If you call yourself a crafter ...
then you know all about the importance of stocking up on supplies. Inspiration doesn't want to wait for you to run to the store for glue or ribbons or paper.
So what goes into a well-stocked craft closet? Well, some of it will be determined by the amount of space you have to store items. You might have a drawer rather than an entire closet, so you'll want to stick with the must-have items. If you have a huge closet, two bookcases and three tables (like me!), you can have a little bit of everything.
Another factor? The types of crafts you do. The must-haves on this list, well, you can't call yourself a "crafter" if you don't have them; you're just a sewer or scrapbooker otherwise. Others are nice to have or might be better for some types of crafts than others. Then there are the things that are specific to certain crafts. I've tried to keep the list as craft-generic as possible.
It's time for Christmas in July. Are you starting Christmas projects already?
Supply Sources
Where to find craft supplies online to stock your closet
The sources on this page include Amazon, Joann.com
Quick Look at the Must Haves
Don't let the length of this lens scare you off!!
There are a lot of items you can get to stock your craft closet. Some will depend on the types of crafts you intend to pursue, but there are some basics that any crafter will use. I've put them together here as a quick reference guide - there's a little more detailed info as you scroll through the lens, including where and what to buy.
- Glue gun
- Tacky Glue
- Quality scissors
- Ruler
- X-acto knife
Adhesives
Glues, tapes, anything sticky!!
The biggest factor to remember in stocking adhesives is what you plan to stick together. You'll need some good general purpose adhesives, but you also want to consider factors like paper vs. fabric and whether acid-free is important for your projects. You can end up with quite a large collection if you are a general purpose crafter.
Must Have
Glue Gun
Have glue gun, will craft. I can remember back in the 80s when glue guns first came on the scene. Suddenly, one of my aunts was the crafting queen. Everything - the drapes, Christmas tree bows - was done with a glue gun. Suddenly, her lack of sewing skill couldn't hold her back.
Guns have improved since then - you have cold heat, specialty glue sticks, heck, even on/off switches! They're still one of the most essential tools you'll ever use. Glue Guns at Joann.com
Tacky Glue
One of the best all around glues around. Comes in lots of different sizes now and even a clear gel. Aleene's Tacky Glue at Joann.com
Nice To Have
Glue Sticks
Convenient for storing and use because you don't have to worry about a runny mess. And now you can get them for fabric
Spray Adhesive
When you have to cover a large area, these come in really handy. I tend to use them the most when I'm doing fabric applications. Come in different versions for permanent or temporary application and based on your materials. Spray Adhesives at Joann.com
Buy As Needed
Fusibles
You'll need an iron for these guys, but Wonder Under
Mod podge
The ultimate adhesive for paper crafts, it now comes in regular
Wood glue
You can glue wood together with other glue, but wood glue is going to be sandable, stainable and just plain old work better.
Bestselling Glue Gun on Amazon
Dremel 1200-01 Glue Gun Kit
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 09/05/2008)
List Price: $24.99
- anti-drip tip
- silicone cover surrounding the tip
- Red and green LED lights tell when gun is "ON" and "Ready-to-use"
- two temperature settings
- separate On/Off switch
- soft-grip handle and extended three finger trigger
- kickstand and wide base
Suggested Adhesives and Accessories
Craft supplies to making your gluing experience complete
Hot Glue Gun Pad 8"" x 8"
Keep surfaces clean with this glue gun pad! Space-age material withstands heat, even if you lay your glue nozzle directly on it. To clean, simply allow the glue to dry and peel it off.
Click here to order
Glue Gun Nozzle Set
Make hot glue work for you with this assortment of nozzles. Perfect for any special hot glue need, these versatile nozzles fit most glue guns.
Click here to order
General Purpose Spray Adhesive
General purpose spray will work on a variety of porous and nonporous materials. It is ideal for bonding paper, cardboard, fabric, leather, lightweight wood, cork, puzzles, models, decorations or for bonding materials to metal, glass and wood.
Click here to order
Glue Gun Sticks
You can get sticks for your glue gun in a variety of special glues. Stock up on which ever you think you'll need!
