Top 40 High Quality Supplies For DIY Enthusiasts

Whether you’re a weekend DIY warrior or a late-night crafter fueled by tea and podcasts, having the right tools at your fingertips makes all the difference. This list of 40 essential craft supplies is your go-to guide for building (or refreshing) your creative stash. It covers everything from paper crafting and wreath making to home décor, sewing, and even jewelry design. If you love making things with your hands and feel a thrill when opening a new pack of ribbon or organizing your bead box—this list was made for you. It’s designed to spark inspiration, save you time, and make crafting more joyful, intentional, and just plain easier.

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1. Quality Scissors (Multiple Pairs) – A good pair of scissors is a crafter’s best friend. Invest in multiple pairs and reserve each for a specific material – for example, have one pair just for fabric and another for paper, so they stay sharp longer. Sharp scissors with comfortable handles will give you clean cuts on everything from cardstock to ribbon, and experienced crafters know not to let anyone use their fabric scissors on paper!
2. Craft Knife (X-Acto Knife) – For precision cutting that scissors can’t handle, a craft knife is indispensable. It allows you to cut intricate shapes from paper, vinyl stencils, or foam board with ease – perfect for paper crafts, detailed home décor pieces, or model-making. Always use it with a self-healing cutting mat to protect your work surface and achieve accurate cuts. The razor-sharp blade gives you control for tasks like cutting out delicate cardstock designs or trimming photos.
3. Self-Healing Cutting Mat – A must-have base for any cutting work, a self-healing mat protects your table and prolongs the life of your blades. The surface “heals” small cuts, keeping it smooth over time. It usually has grid lines and measurements printed on it, which help with measuring and alignment for paper cutting, sewing patterns, or DIY picture frame matting. This mat is useful across almost all crafts – from quilting (with rotary cutters) to general DIY – whenever you need to cut without damaging furniture.
4. Rotary Cutter – A rotary cutter is a rolling blade (like a pizza cutter for crafts) that quickly and cleanly slices through fabric and paper. It’s excellent for quilting, sewing, and even paper crafting when you need long straight cuts. Use it with a ruler and cutting mat to cut multiple layers of fabric or to get perfectly straight paper strips much faster than scissors. Many crafters love it for cutting quilt pieces, trimming photos, or even making confetti from scraps.
5. Ruler and Measuring Tape – Precise measurements are key to professional-looking crafts. A sturdy metal ruler is great for drawing straight lines and as a cutting edge for craft knives, while a flexible measuring tape is essential for curved surfaces and sewing projects. Whether you’re sizing a picture frame, measuring fabric for a pillow, or spacing elements in a scrapbook layout, these tools help ensure everything lines up. Experienced DIYers always keep measuring tools on hand to avoid guesswork and mistakes.
6. Hot Glue Gun – Perhaps the most versatile tool in any crafter’s arsenal, a hot glue gun can bond a wide variety of materials in seconds. With its heated adhesive and quick cooling, it’s perfect for attaching embellishments, assembling wreaths, or fixing home décor pieces. Use high-temp glue for a stronger bond on wood or metal, and low-temp for delicate materials like foam or ribbon that might melt. A glue gun’s ability to “tack down a lot of things” makes it invaluable for everything from paper crafts to floral arrangements.
7. Glue Sticks (High-Quality) – A glue gun is only as good as its glue sticks. Opt for high-quality glue sticks (many crafters swear by brands like Gorilla Glue) for a stronger, longer-lasting hold. You’ll go through plenty of these, so keep a large pack in your stash. Glue sticks work on fabric, wood, plastic, and more – ensuring your DIY creations don’t fall apart. Having extras also means you won’t run out in the middle of a wreath project or holiday decorating spree.
8. White Glue or Tacky Glue – Classic PVA white glue (like Elmer’s) or craft tacky glue is a staple for many projects. It’s budget-friendly and great for paper crafts (cardmaking, scrapbooking), kids’ crafts, and light-duty DIY where you need an adhesive that dries clear. Tacky glue is a thicker variation that grabs quicker and works well for attaching fabric, felt, or wood to surfaces without the heat of a glue gun. It’s especially useful for projects that require a bit of repositioning time or a flexible bond (like gluing pom-poms, trim, or small jewels).
