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Hey friend! Pull up a chair because we’re about to talk about one of my favorite subjects — crafting supplies. Whether you just got into crafting and have no idea where to start, or you’ve been at it for a while and want to level up your setup, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve tried a LOT of supplies over the years. Some of them were total game changers. Some of them were a complete waste of money. I’m sharing the ones that actually made a difference for me so you don’t have to go through the trial and error I did!
I’ve broken everything down by craft type so you can skip straight to what interests you most. Let’s get into it!
✂️ Cricut & Cutting Machine Supplies
If you have a Cricut or Silhouette — or you’re thinking about getting one — these are the supplies that are absolutely worth having on hand. Trust me, the right mat and vinyl make a HUGE difference in how your projects turn out.
Cricut StandardGrip Mat — 12×12
Honestly the mat you’ll reach for most often. I use this one for cardstock, iron-on vinyl, and most everyday cuts. It holds your material just enough without ripping it when you peel. Grab a two-pack — you’ll go through them!
Check Price on Amazon →Oracal 651 Permanent Vinyl — Multi Pack
This is THE vinyl. I’ve tried so many brands and I always come back to Oracal. It cuts clean, weeds easily, and sticks like it means it. The multi-pack is great for getting a feel for different colors without committing to a huge roll.
Check Price on Amazon →Cricut Basic Tool Set
The weeding tool, scraper, and spatula in this set will become your best friends. Weeding tiny cuts without a good tool is a nightmare — don’t skip this. It’s inexpensive and makes everything so much easier.
Check Price on Amazon →✦ Pro Tip
When your mat starts losing its stick, don’t throw it away! Wash it gently with dish soap and warm water, let it air dry completely, and it’ll be almost like new. I’ve extended the life of my mats so many times this way.
🖨️ 3D Printing Supplies
3D printing is one of those hobbies that seems intimidating at first but once you get going it’s incredibly addictive. The key is having good quality filament and the right tools for finishing your prints.
Hatchbox PLA Filament 1.75mm
If you’re new to 3D printing, start with PLA and start with Hatchbox. It’s forgiving, prints beautifully, comes in tons of colors, and is super consistent spool to spool. It’s the filament I recommend to literally everyone starting out.
Check Price on Amazon →3D Print Finishing Kit — Files, Sandpaper & Scraper
Your prints come off the bed looking pretty good but finishing them is what takes them from “homemade” to “wow did you make that?” A basic finishing kit with sandpaper in a few grits, a scraper, and some small files goes a really long way.
Check Price on Amazon →Acrylic Paint Set for 3D Prints
A good acrylic paint set is essential if you want to paint your prints. I use a basic set with a wide range of colors and it covers everything I need. Make sure to prime your prints first — it makes the paint adhere so much better!
Check Price on Amazon →✦ Pro Tip
Store your filament in a sealed bag or airtight container with silica gel packets when you’re not using it. Moisture is filament’s worst enemy — it causes popping, stringing, and weak prints. This one habit will save you so many failed prints!
📄 Paper Crafting & Printables
Paper crafting is honestly one of the most affordable and satisfying crafts out there. And if you’re printing things from this site — or anywhere else — having the right paper and tools makes a massive difference in the final result.
Cardstock Paper — 65lb White & Colors
Please don’t print your beautiful printables on regular copy paper! Get yourself some 65lb cardstock — it prints so much better, feels substantial in your hands, and holds up when you cut or fold it. The difference is night and day.
Check Price on Amazon →Fiskars Paper Trimmer 12 inch
Scissors are fine but a paper trimmer gives you perfectly straight, clean cuts every single time. This Fiskars one is durable, accurate, and reasonably priced. I’ve had mine for years and it still cuts like new.
Check Price on Amazon →Mod Podge Matte — 8oz
Mod Podge is one of those things that sounds old fashioned until you realize how many uses it has. Sealing printables, decoupage, stiffening fabric, protecting painted surfaces — it’s genuinely one of the most versatile things in my craft room.
Check Price on Amazon →🎨 General Crafting Basics
These are the things that don’t belong to any one craft but that I reach for constantly no matter what I’m working on. If you’re setting up a craft space from scratch, start here!
Hot Glue Gun — Full Size with Extra Sticks
A good full size hot glue gun is non-negotiable. The mini ones are cute but they don’t have enough power for most projects. Get the full size, get a bag of extra sticks, and thank yourself later. Bonus — get a silicone mat to protect your table from drips!
Check Price on Amazon →Self Healing Cutting Mat — 12×18
If you’re cutting anything by hand this mat will protect your table and keep your blades sharper longer. The grid lines are incredibly helpful for measuring and squaring up your projects. One of those things you didn’t know you needed until you had one.
Check Price on Amazon →Dual Tip Alcohol Markers — 60 Pack
A good set of alcohol markers blends beautifully, doesn’t bleed through most cardstock, and just makes everything look more polished. These are great for adding color to printables, coloring pages, or any hand drawn elements in your projects.
Check Price on Amazon →🧵 Embroidery & Needle Crafts
Full disclosure — embroidery is newer territory for me so I want to be upfront about that! But I’ve done my research and talked to a lot of embroiderers, and these are the supplies that consistently come up as must-haves for beginners. If you’re already experienced at embroidery, I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!
DMC Embroidery Floss — 100 Color Pack
DMC is the gold standard for embroidery floss and this pack gives you an incredible range of colors to start with. Highly colorfast, smooth to work with, and the colors are so beautiful. Every embroiderer I’ve talked to has DMC in their stash.
Check Price on Amazon →Embroidery Hoop Set — Assorted Sizes
Having a few different hoop sizes means you can work on everything from tiny detailed pieces to larger statement designs. Bamboo hoops are lightweight, affordable, and can even be displayed on your wall when the piece is finished — which is a very cute look!
Check Price on Amazon →Beginner Embroidery Kit with Pattern
If you’re brand new to embroidery, starting with a kit that includes everything — hoop, fabric, floss, needle, and a printed pattern — is the way to go. It takes all the guesswork out and lets you focus on learning the stitches. Once you finish your first one you’ll be hooked!
Check Price on Amazon →✦ A Note on Embroidery
Since I’m newer to needle crafts I’d love to hear from those of you who are more experienced! Drop your favorite supplies or tips in the comments — let’s learn from each other. That’s what this community is all about!
✦ Final Thoughts
I hope this list gives you a solid starting point whether you’re brand new to crafting or looking to fill in some gaps in your supply stash. You absolutely don’t need everything on this list at once — start with whatever craft speaks to you most and build from there.
And remember — the best supply is the one you actually use. Don’t let a perfectly curated craft room stop you from actually making things. Messy tables and half finished projects are the sign of someone who’s actually doing the work, and that’s beautiful!
If you found this helpful I’d love for you to share it with a crafty friend who might need it. And if you want to explore some digital downloads to go along with your new supplies — you know where to find them! 🖤
Happy crafting, friend. 🪶
— Ravens Crest