The Definitive 122 Arts and Crafts Supplies List

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: September 15, 2023

Arts and crafts is a creative expression that produces handmade objects ranging from drawings and paintings to sculptures and decorations. It takes technical skill and artistic flair to create unique pieces.

According to the research of Menon, J., & Varma, S. (2010), crafting dates back to between 200 B.C. and 300 AD. In fact, excavations have shown that ceramic crafts with clay were probably already done by children, possibly a gradual learning process that included play, observation and experimentation.

Now we still use clay, but the most common materials for arts and crafts are also paper, paint, yarn, beads and glue. Below you will find the complete list of 122 art and craft materials so that you always have enough to make something with.

1. Colored craft paper: for all crafts, for folding, cutting, drawing.
2. Googly eyes: for dolls and animals, stick them on paper or fabric.
3. Hobby paint: for painting, coloring canvas, wood, clay.
4. Small paint brushes: for detailed painting.
5. Paper plates: for paint palettes, masks, animals.
6. Scissors: for cutting paper, fabric, thread.
7. Glue stick: for paper, cardboard, light materials.
8. Pom poms: for decoration, animals, dolls.
9. Pens: for drawing, coloring, writing.
10. Colored pencils: for drawing, coloring, sketching.
11. Paint: watercolor, tempera, acrylic for painting on paper, canvas, wood.
12. Yarn: for knitting, crocheting, sewing.
13. Felt: for dolls, animals, decorations.
14. Fabric scraps: for patchwork, dolls, decorations.
15. Thread: for sewing, embroidery, beading.
16. Embroidery thread: for embroidery, decoration, knotting.
17. Cheesecloth: for painting, fabric dyeing, decorations.
18. Burlap: for rustic decorations, bags, banners.
19. Wool felt: for warm decorations, dolls, animals.
20. Homemade dough: for modeling, ornaments, jewelry.
21. Air-drying clay: for sculpting, ornaments, jewelry.
22. Aluminum foil: for molding, painting, decorations.
23. Chenille wires: for bending, shaping, animals.
24. Toothpicks: for details, painting, modeling.
25. Waste wood: for building, painting, decorations.
26. Popsicle sticks: for building, painting, decorations.
27. Wood shapes: for painting, decorating, building.
28. Polymer clay: for modeling, jewelry, ornaments.
29. Clay: for sculpting, modeling, jewelry.
30. Glue: for attaching materials.
31. Pencils: for drawing, sketching, writing.
32. Cutting mat: for precise cutting.
33. X-acto knife: for precision cutting.
34. Self-healing cutting mat: for long-term cutting.
35. Sewing machine: for sewing, quilting, embroidery.
36. Fabric: for sewing, quilting, decorations.
37. Crochet hooks: for crocheting, looping, knotting.
38. Knitting needles: for knitting, looping, knotting.
39. Beads: for jewelry, decorating, buttons.
40. Jewelry pliers: for beads, wire, jewelry.
41. Wire cutters: for wire, beads, jewelry.
42. Glue gun: for fast, strong attachment.
43. Mod Podge: for decoupage, sealing, finishing.
44. Sculpey clay: for modeling, jewelry, ornaments.
45. Clay tools: for sculpting, modeling, details.
46. Stamps: for printing, decorating, personalizing.
47. Ink pads: for stamping, printing, decorating.
48. Templates: for drawing, painting, decorating.
49. Embossing powder: for embossing, decorating, finishing.
50. Heat gun: for embossing, drying, melting.
51. Cricut machine: for cutting, embossing, drawing.
52. Vinyl: for stickers, stencils, decorations.
53. Transfer tape: for vinyl, stickers, stencils.
54. Scrapbook paper: for scrapbooking, cards, decorations.
55. Adhesion tape: for attaching, decorating, finishing.
56. Foam tape: for 3D effects, decorating, finishing.
57. Brads: for attaching, decorating, scrapbooking.
58. Eyelets: for holes, decorating, scrapbooking.
59. Buttons: for decorating, sewing, knotting.
60. Ribbon: for decorating, knotting, bows.
61. Twine: for decorating, tying, hanging.
62. Washi tape: for decorating, attaching, scrapbooking.
