18 Must-Have Affordable Craft Materials To Always Keep On Hand

You really never know when inspiration is going to strike…you could be sitting on the couch scrolling through Pinterest when you get a brilliant idea or in the middle of cooking dinner. Those are the times when you’ve just GOT TO CRAFT. You have to take the inspiration and make it a reality. You have to create.

If you’ve been around Making Manzanita for a while, you know that creating is my therapy… I even think that crafting will make you a better mom.

Ya, that’s right. But, to be able to craft on-demand, you need to have some craft materials on hand for those times when inspiration strikes.

This list of 18 must-have craft materials that you should always keep on hand is versatile and budget-friendly. You can see in the list below that I’ve linked to some fun projects that use these craft materials so you can get loads of inspiration! Have fun!

This post contains affiliate links, but nothing that I wouldn’t wholeheartedly recommend anyway! Read my full disclosure here.

18 Must-Have Affordable Craft Materials To Always Keep On Hand

1. 3-in-1 glue:

I love this glue and use it all of the time. It’s a great hot glue alternative. The 3-in-1 glue dries quickly and can be used on a number of different surfaces. I always have some 3-in-1 glue on hand.

Craft projects using 3-in-1 glue:

 2. Crafting scissors:

The Tim Holtz Tonic Scissors are a lifesaver and definitely one of my favorite craft materials. They work well for paper crafting and even do great when cutting leather and fabric. They are designed so that sticky things don’t stick to the blade and it works great. You just rub off any glue or sticky residue.

Craft projects using tonic scissors:

3. Decorative scrapbook paper:

It’s always a good idea to keep some cute decorative scrapbook paper around. To be honest, my paper stash is kind of embarrassing.

Craft projects using decorative scrapbook paper:

4. Hot glue gun & lots of glue sticks:

You never know when you’re going to need some hot glue. Hot glue is definitely one of the most versatile craft materials around, so it’s always a good idea to keep some extra glue sticks on hand.

Related – See 64+ Creative Projects using Hot Glue here!

Craft projects using hot glue:

5. Spray sealer:

This is the sealer that I used on all of my wood projects (and anything else that needs sealing). I love how easy it is to apply, just spray on!

Craft projects using spray sealer:

6. Acrylic craft paint:

I’m a big fan of acrylic craft paint. I love how inexpensive it is and how many different color options you have! I use acrylic craft paint for most (if not all) of my sign projects.

Craft projects using acrylic craft paint:

7. Foam paint brushes:

I buy foam paintbrushes in bulk and use them all the time. They don’t last a super long time (usually 2-4 uses or so), but they are so inexpensive, it doesn’t matter. They work great over stencils for sign projects.

Craft projects using foam paint brushes:

8. Jute twine:

I love the rustic look of jute twine. It’s one of those craft materials I always have a ton of on hand.

Craft projects using jute twine:

9. Pallet wood:

If you’ve been following along with Making Manzanita for even a short length of time, you probably know that I love reclaimed wood, specifically pallet wood. We usually always have a pretty big stash of pallets in our backyard because it’s one of our favorite craft materials.

Craft projects using pallet wood:

10. Spray paint:

Spray paint is such a fun and easy way to transform something. I usually always keep some flat black and white spray paint on hand in my craft materials.  Here are my favorite spray painting tips and tricks!

Craft projects using spray paint:

11. Fabric scraps:

Even though I don’t sew….like AT ALL, I tend to always have extra fabric scraps on hand. They are great for tons of different craft projects.

Craft projects using fabric scraps:

12. Painter’s tape:

Painter’s tape is one of those things that you don’t really think of when it comes to crafting, but you can use it for so many cool painting craft projects. Here are my favorite painter’s tape tips.

Craft projects using painter’s tape:

13. Washi tape:

Washi tape is one of those new craft materials that popped up a few years back that is kind of really awesome. If you don’t know what washi tape is, it’s mostly used in scrapbooking but it can be used for so many fun craft projects. It’s a decorative tape that is removable and repositionable.

Craft projects using washi tape:

14. Chalkboard paint:

I love chalkboards, but more than chalkboards….I love chalkboard paint. You can use it to make a chalkboard anywhere!! You can buy it like normal paint that brushes on or as spray paint.

Craft projects using chalkboard paint:

15. Ribbon:

Ribbon is another thing that I always have tons of little scrap pieces around. There are so many fun craft projects you can make with ribbon! There’s a color, texture, or design for everything.

Craft projects using ribbon:

16. Single hole punch:

Keeping a single hole punch around is always a good idea. You never know when you’re going to need it!

Craft projects using a hole punch:

17. Rotary cutter with mat & ruler (or X-acto knife):

I never thought I needed a rotary cutter…I always said, “Oh, I can just use my scissors or that or an X-acto knife”. That was, of course, until I got one. The rotary cutter and mat are always coming in handy and saving me a ton of time on craft projects.

Craft projects using a rotary cutter:

18. Mod Podge:

Since I literally use Mod Podge on every single sign that I make with stencils, I always have a ton of this craft material on hand. There’s a ton of other really creative ways to use Mod Podge!

Craft projects using Mod Podge:

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As you can see this list of craft materials really covers a lot of ground, but all of very versatile and affordable. Hopefully, it helped you get a better idea of what you need to build out your craft toolbox (whether you’re a crafting newbie or a seasoned pro).

It can be helpful to keep a good supply of crafting materials at home so you’re not running back and forth to the craft store all the time. With these must-have affordable crafting tools, you’ll be ready to create whenever you get a good idea.

What craft materials do you always keep on hand??

Let me know in the comments below!