All-Temp
All-Temp Fabric
Regular Wood Glue
All-Temp Glitter Glue
All-Temp Colored
High Temp Jewelry
More Glue Options at Joann.com
Adhesives and Tapes at CreateForLess.com
Videos: Crafting with a Glue Gun
Scrapbooking Techniques & Supply Advice : How to Use Glue Guns for Scrapbooks
Runtime: 0:55
250 views
0 Comments:
Your Turn: Adhesive Choice
My Favorite Crafty Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCutting Implements
Scissors, rotary cutters, anything with a blade
Must Have
Scissors
This might seem obvious, and you probably already have a pair hanging around. You don't need anything super special here, but you will want some that are comfortable to use over a long period. You might want to have separate pairs for paper and fabric, as cutting paper dulls the blade faster.
I have a small pair that stay with my cross-stitching, an ergonomic pair from Fiskars for cutting fabric, a junk pair for cutting just about anything else. Keep in mind comfort, size and use when you're buying. Scissors at Joann.com
X-acto knife
Need to do some detail cutting? The X-acto knife will be your best friend. I use mine to cut stencils as well as other delicate cutting that scissors are too bulky for. (Tip of the day: I seem to always lose the lid, which is an accident just waiting to happen. Solution? Stab the blade into wine cork!) X-acto Knives at CreateForLess.com
Nice To Have
Rotary cutters
Typically used for cutting fabric, although I find them pretty great for cutting paper (with the blades that have gotten too dull for fabric). Nice straight cut on a long piece of anything.
Paper cutters
Easiest way to get a straight line with a piece of paper and an essential tool for scrapbookers. It's the kind of thing I'd sometimes like to have, but can get with the rotary cutter and a craft ruler.
Cutting mats
Essential if you're going to use a rotary cutter, nice to have if you're using an X-acto blade. Self-healing properties are a little overblown, but they are better to cut into than your table.
Buy As Needed
Fancy edge scissors
Scallops, waves, points - you can get all types of edges with a pair of scissors these days. I have a bunch I bought as a set, but you might just get them as you need them for a particular project. Just something to add a nice touch.
My Favorite Scissors
Great all-around pair for all crafting needs!
Fiskars 9911 Spring Action 8-Inch Multi-Purpose Scissors
Amazon Price: $15.12 (as of 09/05/2008)
Great pair of general purpose scissors. SoftGrip material on smooth contour handle offers more comfort and less slipping while cutting. I mostly use mine for cutting fabric and they're comfortable during a marathon session.
My Rotary Cutter
Dritz? Pressure Sensitive Rotary Cutter 60mm
Amazon Price: $25.99 (as of 09/05/2008)
The cover pushes back when you put pressure on it to cut your paper or fabric. Blade engages automatically with this pressure sensitive rotary cutter. Safety lock secures blade when not being used. Comfortable and ready to use for left or right hand.
Additional Cutting Options
Olfa Rotary Cutter 45 mm Deluxe
One of the more popular brands of rotary cutters. Unique and versatile, rotary cutters allow you to cut in any direction, backward or forward, straight or curved. You can cut many materials, cloth, leather, paper, vinyl, film and much more, thin or thick, soft or hard. Right or left handed.
Click here to order
EK Cutter Bee Craft Scissors 5"
EK Craft Scissors have precision-ground tips that cut expertly in even the tiniest of places. Comfort grip handles prevent "sting" on hands during long-term work. Cutter Bee 5"- the perfect compact scissors for all your detailed cutting needs. Great for detail cutting on paper, vellum, foils, photos for scrapbooks, paper crafts, card making and more. Includes a protective snap-on Safety Cover!
Click here to order
Omnigrid Mat 18 3/4"x 24 3/4"
Good starter size whether you're cutting fabric for quilts or paper for scrapbooking. The green side has a yellow grid that extends to the edge of the mat for both right and left handed users. This mat is designed to keep your rotary cutting blades sharp longer. Great to use with rotary cutters and Omnigrid rulers. 18 3/4"x 24 3/4"- with 1" grid, perfect for take-a-long, classrooms, beginners, quilting, crafts, memory books and more.
Click here to order
Zig Zagz Decorative Scissors
Zig Zagz Decorative Scissors-3: Zigsagz interchangeable blade scissors are designed to add a decorative edge to most types of paper. Two sets of scissors and six pairs of blades are included in each package. Cushioned handles and plastic blades ensure safe, comfortable cutting.
Click here to order
Videos: Cutting Implements
Fasteners
Snaps, hooks, make it stay together!