9. Super Glue (or E6000 Adhesive) – For heavy-duty sticking power, keep a tube of super glue on hand. When you need a stronger, more permanent bond – for example, repairing ceramics or attaching metal jewelry pieces – a drop of super glue does the trick. E6000 is a popular industrial-strength craft adhesive that remains flexible when dry, making it ideal for jewelry making (attaching beads to metal findings) or affixing embellishments to home décor that might get tugged. Use sparingly, as a little goes a long way, and be careful because these glues set fast.
10. Mod Podge (Decoupage Medium) – Mod Podge is a crafter’s go-to for all things decoupage and sealing. This all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish can attach paper or fabric to surfaces and then coat over the top to seal and protect it. It’s especially useful for paper crafts, photo transfer projects, and furniture flips (like adding paper to a tray or dresser drawers). Experienced crafters often buy it in large tubs because it’s used in so many projects – and it comes in finishes like matte, gloss, or even outdoor formulas for different needs. Tip: use a foam brush to apply it smoothly when decoupaging.
11. Double-Sided Tape or Tape Runner – When you need an adhesive that’s dry and instant, double-sided tape is fantastic. It’s basically tape with adhesive on both sides – great for mounting photos in scrapbooks, making cards, or any paper craft where glue might wrinkle the paper. Scrapbookers often use tape runners (dispensers that lay a line of double-sided adhesive) for speed. There’s no drying time and no mess, and it’s excellent for layering paper or even tacking fabric temporarily. Keep some on hand for times when glue is too wet or slow.
12. Masking Tape (Painter’s Tape) – Masking tape is not just for painting walls – crafters use it in lots of ways. A low-tack painter’s tape can mask off areas to keep them paint-free (for example, when creating striped or geometric paint designs on a sign or decor piece). It’s also handy for holding pieces together temporarily while glue sets, or taping down stencils so they don’t shift. Because it peels off without residue, you can use it to mark measurements on a wall for gallery layouts or to keep patterns in place on fabric before cutting.
13. Paint Brushes (Variety Pack) – Whether you’re painting a picture frame, adding details to a clay pot, or watercoloring a handmade card, you’ll need a range of paint brushes. It’s wise to have an assortment of shapes and sizes – wide flat brushes for broad strokes or applying gesso, pointed round brushes for detail work, etc. You’ll use brushes for more than just paint, too: foam-safe brushes or old brushes can apply glue, varnish, or even bleach for crafting techniques. Look for synthetic bristle brushes that are easy to clean and work with acrylics and other craft paints.
14. Foam Brushes – Inexpensive foam brushes are super useful for many DIY projects, especially when you need a smooth finish. Because they don’t leave bristle marks, foam brushes are ideal for applying varnish or Mod Podge, staining wood, or base-coating a large surface with paint. They come in various widths (commonly 1” or 2”) and are usually sold in multi-packs for cheap. Crafters love that you can use them and toss them – no need to wash – which is great when working with glues or polyurethanes that can be hard to clean. Keep a stash for sign painting, furniture crafts, or anytime you want an even coat without brush lines.
15. Acrylic Paints (Assorted Colors) – Acrylic paints are versatile, fast-drying, and work on many surfaces, making them a must-have for most crafters. With just a basic set of primary colors plus black and white, you can mix almost any hue. Use acrylics to paint paper mache projects, canvas art, wooden signs, terra cotta pots, you name it. They’re water-based, so cleanup is easy, but once dry they are water-resistant and durable. Whether you’re doing an abstract canvas or adding flowers to a wooden tray, acrylics are the way to go for rich color that adheres well.
