Essential Craft Tools List for Making Ornaments

Making Christmas ornaments can be so much fun but not if you don't have the right crafting tools on hand. My craft tools list for ornament making will help to ensure you have the right tools before you begin your projects. I've also included a few tips for safely and effectively using crafting tools as well as what to look for when purchasing high quality crafting tools.

Basic Crafting Tools

Precision Cutters

  • A sharp pair of paper scissors as well as a separate pair of fabric scissors is essential for crafting. Fabric scissors have sharper blades specifically designed for smooth cuts of fabric that will dull more quickly if used on paper. Scissors designed for paper have a slightly more blunt angle that handles the abrasiveness of paper.  Ensure they are well labeled so they don't accidentally get cross-used.

Because quality scissors will last you a lifetime, I recommend buying the best ones you can afford. It is important they fit your hand nicely and the weight is well balanced. Wipe the blades with a soft cloth after use and avoid dropping them. 

  • X-Acto style knives or craft scalpels are ideal for intricate cuts, detailed paper designs, and delicate materials like thin balsa wood or fabric.

Choose knives that are well balanced, have a comfortable grip and replaceable blades.

  • If you need to cut paper with precision and efficiency, a paper cutter can be an excellent investment. Where scissors and knives have distinct advantages for some uses, paper cutters ensure a straight, professional looking edge and can cut through multiple pages at one time.   

Paper cutters are typically one of two styles. A guillotine style has a long blade that cuts in one chopping motion whereas a rotary cutter uses a blade that slides along a rail. Each style comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate various sizes and thickness of paper. 

Glue Guns and Adhesives

A mini and a full-sized glue gun side by side

Next to scissors, glues and adhesives are a makers friend and naturally fall near the top of a list of craft tools. 

  • Hot glue guns are a staple in ornament crafting. They are easy to use and provide strong, quick-drying adhesion for multiple surfaces. Choose the gun and glue to match your projects. A multi-temperature 12mm gun is ideal for most projects. While mini glue guns are cheap and readily available in craft stores, the glue sticks are often poor quality with weak bonding. Use these guns sparingly for projects that don't require a strong bond. I recommend investing in a 1/2" (12mm) glue gun that will give you the most features and most competitively priced glue sticks. These are easily found online and at your local hardware store.  

Choose a glue gun with dual-temperature settings for versatility and buy glues that dry clear and remain flexible over time.

  • For lightweight paper crafts, glitter application and embellishments, readily available craft glue (sometimes called school glue) is ideal for the job. Mod Podge, which is frequently used interchangeably with craft glue is actually a product that not only bonds but is designed to seal and finish a project also. It is very commonly used in crafts such as decoupage.
An assortment of craft glues, fabric glue and mod podge
  • I'm also a big fan of Tacky Glue. It is a thick, fast-drying glue that bonds permanently. For smaller projects, open the bottle and use a toothpick to get the precise amount you need.
  • Spray adhesives have their place in your craft tools kit also. They can cover a large area evenly, on a variety of materials and offer a strong bond.  
  • For a stronger bond on surfaces such as metal, glass, fabric, plastic, ceramic and rubber, an industrial adhesive called E6000 is a great addition to your craft tools kit. E6000 remains flexible and water resistant once cured, can withstand moderate heat and dries to the touch in about 10 minutes. 

Paints and Brushes

A collection of paint brushes in various sizes and styles standing upright in a container
  • The most common paint for crafting projects is acrylic paints although not all are created equal. Depending on your project and desired outcome, you may choose variations such as chalk paint, glass paint, fabric paint or even spray paint. Acrylic paints are readily available in paint stores, craft stores and online. 
  • Watercolour paints may be used for some projects but are not widely used for general ornament making.
  • A variety of paintbrushes, specific for the type of paint you use, will be needed for different textures and effects. However if you decide to only buy one brush to get started, a medium-sized round brush is the most versatile option. Read more about choosing the right paint brush.

Opt for non-toxic, fast-drying acrylic paints and brushes with synthetic bristles. 

A variety of colours and types of craft paint organized in a custom paint cart

Crafting Mat

A crafting mat is essential to protect your work surface from unintentional spills and mishaps. A silicone mat that withstands heat is a great option but even something like a piece of cardboard, old placemat or glass cutting board will work. I personally use a variety of mats, depending on my project.

Crafting Apron

Grey canvas crafting apron with a couple pair of scissors in one pocket

You not only want to protect your work surface but your clothing too and a crafting apron is ideal for that. While you can use one from the kitchen, I prefer a heavier canvas apron for a bit more protection from things like hot glue! But the best part of a crafting apron is keeping your crafting tools in the handy pockets for easy access.

Specialized Tools for Ornament Crafting

Wire Cutters and Pliers

A variety of mini and full-sized pliers and wire cutters for crafting

I use my collection of crafting pliers far more than I initially thought I would and they fit my hands better than my husband's tools. Wire cutters are essential for cutting jewelry and floral wires and other thin metal embellishments. A variety of small pliers are also very useful for bending, shaping, crimping and securing wires. If you've been trying to use bathroom tweezers for this job, trust me, you'll appreciate your own set of mini pliers. Choose a set with a rust-resistant coating and have comfortable silicone handles for ease of use.

Wood Burning Tools

A small multi-temperature wood burning tool with a container of assorted letter attachments

Pyrography pens are a fun craft tool that are perfect for engraving words and designs onto wooden ornaments. You can get a variety of tips that allow you to free-hand a design or buy interchangeable letters in a variety of fonts to create unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments. For better control and versatility, choose a tool with adjustable temperature settings.

Resin and Molding Tools

In addition to the resins, you'll need silicone molds, mixing cups and stir sticks for making resin ornaments. For durability and easy removal, I recommend quality silicone molds that are food-grade when possible.

Sewing and Needlework Tools

A variety of sewing needles, embroidery needles and stainless steel dressmaker pins are needed for fabric-based ornaments. And if you prefer not to sew, fabric glues are a quick alternative.

Craft Tools List of Specialized Crafting Items

  • Die-cutting machines such as Cricut and Silhouette
  • Paper Punches
  • Rotary tool such as Dremel
  • Mini drill
  • Chisel set

Tips for Using Crafting Tools Safely and Effectively

  • Keep your blades sharp and clean. A dull blade actually requires more force to cut, which can increase the risk of injury. Additionally, dull blades can cause jagged edges or damage your project materials. If you use a lot of blades in your projects, consider purchasing a sharps disposal container to ensure proper, safe disposal of used blades. 
  • Use protective gear. When using hot glue guns or wood-burning tools, wear heat-resistant gloves. If your craft involves power tools, be sure to wear ear and eye protection also.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area especially when working with resins, glues and spray paints.
  • Clean your tools after use and put away. Prevent injuries by keeping sharp tools in protective cases and seal adhesives to prevent drying out.
  • Test any new tools on scrap materials first to familiarize yourself with the functionality.

What to Look for When Buying Crafting Tools

  • Buy the best you can afford. High quality tools made with materials such as stainless steel and heat resistant plastics should last many years.  
  • Comfortable and easy to use tools with straightforward functionality are ideal. 
  • Look for safety features such as automatic shut-off in glue guns, heat shields for wood-burning pens and rubber grips on cutting tools.

Having the right tools available for your projects can make crafting so much more enjoyable. I hope this craft tools list helps you build a well-equipped crafting station that brings your holiday ornament-making visions to life.