12 Things Every Crafter Needs
I hope this little list helps you and adds a bit more simplicity and organization along your crafting journey. If I've left out something you feel is absolutely vital, I'd love to know what it is!
1. Blank journal(s)
Journals are 100% essential on your crafting journey. You never know when creativity may come calling and your too busy to answer right away. Keep track of those ideas. Jot them down or sketch them out so you can come back to them when you have more time.
2. Scissors
As a mixed media artist, having multiple pairs of scissors is essential. Mine include: fabric scissors, precision scissors and several pairs of regular craft scissors. My fabric scissors are hands off to everything except fabric which helps keeps them nice and sharp.
3. Paper trimmer
These come in dozens of shapes, sizes and styles with an array of cutting purposes. I've used the same 12" Fiskars paper trimmer for over 10 years and haven't been disappointed yet. Having a backup trimmer is a great idea incase of emergencies or for social crafting.
4. Hot glue gun
One of my best investments to date is my $2 glue gun. I've had it for years and rely on it daily. It's probably one of my most reached for items. Be sure to have plenty of glue sticks available, you don't want to run out in the middle of a project.
5. All-purpose glue
There are many different glues available, but I highly recommend having at least a clear drying all-purpose craft glue. You'll use it more than you think.
6. Pencil/Pens
Whether it's marking, writing or drawing a pencil and a great set of pens is a must.
7. Hole punch(s)
These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Even if you've invested in a die-cutting machine having basic punches is a great idea for when you need a shape super fast and don't want to tackle the machine.
8. Xacto knife
An xacto knife comes in handy for cutting thick items, like cardboard and is essential for getting into all those nooks and cranes of intricate projects.
9. Paint brushes
Brushes aren't just for painting. Another of my most reached for items, brushes can be used for glues, gel mediums, removing straggling pieces of glitter, general cleanup and countless other things.
10. Paper towels/wet wipes
Accidents happen. Save yourself time and frustration by having paper towels and wet wipes at your workstation. Paper towels make cleaning spills quick and easy while wet wipes cover all your paints, mediums and other messy supplies.
11. Plastic sheets/Butcher paper
Protecting your work surface is essential. You can use a simple sheet of plastic or cover the whole space in butcher paper, either are pretty inexpensive. Pro tip: using butcher paper can lead to amazing "accidental" works of art you can later transform into journals, wrapping paper, tags, etc.
12. Paper/Cardstock
I am a hardcore paper addict! There are simply too many fabulous designs and textures not to be, but you don't have to go crazy. Having a few basic colors on hand (especially white and black) means you'll always have a starting point. Remember, there are hundreds of paper choices out there other than cardstock as well. You can use old music sheets, newspaper, magazines, postcards, paper bags, etc.
‘til next time,
Misty
If you’re ready to explore your creativity look into booking one of my creative workshops.