16. Chalk Paint – Chalk paint is popular for upcycling furniture and home décor because it sticks to most surfaces with minimal prep and gives a matte, vintage-look finish. It’s especially useful for home decor crafts like painting old picture frames, furniture makeovers, or creating distressed wood signs. Unlike acrylics, chalk paint sands easily for distressing and you can wax or seal it for durability. Many crafters keep a few favorite chalk paint colors (like white, pastel hues, or black) on hand for farmhouse-style projects or anytime they want that shabby-chic look without the hassle of priming. Tip: it dries fast, so clean your brush quickly or keep it in a bag between coats.
17. Paint Pens or Permanent Markers – Sometimes a paintbrush isn’t the easiest way to add detail – that’s where paint pens and Sharpie-style markers come in. A paint pen contains acrylic paint but with a marker tip, allowing you to draw or write on surfaces like wood, rock, glass, or metal with precision (great for lettering on signs or adding metallic details). Permanent markers (like Sharpies) are also handy for outlining, labeling, or drawing on posters or plastic. For example, in jewelry making you might mark drill points on metal, or in wreath making you could write a message on a ribbon banner. They’re a quick, no-cleanup way to add color or text to a project.
18. Pencils and Eraser – Don’t start a project without a pencil! Sketching ideas in a notebook or lightly marking guidelines on your material can save you from mistakes. Many arts and crafts begin with a simple drawing or measurement – whether you’re planning a wall gallery, drawing a design on wood to woodburn, or tracing a pattern on fabric. A basic set of drawing pencils lets you plan your next project on paper, and a good eraser (white vinyl erasers work well) allows you to adjust those plans. Use a pencil to lightly mark cut lines on wood or to sketch lettering on a sign before you paint over it. It’s an underrated but essential tool for virtually every type of crafting.
19. Ribbon (Various Widths and Styles) – Ribbon adds that perfect finishing touch to so many crafts. Keep a variety: satin ribbons for gift wrapping or wedding crafts, wired ribbons for making bows that hold their shape (very useful in wreath making and home décor), and burlap or lace ribbons for rustic projects. You can use ribbon to make hair accessories, as trim on sewing projects, stringing banners, or simply to embellish a greeting card. It’s also handy for home décor – for example, tie back curtains with a decorative ribbon or hang a wreath with a pretty loop. Having a ribbon stash means you can always add a bow or a bit of flair when a project needs a little something extra.
20. Twine or Jute Cord – Twine is a humble material with endless uses. Natural jute twine or hemp cord gives a wonderful rustic look – perfect for farmhouse décor, wrapping around jars or bottles, or tying up brown paper packages. It’s strong enough to hold things together (use it to tie bunches of dried flowers or secure elements of a wreath) and also decorative enough to be part of the design (like string art or gift tags). Many crafters keep colored baker’s twine or cotton twine as well, which is great for cardmaking and baking packaging. Twine truly “can make it work for any crafting project” – it’s that versatile. Plus, unlike ribbon, you can easily dye it or fray it for different looks.
21. Cardstock or Scrapbook Paper – A supply of assorted paper is fundamental for paper crafting. Cardstock is thicker than normal paper, giving sturdiness to handmade cards, boxes, or paper decor, while scrapbook paper often comes in various colors and patterns to spark creativity. From origami and paper flowers to scrapbook layouts and decoupage, having a variety of paper on hand is crucial. Solid colored cardstock can become greeting cards or die-cut shapes, and patterned sheets can be backgrounds for photo frames or mod-podged onto wood. Seasoned crafters keep paper pads or scrap packs around since paper is the base for so many projects (and a fun patterned paper might even inspire the next project!).
22. Assorted Fabric – Even if you’re not primarily a sewist, a stash of fabric is incredibly useful. Small cuts of cotton, linen, or canvas can be used for everything from sewing projects to mod podge decoupage on furniture. Fabric quarters or scraps are especially handy for applique work, making fabric flowers, covering foam wreath forms, or DIY home décor like pillows and bunting. Thrifty crafters will even repurpose old clothes or thrifted sheets for craft fabric. Having some fabric on hand means you can whip up a quick table runner, sew a pouch, or cover a bulletin board at a moment’s notice. Don’t forget specialty craft fabrics like felt (which deserves its own spot) and burlap for textural projects.
