Walk into any craft store and you’ll walk out $80 lighter with a bag full of things you’ll never use.
This guide cuts through all of it. These are the supplies that show up in project after project, work across multiple craft types, and won’t break the budget.
Buy these first. Add specialty supplies later once you know what you actually enjoy making.
The Core List
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
The single most useful tool a beginner crafter can own. Works on fabric, wood, paper, plastic, floral materials, and more. Get a low-temperature gun if you plan to craft with kids. Budget for a full-size gun over a mini one — they’re more consistent and easier to work with.
Acrylic Paint Set
A basic set of 12 colors covers almost every project. Acrylic paint dries fast, cleans up with water, works on wood, canvas, terracotta, and paper, and costs very little. Skip watercolors and oils until you know you want them.
Foam Brushes
Cheap, disposable, and more versatile than traditional paintbrushes for most beginner projects. Buy a multipack. Use them for paint, Mod Podge, and glue application.
Mod Podge
Part glue, part sealer, part finish. Used in decoupage, sealing painted projects, adhering paper, and dozens of other applications. The matte finish version is the most versatile starting point.
Scissors
Get one good pair of craft scissors and keep them separate from your household scissors. Sharp blades make a real difference on paper and fabric. A second pair of small detail scissors is worth having once you start doing more intricate work.
Cutting Mat
Protects your table and makes straight cuts significantly easier. Get one with a grid printed on it. An 12×18 inch mat works for most projects without taking up too much space.
Washi Tape Assortment
Decorative, repositionable, and useful across paper crafts, gift wrapping, journaling, and mixed media projects. An assorted pack gives you patterns and colors to work with from day one.
Cardstock
Heavier than printer paper, sturdy enough to hold its shape. Used in card making, paper crafts, bookmarks, tags, and more. A mixed color pack covers most needs.
Twine or Jute Cord
Shows up constantly in DIY home decor, gift wrapping, garlands, and rustic craft projects. A single roll lasts a long time and costs almost nothing.
Ruler and Pencil
For measuring, marking, and scoring paper before folding. A basic 12-inch ruler is all you need.
What to Skip for Now
These are popular items beginners often buy too early and rarely use right away:
- Cricut or other cutting machines
- Large fabric stash
- Specialty adhesives beyond Mod Podge
- Full sets of oil or watercolor paints
- Expensive brush sets
- Embossing tools and heat guns
None of these are bad purchases. They just belong later, once you know what direction your crafting is heading.
Where to Buy
Amazon is the most convenient option for most of these supplies, especially if you want to compare prices and read reviews before buying. Dollar Tree and Walmart are worth checking for basics like terracotta pots, foam brushes, and cardstock.
Browse our full recommended supply list here: The Uncrafty Crafter Resource List