Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
To get started with arts and crafts, choose a project that suits your time and experience, gather the materials its instructions list, then follow the steps in order. For a simple first project, Crayola’s Stick Puppet Theatre uses construction paper, markers or crayons, glue, craft sticks and a clean reused cardboard box. Its instructions call for adult help with cutting a slit in the box.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose a project before buying supplies
The project determines what you need: a paper activity may use household basics, while painting on canvas or sewing can require more specific materials and tools. Start by reading the complete instructions, including any skill, time and age guidance, before shopping or setting up.
- Check the materials and tools list, and gather everything before beginning.
- Look for the stated skill level and estimated time; choose a project you can comfortably finish in the time available.
- For a first try, favor familiar materials and steps that do not require tools you have never used.
Compare a few project examples
These examples show how projects can differ in materials, experience and time. Age labels are specific to the cited project pages, not general age guidance for similar crafts.
#1 Best Overall
- Unleash & Spark Your Creativity: Your complete arts and crafts supply set with arts & crafts supplies for kids to create and craft. Packaged and stored in a beautiful 2-drawer case.
- Premium Value: Kit includes Pipe Cleaners, Fuzzy Sticks, Pom Poms, Wooden Pieces, Felt Strips, Craft Sticks, Sequins, Wooden Discs, Wooden Beads, Plastic Beads, Sticky Gems, Googly Eyes, Scissors, Sewing Needles, Glue, Glitter Glue, Feathers, Buttons, Thread.
- Unlimited Uses: Make jewelry by adding beads to the thread or pipe cleaners. A windcatcher by gluing sticks together into a shape, decorating them, and then tying beads to hang down. Using as many of the different supplies as possible, make the world’s strangest-looking monster. Create an animal that’s a mix of animals … the feathers of a bird, a tail like a monkey, and the trunk of an elephant. You get the idea... the possibilities are endless with this mega kit!
| Project | Materials or tools | Skill or time noted | Age information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stick Puppet Theatre (Crayola) | Construction paper, crayons or markers, glue, craft sticks and a reused cardboard box | Instructions include adult help for cutting a slit in the box | Page lists 8+ / 6+; the retrieved information does not explain the two labels |
| Handprint Lion’s Mane on Canvas (Jo-Ann project sheet) | Canvas and the supplies listed on the project sheet | No experience needed; estimated crafting time 1–2 hours | Not stated in the retrieved project details |
| Safety Pin Elastic Belt (Jo-Ann project sheet) | Safety pins, elastic and sewing tools and notions | Some experience recommended | Not stated in the retrieved project details |
The lion sheet is a painting-oriented option if you want to work with canvas and handprints. Its time estimate and beginner label describe that project sheet, not a guarantee of how long every maker will take.
Make a simple stick-puppet theatre
Crayola’s Stick Puppet Theatre is a manageable paper-and-cardboard example. Use the project page’s directions for the exact construction sequence; the following preparation helps you start safely and avoid stopping midway.
Rank #2
- Great Variety in One Box: Comes with 1800pcs tissue papers, 500pcs sequins, 200pcs google eyes, 150pcs feathers, 100pcs pipe cleaners, 100pcs pompoms, 100pcs matchsticks, 100pcs foam stickers, 50pcs popsicle sticks, 50pcs buttons, 20pcs doll noses, 14pcs cardstock, 1 roll of double side tape, 1pcs pencil, 1pcs ruler, 1pcs scissors, 1 user manual and 1 exquisite gift box
- Step-by-Step Detailed Guide: Including 12 craft designs, ranging from easy to advanced, each with a detailed, illustrated tutorials. The art kit is perfect for independent play as well as parent-child craft time, ensuring children of all ages enjoy fun and creative fulfillment while making art projects
- Easy to Cleanup and Storage: Each craft supply is individually wrapped and neatly stored in a large craft box. Perfect for bringing out for crafting time and then whisking away when you need the table clear
- Educational & Developmental: The art set can not only teach kids to recognize size, color and counting, but also help them practice concentration, imagination and fine motor skills (paper cutting, pen holding and sorting small objects). It is very suitable for both schoolwork and home education
- Ideal Gift Choice: Kids art supplies with an exquisite gift box is an excellent choice for Christmas, birthdays, parties, family gatherings, school activities and holidays. Both toddler and older kids will love it
- Read the project instructions from beginning to end and check that the listed materials are available.
- Set out construction paper, crayons or markers, glue, craft sticks and a clean reused cardboard box.
- Follow the instructions in sequence to make the puppets and theatre components.
- Ask an adult to cut the slit in the box, as the project instructions specify, then continue with the remaining steps.
Adapt decorations with the materials the instructions allow, but do not substitute a different tool for a step that requires adult help.
Follow age guidance and supervise children
The Crayola Consumer Craft Safety Guide, credited to its Content & Consumer Relationship Group and Product Safety Department and marked “Edited September 2012,” states: “Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.” Because the guide dates to 2012, also read current product packaging and project instructions.
