19 Budget-Friendly Art and Craft Supplies (and One Big-Ticket Item You’re Going to Want!)

For Christmas last year, I gave my daughter a box of art and craft supplies. Her very own, so she could create whenever she wanted without having to beg me for a glue stick or some construction paper. Of course, a few months later, there’s no telling where half of her supplies have ended up (because they certainly aren’t in the box I originally had them in!), but the gift remains one of her favorites.

And who can blame her?

I love, love, love me some art and craft supplies! I also seem to use the same things over and over again, and today I’m going to share with you some of my very favorite – and most budget-friendly, too – craft supplies.

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Art and Craft Supplies

1. Mod Podge – This multi-purpose glue is so versatile…I use it for everything! It dries nicely, it works for all types of projects, and it’s available in different finishes.
2. E6000 Craft Glue – This is probably the stickiest glue I’ve ever used! It takes awhile to dry, but I’ve used it for all kinds of crafts (I even made these M&M trees with it, and they’re still in brand-new condition several years later).
3. Markers – I love these fun colors (and I love the brand, too). These are handy because they have a different tip on each side.
4. Sketchbook – I like the heavy paper in this sketchbook. And at less than $10, it’s a good value, too.
5. Sharpie Permanent Markers – I have a huge Sharpie collection, and I am always using them for something. Sharpies can make for some really cute crafts (plus, they are always useful).
6. Glue gun – Would you believe me if I told you I *just* got my first glue gun about a year ago? It has changed my life. I don’t know how I lived without it. They are inexpensive, super handy, and aside from the occasional burnt fingertip, super easy to use.
7. Scrapbook Paper – I’ve written a post about what to do with all the scrapbook paper you have around the house, but really? It’s SO useful! I use it for everything, from crafts to photo backgrounds to wrapping gifts, even! I mostly buy 12×12 pieces, but I also have lots of 8.5×11 and even 6×6 scrapbook paper.
8. Card Stock – I feel like I am *always* reaching for my white, 8.5×11 card stock (when it’s on sale at Michael’s for 3/$10, I stock up). But I also love colored card stock, too.
9. Quality scissors – I can’t stress enough how much a nice pair of scissors can improve your crafting. They don’t have to be expensive, even – just sharp!
10. Paper Trimmer – Scissors are great, but when you need straight lines and precision, I always break out a paper trimmer. There are lots of options, but this one is very affordable (I have one similar to this that I’ve been using for years).
11. Hole punch – I have a single hole punch and this three-hole punch, too (which I use all the time)!
12. Foam brushes – I use foam brushes for Mod Podge application and for painting. They’re inexpensive, and if you take care of them, they will really last for quite awhile, too. Here’s a craft where I used a round foam brush.
13. Paint brushes – I’m not a painter, and I don’t really LIKE to paint, but despite that,  end up doing lots of projects that have paint in them (not to mention all the times I whip out a paint brush for some Mod Podge)!
14. Craft Paint – for about $1/bottle, these always come in handy. I will usually pick up a color or two here and there – I have quite a collection now. This set on Amazon comes with 18 colors for only $18.
15. Buttons – I’m working on my button collection. They are cute little embellishments to most any craft, as well as making for some adorable crafts on their own.
16. Ribbon – Like buttons, ribbon always makes a craft cuter. I pick it up when I see a cute print or color on sale, usually. These planner paperclips are a fun way I got to use some of my ribbon stash!
17. Styrofoam cones – I have so many of these sitting around the house (again, I pick them up when they’re on sale or when I have a coupon, usually). I used them recently to make this Darth Vader Christmas Tree, and also these cute Candy Heart Trees.
18. Wooden Craft Ring – There are lots of ways to make a wreath, but I swear it will be easier with this wooden craft ring! I just glue stuff to it – easy as pie. This 4th of July Button Wreath is an example.
19. Canvas panels – These always come in handy for something and are good to have around. They are great for making cute signs!
20. Silhouette CAMEO – Here’s the Big Ticket Item I put off buying for a long time…and then instantly regretted waiting so long as soon as I made my first craft! I feel like I can make anything with my Silhouette CAMEO! It is AMAZING…and *so* much fun.

What are your favorite budget-friendly art and craft supplies?

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