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I don’t know about you but when I start a craft project, I like to have all my crafting materials organized. I want to know what crafting materials I need for the project and I want to know exactly where they are in my crafting supplies. I don’t want any hassle. I simply want to get started.
Perhaps you are the same way; after all, functionality and minimalism are on trend at the moment. Just check Netflix.
Whether you have been crafting for years or you are just now getting into crafting, the best way to experience crafting is to simplify and organize. To do this, you need to get the best crafting materials. And this article is going to help you do just that.
Searching for the Best
Since functionality and minimalism are on-trend, it’s time to say yes to the best and do without the rest. No more clutter. No more subpar materials. Only the best will do. So, when it comes to crafting materials, what exactly is the best? When we’re looking for the best crafting materials, each item must include the following:
- Affordability – We want our crafting materials to be budget-friendly.
- Durability – We want quality crafting materials that can be used again and again, or, if they are a one-time use product, we want them to do their job properly.
- Multi-functionality – We want crafting materials that can be used for many different types of projects. These are the essential materials that every crafter should own.
- Necessity – We want crafting materials that meet our crafting interests. These are the materials that may not work for every craft project but will work for those projects we put a lot of time and interest into.
Now that we know what the qualifications for the best crafting materials are, let’s begin our search for them. As you read through this list, you will discover that there are two categories that crafting materials can be placed into. Let’s discuss those before we move on.
- Crafting Materials that Every Crafter Needs – these are the essentials. These products are versatile and can be used for a variety of different craft projects. Simply put, every crafter will use them at some point.
- Crafting Materials Designed for a Specific Craft Project – these are essential, but only for specific projects. These products are not versatile and will only be used for specific craft projects. As an example, knitting needles are only used for knitting.
It does not matter what you are crafting, you will be sure to find the best crafting materials on our list. So, let’s get to exploring the world of crafting materials.
Only the Best Will Do
Canvas
This is the backbone of your painting, so choose your canvas wisely. There are actually many different types of canvas and they each have pros and cons. Let’s take a look at several so you will be able to decide which type is best for your upcoming painting project.
Canvas Panels
Pros
- Provides excellent and sturdy support for painting
Cons
- Can warp after wetting with paint
Arteza Canvas Panels are a lovely option for painters looking to try their hand at painting on this type of canvas.
Canvas Paper Pads
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Portable
- Easy to use
U.S. Art Supply Acid-Free Canvas Paper Pad provides budding artists with an excellent product for all types of painting projects.
Canvas Roll
Pros
- Takes up less storage space
- Easy to ship
- Provides artists with more size options
U.S. Art Supply Canvas Roll is the perfect solution for any art project that needs more background space.
Cotton Canvas
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- Quality is not as highly regarded as other types
The Edge All Media Cotton Deluxe Stretched Canvas will provide the perfect backdrop for your next painting experience.
Linen Canvas
Pros
- Durable
- Regarded as the best quality type of canvas
Cons
- More expensive
Masterpiece Artist Canvas is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a linen canvas. It is high quality and is sure to provide an excellent painting experience.
Raw Canvas
Pros
- You can use a traditional gesso on it
Cons
- The canvas that isn’t primed can become brittle and deteriorate
U.S. Art Supply Canvas is a great deal for those artists who need a supply of raw canvas for an upcoming project.
Watercolor Canvas
Pros
- Paint stays wetter longer
- Colors can be mixed without destroying it
Fredrix Stretched Watercolor Canvas is an excellent choice for watercolorists.
Crochet Hooks
These hooks are designed to be used in crochet projects. Often, they are used by crochet crafters to learn how to knit, and sometimes, are used to knit. Otherwise, they are designed specifically to work crochet projects and not much else.
Cutting Board
It is very likely that every crafter will find themselves cutting fabric, paper, or some other material. Since you don’t want to destroy a table, the floor, or a piece of furniture, be sure to get a crafter’s cutting board. And don’t forget the accessories.
Glue
Most crafters will use glue at some time during their crafting. This makes glue another necessary material for every craft room. Since there is a large variety of glue types, we’re going to look at the best glue to use with different materials. This will help you to know what is the best glue for any project you have planned.
- Ceramics – Use Krazy Glue if you work with ceramics often. It is crazy adhesive so it will do the job right.
- Fabrics – Use this guide to help you find the best glue for every type of fabric.
- Glass – Loctite Light Cure Adhesive guarantees the best results for projects that require gluing glass.
- Metal – If your projects lead you to attaching metal, try LePage Epoxy Steel for excellent results.
- Paper – For origami or any paper project, use Sobo Glue for the adhesion you need.
- Wood – A project centered around gluing wood is sure to need LePage Wood Glue.
Knitting Needles
Materials such as these are designed specifically for use in knitting. Outside of this type of crafting project, they don’t do much else. To find the best needles for you, ask yourself a few questions.
What is your project?
Are you planning to knit socks? This Circular Knitting Set is an excellent choice for just such a project.
What is your knitting competency?
New to knitting? Try these Single Point Bamboo Needles.
What are your preferences?
