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My craft room looks clean and organized, but there is a lot going on beneath the surface. Bins and baskets fill several shelving units, and each one is full of craft supplies and tools I use for my projects.
I'm often asked about the craft supplies I use and the tools I buy. What are your favorite craft supplies? Which 5 are the tools you use the most? If you had to start from scratch, which are the five craft items you'd buy first?
Here is a list of my top recommendations for craft supplies and DIY tools.
These are the tools I can't live without and would buy again in a heartbeat if I had to.
Craft Supplies and Tool Recommendations from LauraRadniecki.com
First of all, I outlined many of my top crafting picks in this post: The Best Gift Ideas for Crafters.
In that post, I link to many of my favorites, as well as tell you why I love them.
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Now, for a look at the supplies that fill my craft room shelves...
Basic Craft Supplies:
- Scissors - there's nothing worse than dull scissors.
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks - so simple and yet one of my most used craft tools!
- Hot Glue Gun Stand - it needed modification (I hot glued a handful of pennies to the bottom so it wouldn't tip over) but now it works perfectly!
- Identi Pen - works better than a sharpie for labeling things.
- Twine - So versatile and something I use so often!
- Yarn
- Felt Balls - 20mm felt balls are my favorite.
- Washi Tape
- E6000 Glue - Typically very stinky, so get the low odor version if possible.
Sewing Supplies:
- Sewing Machine - I have a Brothers sewing machine and love it. It's much more than I will likely ever need.
- Cutting Mat, Ruler, Rotary Cutter - This might seem like an extravagance unless you're doing a lot of sewing. Trust me - it makes any sewing project SO much easier and more fun. Get this before you start sewing anything, and you'll thank me later.
- ¼" Quilting Foot - Some sewing machines come with this, but mine didn't.
- Thread Organizing Box
- Quilt Clips - I like these better than pins. They don't poke holes in the fabric, and I find them easier to keep things together and secure. Pins still slide around a bit for me.
- Zippers
- Seam Ripper - I basically end up using my seam ripper on every sewing project, even after all these years. Such a simple tool, but still so necessary!
- Hand-Sewing Needle
Embroidery:
- Embroidery Hoops - my favorite sized hoops are 3" because they're perfect for all different kinds of ornaments. If you're looking to make art to display on the wall etc, try 6" hoops or larger.
- Embroidery Floss
- Embroidery Needle
Woodburning:
- Woodburning Tool - I wood-burned for the first time when I was in elementary school. It's so fun to do and borderline addictive!
- Wooden Circles and Wood Slices
- Wooden Spoons - woodburn a design on them and you've got a great housewarming or Christmas gift.
- Wooden Beads - so versatile, so elegant and farmhouse chic.
Mod Podge Crafts:
- Mod Podge - Matte or Gloss
- Foam Brush
- Clear Acrylic Sealer - Mod Podge can be tacky, even when it's dry. Clear Acrylic Sealer protects the project, and also eliminates tackiness too.
Paint:
- Spray Primer - this is the best and most effective spray primer I've used. It covers and hides so well.
- Spray Paint
- Milk Paint
Stencil:
- Stencils
- Masking Tape
- Masking Paper
- Stencil Brush - a must-have for a good stencil project. I tried to spray paint stencils once and it was a disaster. I have much better luck using a stencil brush and dabbing in an up and down motion.
- Acrylic Paint
Other Craft Supplies:
- Paper Cutter - I've had mine for decades and it's still working great! It's surprising how often it gets used!
- Laminator - Used mine many times already in the year since I got it.
- Label Maker - Sure beats masking tape and sharpie any day of the week!
- Wire Edge Burlap Ribbon
Fabric:
- Linen
- Fleece
- Flannel
- Burlap - One of my favorite craft fabrics; so versatile and I love the rustic chic look.
- Felt
- Osnaburg - Another of my favorites. It makes a great background for embroidery projects, and is a wonderful neutral.
- Canvas Duck
- Leather
- Faux Leather (Vinyl)
Tool Recommendations:
There you have it; a comprehensive list of all my favorite craft supplies and tool recommendations!
With this list, the sky is the limit for everything you can make!
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P.S. A reminder, for more information and details on why I picked many of these craft supplies, take a look at The Best Gift Ideas for Crafters post here.