There are some crafting tools that I use on a regular basis and that I personally recommend. They are affordable, easy to use, and great for both beginners and seasoned crafters. Just know that anything on this page is something that I have personally tried and prefer. I will continue to update this page as I find new products that have stood the test of time.
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CLAY
FIMO Air Dry ClayAir dry clay is an easy medium to work with. Extremely soft and pliable, you can create all sorts of projects from bowls and plates to vases to jewelry and Christmas ornaments. It’s also a fun, tactile craftivity to share with children.
Walnut Hollow Clay Embossing Set
This clay embossing set comes with plastic letters and a hand tool (to create word impressions in your clay) as well as cutters of various shapes, texture sheets, stamps, and a reusable storage case. I absolutely love this kit and used parts of it in this Christmas craft tutorial.
Like air dry clay, polymer clay can be used for a variety of projects from home accents to jewelry and other crafts. It is a tougher clay to work with by hand and must be kneaded, but has its advantages. It is water-resistant (most air dry clays are not) and will both cure and harden in any conventional oven.
Sculpey Clay Work Mat (ideal for polymer clay)
This is a non-skid mat that is the perfect work surface when working with polymer clay. It is a mixture of teflon and silicone, and lets you both create as well as bake on that same surface. It’s one of my favourite finds!
Sculpey Clay Softener (ideal for polymer clay)
Even after storing unpackaged polymer clay in a sealed ziplock bag, it’s often a good idea to use a bit of oil, like this clay softener, to soften the clay. Just a couple of drops is all you need, making this small, 1-ounce bottle the perfect size.
**One more tool that I would suggest when crafting with polymer clay is a flexible slicer like this one. I cannot recommend this one personally, but it is the same brand of slicer I use. Once I can locate the exact slicer I use at home, I will be sure to add it to the list.
PAINT (Acrylics)
Masterson Sta-Wet PaletteI have had the same Masterson Sta-Wet Palette for about 15 years now! It’s nothing fancy. Just a plastic palette. BUT it does exactly what I need it to do: It keeps my paints wet for days (and partially wet for weeks). This is the ultimate palette for hobby-ists who are looking for something inexpensive, useful, and serviceable for projects that require multiple sittings.
The 2 accessories you’ll need for the palette to do its magic are as follows: Masterson Sta-Wet Acrylic Paper Refill Pack of 30 as well as the Masterson Sta-Wet Sponge Refill Pack of 3.
I have used a wide variety of acrylic paints for my craft projects over the years. Three things I consider when purchasing acrylic paint is Cost, Coverage, and Colour Choices. Two of my favourite brands that hit the mark in all three areas are as follows:
The FolkArt brand of paints come in 2 oz/59 ml bottles and is perfect for small crafts (though you can find bigger sizes as well). The coverage is beautiful and you have a wide variety of colours to choose from. You can purchase them individually or as packages.
Another great choice that’s fairly inexpensive compared to other brands. Liquitex’s BASICS (‘student’) line has a great colour selection and can be used for small as well as larger paint projects (like this one I did on canvas). The coverage is fantastic and the entire line comes with a variety of paint tools from brushes to palette knives.
I often purchase tubes that come in 8.45 oz sizes (that you can easily find on Amazon), but really, there’s a lot of choice with this brand.
SPRAY SEALERS & SPRAY PAINTS
Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer
I love all Mod Podge products, but this one has become a staple for me. It is a highly versatile sealer that I’ve used in a variety of projects, including these painted cork coasters and for this indoor canvas art that I used outdoors. In my experience, this sealer does not yellow over time and it provides easy, quick coverage for your crafts.
Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint (Satin White)
By far the best spray paint that I have ever used is Rust-Oleum’s 2X Ultra Cover Spray. It really does cover very well and doesn’t require as many coats as other brands. Extraordinary, really. My favourite is the paint/primer combination (pictured). Just spray and go! And, although you can find Rust-Oleum’s 2X Ultra collection in other colours, I would love to see the line expand.
MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES
Panacea Green 22 Gauge Floral Wire
I use floral wire in most of my wreath projects, like this pretty vintage floral wreath, and use Panacea brand, but others (like Darice) will do. The 22 gauge variety is perfect for my projects. It’s wonderfully flexible – great for wrapping around wreath forms multiple times – and is thin enough that it disappears into the wreath easily.
I can’t say enough about command hooks! I have so many varieties and use them to hang everything from art prints on my walls to kitchen tools in our cabinets. They are the perfect solution for those of us who hate putting a lot of holes in our walls. If you change your mind about placement, then no problem! Simply remove without damaging your walls.
I tend to purchase the clear varieties, (particularly this type for hanging art or wreaths). I also love that you can find ones for outdoor use as well.
