Top 20 Essential Craft Supplies to Try in Your First Year as a Crafter
Welcome to the wild, wonderful world of crafting! If you're reading this, you've likely felt that spark—the irresistible urge to create something beautiful with your own two hands. It’s an exciting feeling, followed almost immediately by a slightly more overwhelming one: standing in the aisle of a craft store, staring at a wall of supplies and wondering, "Where on earth do I even begin?"
Don't worry, we've all been there. The sheer volume of tools, paints, papers, and mystery gadgets can be intimidating for any beginner crafter. It's tempting to either buy one of everything or flee in a glitter-induced panic. But building your creative toolkit doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. The secret is to start with a foundation of versatile, high-quality essentials that will serve you across dozens of different projects.
This guide is your friendly roadmap. We've compiled the top 20 essential craft supplies that will give you the most creative bang for your buck in your first year. These are the workhorses of the crafting world—the tools you'll reach for again and again as you explore everything from paper crafts to painting to simple textiles. Let's build your perfect starter kit!
1. A Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Think of this as the foundation of your craft space. A self-healing cutting mat is a durable, multi-layered surface designed to be cut on repeatedly. The soft surface "heals" itself after you make an incision with a craft knife, preventing deep grooves and ensuring a smooth cutting surface for years to come. It protects your desk or table from scratches and provides a perfect, non-slip base for your work.
More than just a protective layer, most mats come printed with a grid, angle lines, and ruler markings. This turns your workspace into a precision tool, allowing you to measure and cut accurately without reaching for a separate ruler every time. Investing in a good mat (a 12"x18" or 18"x24" is a great starting size) is one of the best first decisions a new crafter can make.
- Pro-Tip: To extend its life, store your mat flat (never rolled!) and away from direct sunlight or heat, which can cause it to warp. Occasionally wipe it down with lukewarm water and a mild soap to remove paper dust and debris.
2. A High-Quality Craft Knife
While scissors are great, a craft knife (like the classic X-Acto) offers a level of precision that is simply unmatched. It’s your go-to tool for cutting sharp corners, intricate details in paper, clean lines in foam board, or precise slices in vinyl or clay. The key is a sharp blade; a dull blade will tear your material and can be dangerous because it requires more force.
Look for a knife with a comfortable, non-slip grip and a system for easily changing blades. Blades are inexpensive, so don't hesitate to swap them out as soon as you feel any resistance or tearing. This single tool will elevate your paper crafts, stenciling, and model-making from "homemade" to "handmade."
- Safety First: Always cut away from your body and keep your fingers clear of the blade's path. Use a metal ruler as a guide for straight lines—a plastic one will get shaved away by the sharp blade.
3. Good Crafting Scissors
You need at least two pairs of dedicated scissors. Yes, two! The first should be a pair of all-purpose craft scissors with long, sharp blades, perfect for cutting paper, cardstock, and other basic materials. The second, and this is crucial, should be a smaller pair of detail scissors with a fine, sharp point. These are indispensable for fussy cutting, trimming threads, and getting into tiny, intricate spaces.
Why the separation? Using your paper scissors on things like fabric, wire, or sticky tape will dull the blades incredibly fast. By keeping a dedicated pair for paper, you ensure they stay razor-sharp for crisp, clean cuts. Label them if you have to! This simple habit will save you a lot of frustration.
- Example: Use your large scissors to cut out the main shape for a greeting card and your detail scissors to cut out a delicate, intricate sentiment to glue on top.
4. A Hot Glue Gun
A low-temperature hot glue gun is a beginner crafter’s best friend. It’s the ultimate tool for instant adhesion on a huge variety of materials: wood, plastic, fabric, foam, and more. It heats sticks of solid thermoplastic adhesive that you can apply precisely where needed. The glue sets in under a minute, creating a strong, durable bond without the long drying time of liquid glues.
Low-temp models are safer to use (though the tip is still hot!) and are less likely to melt delicate materials like ribbon or styrofoam. From assembling 3D papercrafts to making wreaths to securing embellishments, you’ll be amazed at how often you reach for your trusty glue gun. It’s a must-have for quick repairs and fast-paced projects.