23. Felt Sheets – Felt is a staple for many craft types because it’s so easy to work with. It doesn’t fray when cut, comes in tons of colors, and has a soft, cozy texture. Felt sheets (usually acrylic or wool blend) are perfect for making things like plush ornaments, felt flowers, puppets, or appliqué shapes to glue onto other projects. For example, in wreath making you can cut felt into leaves or letters; in jewelry, you can use felt as a backing for brooches; in sewing, small felt shapes can be hand-sewn as embellishments. It’s also a favorite for kids’ crafts (think felt boards) but adult crafters use it just as much for detailed, elegant creations. Keep some basic colors of felt on hand – it’s amazing for last-minute holiday crafts (like stockings or tree skirts) and general DIY creativity.
24. Sewing Machine – A dependable sewing machine opens up a whole new world of DIY possibilities. Even if sewing isn’t your main hobby, having a machine means you can mend curtains, piece a quilt, sew clothing or costumes, or stitch up home décor items like pillow covers with ease. It is an investment, but worth it if you’ll use it – many passionate DIYers consider a sewing machine a must-have tool. Modern machines come with various stitch options and even computerized ease-of-use, but a basic sturdy machine is fine for most craft sewing. You can also use sewing machines in paper crafting (for example, stitching cards or scrapbook pages for a trendy look). If you only need one occasionally, you might borrow or buy second-hand as an alternative, but having your own lets you tackle sewing projects whenever inspiration strikes.
25. Hand Sewing Kit (Needles, Thread, Pins & More) – Not everything needs a machine stitch; that’s where a simple hand sewing kit comes in. This includes a variety of hand-sewing needles, a selection of thread spools in common colors, straight pins with a pin cushion, and a seam ripper (for undoing mistakes) – all essentials for any crafter’s toolbox. With these, you can sew on a button, embroider a simple design, or baste fabrics together before final assembly. Pins are useful beyond sewing too: use them to hold layers of material while glue dries or to poke starter holes in paper. Experienced seamstresses know the value of a good seam ripper – you’ll “lose count of the times you’ve had to unpick something”, whether adjusting a hem or upcycling old jeans. Even for non-sewing crafts, having needles and thread is useful (for example, stringing beads or yarn, or hand-stitching the binding of a handmade journal).
26. Pliers (Needle-Nose & Jewelry Pliers) – Small pliers are essential for jewelry making and handy for many other crafts. A pair of needle-nose pliers has a long, narrow tip that can reach and grip tiny things – perfect for opening jump rings, bending wires, or holding a nail steady. In fact, many crafters say a set of jewelry pliers (which usually includes needle-nose, round-nose, and wire cutters) is a must-have for their craft stash. Use them in wreath making to twist floral wire or clamp picks, in model building to place tiny parts, or anytime you need extra grip or to make a precise bend. For example, round-nose pliers help form loops in wire (when making earrings or pendants), while flat-nose pliers can flatten crimp beads or help remove staples from an upcycling project. Keep a couple of sizes on hand – once you have them, you’ll reach for pliers surprisingly often.
27. Wire Cutters – While some pliers come with a cutting edge, a dedicated wire cutter (also known as wire snips) is invaluable for a clean cut on wires and stems. They are designed to cut through various gauges of wire without dulling your scissors or plier tips. In jewelry making, you’ll use wire cutters to trim headpins, eye pins, and beading wire to length. In wreath making or floral crafts, use them to cut artificial flower stems, floral wire, or chenille stems. They’re also useful in general DIY for cutting picture wire, thin metal sheets or mesh, and even dowels or bamboo skewers with precision. A good wire cutter will give a flush cut (no sharp poking ends), making your pieces look neat and professional. It’s one of those tools you don’t think you need until you do – and then you’ll be happy you had one.