Must Have
Velcro
One of the quickest and easiest ways to put things together, you can get velcro in small dots or long strips. Some of it comes with a sticky back, some you have to sew on. (Word of warning from someone who knows, do not try to sew on the sticky kind with your sewing machine!!) Velcro Options at Joann.com
Pins
Straight pins of any type will come in handy for temporary fastening until you can get the glue, thread or whatever else in there. In general, I recommend heavier ones with big heads, unless you work with delicate materials. They're just easier to pick up and find!
Nice To Have
Snaps
These come in quite a range of sizes, depending on the project you have. I find small silver ones meet most of my needs, though, so I only buy the others as needed.
Hooks
These come in little hooks and eyes, as well as the bigger flat hooks that catch onto bars (commonly found on clothing). Nice to have on hand for apparel projects.
Needles and thread
Of course, you're going to need these to apply the snaps or hooks. If you aren't planning to do a lot of sewing crafts, stick with a basic needle pack and neutral thread. You'll find you can sew almost anything with white, black or gray thread. Gray tends to just blend in with anything in the medium range, so I use it quite a bit.
Buy As Needed
Grommets
If you do home dec projects, you might run across the need for a grommet punch. They come in a variety of sizes and metallics. Make nice permanent holes for those times you might not be able to do buttonholes.
Fastener Options
Ball Point Color Head Pins-Size 20 80/Pkg 1-1/4"
Nickel-plated steel pins with plastic colorball heads for easy penetration into fabric. Use for sewing, quilting, and crafts.
Click here to order
Dritz® Safety Pins - Brass & Steel
Use these Safety Pins to baste your quilt or other general use. Safety Pins are Brass & Steel color. 50 Pins in a package. * Pins are assorted brass, nickel plated steel * 50 safety pins in a pack
Click here to order
Snaps, Hooks and Eyelets at Joann.com
Fasteners of all kids at CreateForLess.com
Grommet Kit from Amazon
Dritz? Grommet Pliers For 3/8'' (9mm) Grommets
Amazon Price: $20.99 (as of 09/05/2008)
My basic grommet set. Only downside is the limit of one size of grommet. But it generally gets the job done for me.
Fastener Variety Pack
Good start on all the snaps and hooks you'll need.
Fastener Variety Pack-48 Hookandeyes, 24 Sew Snaps, 6 Bar Hooks
Amazon Price: $8.94 (as of 09/05/2008)
A fastener variety pack in a pink stackable screw top container. Includes assorted types and sizes in black and silver. Cylinder container measures 2.6x1.5. Contains 48 hook n loop eyes 24 sew on snaps (small medium and large sizes) and 6 hook n bars.
Fabric ribbons make great trim pieces for just about any project.
Trims
Ribbons, buttons and bows, oh, my!!
This is an area where you can truly go overboard. I have two drawers full of this kind of stuff with no real project to use any of it in sight. Doesn't keep me from getting more, though. You just never know what you might want or need! These are the items you tend to you as inspiration strikes you more than because they're necessary. So I've just put everything under the "Nice to Have" category. My suggestion is to either buy as you need if you don't have a lot of storage space or buy whatever appeals to you whenever you find it on clearance or sale otherwise.
Nice To Have
Ribbon
All kinds of possibilities here, but keep in mind that there are different kinds of ribbons. Some are really only good for gift wrap or bow making, while others are great for sewing or fabric projects. I tend to stock up right after Christmas, buying anything that's a solid or neutral color. I have a drawer full of gold ribbon as a result!
Buttons
These are great for adding some decorative touches or serving a specific purpose such as eyes for a bear. I often buy them for specific sewing projects, then dump all the extras into my storage containers. I've also picked up entire bags of silver buttons or just random ones at garage sales.
Glitter
There's a rainbow of possibilities when you start talking about glitter. If you find regular glitter too messy to work with, you might consider the glitter glue option, although you won't get quite as glittery an effect that way.
Embroidery floss
You may not be a cross-stitcher, but you can find great uses for embroidery floss for other projects. I've been known to use it in place of regular thread in a pinch for sewing a button! If you just want to keep some on hand for "just in case," I'd suggest black and metallics.
