With two lockdowns this year people have been looking for new hobbies and self-development opportunities to make the most of the time stuck at home. If you love crafting at home, you will know that there’s a lot more to arts and crafts that meets the eye. Whether it’s calligraphy, DIY furniture making, painting or something else, there are some pieces of equipment which apply to any and all craft projects. If you’re new to crafting, read on to find out the five absolute essentials for any home crafting project, big or small!
Here’s the part where we point out the obvious: some of these materials are dangerous if not handled with care. Make sure that any children are not left to use this equipment without proper supervision – and don’t forget to read all the instructions before you use these products yourself!
- Hot Glue Gun
A hot glue craft gun is an essential because in order to create DIY trinkets and items that will last a long time and be useful in your home, you need more than your average glue. Hot melt glue guns look like electric drills and use industrial level glue which is heated before it is applied to your craft. When it dries, this glue is extremely strong, helping whatever you decide to make last a long time and stick together as required.
Hot glue guns can be used to make jewellery and ornaments for your home, and can be applied to wood, sturdy fabric, certain plastics and metal too!
- High Quality Scissors
When your craft game levels up, the kitchen scissors won’t cut it any more. At this point, you need professional grade cutting scissors which can cut any fabric smoothly, as well as accurately snip threads and cut through thick cardboard. Depending on the type of crafting you do, there are a few different types of scissors – pinking shears, for example, are fabric cutting scissors which leave a zig-zag pattern in the fabric. Research professional quality craft scissors to step up your crafting game today!
- An Easel
You won’t realise just how much you missed having an easel until you start painting on one. If painting is your thing, a sturdy easel will change your crafting life forever. Easels are not just for professional artists; they provide an adjustable height for your canvas or board, a steady platform on which to work and can be turned and moved to suit the light as needed. Plus, if you don’t use it every day, easels can be used for practically anything around the house; they can display framed photographs, be used to hold up cork boards or whiteboards; or just be a beautiful ornament to add a touch of class and elegance to a room.
- An Art Cart
What is an art cart? An art cart is a storage cart on wheels which can be placed in the corner of your room and is full of your arts and crafts materials! In a quaint New Girl-style twist, your home can look cute and colourful with a gorgeous little art cart full of fun materials, paint brushes, yarn, containers, knitting needles, paints, glues, pencils and more. Art carts are also extremely useful for keeping everything in your craft arsenal together; you will never lose your craft materials again.
Where should you buy an art cart? You can turn basically anything into one – a little wheelbarrow, a wire shelving unit on wheels, or an old bookcase can be an art cart in its next life!
- Craft Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning paint brushes and surfaces with colour stains takes more than Fairy Liquid, unfortunately. Yes, if you become a seasoned crafter you will need to stock up on cleaning products which are designed specifically for craft equipment. These might include paint brush solvents which help rid your brushes of leftover paint which can damage the bristles and cause your brushes to stiffen. Similarly, if you spill paint or dye on your surfaces, you will need special solvents like rubbing alcohol in order to remove it. Stocking up on craft cleaning supplies before you start crafting will alleviate any anxiety about ruining furniture, floors or walls if you get carried away with your artistic endeavours!
Conclusion
Crafting is an awesome way to recharge, pour your energy into something creative and also make fun, sustainable items for you and your family to enjoy. With these essentials, you will be ready to conquer just about any crafting project with ease and confidence. If you love making art, you will find yourself using these essentials often, and enjoying your crafting even more for it.
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