28. Floral Wire – Floral wire is a thin, flexible wire (often green to blend with stems) used to secure floral arrangements and wreaths. It’s a backbone of wreath making – you use it to attach greenery, flowers, or bows to wreath frames and to bundle materials together. Unlike rigid wire, floral wire bends easily and twists to tie things up, while still adding support. Crafters also use it to make wire hangers for ornaments, form shapes for papier-mâché, or even as stems for paper flowers. The flexibility of floral wire makes it good for attaching pieces of a craft in ways that a zip tie or string might not manage, plus it’s easily hidden. For example, if you create a burlap wreath, you might use floral wire to tie bunches of burlap to the frame. It’s one of those inexpensive supplies that’s worth keeping on hand – you can even paint it to match your project or use tinsel-covered or colored floral wires for seasonal crafts.
29. Wreath Forms (Wire or Foam Bases) – If you enjoy wreath making or seasonal decor, it’s smart to keep a couple of wreath bases ready to go. These forms come in various materials: wire frames (great for deco mesh or greenery wreaths), foam rings (good for wrapping with yarn, ribbon, or fabric), or grapevine wreaths (made of twigs, perfect as-is or decorated). Having a wreath form means you can start a new wreath project anytime – just add your choice of florals, ribbon, and adornments. They’re also useful as bases for other crafts: for instance, you can cover a foam wreath form in fabric rosettes or use half of one as a base for a centerpiece. Wreath forms are inexpensive, and with one you can create a personalized door wreath for any season or holiday. Many crafters keep a standard 12” or 18” wire frame and a foam ring on hand so they’re always ready to weave some creativity into a beautiful wreath.
30. Assorted Beads – Beads aren’t just for jewelry – though they’re obviously essential there – they also come in handy for a variety of craft projects. Glass beads, wooden beads, plastic pony beads, seed beads… a mix of sizes and styles will let you create earrings and bracelets, embellish sewing projects, or add decorative touches to home décor. For example, wood beads can make farmhouse-style garlands or wreath accents, while colorful glass beads can be glued onto a mosaic or suncatcher. Having a collection of beads means you can always add a bit of sparkle or texture to your project. Experienced jewelry makers often grab beads in bulk because they know they’ll use them eventually. Store them sorted by color or type so you can easily find the perfect ones – whether you’re making a beaded wind chime or just replacing a missing bead in a blouse.
31. Jewelry Findings – If you plan to make any jewelry or small accessories, you’ll need an assortment of findings – these are the metal bits that hold things together. Common findings include jump rings (small metal loops) for connecting pieces, earring hooks or posts to create earrings, clasps for closing necklaces/bracelets, headpins and eyepins for dangling beads, and crimp beads or ends for finishing cords. Having these on hand means when you string a beautiful bracelet or make polymer clay charms, you have the right hardware to turn them into wearable pieces. Even outside of jewelry, some findings are useful: for instance, a swivel clasp can be used to attach a decorative charm to a purse, and jump rings can connect just about anything with a hole in it. These items are typically inexpensive and come in assorted packs. A basic kit of findings ensures you don’t get stuck unable to complete a project – nothing’s worse than crafting a beautiful pendant and realizing you have no chain or bail to hang it on.
32. Sandpaper or Sanding Block – Crafting often involves prepping surfaces or adding finishing touches, and sandpaper is the tool for the job. Use a medium-to-fine grit sandpaper (or a handy foam sanding block) to smooth wood edges, sand off old paint, or distress painted projects for a vintage look. In home décor crafts, sanding is key for getting a professional finish – for example, sanding a wood sign after painting can give it a smooth, worn feel. It’s also useful before painting raw wood or ceramics to slightly roughen the surface so paint or glue adheres better. Keep a range of grits: coarse (60-80) for heavy material removal, medium (~120) for smoothing rough cuts, and fine (220+) for finishing and between coats of paint. If you do a lot of furniture flipping or sign-making, you might even invest in a small electric sander, but for basic needs a manual sanding block does the trick. Your craft will look more polished (sometimes literally) when you remember to sand where needed.