63. Paint markers: for drawing, coloring, decorating.
64. Chalk markers: for drawing, coloring, decorating.
65. Chalkboard paint: for writing, drawing, decorating.
66. Spray paint: for coloring, finishing, decorating.
67. Glitter: for decorating, sparkling, finishing.
68. Glitter glue: for decorating, glittering, attaching.
69. Confetti: for decorating, celebrating, crafting.
70. Crepe paper: for decorating, folding, crafting.
71. Pipe cleaners: for shaping, decorating, crafting.
72. Feathers: for decorating, crafting, painting.
73. Felt sheets: for decorating, crafting, sewing.
74. Felt balls: for decorating, crafting, sewing.
75. Wooden beads: for jewelry, decorating, crafting.
76. Wooden sticks: for building, decorating, crafting.
77. Wooden shapes: for painting, decorating, crafting.
78. Wooden letters: for decorating, personalizing, crafting.
79. Wooden frames: for painting, decorating, crafting.
80. Canvas: for painting, drawing, decorating.
81. Easel: for painting, drawing, presenting.
82. Paint palette: for mixing, holding, spreading paint.
83. Paint cups: for holding, mixing, spreading paint.
84. Water cup: for rinsing, diluting, mixing paint.
85. Clay tools: for modeling clay and creating textures.
86. Embossing powder: for creating raised, glossy effects on paper.
87. Heat gun: to melt and dry embossing powder.
88. Cricut machine: for advanced cutting and decorations.
89. Transfer tape: for transferring vinyl designs to various surfaces.
90. Cutting mat: for precise cutting.
91. X-acto knife: for precision cutting.
92. Self-healing cutting mat: for long-term cutting.
93. Sewing machine: for sewing and quilting projects.
94. Fabric: for sewing, quilting and decorations.
95. Crochet hooks: for crocheting.
96. Knitting needles: for knitting.
97. Beads: for making jewelry.
98. Jewelry pliers: for bending and manipulating wire and jewelry.
99. Wire cutters: to cut wire to size.
100. Oil pastels: for painting and drawing.
101. Pencil sharpener: to keep pencils sharp.
102. Stapler: for attaching papers.
103. Hole punch: for making holes in paper.
104. Watercolor paper: specific paper for watercolor paintings.
105. Chalk: for drawing and decorating.
106. Glue gun: for fast and strong gluing.
107. Drawing pencils: for sketching and drawing.
108. Spirograph: for creating complex geometric patterns.
109. Scribble Art Sheets: For creating art by scratching away black ink.
110. Shaving foam: for creating marble-like paint effects.
111. Shrink Wrap Sheets: For making shrink art.
112. Texture paint brushes: for creating special textures in paintings.
113. Raw wood: for various woodworking projects.
114. Unused magazines: for collage art and paper crafts.
115. Art apron: to protect clothing from paint and glue.
116. Baker's twine: for decoration and packaging.
117. Blank cards: for making greeting cards.
118. Clothespins: for craft projects and hanging.
119. Coffee filters: for watercolor or painting experiments.
120. Rubber stamps: for stamping designs on paper.
121. Washable glue: for easy cleaning.
122. Pony Beads: For beadwork and jewelry.

The two most useful tools for arts and crafts are the scissors and the glue gun or at least just plain glue. The scissors are essential for precise cutting, while the glue gun ensures quick and durable attachment of materials.

The heat press and the embossing machine are two useful machines in arts and crafts. The heat press helps create designs on fabrics, while the embossing machine creates embossed effects on paper and other materials.

The number one arts and crafts toy is the craft box. This contains a range of simple materials and tools to help children develop their creative skills.

Each type of art and craft requires different materials. For example, painting requires paint and brushes, while jewelry making requires beads and wire.

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What are the tools you need for arts and crafts?

There are several tools that you absolutely need when creating crafts and art projects. Below is a list of the most common.

