Beginner Craft Supplies: Must-Have Tools to Get Started

Not sure what craft supplies you need? This beginner-friendly guide covers the must-have tools to start crafting with confidence.

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If you’re new to crafting, figuring out what supplies you actually need can feel overwhelming. There’s so many options online and in crafts stores, that it can be hard to know where to start.

The good news? You don’t need a ton of stuff to start creating.

In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite beginner craft supplies. These are the basics that I personally love and reach for again and again! Whether you’re looking to start scrapbooking, make DIY gifts, or unwind with a new craft, these essentials will make things feel simple.

Craft Supplies for Beginner Crafters

Now, of course, the supplies you need will depend on the type of crafts you want to try. But if you’re just starting out, having a few reliable basics on hand makes a huge difference!

I’m a big believer in using what you already have, but I also know how frustrating it can be to work with tools that don’t quite do the job. That’s why I’ve put together this list of beginner-friendly supplies that I love.

Many of these are affordable, long-lasting, and versatile enough to use across multiple types of projects.

Scissors

A good pair of scissors is one of the most important tools in your craft kit. I recently bought these Fiskars Scissors to replace a cheaper pair I had, and I LOVE these.

They are my go-to scissors, especially for cutting cardstock. Plus they’re reliable and sturdy enough to cut through a variety of materials, not just paper.

Double-Sided Tape

Double-sided tape is a must-have for clean, mess-free projects, especially for paper crafts. I use two types, and my favorite might surprise you.

Tape Runner
These AdTech tape runners are the kind you see all over social media, and for good reason. Tape runners make paper crafting super easy. They’re perfect for beginners because they’re glide on the page and make it quick to attach things to your pages when making cards or scrapbooking.

Traditional Double-Sided Tape
However, this double-sided tape is actually my favorite kind! If you don’t mind a little extra effort, go for a traditional double-sided tape. Not only is it strong, but my favorite part is how budget-friendly this is. This was actually the first double-sided tape I used— it held up perfectly on a graduation cap project, and hasn’t let me down since!

Craft Glue

A good liquid glue is a must-have for any crafter. My favorite is the Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue.

After struggling with a few different types of craft glue, I decided to give those one a try and I’m sooo glad I did. I keep repurchasing this one, because it just works! It’s strong, long-lasting, and I especially love it for adding embellishments to my cards.

Glue Gun

A glue gun is one of those tools that opens up a whole new world of crafting possibilities.

It’s perfect for projects that need a stronger bond or for when you want to work with thicker materials. I especially love using it for last-minute DIYs and late-night creative sessions. It’s quick, reliable, and gets the job done. (Just be careful because they truly do get hot!)

This Gorilla Hot Glue Gun is my personal favorite. I got it after replacing an old one that just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I love that it even has a built-in stand! It makes the whole process a lot easier (and less messy).

Glue Sticks

Not all glue sticks are created equal. Having high-quality glue sticks, like these from AdTech Crystal Clear Glue Sticks makes a big difference in how well your projects hold up and I personally have found these to work well for my projects.

Cardstock/Scrapbook Paper

I don’t know why, but paper is one of my favorites supplies! It may seem basic, but it’s an absolute essential for me. I love stocking up on my favorite white cardstock, plus solid-color paper packs, because you never know what color you’ll need. You can use them for cards, scrapbooking, gift tags, and more.

Plus, patterned paper just takes things to the next level, without needing to complicate things. You can buy individual sheets or pick out a gorgeous themed paper pad. They make it easy to create something that looks thoughtful and put-together, even as a beginner.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a fun one, but it’s also super versatile! It works on a ton of surfaces and it’s easy to use even if you’re not a painter. I went through a period of time when I was painting on canvases, but nowadays I love getting creative and using this on wood projects.

Another thing I love about acrylic paints is that they come in a wide range of colors and are affordable enough to build your collection slowly. You don’t need every shade right away. You can start with a few basics and expand as you go!

FolkArt and DecoArt Americana are my favorite brands of acrylic paint.

Why These Supplies Matter

When you’re new to crafting, it’s tempting to buy everything at once. But in reality, a small set of reliable tools will take you much further than a drawer full of random supplies.

These essentials help you:

• Complete a wide variety of projects
• Avoid frustration with low-quality tools
• Build confidence as you experiment
• Create consistently without overspending

Think of this list as your foundation, but take it with grain of salt! You might not need all of these, whether it’s because yo already have something you can use at home, or you just don’t see yourself using it. Use this list as inspiration as you explore different types of crafts. Remember that you can slowly add more tools based on what you enjoy most.

In Case You Need to Hear It…

You don’t need to have everything figured out to start crafting.

It’s okay to experiment and improvise. It’s okay to make mistakes. And it’s definitely okay to start with the basics.

Some of my favorite projects came from just using what I had and getting creative with it. These supplies are here to support your creativity, not limit it.

Have something specific you’re looking for? I’m always happy to share my favorite recommendations, just let me know!

After you’ve gathered your materials, let’s talk about How To Start Crafting!