A Few Trim Options to Consider
American Crafts Elements Ribbon
American Crafts Elements Ribbon are a great way to bring color and style to your projects. Available in a variety of colors, these rolls of beautiful ribbon are the perfect way to bring your creative spirit to life! Each package contains 5 or 6 custom spools of color coordinated decorative ribbon with 4 feet per spool. That's a total of 20 to 24 feet of premium designer ribbon in 1 package! Includes grosgrain, woven, gingham, satin or other ribbon types. This ribbon is acid free and 100% archival, so it will work for scrapbooking projects as well. Wide range of color options available.
Click here to order
Cotton Floss 36 Skeins Assorted Primary Colors
Cotton Floss 36 Skeins Assorted Pastel Colors: Super value packs of 6 strand embroidery floss from Designs For The Needle. Available in assorted colors.
Click here to order
Glitter Variety Pack-2 Ounce Shaker Bottles
It's like having a galaxy in your hand. With a simple shake, you can add sparkle and shine to your next project.
Click here to order
Clearance Sewing Ribbon CreateForLess.com
Sewing Ribbon at Joann.com
Things you might not think about
There are a lot of things you might have around the house that will actually be useful for crafting. It just might not have occurred to you to add to your crafting supplies. One group is marking tools, the other is common object tools. Both will make your crafting life a little easier and are worth consideration to add to your crafting stash.
Marking Tools
Carbon paper/Tracing paper
I don't use this that often but it has come in handy at times. I think what I have I actually bought at a garage sale and I have a few different colors. Nice for transferring a pattern to wood for painting.
Chalk
Great for temporary lines when painting or marking fabric.
Pencil
And don't forget a sharpener! Necessary for marking measurements, drill spots, and just about anything else!!
Useful Tools
Paper plates
I use these as paint palettes and to mix glues, colors and anything else. Great to keep on hand.
Cardboard/boxes
Good as a back-up cutting mat, table protection when painting or paint palette. Boxes are useful for any time you're doing spray paint or glue to contain that overspray.
Iron
Even if you don't sew (or only wear permanent press), an iron is necessary for applying any of the fusible products. You don't need anything fancy if you aren't into sewing projects; you don't even need steam.
Hole punch
A simple one-hole punch is useful for any number of paper projects. If you want to get really fancy, you can get them in a variety of shapes now as well.
Tools from Amazon
Measuring
Must Have
Ruler
Yep, your basic 12" school ruler will meet most of your measuring needs. You probably already have one around, but here's a basic one from Amazon.
Nice To Have
Tape measure
Not just for taking body measurements for sewing. Crafting often involves working with odd shapes and curves, so a tape measure helps you get around all the edges to get an accurate measurement. Basic tape measure from Joann.com
Buy As Needed
Craft rulers
There are specialty rulers for scrapbooking that make paper tearing easier. But where you're going to find the most are in the quilting area. Some of these allow you to cut long strips, some to cut interesting angles. They all help making cutting easier because they're clear and have markings for quarter inches. Craft Rulers at Joann.com
Get special items like paper punches as you need them for projects.
Materials
This is a tough category because so much of what you need will depend on the kinds of crafts you do. I keep a random collection of items ('cause you just never know what might come in handy!) in addition to my huge fabric stash for quilting. Because it's so subjective, I've tried to stick with items that seem to come up a lot with projects. You'll quickly figure out which ones are your must-have items.
Nice To Have
Paper
Basic ones - construction paper, cardstock. Advanced options - graph paper, matboard, specialty papers. You can make cards, do kids crafts, plan out your projects and frame finished ones.
Batting/Fiberfill
Even if you don't do quilting or sewing projects, there are a lot of uses for these - pad a chair or window valance, add snow to a wall hanging, etc.
Felt
This is one fabric that's just handy to keep on hand, particularly in neutrals. I usually have some gray and brown around to make teddy bear noses.
Fabric
OK, I left this purposefully vague as it could mean anything from taffeta to cottons. You'll need different types of fabrics depending on what you intend to do - home dec fabric won't work for apparel and you don't want satin for quilting. (Unless you're making a crazy or art quilt. Or a crazy art quilt.) Fabric of all kinds at Fabric.com
Assorted Construction Paper from Amazon
Smart Stack Construction Paper
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 09/05/2008)
Package of 300-9x12 sheets of heavy duty construction paper with extra sheets of the most popular colors. Assortment contains 50 white, 40 red and green, 30 yellow and blue, 25 orange and black, and 15 brown, pink, sky blue and violet.
