If you aren’t a DIY crafter, it can be really overwhelming to walk into a craft store like Hobby Lobby, Jo Annes, or Michaels.  There are so many different products and all classified in aisles with similar type items.  I assume you stand there looking at it all and wonder which do you choose and where do you start.

Today, I want to give you a list of my favorite craft items.  These items (other than the ones that don’t need replacing like scissors and ruler) I am regularly buying, even if I don’t have a project in mind.  They are the items that I use ALL the time for a wide range of projects.  I feel like if you have these items you can jump start DIY projects and decorating your home for much less.  Below I have listed 20 items and given examples of ways/projects I use these craft items.

Read the list, print it out, and go shopping!

1. Clear Sewing Ruler

My favorite ruler is 3″ x 18″. I use it to measure everything-not just sewing projects! I love to use it on paper crafts as well because you can align patterns better with the see through style. Example of use: making cards and centering applique items on fabric

2. Mod podge

I think Mod Podge can make any project look more “finished” and “professional.” There are lots of different finishes, but the gloss and matte are my two favorites. Example of use: finishing off any ceramic paint job, collages, or appliqueing pictures/papers to other objects

3. Sharpies

I use sharpies everyday. There are lots of different sizes and colors. Having a multi pack is a great thing to have on hand. Example of use: making cards, organization, banners, decorating jars/signs

4. Exacto Knife

Having an exacto knife on hand is so helpful. It can be used to cut all those small or intricate things that scissors can’t do really good. Example of use: create your own stencil

5. Burlap/Burlap Ribbon

Burlap is so fun and cheap! You can buy it by the yard, or (in the flower section at Hobby Lobby) they sell it in a variety of different ribbons to make it more manageable to create with. I have both on hand and use them all the time. Example of use: create a table runner, decorate jars, make a banner, wreaths, and embellish pillows

6. Brown packaging paper by the roll

I buy mine for a $1.00 at the Dollar Tree in the office supply section. It makes great wrapping paper, but I end up using it a lot on other projects as well. Example of use: table runners, banners, stuffing for filler items, cards, wall art, or a drop clothe for other projects

7. Paint brushes

Having paint brushes in a variety of different sizes is so helpful! I also like to have a variety of types as well. I have a Dollar Tree ones that I use on quick, one time projects like staining a sign. I also have nicer fine brushes that help me paint small things like letters. Example of use: painting signs, using mod podge, or decorating anything

8. Acrylic paint

I have a whole basket of different colors of small acrylic paint bottles for like $0.49 each. I like the Americana brand at Hobby Lobby. Example of use: creating a sign, painting seasonal items, embellishing items, or organization

9. Scrapbook paper

I buy the brown paper package at Hobby Lobby and use it for everything! I also love to have lots of fun sheets and patterns on hand. I use to scrapbook, but now I use all my scrapbook paper for different projects! Example of use: cards, background for frames/wall art, banners, and embellishing

10. Packages of fun/vintage buttons

There are so many fun uses for buttons and you can never have too many! Example of use: hair bows, wreaths, pillows, wall art, necklaces, and embellishing

11. Cute glass jars to store craft supplies in

I love to store my beads and other small craft stuff in pretty jars, so I can easily see my supplies and also enjoy their fun bright colors. Example of use: storage, organization, vases, gift to give flowers

12. Sheets of felt

They sell pieces of felt for $0.25 each at Hobby Lobby. I use felt on a lot of different projects. Example of use: hair bows, embroider hoops, sewing projects, wreaths, and embellishing

13. Embroidery floss with needles

They are like $.19 each and I always use it for something! Example of use: wall art, embroider hoops, hair bows, monogramming, sewing projects, and embellishing

14. Jute rope

Jute Rope is a staple. I use it on everything from wrapping presents to making banners & tags. Example of use: decorate jars, banners, gift tags, cards, wreaths, and wall art

15. Small sewing scissors

Good scissors are so important, but also there are so many projects (even paper ones) where I need a small point to cut something out and need a small sharp needle. Small thread scissors can be perfect for this OR in the BEAUTY section at Target the eyebrow trimmer scissors are really good too. Example of use: creating stencils, cards, hair bows, paper wall art, and sewing projects

16. Stencils

Stencils are great to have on hand. If you don’t want to buy one, you can make one like I showed you on a personalized sign I made for my sister. I think having a nice font with all the letters of the alphabet is a great place to start. Example of use: signs, cards, organization, and embellishing

17. Fun tape or ribbon

I recently bought some fun patterned duct tape in the Target dollar section at the front of the store, and I know I will be using it on something other than a normal duct tape use. Example of use: wall art, wreaths, hair bows, embellishing

18. Little Things

I love little things like knobs, scrap book pieces, feathers. I use them all the time in random projects. Example of use: signs, hair bows, wreaths, and signs

19.  Hot glue gun

A hot glue gun is a staple in the craft room. I have two guns. I have a fine tip hot glue gun that I use to make hair bows, but I also have one that has a wider end that is helpful to use on bigger projects. Example of use: ANYTHING!  I just used it to make a rug 🙂

20.  Natural elements

Here is where I might sound weird. I have zip locks of natural elements that I love to use in decorating or other craft projects. Examples:  acorns, pine cones, bark, hay, and rocks. Example of use: filler to lanterns/jars, mantle decor, banners, signs, and wreaths

Spring is such a wonderful time to de clutter and get motivated to start new things.  I hope this craft list can help encourage you to try a DIY project if you don’t already craft. If you are ALREADY a crafter, did any of these items surprise you from me?  I think the BEAUTY supply item (eyebrow trimmer scissors) is such a valuable tool!  What is your favorite craft item?