Basic Craft Supplies Make Great Gifts

Craft Supplies

Serious crafters know where to go for craft supplies. Two places come immediately to mind. You can find a Michael’s store or an A.C. Moore’s in most areas of the country. For someone who enjoys crafting as much as I do; a visit to one of these stores is like taking a drug addict to a pharmacy. They have so many crafts and supplies in stock that it is easy to get distracted and buy many more things than what you originally went in for. A large number of fabric stores also carry crafts and supplies and if you look online, you’ll find a dizzying array of products at your fingertips.

It doesn’t really matter what kind of crafts you enjoy. You need a hot glue gun. They come in a number of sizes and are easy to use. They stick much faster than using a craft glue in most cases. The only drawback is you have to avoid burning your fingers. Remember it’s a HOT glue gun. When I just have to make one more adjustment to whatever I’m gluing; that always escapes me and I end up with burned fingers. You can buy a basic glue gun for a few dollars, but if you craft a lot, go for the better glue guns. They last longer and often have multiple glue sticks for different uses. While we’re talking about sticky stuff; it’s a good idea to have some fabric glue and possibly a spray adhesive. Glue sticks work well for scrapbooking. Spray adhesive will hold an applique neatly in place so you can stitch without using pins.

Depending on what type of crafts you are doing; some sort of measuring device is a good thing to have. For those who quilt; there are plastic templates in almost any design as well as straight and angle edge tools. A ruler and a tape measure are also very useful for many types of crafts. Especially for piecing fabrics; accurate measurements are essential. This is one time when “eyeballing” it will not do.

There are many types of scissors these days. Craft scissors often come in sets and will produce several different fancy edges on paper or fabric. Old fashioned pinking shears have some competition now. You need at least one pair of quality scissors and a pair or two of less expensive craft scissors. I have the good pair my mother bought me almost fifty years ago and they still serve me well.

I have to admit that I am bit of pack rat when comes to crafts and supplies. I am not as bad as my grandmother was, but I have a lot of stuff. I just cannot resist clearance bins in craft stores. Whatever catches my eye, I am positive I’ll find a use for eventually. I have a number of plastic bins overflowing with fabric, ribbons, and trims of all kinds. I always have some kind of stuffing or batting as well as buttons and beads. I guess I could make just about anything without making a trip to the store. There are plenty of people out there who are addicted to craft supplies. You know who you are. We’re probably friends.