5 Crafting Supplies That Will Make Staying Home Fun for the Whole Family
There's a project for every passion.
During this time when we’re all staying inside to protect ourselves and our communities from coronavirus (COVID-19), home and family crafts are more needed than ever. Not only are they a good way to pass the time, they’re a great way for kids to express themselves and learn new skills, and for adults to relax and have fun together.
Below, we’ve rounded up crafting accessories for every personality type. From the family tree enthusiast who loves to look at old photo albums, to the fashionista who can’t stop cutting up old clothes to create new designs, there’s something for everyone — and one amazing machine that does absolutely everything.
Together, we can get through anything. Making things helps! And who knows, maybe you can even earn some cash with your creations. Scroll down to shop FIRST for Women’s picks for the best home and family crafts.
* Note that many retailers are currently experiencing high demand; please check for extended delivery times.
1. Best for Activists
Beamnova Button Maker
Where to buy: $115.99, Amazon
Do your kids always have something to say about the world? (For that matter, don’t we all?) Give them a way to express their thoughts creatively — on a button. From political commentary to potty humor, the button is a time-honored method of speaking your mind, and this machine makes it easy to make your own high-quality badge. Use photos, drawings, or anything else you can put on paper to make one-inch buttons that can be pinned on jackets, hats, backpacks, tote bags, sweatshirts, or bulletin boards.
2. Best for Fashion Designers
Brother Lightweight Sewing Machine
Where to buy: $87 (Originally $99), Amazon
Learning to sew has never been easier than with this Brother sewing machine, which is perfect for beginners and experienced seamstresses alike. An automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin help ensure a smooth, frustration-free sewing experience, and Brother offers free tech support online via live chat, or over the phone, for the entire time you have the machine. Whip up new creations in hours, from tote bags to take to the grocery store to sundresses you’ll be able to wear outside — someday!
3. Best for Visual Artists
Jar Melo Marbling Painting Kit
Where to buy: $33.99, Amazon
Create beautiful and unique marbled paintings with this kit, which has everything you need to get started. The paints are non-toxic and environmentally-friendly, so kids of all ages can get in on the fun, and step-by-step instructions make it easy to craft your own masterpiece. Watch as the colors swirl together and bloom into fascinating patterns, and see the way the paint reacts on different materials, such as cloth, wood, and plaster, as well as on paper.
4. Best for Genealogists
Innocheer Scrapbook Photo Album Kit
Where to buy: $34.99 (Originally $37.99), Amazon
Is there a better time to go through old family photos and stroll down memory lane than right now? Pull out that dusty old box of pictures and showcase your treasured moments in this DIY scrapbook, which holds over 160 photos on 40 sheets of sturdy, high-quality craft paper. It comes with a cardboard storage box and plenty of accessories for personalizing your album.
As one happy Amazon reviewer wrote, “I have never made [a scrapbook] before and decided to take on the task, but I needed a “starter kit” … this set was exactly what I needed! I love that the kit came with various accessories, especially the little corner stickers for photos, which were easy to use and put on.”
5. Best for Artists of Every Kind
Cricut Maker Machine
Where to buy: $369.99 (Originally $399.99), Cricut
This amazing, all-purpose craft machine is on the pricey side, yes, but when you consider how much it can do, it’s a steal. Virtually any DIY project you can dream up can be created with the Cricut — from 3D art and posters to jewelry and iron-on prints. It cuts through practically any material quickly and accurately, and specialty tips let you emboss, engrave, and score materials as well. This versatile tool brings professional-level crafting abilities to your kitchen table. The only limit is your imagination! Buy the machine separately, or buy a bundle that has everything you need to get you started — a value of $617.81, now on sale for only $389.99.
