Suggested Craft Supplies

Many of you may be new to crafting and not know what basic supplies would be good to have on hand OR maybe there is a child in your life whom you would like to introduce to the wonderful world of crafting.  By making a Craft Supply Box and keeping it on hand, you will have many of the basic crafting items at your finger tips when you want to start a project thus eliminating the need to go to the store each time you want to make something.

First, I suggest purchasing a plastic container with a lid.  The size you choose depends on how many supplies you will be storing and how much space you have. I put together a craft box for my nephew's birthday.  Before giving it to him, I used paint pens to decorate the outside of the box.  I wrote "Liam's Craft Supplies" and surrounded it with colored dots and squiggles representing confetti.  You could also draw pictures of craft related items such as scissors and glue or draw pictures of items of interest to the child such as dinosaurs or teddy bears.  Remember craft supply kits are not just for children.  Adult crafters like to have supplies on hand when the mood strikes to craft.

Your next questions is probably, what do I fill it with?  Below I have some suggestions.  You can start with just a few items and add to the supplies a little at a time.  Once you get started you'll probably find many more items you would like to add to your stash but here are some basics:

  • Scissors
  • Elmer's glue
  • Tacky glue - not as watery as Elmer's and holds quicker
  • Glue sticks
  • Masking tape
  • * Hot glue gun with glue sticks
  • Glitter glue
  • Construction paper
  • Craft foam sheets
  • Craft foam shapes
  • Tissue paper
  • Googly eyes
  • Chenille stems (Pipe cleaners)
  • Felt
  • Pompoms - I suggest a variety pack with several sizes and colors
  • Glitter
  • Stickers - a variety including numbers and letters
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Paper lunch bags
  • Yarn
  • Ribbon
  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Colored pencils

*Hot glue guns should only be used by adults or older children with adult supervision.    

Crafting  can be lots of fun but use common sense when crafting with kids.  You know your child best and what is appropriate for them individually.  Young children should be given safety scissors with rounded or blunt tips.  As always, supervising children with crafting tools is a must.