Today I'd like to talk about the basics you must have to get started with your craft. Your craft might be scrapbooking, cards, quilling, painting or sewing - anything you like. This applies to all (or most) crafts.
1. Scissors.
You'd be surprised by how many people don't have a sharp pair of scissors handy when they are crafting. IMHO, you need about three pairs - a large pair of 'shears' for cutting cardboard and cloth, a medium pair for most of your work, and a small pair of 'pocket scissors' for delicate work. Dull scissors and safety scissors won't work, neither will nail clippers. My set of 5 pairs cost me $12.50 (two were ruined by a builder trying to open the silicone to fix my sink and one pair by the plumber, so cheap scissors are a good idea) and are available from your local El Cheapo store. A good ideas (although not a necessity) are scissors that cut a pattern into the paper. They are available from craft stores for about $3-$4 a pair. Note - patterned scissors do not work on cloth, they'll shred the fabric.
2. Stanley Knife
A good sharp stanley knife is important for those fiddly little bibs and bobs that scissors won't work on. I bought a packet of 4 stanley knives in various sizes for $2 from my local El Cheapo. Disposable ones are a good idea as they can be thrown out instead of taking the time and expense to sharpen them.
If you look carefully at the blade you will notice some grooves or lines on it. This means it is disposable. Once the point is blunt, you are able to snap it off and you are left with a fresh, sharp blade.
3. Cutting board
A Craft Board is hugely important to any crafter. They are made out of thick, hard plastic, are flexible and most importantly, you can never cut through one. This protects your craft table from cuts, burns, glue, paint, and various other craft-related hazards. They come in various sized, from approx 30cms up to 1 metre.
4. Glue, Double-Sided Tape, and regular Sticky Tape
You're going to need glue, and lots of it. I prefer a clear craft glue in a bottle as I can squeeze it out as required. It's also easier to control how much you use. Double-sided tape is great for making objects 'stand up' on your craft to give it a bit more of a 3D effect. Sticky tape is good for pretty much everything.
5. Tweezers
Not many people think that tweezers are important in a craft kit. I think they're one of the most important parts of a craft kit. They're perfect for those fiddly little jobs such as beading where your fingers are just a little too large (or when you manage to give yourself splinters). If you can't get your hands on craft tweezers normal ones will do.
6. BANDAIDS
5. Tweezers
Not many people think that tweezers are important in a craft kit. I think they're one of the most important parts of a craft kit. They're perfect for those fiddly little jobs such as beading where your fingers are just a little too large (or when you manage to give yourself splinters). If you can't get your hands on craft tweezers normal ones will do.
6. BANDAIDS
This one is pretty much self-explanatory. Eventually, you're going to cut yourself, it's going to hurt, and bleed, and you'll kick yourself for not having bandaids.
I personally don't care what kind you get although I really like the skull ones!
So there you go, you're off to starting a craft kit. In my next post I'll cover some other things you should have in your craft kit (although you don't have to, but they're good!) and as always:
Happy Crafting!
Ideas? Email me: simmiscraftcave@gmail.com
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