Do you want something that will reduce aches and pains caused by knitting? Try this Set of Ergonomic Needles.
When you give good answers to these questions, you will be well on your way to finding the knitting needles that best suit you. For more information on how to find the best knitting needles, read this article.
Paint
If you are an artist, you will certainly need a quality supply of paint. There are several different types and each has its own specialty, so, let’s take a closer examination of them.
Acrylic Paints – This type of paint is perfect for all crafters and should be a stocked item in every craft room. You can use this paint on cardboard, paper, canvas, wood, and almost anything you can think of. Plus, it is an inexpensive product that won’t break the bank if you need more.
There are two types of acrylic paint to look for, artist grade and student grade. If you are a more experienced painter, then this set of artist-grade acrylic paints by M. Graham & Co. will be perfect for you. But, if you are new to painting, you might want to take some time to experiment with Blickrylic Student Acrylic Paints. This way you will get all the fun without the price restrictions.
Oil Paints – This type of paint has been around for centuries and is known as the hallmark of exceptional artwork. Starry Night by Van Gogh is just one example of what beauty can be created by oil paints on canvas. When looking for oil paints, consider the following:
- Cost
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money to get oil paints, but still want a quality product, Winsor & Newton’s Winton Oil Colour is the perfect product for you.
- Texture
Since every oil paint brand will have a different texture, you may have to experiment with different brands to find the texture that suits you best. If you are looking for a texture that is buttery and smooth, try Sennelier Oil Paints.
- Consistency
This aspect of oil paint has a lot to do with drying time. Paintings can take up to a year for every layer to dry. Plus, different colors have different drying times. For the best consistency in oil paints, try Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Color Paints.
Watercolor Paints – This type of paint can be used to create beautiful artwork. Van Gogh’s Peach Trees in Blossom are an excellent example of what they can do. When looking for watercolor paints, look for the following information:
- Color
- Staining
- Lightfastness
- Permanence
- Transparency
This information is listed on the label and should help you determine if the paint inside is the best option for your project. This article will give you more details on how to read paint labels and find the best watercolor paints for any project.
Paint Brushes
If you’re going to paint, then you need some brushes. But, how do you know which ones are the best? Let’s look at each type to help you find the best paint brushes for your project.
Natural Brushes – This type of paint brush is made from natural materials such as sable or hog bristle. Depending on the material, these brushes can either be very soft or very stiff. It will depend on your project and your preference as to whether you want a soft-bristle or a stiff bristle.
If you need a soft-bristle natural brush, then you absolutely need this Sable Brush Set. If, however, you need a stiff bristle natural brush, this Chungking Pure Bristle Brush Set will be perfect.
Synthetic Brushes – This type of paintbrush is made from nylon or polyester. They are inexpensive and are typically easier to clean than natural brushes. If you need something that is budget-friendly but does the job well, try this set of Princeton Velvetouch Brushes.
Paper
This is a common crafting material and there is a wide variety of paper types and usages. Let’s look at each type and usage closely so you will know exactly which type of paper you need to keep in stock.
- Cardboard – More than just a packing companion, cardboard is a wonderful crafting material. You can either purchase pieces or reuse a box that is still in good shape. Let your imagination run wild as you create storage boxes, a pirate ship, or your very own Skeeball game. Honestly, the creative options are endless with this material.
- Cardstock – This type of paper is perfect for card making, scrapbooking, and for any other project that requires a sturdy paper. If you’re interested in crafting with cardstock, try a project such as greeting cards.
- Construction Paper – A true go-to for kids’ crafts. Its bright and cheery colors make it fun to use for coloring and for cutting out shapes. For a go-to kids’ craft idea using construction paper, try making this cute Caterpillar.
- Crepe Paper – This is a delicate paper that can be used to make delicate things. Work your crafting magic with a crepe paper bird of paradise. Stunning!
- Kraft Paper – While this type of paper is best known for its nostalgic look on the outside of gifts, it is also a versatile crafting material. Try using kraft paper to make personalized signs for your next event.
- Origami Paper – This paper is more fun than many of us can handle. But do give it a try. There are many things to create with this type of paper and a favorite of mine is an origami frog.
- Painting Paper – Here is a wonderfully sturdy paper created just for painting. It is designed to be soak resistant and is versatile for use with all different types of paints.
- Tissue Paper – Again we find another paper used primarily for gifting; however, there is so much more to this paper than meets the eye. Beautify a room or decorate for a party with these lovely tissue paper flowers.
- Transfer Paper – A paper such as this is usually paired with a machine, such as a Cricut. Use this paper with the machine to print and cut out words or images.
Scissors
Since most crafting projects require scissors, this is a necessary material for every craft room. It may help to have a few different pairs that are used exclusively for certain types of projects, such as, scissors for fabric or scissors for paper.
