Art and craft is a popular hobby for many people, and it has been around since the days of ancient Greece. There are numerous ways to get creative with arts and crafts, from painting to pottery. There are many supplies available to use in your crafting endeavors, so it is essential to know what items you have on hand before going out and buying more things. Here are some things you will need.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most popular materials used in crafting because it can be easily cut into shapes and applied to various surfaces. There are two main types of vinyl that you will find at your local craft store: adhesive and non-adhesive, which you can use for your art. Adhesive vinyl is typically used to apply letters on cars, while you can apply non-adhesive vinyl to a greater variety of surfaces such as wood or metal.
When choosing the viny to use, it is essential to know what you plan on doing with it. If the vinyl contains an adhesive, then whatever surface it is applied to will need a smooth and clean surface for optimum adhesion. So make the best choice depending on your project.
Scissors
No arts and crafts project would be complete without scissors! Scissors are one of the most critical tools in any art room, but you need to make sure that they are sharp enough for whatever material you plan on using. Cloth scissors are ideal materials for cutting through fabric or t-shirts because their blades are powerful and durable. Make sure that your cloth scissor has a safety grip that covers the entire surface of the handle to ensure optimum comfort and control.
Metal scissors are typically used for cutting multiple layers of vinyl or thick paper, but they can also help cut out stencils on various materials. When choosing metal shears, make sure that it has sharp blades, so you do not have to apply too much pressure to the material.
Glue Gun
Glues help adhere vinyl and other materials together, but you can use a glue gun in more ways than just that! Glue guns also come with sticks that allow you to etch messages into clay or any other type of moldable material. You will need to experiment with the temperature settings on your glue gun to find which one is best suited when working with different materials.
As with the other items, you need to choose the best glue gun, depending on your project. If you are using a glue gun on a small amount of vinyl, choose the twist-style one with low heat settings. But if you plan on working with different materials and mediums, it is best to go for the high-temperature variety with an adjustable dial.
Rulers & Measuring Tapes
You will want to be precise when measuring and cutting different materials, so a ruler or tape measure is an absolute must. Rulers come in many sizes and shapes, depending on what you plan on using them for. Some rulers have centimeters, while others only show inches. A good metal ruler should withstand the pressure that can be applied when working with more complex projects.
You need to choose the best ruler according to what project you are working on. For example, if your material is not too thick and has a straight edge, go for an acrylic one that will withstand pressure without bending or breaking. But if you plan on using it for cutting thicker materials, then choose a metal ruler with both centimeters and inches.
Art Boards & Canvases
There are many different types of artboards available to use at your local craft store, but it is essential that you know which ones are best suited for the project you have in mind. There are two standard sizes for canvases: 16″x20″, which is a great size for working on smaller projects, and 20″ x 24″, which can come in many shapes such as square or rectangular.
Artboards are available in different materials, including wood, fiberboard, plastic sheets, and canvas that come pre-stretched with either cotton or polyester fabric over it. The best choice for you will depend on the project, so it is best to have a variety that can accommodate most projects.
Dry Erase Boards
Dry-erase boards are great for when you want to write down a list of tasks, draw out your plans in detail before starting a project, or design your pattern. They come with a dry erase pen that allows you to easily use it without worrying about making any permanent mistakes on the board itself. Ensure that you have a dry erase board made of durable material, such as fiberboard or aluminum since they can last for years without getting damaged.
You need to choose the right size and quality depending on what you plan on using it for. For example, if you want something portable, you should opt for a smaller one with a pen instead of an eraser. But if you want the convenience of projecting it on a wall, then go for something larger like an aluminum one with a built-in stand and hanger.
As you can see, there are many different types of materials that you will need for arts and crafts. While some items might be more critical than others depending on your project, it is still a good idea to have a variety on hand if something breaks or needs replacing after prolonged use.