Video: Choosing Craft Supplies
Crafting Ideas for Kids : How to Choose Crafts Supplies for Teens
Learn tips on how to choose arts and craft supplies for projects for teens in this free video clip.
Runtime: 0:47
638 views
0 Comments:
Storage
No matter what kind of crafts you do, there are a lot of small parts involved. A lot of big ones too. And they have a tendency to multiply when you turn your back. So storage in general is a must-have (and I'll be doing another lens on great ways to organize your closet). My best tip? If you're OK with things not being pretty, the hardware section can be the best place to find storage. I have an ugly toolbox I use for carting around paint supplies and it's the best investment I've made.
Must Have
Bookcase
If you don't have a closet or shelving, this is the next best thing. A bookcase stocked with plastic shoeboxes or bins can help you keep everything orderly. I label my boxes with plain white labels, then write the contents on the label.
Nice To Have
Portable containers
If you're into a craft that can be done socially, you're going to want to be able to pack up a project and take it with you. As with my tackle box, it doesn't have to be anything special as long as it keeps things together and easy to carry.
Buy As Needed
Item specific
This could be a ruler holder, a spool rack, scissor tray, anything designed to hold one type of thing. As you start collecting more items, you'll get a better handle as to what you'll want/need in this category.
A Bestseller for Craft Storage at Amazon
Video: Organizing Your Supplies
Having every color is nice, but you can get by with a few neutrals to start.
Books
My suggestion? Look for one or two general reference books - the kind of thing that you can turn to any time you encounter something new or have a question. Then build your library with others as you start to develop some specific craft preferences.
Super Crafty from Amazon
Super Crafty: Over 75 Amazing How-to Projects!
Amazon Price: $17.05 (as of 09/05/2008)
With its sleek design and edgy tone, Super Crafty is the ultimate hipster's craft guide, with a wide array of accessible projects suitable for all skill levels. The book offers dozens of projects for the home (Easy Etched Glass), wardrobe (One-Afternoon Skirt), body (Flirty Floral Pasties), family pet (Greta's Tail Warmer), and more. Organized by genre, each chapter uses a rating system to indicate difficulty, cost of materials, and age-appropriateness.
Crafting Reference Books
Craft Closets: What's the Buzz?
Hmm ... who's talking about their craft closet?
- Poor LIttle Betty
- This is our 5 month old Boston Terrier, Betty. Poor little thing, she's very sore right now because...
- Case Study: Craft Closet
- Before. The Problems:. This closet is used to store various craft items, but the items are not easil...
- Enjoying my Monday Off
- Hello Everyone - I'm just enjoying being off of work today for Labor Day. This is what I've done so...
- I Believe in Angels
- This is a block of month program that I'm working on called I Believe in Angels. It's designed by An...
What's In Your Craft Closet?
Think I've left something off the list? Just want to brag about your beautiful closet? Leave your comments here!
|
bygproductions
Wish I had a craft closet, four of us live in a 2 bdrm apartment approx. 900 sq ft. But I do have lots of crafts supplies probably 80 to 90 persent of what you've listed. My most use cutting tool is by rotary cutter, mat both sm and lg and clear rulers. Helps me get a straight line for just about everything. I'm also enjoying my Stack and Store, for transporting my polymer clay projects. Posted July 09, 2008 |
|
beachbum_gabby
I have a well organized craft and art closet at home but been busy lately, no time to do some artworks. Thanks for the wonderful lens. Posted July 01, 2008 |
|
SusanVillasLewis
Actually, The Well-Organized Craft Closet is next on my list. Stay tuned because it will definitely be announced on here when it's done! Posted June 20, 2008 |
|
strungoutandwired
Nice lens! My craft closet is all over my house right now as I am preparing for a show tomorrow! Great ideas! I have almost everything! Now could you do a lens on organizing? Thanks! Ha!Ha! Posted June 20, 2008 |
All My Lenses
Like this lens? Want to see more by me? Here's my lensography!-
SusanVillasLewis
-
Well, probably for my mom and my husband. But I guess the rest of you won't love me just for existing. So here's more about me, links to my various lenses, thoughts on future lenses and just the general randomness that is Susan. This will forever be...
