13 Craft Supplies That Are Useful for Future Projects

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Ever had to rummage through a drawer or storage box for that perfect crafting tool, only to not have it when that creative moment hits? The truth is that having the right supplies on hand can save you a world of time and effort. If you’re a well seasoned DIY nerd or are new to the weekend craft world, there are some materials that are so versatile that they will be lifesavers for a plethora of projects in the future.

Let’s be real: We don’t plan ahead for creative spurts. Life is busy, and a well stocked arsenal of crafting essentials can come in handy. Consider it your muse’s creative first aid kit, ready to go as soon as the muse calls. Here are some must have craft supplies that are worth a spot on your shelf.

Twine

Photo Credit: Paraskevi-Vafiadou/Shutterstock

Twine is rustic, yet functional and can be used to wrap a present, to hang a photo display or do literally anything in between. Also, it’s great for giving your crafts a bit of farmhouse chic. Make sure to have a spool on hand; you’ll use it more than you may even realize.

A Quality Pair of Scissors

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It’s so tempting to use any scissors you can find lying around, but a sharp, high quality pair really does make all the difference. Buy a dedicated crafting pair to get through fabric, paper, and ribbon with ease. Don’t let the kids borrow them for homework.

Self-Healing Cutting Mat

This is a supply you’ll appreciate if you’ve ever cut through your dining table while crafting. A self healing cutting mat protects surfaces and extends the life of your cutting tools. Bonus: Just a silly thing, but it makes it easier to measure and cut accurately with the gridlines.

Beads

Beads aren’t just for only jewelry; they can be used for craft. Use them to decorate candles, embellish fabric, or make macrame projects pretty. Pro tip: Keep them in a divided container so you can grab the size and color you need, when you need it.

Mod Podge

Mod Podge is an absolute staple; an all in one adhesive, sealer and finish. It is an easy to apply, durable and mess free product that can be used to decoupage a picture frame or seal a painted rock for your garden. Have a small jar handy, you never know when you’ll need it.

Fabric Scraps

You never know when the tiniest pieces of fabric will come in clutch for future projects. You can use them to make patches, small decor items, even greeting cards. If you don’t sew, no worries; fabric glue works just about everywhere.

Paint Pens

It offers precision and helps you say goodbye messy brushes. Whether it’s lettering on signs or drawing around artwork, paint pens add small details to crafts. These are very versatile and work on wood, glass and metal.

Craft Foam Sheets

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Craft foam sheets are lightweight, easy to cut and are ideal for projects that require some kind of structure or texture. You can use them for kids’ crafts, DIY stamps, or even as padding in shadow boxes. Surprisingly durable, they’re also budget friendly.

Pipe Cleaners

Do you remember making stick figures with these as a kid? Simple, imaginative projects with pipe cleaners are still a go to. They are beyond kids’ crafts and can be used to create shapes, tie things together or even clean those teeny tiny crevices in your tools.

Embroidery Hoops

Embroidery hoops are great for stitching, but there are other uses for them too. You can turn them into boho style wall hangings or fabric art frames. They’re cheap and make any project look rustic.

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are the jack of all trades when it comes to adding color. They dry quickly and stick to wood, canvas, glass and more. Tip: you should start with primary colors, and you’ll be able to mix almost any shade from there.

Washi Tape

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This is not only pretty, but practical. You can jazz up journals, gift wrap, or even household items such as jars and organizers with it. Washi tape is great for quick fixes, creative embellishments, and easy peel-and-stick. Also, there are so many designs to choose from that you’re sure to find a pattern that goes with your personality.

Hot Glue Gun

This could very well be the superhero of craft tools. A hot glue gun can do anything from fixing broken ornaments to making homemade decor. For extra ease of use though, go for one with a dual temp setting, it’s a game changer for things like fabric or paper.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.