I have had a love affair with crafts my entire life. I love everything about them, from the planning and design to the steady, rhythmic work involved in completing whatever project I was working on. No matter how busy life got, I always made time for crafts and have found it enjoyable, relaxing and immensely rewarding

There are hundreds of crafts to choose from and dozens of ways to learn how to start a new project. There are books and magazines that can be found on just about any craft, classes in schools, churches, and community centres and even tutorials online.

Though sewing, knitting and crocheting have been around for centuries, they are still at the top of the list when it comes to home crafts. Scrap booking, card making, glass art, bead work and jewelry making are very popular today as well. The list really is endless.

If you are thinking of starting a new project and not quite sure what kind of materials you require, here are a few of the basic essentials that you will need to have on hand before you begin:

Pair of sharp scissors or any cutting tool

A good pair of scissors is the best tool that you can have by your side. If you will be sewing then purchase the best quality shears you can afford and they will last you for years. If you will be quilting, then a rotary cutting wheel is an ideal

addition for cutting through layers of fabrics. If you will be scrap booking or making paper products, look at getting a variety of scissors that are designed to cut different edges for special effects. With bead work or jewelry, a pair of wire cutters will be important to have on hand.

Ruler or measuring tool

A measuring tool of some kind is essential when doing crafts. Planning out and designing your projects takes skill and careful measurements in order to achieve your desired results. A cloth measuring tape for fabric, a metal tape measure, a small ruler and a large sturdier ruler are good choices to begin with.

Cutting board

Keep your furniture in mind. Have a couple of sturdy cutting boards, or pieces of plywood on hand for smaller uses. Also invest in a self healing cutting mat for use when trimming fabric or craft paper using a rotary cutting tool. Your dining room table may be a great work space, but protecting it with a proper mat is a good idea.

Adhesive

Fabric tape, masking tape, scotch tape, pins, clips and a hot glue gun should be on your list of essentials depending on the craft you have chosen. Unless you have an extra pair of hands, you will need to affix one piece to another at some point in your project so keep this in mind while you are shopping.

Craft Storage box or case

Keeping things tidy and in one place is paramount when you have started your projects. By organizing your "tools" in your "toolbox", you are able to take your project anywhere and pack it all up quickly without losing anything. Not to mention, you will always find what you are looking for if.

Even if its your first time at trying a new project remember, it takes time and patience to learn a new skill. Be kind to yourself as you correct your mistakes along the way and before long you will see the results of all your efforts in your own creation, made entirely by you.