Top 5 | My Favorite and Most Used Supplies

Something a little different this time, but I thought I should share some of the tools and products that I use the most (or enjoy using the most) while crafting. Many of these are used for more than one type of craft, but there are a few that are more specific. Since I make varying handmade items (catch-all dishes, junk journals, ornaments, and flower crowns), I have a stockpile of supplies for any occasion.

#1 Scissors

Basic and obvious. Everyone needs scissors nearly every day. They're great for opening packages or trimming a variety of things, but they're also perfect for cutting out materials or preparing outgoing orders. I found mine in a two pack on Amazon.

#2 Washi Tape

Probably the most decorative and least functional thing on the list, but washi tape is amazing. I currently have 28 rolls in all different patterns. It's an easy way to add some color to a journal page or present. Washi tape can also be used to hang notes or artworks on walls without ruining the paint. Most craft stores carry washi tapes, Amazon has some great patterns too (even Target has some for holidays), but Washi Wednesday is one of the most affordable places to find a huge variety of patterns and colors (if you don't mind waiting a few weeks).

#3 Adhesives (PVA, Mod Podge, hot glue, double-sided tape)

Many crafts are impossible to complete without some form of adhesive. PVA is acid-free and best for bookbinding and paper-based crafts. Mod Podge can be used to make a kind of paper mache for more 3-D objects. Hot glue can be used on nearly everything for a quick fix. Double-sided tape is a lifesaver for papers, lace, or embellishments. I use this brand of PVA (specifically for bookbinding), usually the matte finish Mod Podge, and Scotch double-sided tape.

#4 Vintage Ice Pick (in lieu of an awl and a razor knife)

Since all of my junk journals are made with thinner spines (i.e. not heavy bookboard), I use an ice pick to punch holes through signatures or the covers themselves. I also use the pick to cut out catch-all dish circles from the rolled-out clay. It stays sharp enough to get the job done, but it's not so sharp that it's dangerous. Reusing an antiquated item is also a great way to keep useful things out of landfills.

#5 Cutting Mat and Paper Trimmer

They do similar but not exactly the same things. Both have grids and lines to measure a variety of sizes, but one is specifically for paper while the other can be used for nearly any medium. The mat I use is Dritz in the 18x24 size (though I often wish I had a larger one), which I found at Joann's. The paper cutter I use is Friskars in the SureCut Deluxe 12" option, which I found at Michael's (I actually don't really recommend this trimmer, but only because the blade holders fall off easily and they're very specific to replace).

There are also dozens of other supplies that I use while crafting. These are just the most versatile or commonly used.

Just to clarify, I am not sponsored or affiliated with any of these products. They are all things I purchased with my own money and although this isn't a formal review, my opinions are my own honest words.

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