DIY Craft Essentials !

Want to start a DIY craft project? Get the following basic essentials for your toolkit.

• Hot Glue gun ~ This amazing tool can put back together a broken toy, cabinet door and add a little pep to that dreary thumbtack or Cork board.
• Mod Podge ~ Spray or paint.   It can give your finished project a little shine AND makes sure it stays sealed.  I have used it on art work and d.i.y. projects.  It is a multi-purpose genius glue.
• Acrylic paint ~ We always paint with acrylic paint.  I like the colors that are offered, it is always a great price and it is easy to use. I am not a fan of children paints. The color selection is usually minimal and mostly within primary color range.
• Spray Adhesive/Sealant ~ Just buy it.  It’s like Mod Podge on crack. 
• Buttons~ Buy buttons that you and your children enjoy.  They are GREAT for added decoration in crafts and sometimes you can find a fun use for them too. Be sure to buy one that you actually enjoy.
• Cardboard Letters ~ These are easily traced on to that stolen barn wood or pallet piece that you are dying to hang in your kitchen.  The other option can be the vinyl stickers that you can paint over and then pull off but if you don’t have stickers readily available then the letters can save you. I have Small, Medium, and Large.  Hobby Lobby has a great inexpensive selection.
• Glitter~ Even if you have boys (like I do) there will always be a time to use glitter.  
• Pipe Cleaners ~ For the kids.  Children love pipe cleaners and they can be used on crafts AND awesome baked good creations.
• Wooden sticks~ These can be long thin “craft” wood stick or merely Popsicle sticks.  These always prove useful to have around. See below: 
  
• Spray Paint~ It’s not just for tagging train cars. It can make a dollar store tin look like a vintage find in about five minutes. The are so many colors that it is almost more fun to use that acrylic paint.
• Colored Pencils, Crayons, and Markers~ Sometimes paint is not on the agenda with little hands. Pull out the crayons and let them go to town.  In our house the kids have their own set of everyday crayons and coloring pencils but if there is a specific project they need to work on I have a secret stash in the closest.   (I also have my own personal stash of colored pencils that I DON’T share)
• Elmers glue~ Easier for kids to use and it can be used to make a slimy glop most kids enjoy. (Equal parts glue and shaving cream)  If you are feeling adventurous you can add a bit of elmers glue with food coloring and it adds a nice color to whatever you are glue or painting.