My Favorite Crafting Tools
*This post is not sponsored. These are products that I honestly love. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for helping to support this blog. For more information, please see my disclosure page here.
Whether you are a beginner crafter or are a seasoned crafter, today I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite crafting tools with you. Honestly, this post is long overdue. However, every time I started to write it I got overwhelmed because crafting can cover so many areas, and so I am going to keep it simple. I looked around my craft desk and pulled out items I use very often. These are my essential items that I always have on hand for a fun afternoon of making.
As a crafter that dabbles in a lot of different crafting areas today I will show you what has helped me through the years. I believe the tools truly make a big difference in the crafting process. Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, but rather a list with some helpful tools to keep in your crafting corner.
I hope you enjoy!
Favorite Crafting Tape
Tape can be an essential part of the crafting process. Whether it is used as part of the application or during the process to help create the project.
Both pretty and functional, I love using this tape to hang my children’s artwork. I also use paper tape to add some charm to the back of envelopes and as a fun decorative element on paper crafts.
Painter’s Tape is a great tape to have on hand because it can be used to help adhere items during the process of creating the project without being permanent. I like using painter’s tape for paint lines, but also to help secure fabric to items or paper to items while I am working on a project. Then it can be removed without any residue.
I don’t use duct tape often in my projects, but it is still a great resource to keep in your toolkit should you need any projects that require a very strong hold. The great thing about duct tape is that it comes in many different colors.
Gaffer tape is my secret weapon when it comes to event installations and crafting projects that are on the larger scale. It has a strong adhesive like duct tape, but it will not leave any residue. I use it to hang balloon garlands, large signs, and for floor installations. It is expensive, but well worth the investment.
Favorite Crafting Scissors
One of the earliest lessons I learned when crafting with my mother is that you have scissors for each specific crafting process. It was imperative that I never used her sewing scissors except for sewing, because there was nothing more frustrating than for her to find that her sewing scissors were dull because my siblings and I decided to borrow them and use them to cut something else. Now I understand the importance of using scissors for what they are intended for.
I don’t do much sewing these days, but I do work with a lot of fabric and these Bordeaux Ultimate Shears by Clover are my favorite. Make sure your fabric scissors stay nice and sharp by using them only for fabric.
Not only are these embroidery scissors fun to look at, but they are wonderful for the very tiny projects like embroidery work.
It is helpful to have a pair of scissors that are for more general projects, like for cutting paper or ribbons. I have been very happy with these Singer scissors to use during most of my projects.
I recently added floral shears to my toolbox and I am so happy I did. I use my shears to help cut flowers, but I also use them to cut items that can be added to my projects (like sticks, faux flowers, and greenery).
It is helpful to have a wire cutter on hand to cut the stems of faux flowers or wire for jewelry or a floral bouquet. You will ruin any other scissors if you use them to cut wire.
Favorite Crafting Glues
I think glue is one of the most important tools to achieve a well executed craft project. Without the proper glue the project will not come together well. I use glues in almost all of my craft projects.
I have had this pink Chandler glue gun for over a year, and I am very happy with it. It heats up quickly, the glue doesn’t spill over as it heats, it has a little front kickstand so you don’t have to set the hot glue gun down, and it maintains its temperature well. Hot glue is essential for most craft projects. It is perfect for wreaths, large scale paper installations, and various other reasons.
Beacon’s 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue
This is my favorite glue because it dries quickly, dries clear, and can be used on many different surfaces. I love using this glue when I work with jewelry, clay, paper, and plastic.
Beacon’s Power-Tac is permanent, low odor, doesn’t contain PERC, and dries clear. It is a very strong glue that I feel good using around my children.
Beacon’s Fabri-Tac is such a fun glue to use because it is a permanent glue that bonds fabric, lace, wood, leather, and glass. A lot of fun possibilities for fabric projects!
I love Mod Podge. I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to it. One of my earliest crafting memories is using Mod Podge with my older siblings to make a pinata. It is such a fun and versatile product that can be used for many wonderful crafting projects. For best application, I recommend using a foam brush.
Favorite Yarn Tools
If you have been here for a while you know that I absolutely love Clover’s products. Yarn crafts are very trendy now and so I wanted to include two of their products that help create the cutest yarn projects.
I love pom-poms, and I love adding them to my projects to create a whimsical and happy vibe. Clover’s Pom-Pom Maker is the best pom-pom maker I have tried. They have many different sizes and it is so fun and easy to experiment with different yarns and sizes to create unique and fun pom-poms.
Tassels are another fun accessory for craft projects. Much like the pom-pom maker, Clover’s Tassel Maker makes it so simple and easy to create full and consistent tassels everytime in less time.
Favorite Paper Crafting Tools
Last year I picked up The House That Lars Built creator’s, Brittany Jepsen, book Craft the Rainbow. This book inspired me to see paper crafts in a completely different light. Something so simple like paper can be transofrmed into incredible crafts. Even though I am new to paper crafting, I am loving the possibilities so far!
My children and I use this craft punch set all of the time to create fun circles out of colorful paper for craft projects.
A craft knife is very important to create clean, crisp lines for paper projects. Just be very careful with it.
A handheld single hole punch can be very useful in paper crafts.
A metal ruler is very helpful to use for measurements and as a guideline for a craft knife.
Honestly I didn’t understand the need for a bone folder until I actually got one. It helps to create the neatest and cleanest lines in paper crafting. It is such a wonderful tool to have on hand.
These scissors are so fun to have on hand when you need to cut small strips evenly. They are so handy for pinatas and paper tassels!
I hope you enjoyed my take on my favorite crafting tools. If you are new to crafting or an expert, I hope this list was helpful. But, if I missed something or you have a favorite tool you want to share please let me know. I always love discovering new, wonderful tools!
I believe crafting is more fun when we share our projects. Please email me at elizabeth@countrypeony.com, or please tag me @thecountrypeony or #countrypeony to show me your beautiful, custom creations!
Thank you so much for following along!