Getting Crafty With It

I love crafting and I’m sure you all know that from my craft posts from time to time.  However, I wanted to take some time and round up some of my favorite crafting supplies as well as organizing tools.  A big part of finding time and space to craft is being organized!  If you can find what you need, when you want it, you’ll be able to tackle those projects you’ve been meaning to complete!

Darby Smart is one of my favorite crafting sites.  They offer monthly kits that come with everything you need to make a craft. I love that you are given just enough supplies to complete what you need. It’s probably not the most cost effective way to purchase craft supplies, however, I don’t have to spend time online shopping or driving around trying to find just what I need.

Each kit comes with instructions too so it’s easy to try something you’ve never done before.  I was able to try my hand at glass etching with an easy to follow kit.  I really enjoyed it.  I loved that the kit didn’t take hours or days to complete, it was something I could do while watching TV.  I have plenty of glass etching creme left over as well as the reusable stencils so this is something I can do over and over again now that I know how.

There are lots of kits from candles to tote bags to ring holders.  I like the kits that are designed for a set of friends to get together and create.  What an awesome party activity and favor in one!  The kits are affordable.  The cheapest was $19 and at the time I’m writing this they had free shipping too!

These aren’t your mother’s crafts.  The projects are fashionable, edgy and often feature new techniques.  They recently starting selling supplies too!

You can’t craft without glue.  But having the right glue on hand is key.  Tried and true Elmer’s now has a strong and safe glue that works on any surface you can imagine; paper, cloth, wood, pottery, concrete and more.  It’s super strong and can be painted.  You can easily wash it off with soap and water while it’s wet.  It’s also 100% weather proof!  I love using these for small house hold projects as well as crafting!  You can purchase Elmer’s ProBond Advanced on Amazon.

Krazy Glue is for crafts too!  Did you know they have a specially formulated Krazy Glue just for crafting?  It canbe used on ceramics, plastic, wood, porcelain, metal, leather, rubber or vinyl.  It won’t bond to your skin the way traditional Krazy Glue does. AND, no more extra glue running your project, it comes with an extra long pointed tip that allows you to dispense exactly how much you need, exactly where you need it.   Check out Krazy Glue’s Crafting formula on Amazon.

Remember do it all Duct Tape?  Well, they have done it again….they have some awesome organizing and crafting products!  I got to take a peek at these and they are awesome and fun to use.

Chalkboard material is all the rage in organizing right now. It’s awesome because you can label something over and over again.  It looks sophisticated and kids love it too.  So, check out Duct Brand’s Chalkboard Adhesive Laminate.  It can be applied anywhere and in any shape you can cut out!  It’s an inexpensive way to label items in your play room, pantry, office, garage….you name it.    It’s also offered in Dry Erase Laminate.  Both are 20 feet by 10 feet.  (And you can use these with Cricut machines!)

Get ready….the next product I’m about to tell you about is so cute you’re going to scream.  Duct Tape now comes in mini sizes!  Ducklings are smaller versions of the strong and durable tape you know and love.  They come in lots of patterns, colors and designs so you can fine one that matches your decor, craft needs or organizing goals.  I love using these to color code cords, containers in a play room or even tires in an attic.  Duct Tape doesn’t come off in heat or cold so they are perfect for labeling in the non temperature controlled areas of your house.  Take a peek at Duckings here.  (You’re going to want them all!)

Craft supplies are awesome, but keeping them organized is a MUST!   Snapware Snap ‘N Stack is the ultimate space-saving home storage system! Trays keep items separate, visible, organized and are customizable and expandable to meet your exact needs. Snap as many trays together as you’d like under a single lid. This new storage system is ideal for arts & crafts, toys & games, school & office supplies, hardware and garage supplies, and much more! Includes. The lid comes with a Blue handle that folds down. Medium Rectangle 3 Layer- This organizer has mixed layers. The top tray is 9″x 1.25″x 6″. The bottom 2 trays are 9″x 2.25″x 6″.Dimensions are 10″x 6.25″x 6.25″ including lid.  Check out CreateforLess for this and lots of other crafting options!

Make sure to check out Snapware’s ribbon dispenser too!  It holds all your ribbon so that you can easily grab it, use it and it never gets tangled!

If you’re looking for some adorable organizing options, check out Thirty One Gifts.  They are so much more than luggage!

Their Hang Up Space Saver fits on the back of any door and will hold LOTS of craft supplies.  From punches to ribbon to markers and washing tape, it has lots of pockets to fit all of your supplies.  What I love is that the pockets are mesh so you can see what’s inside of them.  There are also two larger pockets at the bottom of over sized items.  This comes in a few colors so you can get one that matches your decor and you can even have it embroidered. It’s Size: Approx. 42.25″H x 20.75″W.  It could also be used in a bathroom for first aid supplies, a playroom for toys or a pantry for small food items! 

If you craft on the go, the Super Organizing Tote is a must have.  It’s a large sturdy bag that has a wonderful, flat bottom.  The handles are easy to carry and the exterior of the bag is covered in pockets to hold everything you need.  Some pockets are even mesh so you can see what’s inside.  The whole thing closes with a zipper and you’re ready to go.  So from scrapbooking events to kid’s birthday parties this bag will help you pack, organize and carry lots of things on the go.  It’s also customizable.  This would be perfect for summer trips to the pool or a day at summer camp!

If you have lots of rolls of wrapping paper, or large craft supplies (such as a Cricut and accessories) check out Thirty One’s Room for Two Utility Tote.  It’s large size is great for oversize supplies.  I love it for wrapping in particular.  It’s great because you can tuck all the supplies inside of it and then moving them to a location where you can use them is easy.  They are portable and can be used anywhere.  I also love this bag as a laundry basket.  It’s light weight and easy to carry back and forth from the laundry room.  Great for plush toys, linens and beach towels in the summer, you’ll find a thousand uses for this bag.

Ok, so I’m always looking for fun and creative things to do that don’t take a long time.  Martha Stewart has an entire line of craft supplies that help you create beautiful things .  I was able to try out some of her stencils and screen prints.  They are SO EASY.  Simply apply them to whatever surface you want to stencil and then use one of the stencil dabbers to apply whatever color paint you want!  The stencils can be held in place with stencil tape (also sold by Martha Stewart Crafts) or they are adhesive and can be reused!  I did some glass etching, some stenciling and even tried my had at making some tea towels.  Everything came out great.  This is a great way to make home made presents!   Check out Plaid Crafts website, they have LOTS of inspiration ideas!

If you want a little inspiration, check out some of my favorite craft ideas on my arts and crafts Pinterest board!