33. Rotary Tool (Dremel or Similar) – A rotary tool is a handheld power tool with interchangeable bits that can drill, cut, carve, grind, or polish a variety of materials. It’s a specialty item, but one that many experienced DIYers find “can cut, sand, buff, drill and engrave” almost anything with the right attachment. If you like to dabble in a bit of everything – small woodwork, jewelry, upcycling projects – a Dremel-type tool is worth the investment. You can engrave designs into glassware, drill holes in sea shells or stones to make pendants, cut small metal rods or screws, or sand in tiny corners that larger tools can’t reach. For example, if you break a ceramic plate for a mosaic, a rotary tool can smooth the sharp edges. This tool expands what you can DIY at home, handling tasks that would otherwise require a whole set of larger power tools. Always wear eye protection and follow safety guidelines, but don’t be afraid to give this versatile gadget a try if you’re serious about crafting – it can take your creative capabilities to the next level.
34. Staple Gun (Heavy-Duty Stapler) – When glue won’t cut it and you need a more mechanical hold, a staple gun comes into play. This is basically a handheld tool that drives staples (some manual, some electric) into materials – extremely useful for upholstery projects (like recovering chair seats or headboards), building wooden frames, or attaching canvas to a frame. For crafters and upcyclers, a light-duty staple gun is often enough: you can staple cardboard or foam core for displays, secure chicken wire to a wooden frame for an earring holder, or fasten ribbon loops onto a wooden sign. It’s one of those tools you might not use every day, but it’s really handy when the project calls for it. Because it’s a higher-end tool and used infrequently, some crafters choose to share or borrow one rather than buying outright – but if you do upholstery or wood crafts often, owning your own is worth it. Always test on a scrap first and keep your fingers clear! A regular office stapler can also be useful for lighter paper projects, but the staple gun tackles the heavy stuff.
35. Cutting Machine (Cricut or Silhouette) – A digital cutting machine is a dream tool for avid crafters and a prime example of a “specialty item worth the investment.” These machines connect to your computer and can intricately cut designs out of paper, vinyl, fabric, and more. With a Cricut or Silhouette, you can do things like create custom stickers and decals, cut letters and shapes for scrapbooking or sign-making, make iron-on vinyl transfers for T-shirts, or even cut leather and balsa wood for advanced projects. While not every crafter has one, those who do often say they can’t live without it – it opens up endless creative possibilities and saves time on hand-cutting. You can choose your preferred brand (each has its fans; some love the Cricut, others the Silhouette) – both are excellent and continually improving with new features. Such machines also allow you to download or purchase thousands of ready-made designs or make your own in software. It’s a higher-priced item, but for serious paper crafters, DIY party decorators, or Etsy sellers, it quickly pays off by enabling professional-quality results at home.
36. Heat Gun (Craft Heat Tool) – A heat gun is like a supercharged hair dryer, blowing very hot air in a focused area. It might not seem immediately necessary, but it’s incredibly useful for certain crafting situations. For one, if you do rubber stamping with embossing powders, a heat gun is used to melt the powder and create raised designs. It’s also great for speeding up drying times – for paint, glue, or ink – which is a huge help when you’re doing multiple project steps in one session and don’t want to wait around. Many DIYers also use heat guns to help remove old paint or stickers, to bend PVC pipes for projects, or to heat-shrink plastic (like shrinky dink crafts or electrical heat-shrink tubing in DIY electronics). Compared to a hair dryer, a craft heat tool usually gets hotter and more targeted, plus often quieter. If you hate waiting for things to dry or love trying advanced techniques, you’ll find yourself reaching for a heat gun. Just be cautious: it does get very hot, so use it in short bursts and keep it moving to avoid scorching your project (or your fingers).
37. Stencils – Stencils are a shortcut to beautiful, consistent designs on your crafts. They are basically pre-cut templates (often plastic or Mylar) that you can paint or ink over to leave a design on your project. Alphabet stencils, for example, help you paint perfectly uniform letters for signs or wall art without needing perfect handwriting. Pattern stencils (like floral, damask, mandala patterns) let you add intricate backgrounds or motifs to furniture, canvases, or fabric. They’re especially useful in home décor crafting – think painted pillows, wall quotes, or farmhouse wood signs with neat lettering. While you can buy cheap stencils at dollar stores, experienced crafters often invest in higher-quality ones that are more durable and have crisper cut-outs. You can even make your own using a cutting machine and stencil film. Reusable and versatile, stencils take the pressure off freehand painting – just tape them down, sponge or brush paint on, and lift off to reveal the design. Keep a few classic designs (letters, numbers, basic shapes) in your arsenal, and you can always personalize a project with professional-looking art.