- Pro-Tip: Keep a small silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper under your project to catch any drips. If you get a "spiderweb" of thin glue strands, hit it with a quick blast from a hairdryer to make them disappear.
5. Mod Podge (Matte or Gloss)
Is it a glue? Is it a sealer? Is it a finish? Yes! Mod Podge is the holy grail of multi-purpose crafting products. This water-based medium is a must-have for decoupage—the art of decorating surfaces with paper cutouts. You use it to glue the paper down, and then you use it again to apply a protective top coat over the entire project.
It dries clear and comes in various finishes, but starting with a bottle of Matte and a bottle of Gloss will cover most of your needs. Use it on wood, glass, terracotta, canvas, and more. It's perfect for sealing artwork, creating custom photo coasters, or giving a durable finish to painted projects.
- Example: Paint a plain wooden box with acrylic paint. Once dry, use Mod Podge to adhere decorative paper to the lid. Finish with two more coats of Mod Podge over the entire box to seal and protect it.
6. A Metal Ruler
A sturdy, metal ruler is a non-negotiable tool for any crafter. Unlike its plastic or wood counterparts, a metal edge won't get nicked or shaved down when you run a craft knife along it, ensuring your straight lines are always perfectly straight. This is essential for accurate measuring, scoring, and cutting.
Look for a ruler that is at least 12 inches long and has a cork backing. The cork prevents the ruler from slipping on smooth surfaces like paper or a cutting mat, giving you more control and improving safety. Clear, easy-to-read markings in both inches and centimeters will make it your most reliable measuring tool.
- Pro-Tip: Use your metal ruler for more than just cutting. It’s also great for creating crisp folds in cardstock. Simply press down firmly with the ruler along your fold line and lift the paper against its edge.
7. Acrylic Craft Paint Set
If you’re going to buy one type of paint, make it acrylic. This water-based paint is incredibly versatile, fast-drying, and can be used on almost any surface, including paper, canvas, wood, fabric, and polymer clay. It’s easy to clean up with just soap and water while wet, making it very beginner-friendly.
Start with a basic set that includes the primary colors (red, yellow, blue), plus black, white, and maybe a few secondary colors like green and purple. You can mix these to create an infinite spectrum of hues. You don't need expensive, artist-grade tubes to start; a good-quality set of craft paints in 2oz bottles is perfect for exploring.
- Example: Use acrylics to paint custom designs on a tote bag, decorate a wooden birdhouse, or add a splash of color to air-dry clay creations.
8. A Variety Pack of Paintbrushes
You can't do much with paint without brushes! Instead of buying them one by one, a variety pack of synthetic brushes is the most economical way to start. Synthetic bristles (like Taklon or nylon) are durable, easy to clean, and work beautifully with acrylic paints.
Your variety pack should include a few different shapes and sizes. Look for a large flat brush for covering big areas, a medium round brush for lines and general painting, and a tiny detail brush for fine lines and intricate work. Having a range of options will allow you to experiment with different strokes and techniques right from the start.
- Pro-Tip: Clean your brushes immediately after use with soap and water. Never let acrylic paint dry on the bristles, as it becomes permanent and will ruin them. Reshape the bristles while wet and let them dry flat or hanging bristles-down.
9. A Hot Glue GunA Hot Glue Gun
A low-temperature hot glue gun is a beginner crafter’s best friend. It’s the ultimate tool for instant adhesion on a huge variety of materials: wood, plastic, fabric, foam, and more. It heats sticks of solid thermoplastic adhesive that you can apply precisely where needed. The glue sets in under a minute, creating a strong, durable bond without the long drying time of liquid glues.
Low-temp models are safer to use (though the tip is still hot!) and are less likely to melt delicate materials like ribbon or styrofoam. From assembling 3D papercrafts to making wreaths to securing embellishments, you’ll be amazed at how often you reach for your trusty glue gun. It’s a must-have for quick repairs and fast-paced projects.
