Craft like a Pro: 12 Craft Supplies You Need in Your Toolbox
Crafting is more than just a hobby, it’s a form of self-expression, a way to unleash your creativity and bring your imagination to life. The magic of turning simple materials into something beautiful and unique is a journey that many find fulfilling and rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, having the right tools can make all the difference in the world. They can make your crafting process smoother, more efficient, and most importantly, more enjoyable.
Let’s explore the top 12 essential craft supplies that every aspiring artist or DIY enthusiast needs in their toolbox.
Acrylic paint is a versatile and vibrant medium that can take your crafting projects to new heights. With its quick-drying nature and ability to adhere to a variety of surfaces, acrylic paint is perfect for creating bold and lasting designs. Whether you're looking to add rich colors or layer different shades for a textured look, acrylic paint gives you endless possibilities to express your creativity.
My favorite brands of acrylic paint are FolkArt and DecoArt Americana Craft Paints. These paints come in 2 ounce bottles in a huge variety of colors and usually cost under $2.00. Be sure and watch for a sale!!!
Watercolor paint offers a delicate and translucent quality that can add a soft and ethereal touch to your crafting projects. Its fluid consistency allows for blending and layering colors smoothly, creating beautiful washes and gradients. From creating dreamy landscapes to intricate floral designs, watercolor paint gives you the freedom to explore different techniques and create stunning works of art.
I love to use watercolor to create ephemera like hearts, circles, mushrooms and leaves that I use in my planner and art journal.
If you want to learn more watercolor techniques, I suggest a magazine/book titled “Watercolor for the Soul” by Sharone Stevens. This book covers the basics of watercolor and has some nice projects to help you explore your creativity.
One of my favorite watercolors is by Prima Marketing - Watercolor Confections. They have 13 different color palettes to choose from and are very nice quality paints.
To get the best results in watercolor, be sure and use watercolor paper.
When it comes to adding those final artistic touches to your crafting projects, having a variety of paintbrushes at your disposal is essential. Different paintbrush sizes and shapes can help you achieve unique effects, from detailed linework to broad strokes. By investing in a collection of paintbrushes, you can explore different techniques and bring your creative vision to life with precision and finesse.
There is a great article (https://www.art-is-fun.com/artist-paint-brushes) that explains the many different kinds of paint brushes that are available and the purpose for each one.
Another essential item to have in your craft supply arsenal is gesso. Gesso serves as a primer for your projects, creating a smooth surface for paint, ink, and other mediums to adhere to. Whether you choose white, clear, or black gesso, this versatile product will help your colors pop and your designs stand out.
When it comes to bringing your crafting projects together, adhesives are the unsung heroes that hold everything in place. Whether you are creating intricate paper designs or assembling three-dimensional crafts, having a reliable adhesive on hand is essential.
There are so many different types of adhesive on the market. Find the one that works best for you and your project.
Sookwang Double sided tape (comes in several different widths)
Reptile Premium Craft Adhesive (this can be put into a precision tip bottle)
Ephemera is items that were originally meant to be discarded after use but have since become collectibles like receipts, envelopes, magazines, old books or buttons.
You can also purchase ephemera at your local craft store like stickers, diecuts, flowers and ribbon or lace.
I love using old books and music paper in my art journal as the base of my collage.
When it comes to adding color to your projects, you want a tool that not only delivers vibrant hues but also offers effortless application. Posca Paint Pens checks both boxes with their impressive range of color and user-friendly design.
Posca paint pens can help you achieve crisp lines and bold colors with ease. With their quick-drying and water-resistant formula, these paint pens are ideal for both beginner and experienced crafters looking to add a professional touch to their work.
Posca paint pens come in several different sizes: 8.0mm, .9mm and .7mm. The white pens (.7mm) works great on any project. (I use these pens instead of the Signo Uniball White Gel Pen)
Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens in Black are high-quality artist pens that offer rich, deep black ink that is perfect for adding fine details, shading, and outlining to your work. Whether you're sketching, doodling, or hand-lettering, the Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens provide consistent and precise lines that won't smudge or bleed. Their archival quality ink ensures that your creations will stand the test of time.
If you're looking for a versatile tool to add a touch of magic to your crafting projects, look no further than the Frixion Pen. This innovative pen allows you to write, draw, and erase with ease, making it perfect for sketching out designs or adding intricate details to your creations. The Frixion Pens smooth ink flow and precise tip make it a joy to work with, while its erasable nature gives you the freedom to experiment and correct any mistakes along the way. With the Frixion Pen in your toolkit, you'll be able to bring your creative visions to life with precision and ease.
A key component to bringing your crafting projects to life is ensuring that every piece sticks together seamlessly. One of the essential tools for this task is a high-quality glue gun, which allows for precision and durability in your creations. With a reliable glue gun in your arsenal, you can confidently piece together intricate designs and ensure that your hard work holds up over time.
My favorite glue gun is the Surebonder because you don’t have to worry about a cord getting in your way.
The heat tool is a must-have in any crafter's toolbox, especially when time is of the essence. Whether you're working with embossing powders, drying paint, or setting ink on paper, this versatile tool allows you to quickly dry your work without the long wait times. Say goodbye to smudges and smears, and hello to perfectly finished projects in a fraction of the time.
My favorite Heat Tool is the Ranger Heat It Craft Tool because it’s quiet, small and gets really hot fast!
The Xyron Sticker Maker is a handy tool that allows you to easily create custom stickers from photos, die-cuts, or stamped images. Simply insert your item into the machine, turn the handle, and voila - instant stickers!
Xyron makes several different sizes of the Sticker Maker, so pick the one that works best for your style of crafting.
Remember, crafting is about enjoying the process as much as the end product. So, equip yourself with the right tools, let your creativity flow and most importantly, have fun!