Westcott 8” Titanium Bonded Scissors
These scissors meet the qualifications we set for finding the best crafting materials. They are affordable, durable, and can be used on various types of crafting projects. This set also features the following:
- Two Scissors
- Corrosion resistant blades
- Titanium blades that stay sharper longer
- Ergonomic handles
Writing Utensils
Every crafter is going to need something to write with and there are plenty of awesome utensils out there. It can be overwhelming to decide which medium to use, but never fear, we are here to simplify the process. Let’s take a look at each utensil, learn what they do best, and then examine the best selection of each type. With this handy guide, you will be well on your way to crafting excellence in no time.
- Markers – The crafting world of markers is colorful, fun, and full of artistic freedom. Because of this, there is a lot to learn about art markers. If you want the full scoop on how to use markers and how to select the best type for your project, read this article.
- Alcohol-based markers – This type of marker brings a lot of color variety and layering to any project. They are also more resistant to fading than other types of markers. Use them to craft personalized greeting cards.
- Water-based markers – Markers that are water-based offer the unique experience of being able to blend colors using a brush dipped in water. They are also odorless and less expensive than types of markers. Use them for an Outside the Lines Painting project.
- Pencils – Crafting with these writing utensils are fun and unique. They bring a look to artwork that paint and pens cannot. Pencils come in charcoal, graphite, and colored. Each type brings its own look and style, but all are sure to be a pleasant crafting companion.
- Charcoal pencils – These pencils provide a unique look and style to any sketch you may plan to do.
- Colored pencils – This type of pencil is amazing for coloring, but it is also lovely to use when drawing or sketching. Try it out sometime.
- Graphite pencils – These are perfect for sketching and drawing whatever your creative heart desires.
- Pens – This is an obvious necessity for every crafter. The problem is, there are just so many. To keep from becoming overwhelmed by pen choices, let’s break them down into categories and learn more about each one.
- Calligraphy pens – There are a lot of things you can do with calligraphy writing, but it is especially suited for hand lettering cards and invitations.
- Drawing pens – Use these pens to sketch your next masterpiece.
- Gel pens – These pens are perfect for hand lettering projects.
Yarn
This crafting material is used primarily for crochet or knit crafts. If you are trying to find the best yarn for your next project, use this article to guide your search. Once you have found the yarn that best suits your next project, this article can simplify the purchasing process by showing you where to buy yarn online.
Read More:
• The 5 Best Air Dry Clays (ADCs) for Your Creations
• The Best Watercolor Pens for Beginners & Pros!
FAQs
Question: How can I organize my crafting materials?
Answer: Functionalization and minimalism may be on-trend right now, but this something that we should strive for all the time. Decluttering and organizing any space, especially a craft room, is essential for enjoying the space. An organized space makes it easier for items to be found and for projects to be completed.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Find your motivation
What is the reason why you want to declutter and organize your crafting supplies?
• Personal space
• Pride
• Setting an example for your children
• Better focus
Once you have something that motivates you, this can become a project that is less about work and more about accomplishment and fulfillment.
Search for your inspiration
Do you need help envisioning your craft room as anything but a heap of tools, tables, and materials? Take some time to look for inspiration; it will not be a waste.
• Blog articles
• Pinterest
• Magazines
• YouTube Videos
• Chat with a friend who is organized
Gather your resources
What do you need to get your crafting space organized?
• Tables
• Shelving
• Bins
• Pegboards
• Cubbies
Decide what items you need to make the most of your space and supplies. You can shop for them online, at local stores, garage sales, or build your own. It is up to you how you spend your time and money on gathering these essential organizational items.
Get yourself moving
There’s no better time to begin than now. To keep yourself moving, try doing one or more of the following:
Ask a friend or family member to help. You can pay them back by creating something beautiful for them in that very room.
Play your favorite music. Put something on that gives you energy and makes you want to move.
Listen to a favorite podcast. Stories can sweep us away into other worlds and we hardly know we are working while listening to them.
Give yourself grace
If you find that you don’t have the time or the energy to work on organizing your craft room for a day, give yourself grace. This is a project motivated by your love for creativity, so don’t let it ruin that love. If you need to, just set a timer for ten or fifteen minutes a day. You will get so much more done in those few minutes if you are motivated by positive things.
Question: How can I learn new crafting skills?
Answer: First off, is there something specific that you are longing to try? If so, learning a new craft is simple.
• YouTube – this wonderful world of online videos is a crafter’s dream resource. Simply search for the craft you want to learn about in the search bar. Trust me, you will have your choice of hundreds of tutorials and teachers no matter what you want to learn.
• Google – this is similar to a YouTube video search, but it may not provide a video tutorial. If you are more geared toward reading how to do something, this may be the way to go.
• Ask a friend – this option provides both information and community. If you have a friend who knows the craft you want to learn, ask them to teach you. If you feel like you need to pay them, ask them upfront what they would charge for a private lesson. If the cost is too much, you can still try YouTube or Google.
• Sign-up for a class – many hobby stores and community centers offer classes in certain types of crafts. Check with your local hobby stores, community centers, or even community college.
Conclusion
We, as crafters, need to remember that crafting is all about creativity, the love of art and beauty, and the joy of accomplishment. There is no room for stress in the world of crafting. I hope it relieves the stress of looking for the best crafting materials for your interests.