I mean, if I’m being honest, the whole “must-have” craft supply thing is a joke, right? I used to scroll those influencer lists, thinking I needed every weird bottle of metallic paint or some “game-changing” glue pen. Ended up with a graveyard of half-dead glitter glue and paints that never matched anything. The only stuff that actually gets used? A pair of scissors that slices without chewing up the edge, a glue gun that doesn’t spit out sad blobs, and, what, decent paint? That’s it. All those “essentials” are mostly clutter. I don’t care how many times someone says otherwise.

Honestly, my craft space is a pile of stuff I bought because someone online said it would change my life. It didn’t. I’m just mad at myself for falling for it. The basics—plain glue, some jute string, paintbrushes that aren’t falling apart—work for everything. I wish I’d stopped listening to product lists years ago. Here’s a list of supplies you’re probably wasting money on, by the way. Seriously, does anyone use those detail brush sets with a dozen tiny brushes? I bought them. Regret.

So, every time I see another “must-have” headline, I just roll my eyes. Who even decides what’s must-have? All I know: a few good supplies keep me from spending a fortune and from having a closet full of stuff I’ll never use. Can we just admit most of this is nonsense?

Seriously, What Counts as Must-Have Craft Supplies?

Here’s what’s actually driving me nuts: is there such a thing as “enough” craft supplies, or am I just supposed to keep buying more? Instagram rooms look perfect, but after five failed projects and a glue gun meltdown, I’m left with a mess and a grudge against glitter.

Everyday Essentials vs. Overhyped Extras

Sharp scissors. Not those ones that feel like you’re chewing aluminum foil. Real glue, the kind that dries clear, not yellow. A ruler that isn’t warped. Paintbrushes that don’t shed all over the place. If I lose any of these, I’m doomed. Cardstock, canvas, tape, a black marker—fine, necessary. But that third-hand tool? Never owned one, never missed it. Don’t skip the cutting mat, though—my kitchen table’s permanently scarred.

Every time I buy a weird gadget—pom-pom maker, embossing gun—it just vanishes into the abyss. Beginner supply lists haven’t changed in decades. Glue, paper, scissors, stuff you end up stealing back from your kids.

How Marketing Hypes Up Your Craft Stash

Art supply aisles are basically money pits. “Must-have” is just a sticker slapped on whatever’s in a shiny box that year. Metallic gel pens for Christmas? Every year, same story. Scoring boards are supposedly “life-changing.” Are they? I doubt it. Here’s another “must-have” list full of things I’ve never actually seen anyone use.

Stores prey on my FOMO and curiosity. Even those “40 must-haves” lists sneak in stuff that’s just weird. Pros admit they use the same few things over and over. The rest is hype. Still, sometimes I wonder if I’m missing out by not having metallic ink pads. Probably not.

Slashing Craft Supply Budgets (Without Losing Your Mind)

I used to think I needed every “hack” I saw on Instagram. My spending was out of control. Finally got sick of it and started questioning what actually mattered. Longevity? Efficiency? Not buzzwords—just survival.

Embracing Minimalism: Less Stuff, More Creativity

My craft bin is overflowing with glitter. Why do I have glow-in-the-dark? No clue. Too many choices just slow me down. My best projects happened when I used whatever was already out.

Messy table, but at least I know what I like: sharp scissors, Tacky Glue, sometimes Mod Podge (yeah, I said it). Minimalism works. Less searching, more finishing. Nobody says that on Pinterest, but it’s true.

Tracking Your Real (Not Imagined) Needs

I made a spreadsheet by accident (don’t ask), just to see what I actually use. Turns out, it’s glue, scissors, cardstock, a brush, and a pencil. Everything else collects dust.

I stopped buying “just-in-case” stuff. Only the basics ever run out. Less spending, less panic, and my projects still hold together. My supply list is basically what the pros use, but it fits in a shoebox. That feels like a win.