Making things with my hands is one of my passions, I enjoy it ten times more if I know my daughter will gain something from this. I own a few things that make my life easier. Given the limited time every parent has, you want to make sure you're setting yourself up for success. The following are a few of the things I really love to use when making materials and activities for my daughter, and for myself as well. These are things for me, not for my child to use.
1. Glue Gun
I could not be able to live without one to be honest. They make every craft three times as fast! Please be careful with leaving glue guns out when kiddos are around, they get very hot and can cause burns. I have a really simple one, a mini version. I'm always thinking "I'll get a new one when this old when stops working" but it's been so faithful and still works like a charm, so I haven't felt the need to upgrade just yet.
This is the Adtech Mini Hi-Temp Hot Glue Gun Combo Pack in White. It comes with a few glue sticks to get started right away. I would get an extra bag of the Mini Hot Glue Sticks. Here is the link for a bag of 80 sticks for 8 dollars. You will not regret this purchase as you will use it for so many things. Even quick fixes in clothes!
2. Printer
Who prints anymore? I'll tell you who: Parents! There are so many wonderful resources out there that are just a click away from becoming something in your hands. I use my printer A LOT. I am not a fan of worksheets for small children, however, I do print out a lot of pictures to make vocabulary flash cards. We've done jungle animals, flowers, kitchen utensils to name a few. This is the printer I use. It's not ultra portable, but it is multifunctional and you can even print from your phone. It's still light enough that I can bring out from my closet every time I need to print (we don't have a designated "office space") and then I can put it away.
This is the Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer, 12X12 Printing, White. You can print on different types of paper. It seems like this might be an older version, so it might be sold out. The new version of this same printer is the:
Ink will be an issue, and it can get expensive if you're constantly printing in color, so I buy the generic ink; here is the link for that. I'm already using these replacements and their working just fine.
3. Laminator
This is one of my TOP resources. It's super affordable and you can make the thing you worked so hard on last for a long time. I've had this one for a couple of years and works very well. Do remember to cool it down before putting away.
The one I use the the Swingline Laminator, Thermal, Inspire Plus. It's extremely easy to use. It does come with a few pouches but you're definitely going to need more. I use the amazon brand which is ten times cheaper and does the job just fine. Here is the link for those. Basically, everything I print for my daughter I laminate.
4. Acrylic Paint
When I make something for her, I want to make it as fast as possible. This acrylic paint helps me because the colors are rich and it's thick enough that you can get by with just one layer of paint. Works wonders of cardboard. Be mindful it does stain. That's why I have this under "mommies resources" and she can only use them when I'm around, not by herself.
If you're looking for a good place to start I would purchase this set from Apple Barrel. These are Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint They're designed for beginners and are non-toxic formula that works on all surfaces. You can also purchase a set like this in Michaels from the brand "Craft Smart". The price is around the same. About a dollar each small bottle.
5. Craft Knife
I didn't know the value of owning a craft knife until one of my fellow crafty friends let me borrow hers. It blew my mind! I was spending so much time fighting with scissors. Oh do, get yourself some great scissors. But craft knifes have made my box cutting experiences so amazing.
I love this one from Cricut. It is the Cricut TrueControl Knife Kit. Basically you can use for art, scrapbooking, stencils, and a lot of DIY projects. This one comes with 5 Spare Blades. Please, please, keep this in a place far away from any child's reach. These are extremely sharp. And always remember to put the lid on. Sounds dumb, but I've cut myself very foolishly for not putting the lid right after I finish using it.
I have all my supplies, away from my daughter's. Because she has her own supplies she knows not to touch mine. She can't reach them in my closet, but even when I have them out she knows she has to ask before she attempts to touch anything.
Oh! and if you're planning on using this to cut on a flat surface please buy any mat that will protect your table!
This I learned the hard way and ruined my previous table because I thought the piece of cardboard would be sufficient. Well it wasn't. Here is a suggestion for one: Scrappin' Gear Self-Healing A3 Cutting Mat with Grids, 12-Inch x 17.75-Inch. This is also great because the grids help you keep you measure evenly, make straight lines, etc.
Very handy for so many things I've done. '
6. Paper Trimmer
I cut a lot of material for my daughter such as flashcards. I ended up buying a paper trimmer. After the 9th card my hands get tired of cutting! I got this Martha Steward Paper trimmer, because I am a sucker for design, and this all beige trimmer caught my eye.
However, you can get one of these for much cheaper. This one for example is only 10 dollars, probably works just fine, but I didn't like the colors (I like things that match #sorrynotsorry).
7.Permanent Marker
I have my regular sharpies, many colors. But these aren't your regular Sharpies. these paint on everything! Even wet surfaces! I think these Sharpie Pro are amazing. I use to label things, write everyone. Love, love. The smell is pretty strong, so try not to use it when your children are too close.
These are the ones I came up with so far. If I think of any else I make sure to add to this list. I also wanted to point out that as an Amazon Associate I earn a very small percentage from qualifying purchases through these links. Thanks!
Happy Crafting,
Georgina
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