You could go crazy filling your cupboards, closets, and rooms with craft supplies but you can really make do with the basic items I have listed here. I have written this list so that items at the beginning of each category are more basic than the others. For your convenience, I have added some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links (thank you!!) then I will receive a small commission to help pay the bills without any extra cost to you. Also, be sure to check the craft section of your local thrift store. It's a great place to find yarn, buttons, beads, fabric, crayons, and assorted wood items.
Make your mark:
crayons
markers
colored pencils
oil pastels
colored chalk
Paints:
watercolors
tempera paint
acrylic paint
Textiles:
yarn
craft felt
fabric scraps
thread
embroidery floss
muslin
burlap
wool felt
Three Dimensional:
homemade dough
air dry clay
aluminum foil
chenille stems
toothpicks
scrap wood
craft/popsicle sticks
wood shapes
polymer clay
clay
Stringing & Beading:
string
straws
pony beads
wood beads
glass beads
fishing line
Printing:
ink pad
sponge
brayer
rubber stamps
printing ink
Fun to have:
glitter
pom poms
feathers
cotton balls
googly eyes
craft foam
sequins
floral wire
Stick it together:
white glue
glue stick
painter's tape
brads
Mod Podge
liquid starch
fabric glue
wood glue
Tools:
scissors
paintbrushes
foam brushes
hole punch
variety of needles
ruler
wire clippers
Papers:
copy paper
construction paper
tag board/card stock
wax paper
colored tissue paper
coffee filters
paper towels
clear contact paper
freezer paper
roll of white paper (i.e. butcher paper, wrapping paper)
brown paper bags
newspaper
crepe paper
bleeding tissue paper
From The Recycling Bin
cardboard
magazines
junk mail
egg cartons
milk cartons
empty boxes
clean cans & jars
small plastic containers
netting from produce bags
bubble wrap
packaging peanuts
styrofoam trays
plastic lids
Natural Materials
leaves
sticks
small rocks
acorns
pine cones
flowers
seeds & seed pods
feathers
nuts
Keep it clean:
newspaper
apron or large shirt
old sheet(s)
small plastic containers for water