Rank #3
- Itopstar Kids Arts and Crafts Supplies for Kids Girls Ultimate Crafting Supply Set in Portable 3 Layered Plastic Art Box Included Pipe Cleaners, Pom Poms, Feather, Folding Storage Box - All in One for Craft DIY Art Supplies
- All in One:this giant box of kids craft supplies contains everything you need .included 1x Storage Box, 50x Multicolor Feathers, 100x Multicolor Paper, 100x Multicolor Craft Sticks, 100x Wooden Craft Sticks,craft spoon,craft human stick, 2x Crystal Stickers, 100x Multicolor Spot Pipe Cleaners, 100x Multicolor Glitter Pipe Cleaners,100x Muticolor Pipe Cleaners, 100x Pom Poms, 300x Beads, 50x Buttons, 100x Eyes, 1x Strings, 1x Scissors, adhesive tape ,foam pieces,crafting sparkling bracelets by beads and pipe cleaners
- Perfect Quality: it is safe and environmental friendly craft kits in one box, suitable for kids ages 4 and over, a number of colorful craft items can meet different needs when they doing projects, a must need in the growth of preschool children,
- Endless Possibilities: Let your kids imagination run wild and be creative, helps children have a way to express themselves and enrich their growth, instead of the time to play mobile phone, protecting their eyes
- An amazing gift : Wonderful present for kids in your life with this super preschool &homeschool art craft supplies, suitable for any celebratory occasion in new year, birthday, Christmas, etc. or as a reward for good behavior to kids, they will happy and love this art kits
- Follow the older relevant age recommendation on the project and product packaging.
- Keep small items such as beads and buttons away from children younger than 3 because they can be choking hazards.
- Avoid functional sharp points for children younger than 4, as the guide advises.
- Have an adult assist with dangerous or difficult steps, including cutting or using appliances.
- Check manufacturer warnings for each tool and material before use.
Use a book if you want guided project ideas
A printed project book is optional; it can be useful if you prefer a sequence of activities with directions in one place. Crayola describes its CIY Craft Book as containing 52 craft ideas with photographs and step-by-step directions and lists an age recommendation of 5+. Those are the vendor’s stated features, not an independent assessment.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One Box Contains 36 Craft Supplies: Comes with 1800pcs tissue papers, 500pcs sequins, 200pcs pompoms, 150pcs matchsticks, 260pcs foam stickers, 110pcs feathers, 140pcs pipe cleaners, 100pcs pony beads, 100pcs shaped beads, 100pcs wooden beads, 100pcs popsicle sticks, 20pcs bulding sticks, 100pcs googly eys, 50pcs felt squares, 50pcs buttons, 8pcs wooden pieces, 8pcs wooden discs, 2pcs gem stickes, 1pcs eyes sticker, 20pcs doll noses, 14pcs cardstock, 6pcs embroidery floss, 2pcs needles, 1pcs elastic string, 1pcs double sided tape, 1 pcs pencil, 1pcs ruler, 1pcs scissors, 1 user manual and 1 exquisite gift box
- Step-by-Step Detailed Guide: Including 20 craft designs, ranging from easy to advanced, each with a detailed, illustrated tutorials. The art kit is perfect for independent play as well as parent-child craft time, ensuring children of all ages enjoy fun and creative fulfillment while making art projects
- Portable and Easy to Cleanup: Each craft supply is individually wrapped and neatly stored in a large craft box with handle. Perfect for bringing out for crafting time and then whisking away when you need the table clear
- Educational & Developmental: The art set can not only teach kids to recognize size, color and counting, but also help them practice concentration, imagination and fine motor skills (paper cutting, pen holding and sorting small objects). It is very suitable for both schoolwork and home education
- Ideal Gift Choice: Kids art supplies with an exquisite gift box is an excellent choice for Christmas, birthdays, parties, family gatherings, school activities and holidays. Both toddler and older kids will love it
Rank #4
- ALL INCLUSIVE CRAFT KIT: Looking for a fun one-stop, ready-for-anything craft supply bundle that covers all the basics? You found it!
- HUGE ASSORTMENT: Materials included are 100 pipe cleaners, 50 colorful popsicle sticks, 100 craft matchsticks, 50 buttons, 100 adhesive googly eyes, 150 assorted size pom poms, 100 craft feathers, 100 foam sticker shapes, and 1000 sequins. (Some items packed by weight—quantity is approx.)
- EASY TO STORE & CARRY: Clean up time is a breeze! Each craft item comes neatly packed in small zipper bags, all conveniently stored in a large zipper bag that allows your kids to store and transport them without any hassle. Take them on-the-go for car rides, camping, vacations, friend’s houses, after school and more!
- BRAIN BOOSTING FUN: Creativity promotes fine motor skills, problem-solving and even emotional wellness. Whether you need items for your classroom, daycare art center, prek science projects, elementary craft stations and beyond, we've got you covered!
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you’re not 100% satisfied with your Carl & Kay purchase, contact us and we'll make it right! Order risk-free today!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
