glue supplies when building your craft materials.
Hot Glue Gun
I have had this same low-temp hot glue gun since I got married (which was a long time ago. It’s an inexpensive one I found at Hobby Lobby before my wedding, and it still works great. I prefer the low-temp for most projects. My girls are now able to use it with supervision and I don’t have to worry about it causing major burns. The replacement glue sticks are cheap, too.
Glue Sticks
As a former kindergarten teacher, Elmer’s Glue Sticks are life. Just buy them. Preferably in bulk. You’ll use them. Just don’t store them in the garage if you live in Texas, like me. That summer heat will dry them right up.
Elmer’s Glue-All
This is another thing I discovered when I was a teacher. Compared to the school glue, Elmer’s Glue-All is more like a craft glue. It dries stronger and quicker and is a great glue for all kinds of projects including wood, plastic, broken ceramics, gluing small items, fabric projects, etc. It’s easy water clean-up, too!
Mod Podge
While I don’t use Mod Podge too often, some projects require it. We use it for decoupage and as a sealer on projects. It comes in all kinds of finishes now, but I suggest starting with the Original Matte or Original Gloss.
If you want to save some money, you can make your own Mod Podge with 1 cup of Elmer’s Glue-All and 1/3 cup of water.
Paint Supplies
You can try and avoid the paint, but it’s always a favorite of kids and is so good for their fine motor skills, creativity, exploration, and expression! Embrace the mess and stock up on these beginner paint supplies.
Watercolor Paint
Watercolors have always been my girls’ favorite paint. It was one of my favorite activities for my kindergarteners at school too. They love mixing the water and the paint to create the depth of color they need and the feeling of swirling the brush around on the paper. It’s a calming activity for kids and adults alike. I love the washable watercolors for my kids.
Acrylic Paint
We use acrylic paint for everything from painting pumpkins to painting birdhouses, vases, etc. It’s permanent and dries quickly, unlike tempera paints. It is going to stain whatever it touches, so make sure you cover up clothes and furniture.
Finger Paint
While your older kids or kiddos with sensory issues might give you some push-back, washable finger paint can be so much fun and good for little ones. Children learn so much through sensory play. It’s good for their brains and emotional development. And it’s beneficial for big kids and grown-ups, too!
Bristle and Foam Brushes
Don’t forget to pick up some extra bristle and foam paint brushes when you’re stocking up on supplies. The number of times paintbrushes have been left out to dry in a bowl of paint without getting rinsed is too many to count.
When kids aren’t using them to paint on paper, they can also use them outdoors with water to “paint” the sidewalks or at bathtime with some bath paints.
Drawing and Coloring Supplies
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get high-quality drawing and coloring supplies. Most of my favorites can be picked up at Walmart or Target. Here are the ones I use a lot:
Washable Markers
Crayola has the best washable markers for the price. I like to stock up during back-to-school sales when you can get packs for $1. We also love these Crayola Super Tips markers! You can’t beat the variety, versatility, and quality. If you or your kids love to color or draw, then you’ll love this set.
Colored pencils
Any colored pencils will do. This is my favorite set of pre-sharpened colored pencils. They come in a convenient case with a built-in pencil sharpener, making them perfect for on-the-go. You’ll love the high-quality lead and vibrant colors, I’m sure!
Crayons
As a former kindergarten teacher, I’m here to tell you that you can’t beat Crayola crayons. I know those discounted Rose-Art are tempting, but don’t do it. You can stock up on Crayola’s during back-to-school sales when they mark them down to $.50 a box. My fave box of Crayons, though, is the 64-count of Crayola. It triggers some nostalgia for sure!
Sharpies
Every crafter should have a stock of permanent markers. I suggest a set of colored Sharpies. We use them for all kinds of household purposes. but for crafting, as well. The fine-tip style is my favorite for most projects, but I also love some chisel-tips for writing on posters.
Jewelry Making Supplies
Jewelery-making has always been one of my kid’s favorite craftivities. I love it because it helps them develop their fine motor skills and creativity. Jewelry making is not just for little girls! Everyone can enjoy creating jewelry. Here are some recommended supplies to get you started:
Pony Beads
The best beads to start with are pony beads. You can find them anywhere. We used to pick them up at Dollar Tree all the time when my kids were little. They are easy to string and available in a variety of colors and sheens. You can save some money and buy a big bulk bag and let the kiddos sort them. It’s a great opportunity for them to work on sorting and fine motor skills.
Clay Beads
If you want to get started into trendy bracelet-making yourself, you’ll love clay beads. They’re perfect for beginner jewelry-makers, yet they allow you to make stylish jewelry. We love making clay bead bracelets for ourselves, to sell, and for gifts. You can choose from lots of colors and shades. Order these pre-sorted, as they are tiny and not fun to separate!
