Brittany
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands, whether it’s a handmade gift, a home decor project, or just something fun to unwind with after a long day. But let’s be honest: nothing kills the creative buzz faster than realizing you’re missing a key supply halfway through your project.
If you’re just getting started with crafting or looking to stock up on essentials, knowing where to find quality craft supplies Australia wide can save you time, money, and frustration. Over the years (and through plenty of trial and error), we’ve learned which tools and materials are worth having on hand, and which ones you can skip until you really need them.
So, whether you’re into painting, woodworking, sewing, or just love a good weekend DIY project, here’s our go-to list of must-have craft supplies that every Aussie maker should have in their stash.
1. A Reliable Hot Glue Gun (The Ultimate Quick Fix)
If there’s one tool we use in almost every project, it’s our trusty hot glue gun. From securing fabric to fixing broken decor in a pinch, this little gadget is a lifesaver. we’ve glued everything from cardboard models to faux flowers with ours, and it hasn’t let us down yet.
What to look for:
- A dual-temperature gun (low for delicate materials, high for stronger bonds)
- A stand to prevent burns (because melted glue on the table is no fun)
- Plenty of glue sticks (they disappear faster than you’d think)
We made the mistake of buying a cheap one early on, and let’s just say it didn’t survive its first major project. These days, I swear by a mid-range model, it heats up fast, doesn’t drip everywhere, and hasn’t burned out on me yet.
2. Quality Paint Brushes (Because Cheap Ones Shed)
Nothing ruins a painting project faster than bristles falling out mid-stroke. After one too many frustrating experiences with dollar-store brushes, I finally invested in a decent set, and wow, what a difference.
our favourites:
- A mix of flat and round brushes for different textures
- A small detailing brush for fine work
- A cheap pack of foam brushes for quick, disposable jobs
Pro tip: Clean your brushes properly after each use (soap and water for acrylics, the right thinner for oils), and they’ll last way longer.
3. A Good Cutting Mat (Save Your Table.)
If you’ve ever sliced into your kitchen table while crafting (guilty.), you know why a self-healing cutting mat is a game-changer. We use ours for everything, cutting fabric, trimming paper, even as a general workspace protector.
Why it’s worth it:
- No more accidental knife marks on surfaces
- Grid lines help with measuring and straight cuts
- Easy to wipe clean after messy projects
ours has lasted years, and it still looks almost new, unlike our poor dining table, which now sports a few permanent “creative scars.”
4. Assorted Adhesives (Because One Glue Doesn’t Fit All)
We used to think superglue could fix anything, until we tried using it on fabric. Yeah, that didn’t end well. Now, we keep a range of adhesives on hand:
- PVA glue for paper and lightweight materials
- Fabric glue for sewing fixes
- Epoxy for heavy-duty bonding
- Double-sided tape for quick, clean fixes
Trust us, having the right glue for the job saves so much frustration.
5. A Basic Sewing Kit (Even If You Don’t Sew Much)
You don’t need to be a master tailor to benefit from keeping a small sewing kit around. We’ve used ours for everything from fixing a loose button to stitching up a Halloween costume at the last minute.
Essentials:
- Assorted needles
- Basic thread colours (black, white, beige)
- Small scissors
- A few buttons and safety pins
It takes up hardly any space, and you’ll be amazed how often it comes in handy.
6. A Rotary Cutter (For When Scissors Just Won’t Cut It)
Once we tried a rotary cutter for fabric projects, we wondered how we ever managed without one. It gives you cleaner cuts than scissors, especially with multiple layers.
Bonus: They’re great for paper crafts too, just use a fresh blade to avoid fraying edges.
7. Storage Solutions (Because Craft Chaos Is Real)
If your supplies are currently living in a jumbled shoebox (no judgement, we’ve been there), investing in some basic storage will change your crafting life.
What works for us:
- Clear plastic bins for larger items
- Small compartment boxes for beads, buttons, etc.
- A pegboard for frequently used tools
Being able to actually find what you need when inspiration strikes makes crafting so much more enjoyable.
Conclusion
You don’t need to buy everything at once, we’ve built our collection over years. Start with the basics, then add specialty items as you discover what crafts you enjoy most.
And when you’re ready to shop, remember you can find all these craft supplies Australia wide, both online and in local stores. Happy crafting.