• Scissors: Essential for cutting different types of materials. Pinking shears are specifically needed to create a zigzag edge.
• Cutting knives: For precision cutting. There are various types of knives, such as guillotine trimmers for paper and vinyl cutters.
• Paint brushes: Used to apply color to your project. The type of brush depends on the type of paint you use.
• Sandpaper: Necessary for smoothing surfaces or creating a weathered effect.
• Circle punches: Used to cut circles from paper or other materials. Different sizes are available.
• Easel: A stand for holding your artwork while you work on it.
• Vinyl weeding tools: These help remove excess vinyl from your project.
• Jewelry pliers: Needed specifically for jewelry making.
• Light boxes and projectors: These tools help trace images or project designs onto larger surfaces.
• Magnifying glasses: Useful for detailed work.
• Chalk and markers: Used for making marks or adding color.
• Cutting mats: Protect your work surface while cutting.
• Stickers: Used for decoration or to mark parts of your project.

In addition, specific projects may require additional tools. So it depends on your project exactly which tools you need.

What machines are great for arts and crafts?

Various machines are a great addition to your crafting arsenal. Here is a list of the most common:

• Cutting Machines: Popular for cutting materials into specific shapes. Depending on the type, you can create small or complex designs.
• Sewing machines: Essential for sewing fabric. Brands such as Singer and Brother are popular.
• Embroidery machines: These allow you to create complicated embroideries. Brands such as Janome and Brother are widely used.
• Heat Presses: These machines are ideal for transferring designs onto fabric. They are especially useful for creating personalized items.
• Laminating machines: Protect and preserve your craft objects with a laminating machine. These are especially useful for paperwork.
• Digital cutting machines: Brands like Cricut and Silhouette allow you to cut custom shapes and designs from a variety of materials.
• Embossing machines: Create relief in paper or fabric. Depending on your crafting needs, an embossing machine can be a good addition.

The specific machines you need will depend on your crafting project.

What are the best arts and crafts toys?

Craft and art toys are essential for children's creative development. They include a wide range of materials and types, such as drawing, clay and building. Examples include building blocks, clay, drawing pens and construction paper. They offer a unique way of playing and stimulate children's creativity and imagination.

They should allow children to create different objects and should contain the necessary materials. For example, a craft kit might include colorful papers, glue, scissors and instructions for creating specific designs. A building set can contain several pieces to build unique structures. A drawing kit can include pens, markers and drawing paper.

Finally, the best craft and art toys should give children fun and satisfaction. It should encourage them to use their imagination and make their own unique creations.

What are the different types of arts and crafts?

There are different types of arts and crafts. Below you will find the most common ones.

1. Drawing and painting: This includes traditional art forms such as painting, drawing, calligraphy and sculpture.
2. Textile arts: This includes activities such as embroidery, knitting, crocheting, spinning, bobbin lace, quilting, sewing and beadwork.
3. Ceramics and glassware: This includes making objects from clay (such as pottery, azulejo, porcelain and stoneware) and glass (such as glassware and stained glass).
4. Paper arts: This includes activities such as origami and printing techniques.
5. Leather and woodworking: This includes making objects from leather and wood, such as carving and woodworking.
6. Metalworking: This includes activities such as forging and metalworking.
7. Mixed media: This includes art forms such as collage, assemblage and altered art.
8. Floral art: This includes making bouquets and ikebana, as well as pressing flowers.
9. Craft arts: This includes making objects such as baskets, candles, soaps and miniature models.

Each category covers a wide range of different types of arts and crafts, providing many opportunities for creativity and expression.

How does art and craft use different play materials?

Art and crafts uses various play materials by combining them. Materials are used to make a wide variety of creations. Examples of play materials are clay, glue, rope, paper, paint and colored pencils. These materials are versatile and easy to shape.

Glue is used to secure items to surfaces and paints and crayons provide a variety of colors for drawing on them. Paper is one of the most commonly used play materials in arts and crafts, used for drawing, folding as in origami, or as a base for collages.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.