- Pro-Tip: Keep a small silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper under your project to catch any drips. If you get a "spiderweb" of thin glue strands, hit it with a quick blast from a hairdryer to make them disappear.
10. High-Quality Cardstock
Paper is the heart of so many crafts, and not all paper is created equal. Cardstock is thicker and more durable than standard printer paper, making it ideal for projects that need a little structure. It’s perfect for card making, scrapbooking, paper flowers, 3D models, and party decorations.
Start with a multi-color pack of 65 lb or 80 lb weight cardstock. This gives you a rainbow of options to play with. You'll also want a pack of plain white and a pack of black, as these are foundational colors you'll use constantly. Good quality cardstock has a solid color core, so when you cut or tear it, you don't see a white center.
- Pro-Tip: Use a bone folder (or the back of a spoon) to score the cardstock before folding. This crushes the paper fibers along the fold line, giving you a professional, crisp fold without any cracking.
11. Air-Dry Clay
Want to try your hand at sculpting without investing in a kiln? Air-dry clay is your answer. This magical material feels and works just like traditional clay but, as the name suggests, it hardens at room temperature over 24-48 hours. It's incredibly forgiving and perfect for beginners.
You can use it to make pinch pots, small dishes, ornaments, beads, and figurines. Once it's completely dry, it can be sanded, carved, and painted with acrylics. It’s a wonderful, tactile way to explore three-dimensional art. Here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, we love how accessible it makes the world of ceramics and sculpture.
- Example: Roll out a slab of clay, press a leaf into it to create an impression, and cut around it to make a beautiful decorative dish for holding jewelry.
12. Embroidery Floss & Needles
Even if you don't plan on becoming a master embroiderer, having a basic set of embroidery floss is incredibly useful. This colorful cotton thread is not just for needlepoint; it’s perfect for making friendship bracelets, adding decorative stitches to paper crafts, creating tassels, and wrapping objects for a pop of color.
Buy a large, inexpensive multi-pack that gives you dozens of different shades to work with. Pair it with a variety pack of embroidery needles that includes different sizes and eye-types. This simple, low-cost addition to your kit opens up a whole world of fiber art possibilities.
- Pro-Tip: To easily separate a single strand from the six-strand floss, hold the floss firmly and gently pull one strand straight up and out. It should slide out without tangling.
13. Assorted Felt Sheets
Felt is one of the most forgiving and easy-to-use fabrics. It doesn't fray when you cut it, it has a soft texture, and it comes in a brilliant array of colors. It can be sewn or, even better for beginners, glued together with craft glue or a hot glue gun.
A multi-color pack of felt sheets is a fantastic resource. Use it to create plush toys, holiday ornaments, colorful banners, appliques for clothing, and quiet book pages for kids. It's an excellent way to dip your toes into working with textiles without the commitment of a sewing machine.
- Example: Cut out simple monster shapes from different colored felt sheets. Use craft glue to add googly eyes and smaller felt cutouts for teeth and spots to create adorable little monster buddies.
14. Fine-Point Permanent Markers
A good set of fine-point permanent markers, like Sharpies, is an absolute staple. They write on almost any surface—paper, plastic, metal, glass, fabric—making them endlessly useful. Use them for drawing, outlining, labeling, and adding detail to your projects.
While a basic black marker is essential, having a multi-color pack allows you to add vibrant, permanent details that won't smudge or fade like water-based markers might. Use them to draw faces on clay figures, add patterns to painted wood, or create your own custom designs on ceramic mugs (which can then be baked to set).
- Pro-Tip: When using permanent markers on porous surfaces like wood or fabric, test on a scrap piece first, as the ink can sometimes bleed.
15. Washi Tape
Washi tape is decorative paper tape that is slightly translucent, repositionable, and comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. It’s like a sticker, masking tape, and ribbon all rolled into one. It’s the perfect tool for adding a quick, easy, and mess-free pop of color and pattern to any project.