38. Stamps and Ink Pad – Stamping isn’t just for kids or office work – it’s a beloved technique in adult crafting, especially for paper projects. Craft stamps come in endless designs: from florals and cute characters to elegant calligraphy phrases. By pressing them into an ink pad and then onto your material, you instantly get a detailed image or text with zero drawing skill required. They are fantastic for making greeting cards, gift tags, or enhancing scrapbook pages (e.g., adding a vintage clock face stamp in the background of a travel journal page). You can also use stamps on other surfaces with the right ink – like fabric or wood – to add motifs where painting would be too time-consuming. Seasoned paper crafters often keep a collection of favorite stamps (and swap them with friends to keep things fresh). A black ink pad is a must for crisp outlines, and you can color the stamped images with markers or watercolor. If you don’t have the perfect patterned paper for a project, you can even create your own by repeatedly stamping a design across a plain sheet. Stamps are a quick way to add complexity and personality to your crafts, so a small investment in a few versatile designs (and inks in your favorite colors) is well worth it.
39. Paper Trimmer (Paper Cutter) – Cutting straight lines with scissors is tricky, and that’s where a paper trimmer makes life easier. This tool lets you slide a sheet of paper or cardstock in and cut it with a guided blade, ensuring a clean, straight cut every time. It’s essential for card making and scrapbooking when you need precise edges and specific sizes – for instance, trimming photos, cutting card bases, or slicing strips for quilling. Using a trimmer is much faster and more accurate than marking with a ruler and cutting by hand. There are guillotine-style cutters and slider cutters; both work well (guillotine cutters can often handle more sheets at once or heavier materials like chipboard, whereas slider trimmers are very precise for single sheets). If you make lots of invitations, scrapbook layouts, or any project involving paper pieces, you’ll wonder how you managed without a paper trimmer. It also comes in handy for cutting printable labels, coupons, or school project materials perfectly straight – truly a time-saver for any kind of paper work.
40. Washi Tape – Washi tape is decorative tape made from Japanese rice paper, and it has taken the crafting world by storm for good reason. It comes in a huge array of colors and patterns – everything from solid pastels to florals, geometrics, and gold foils – allowing you to add a pop of color or pattern to any project with zero mess. Because of its jubilant designs and ease of use, washi is a great addition to craft projects of all kinds. Use it to accent cards, make quick gift wrap or card borders, decorate planners and journals, or even create wall art (it’s gentle on walls and peels off easily). For example, you can cover a plain notebook cover in different washi tape patterns to create a custom journal, or wrap washi around pencil holders, phone chargers, or planters for a quick makeover. It’s also useful functionally: you can use washi tape to temporarily tape down dies on paper before cutting, or mark a measurement on a board without leaving residue. Since it’s low-tack, you can reposition it if needed. In short, washi tape adds fun to function – it’s an essential that brings both utility and a splash of creativity to your toolkit.

With these 40 essential craft supplies in your creative corner, you’ll be ready to take on just about any DIY project that sparks your imagination. From cozy Sunday morning crafts to meaningful handmade gifts for friends and family, this toolkit will grow with you as your skills and ideas expand. Whether you’re making wreaths for your front door, sewing little treasures, or experimenting with a Cricut late into the night, your craft room is about to become your favorite space. So take what speaks to you, organize it in a way that feels good, and let your creativity lead the way.

Sources:

• The Maker’s Map – “40 must-have craft supplies for beginners”
• Pillar Box Blue – “Craft Essentials For Adult Crafters and Upcyclers”
• My Modern Met – “10 Essential Craft Supplies You’ll Want to Have in Your Studio”
• Click & Craft – “10 Must-Have Craft Supplies Every DIY Enthusiast Should Own”