The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Craft Supplies Online
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting your DIY journey, having the right craft supplies can make all the difference in the success of your project. With the rise of online shopping, finding the perfect materials has never been easier—but navigating the vast sea of options can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find craft supplies online, comparing different retailers and sharing tips on what supplies you need for various projects.
Why Shop for Craft Supplies Online?
1. Convenience: Online shopping allows you to browse through a wide range of products from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to travel to physical stores.
2. Variety: Online stores often have a larger selection of craft supplies than local shops. You’ll find different brands, colors, and styles that may not be available near you.
3. Price Comparison: Shopping online allows you to easily compare prices across multiple retailers, which can lead to savings.
4. Customer Reviews: Online platforms usually feature reviews from other customers. These insights can help guide your purchasing decisions.
5. 24/7 Availability: Craft stores online are open round the clock, making it easy to shop at any time that fits your schedule.
Where to Find the Best Craft Supplies Online
Finding a reliable source for craft supplies can make or break your project. Below are some of the top online retailers that specialize in craft supplies, along with what makes them stand out.
1. Michaels
Overview: Michaels is one of the largest craft supply retailers in North America, offering a diverse array of products.
What They Offer:
A wide variety of crafting materials including paper, paints, yarn, and beads
Seasonal items and holiday-specific craft supplies
Online exclusive deals and coupons
Tip: Sign up for their email newsletters to get exclusive discounts and notifications about sales events.
2. Joann
Overview: Known for its fabric and sewing supplies, Joann also carries an impressive selection of other craft supplies.
What They Offer:
Weekly sales on various craft supplies
A user-friendly website with a reliable search feature
Extensive tutorials and project ideas
Tip: Use their mobile app for additional coupons and rewards points.
3. Amazon
Overview: As a massive marketplace, Amazon has just about everything, including craft supplies.
What They Offer:
A vast selection from various sellers
Customer reviews to help gauge quality and suitability
Fast shipping with Amazon Prime
Tip: Check for “Amazon’s Choice” products for highly rated items.
4. Etsy
Overview: Etsy is a go-to platform for unique, handmade, and vintage craft supplies.
What They Offer:
Handmade items from small businesses
Unique materials that can’t be found anywhere else
Opportunities to support local artisans
Tip: Use filters to refine searches based on your specific needs.
5. Skillshare
Overview: Though primarily an online learning platform, Skillshare offers access to lessons that show how to use specific craft supplies effectively.
What They Offer:
Access to thousands of crafting classes, helping you learn how to use the supplies you purchase
An inspiration hub for new project ideas
Tutors who are experts in crafting techniques
Tip: Look for classes that offer downloadable supply lists to ensure you have everything you need.
Key Craft Supplies You’ll Need
Once you’ve chosen where to shop, it’s essential to know what supplies you need for different types of projects. Here’s a breakdown of key supplies for various crafting disciplines.
1. Paper Crafting Supplies
Essentials:
Cardstock in various colors
Scrapbook paper
Adhesives like glue sticks and double-sided tape
Trimmers and scissors
Stamps and ink pads
Potential Projects: Scrapbooking, card making, origami
2. Sewing and Fabric Supplies
Essentials:
A variety of fabrics (cotton, felt, linen, etc.)
Sewing patterns
Threads of different colors
Sewing machine and basic tools (scissors, pins, tape measure)
Fabric glue or fusible webbing for no-sew projects
Potential Projects: Quilting, sewing garments, fabric crafts
3. Painting and Drawing Supplies
Essentials:
Acrylic and watercolor paints
Brushes of various sizes
Canvas, watercolor paper, or sketchbooks
Palette and mixing trays
Easels for stability while working
Potential Projects: Canvas painting, mural artwork, watercolor illustrations
4. Beading and Jewelry-Making Supplies
Essentials:
Different types of beads (glass, wood, metal)
Jewelry-making tools (pliers, wire cutters)
Strings and cords, including satin and elastic
Clasps and findings
Design boards for layout
Potential Projects: Necklaces, bracelets, earrings
5. Mixed Media Supplies
Essentials:
Charcoal, pastels, and colored pencils
Glues and adhesives for layering different materials
Textures like fabric scraps, old newspapers, or buttons
Sealants for protecting finished projects
Stencils and stamps for added detail
Potential Projects: Collages, altered books, and other creative experiments
Tips for Shopping for Craft Supplies Online
1. Read Product Descriptions Carefully: Ensure that you understand what you’re purchasing, including dimensions and quantities.
2. Check Shipping Policies: Factor in shipping costs and delivery times when budgeting.
3. Look for Bundles or Kits: Many retailers offer bundled supplies at a discount, which can save you money.
4. Monitor Sale Events: Craft supply stores often have seasonal sales. Plan your purchases around these times to maximize savings.
5. Join Loyalty Programs: Most retailers have loyalty programs that provide points or discounts on future purchases.
Safety and Quality Considerations
When shopping for craft supplies, particularly for children or sensitive projects, it’s essential to prioritize safety and quality:
1. Check for Non-Toxic Labels: Always look for supplies labeled as non-toxic, especially when purchasing paints or adhesives.
2. Choose High-Quality Brands: Higher-priced brands often offer better durability and performance. Invest in quality where it matters to avoid frustration later.
3. Verify Return Policies: In case a product doesn’t meet your expectations, it’s good to know the return process and conditions.
Popular Crafting Trends to Explore
With so many materials available, it can be hard to choose what to make. To inspire your next project, here are a few popular crafting trends to consider:
1. Sustainable Crafting
Using eco-friendly materials like recycled paper, natural dyes, and organic fabrics is becoming increasingly popular. Seek out suppliers who focus on environmentally-friendly products.
2. Home Decor
Crafting projects aimed at home decor—like macramé plant hangers, personalized wall art, and custom pillows—are as trendy as ever. Many retailers provide kits specifically designed for home decor.
3. Wearable Art
Creating custom clothing and accessories can be rewarding. With sewing, embellishing, and dyeing techniques, there’s a wealth of potential projects in this area.
4. Digital Crafting
With the rise of technology, crafting doesn’t always have to be analog. Explore digital art supplies or software if you’re interested in graphic design, digital scrapbooking, or photo editing.
Conclusion
Finding craft supplies online can be a delightful adventure if you know where to look and what you need. With diverse retailers offering a plethora of options—from traditional staples to unique materials—you can source everything you need to fuel your creativity.
As you embark on your crafting journey, remember to take your time, explore different projects, and enjoy the process! Happy crafting!