Use it to decorate snail mail, create borders in your journal or scrapbook, label cords, customize your phone case, or even create simple wall art. Because it’s low-tack, you can peel it off most surfaces without leaving a sticky residue, making it perfect for temporary decorations and experimentation.
- Example: Create a unique gallery wall by using different patterns of washi tape to "frame" photos and postcards directly on your wall.
16. A Good Pencil and Eraser
It may sound basic, but don't underestimate the power of a good sketching pencil and a high-quality eraser. Before you make a permanent mark with ink or paint, you need to sketch out your design. A standard HB or #2 pencil is perfect for general-purpose sketching.
Pair it with a good eraser that won't smudge your lines or tear your paper. A white vinyl eraser or a kneaded eraser are both excellent choices. This simple duo is the first step in almost any creative project, from planning a painting to tracing a pattern onto fabric.
- Pro-Tip: Sketch lightly! The goal is to create a faint guide that you can easily erase later or that will be covered by your final medium.
17. Yarn
Similar to embroidery floss, having a few skeins of basic yarn on hand is surprisingly useful, even for non-knitters. Choose a few of your favorite colors in a standard worsted-weight acrylic yarn. It’s inexpensive, durable, and easy to work with.
Use yarn to make pom-poms (a ridiculously fun and addictive craft), tassels for decorating, or for simple weaving projects on a cardboard loom. You can also use it for "yarn painting" by gluing it onto a surface to create textured art, or wrap it around letters or shapes for custom decor.
- Example: Make a simple, fluffy pom-pom by wrapping yarn around your fingers or a piece of cardboard, tying it tightly in the middle, and snipping the loops.
18. A Watercolor Pan Set
Watercolors can seem intimidating, but a pan set makes them incredibly accessible and portable. These sets contain solid cakes of watercolor pigment that you activate with a wet brush. They are less messy than tubes and perfect for crafting on the go or in a small space.
Watercolors are wonderful for creating soft, dreamy backgrounds for cards, illustrating in a journal, or adding a gentle wash of color to sketches. The key is to use watercolor paper or heavy mixed-media paper that can handle the water without buckling. Start with an affordable student-grade set to get a feel for the medium.
- Pro-Tip: You don't need a lot of pigment! Start with a light wash of color. You can always add more layers to build up intensity (this is called "glazing"), but you can't easily take color away.
19. Clear Sealant Spray
You’ve spent hours on your beautiful creation—now you need to protect it! A clear acrylic sealant spray is the perfect finishing touch for a huge range of projects. It creates a durable, non-yellowing, moisture-resistant barrier that protects your work from dust, dirt, and UV rays.
Sealants come in matte, satin, and gloss finishes, so you can choose the level of shine you prefer. It's a must-have for protecting painted objects, air-dry clay creations, decoupage projects, and pencil drawings. A quick, even coat is all it takes to give your work a professional finish and ensure it lasts.
- Safety First: Always use spray sealants in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fumes.
20. Your Curiosity and a "Mistake-Friendly" Mindset
This last one isn’t something you can buy, but it’s the most essential supply of all. Your first year as a crafter is all about exploration, play, and learning. You will make mistakes. Projects will go wrong. Glue will get everywhere. And that is not just okay—it's a critical part of the process.
Embrace the happy accidents. View every "failed" project as a learning experience. As Goh Ling Yong often emphasizes, the joy of crafting is in the making, not just the final product. Give yourself permission to be a beginner, to try weird things, and to create things just for the fun of it. Your curiosity will be the fuel that powers your entire creative journey.
Your Creative Adventure Awaits
And there you have it—a foundational toolkit that will empower you to dive into the world of crafting with confidence. Remember, you don't need to buy all 20 of these items at once. Start with a few that pique your interest for a specific project you have in mind and build your collection over time.
The most important thing is to start creating. Pick a project, gather your new supplies, and make something that brings you joy. The journey of a crafter is a lifelong adventure filled with learning and discovery, and you're just getting started.
Now it's your turn! What was the first "essential" craft supply you ever bought? Is there a tool you can't live without that we missed? Share your must-have supplies in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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