Elastic cord or string
Having the right kind of cord or string can save you tons of frustration when making jewelry. The easiest to tie is the elastic cord. You don’t have to worry about it slipping when knotting. However, if you want something invisible, go with the clear elastic string.
Pipecleaner
Pipe cleaner is great for little kids who are developing their fine motor skills. It’s easier to string beads on a pipe cleaner than it is on a cord or string. For very small kids who may choke on beads, you can give them fruit loops or other similar cereal to string instead.
Pipe cleaner is perfect for tons of other crafts, too!
Yarn
Yarn can be used for stringing cereal, braiding to create friendship bracelets and necklaces, for tassel earrings and necklaces and so much more! Fine yarn is my favorite for jewelry crafts, like tassels. Plus a little goes a long way, so it’s super affordable!
Embellishments
These aren’t necessities, but they sure provide fun and creative options for your kids’ art projects. Here are a few inexpensive options we keep in our supply stock:
Glitter
Okay, you might be anti-glitter, so skip this one if it’s going to make you crazy. You could always opt for some glitter glue or glitter crayons instead!
Buttons
A mixture of buttons is so fun to have around. You’d be surprised by the ideas that kids come up with with just a tub of random buttons!
Gems
I love these stick-on gems. You don’t have to wait for glue to dry and they stick really well.
Googly Eyes
Googly eyes are a must-have for your craft box. From rock pets, to pipe cleaner critters, you can add googly eyes to so many crafts. I love the stick-on eyes for easy application and less mess.
Felt
Felt sheets are inexpensive and perfect for no-sew crafts. Every crafter should keep a variety of colors on hand for DIY costumes and so much more.
Stickers
Sometimes just a sheet of stickers and some paper is enough to keep your kids entertained. I love this adorable sticker book!
Feathers
Colorful feathers are another fun embellishment for art projects! They add instant dimension and texture.
Clay
Clay crafts can keep kids entertained for hours. Here are my two favorites for your craft supply:
Playdough
Playdough is perfect for kids. It’s non-toxic, colorful, inexpensive and so much fun. Kids can create so many things with playdough! It’s also perfect for a calming activity for dysregulated kiddos.
Air-Dry Clay
For kids who want to create permanent figurines out of clay, air-dry clay is easy to use. It dries naturally without any heat. Once it’s dry you can color or paint it. My daughter loves using this type of clay to make paw print ornaments and flowers.
Around the House Supplies
Sometimes you don’t have to spend a thing to add to your craft supply essentials. Here are some of my favorite around-the-house items you can use:
Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
We use these to create gift boxes, figurines, wreaths and so much more. Check out these clever ideas from Country Living.
Fabric Scraps
If you have remnants of fabric from prior projects, old shirts, blankets, tablecloths, etc. you can save them for projects. My girls love to make doll blankets, garlands, and cat costumes from leftover fabric scraps.
Pasta
Dried pasta and macaroni noodles can be dyed and used for all kinds of fun art. Or use this ziploc bag method and paint the pasta! Use the colorful pasta to decorate photo frames, make necklaces, make flower art, and much more!
Cereal
Cereal can be used for all kinds of crafts, like stringing Fruit Loops on a necklace or gluing cheerios to create hair. Give the kids whatever you have and let their imagination run wild.
Coffee Filters
Coffee filter crafts are one of my favorite items in our list of craft supply essentials. We love to watercolor them to create butterflies, flowers, and snowflakes!
Newspapers or Magazines
Save a few magazines and newspapers. We like to use magazines for collages or even framing photos we love. Newspapers can be used for decoupage, to make garlands and much more.
How to Save Money on Craft Supply Essentials
Here are some tips to save money on your craft supply essentials:
- Shop sales and discounts: Keep an eye out for sales at craft stores, or use coupons and discount codes.
- Buy in bulk: Purchasing supplies in larger quantities can often be more cost-effective.
- Repurpose materials: Look for ways to use household items or recycled materials in your crafts.
- Join a crafting community: Many crafting community members will share supplies, so you can get a lot of items for free this way!
- Plan ahead: Planning your projects in advance can help you avoid purchasing unnecessary supplies and take advantage of sales or discounts.
- Shop at dollar stores: Dollar stores often carry basic crafting supplies at a lower cost than craft stores.
Wrapping Up: Craft Supply Essentials
I hope this comprehensive list is helpful for building up your craft supply essentials. You don’t have to purchase it all at once, but finding items here and there on sale makes it much for affordable to build up your stock. The most important thing is fostering creativity and providing an outlet for kids (and adults) to unleash their imagination. We think this list will provide a great start for you!
