You probably have hobby supplies tucked away that you haven’t used in years. Maybe they were once exciting, but now they just take up space and gather dust.
Knowing which supplies you haven’t touched can help you clear out clutter and rethink how you spend your free time. This article will help you spot those forgotten items and think about what to do with them.
Old acrylic paint sets
You probably have a few old acrylic paint sets hiding away. These paints last a long time if stored well, but dried-up tubes are common.
Acrylics work on many surfaces like wood, paper, and fabric. If your paints are still good, you can use them for all kinds of DIY projects or art. If not, it might be time to toss them and grab a fresh set.
Unused crochet hooks
You might have a bunch of crochet hooks lying around that you haven’t used in years. Sometimes, you buy sets with lots of sizes, but only use a few.
If your hooks feel uncomfortable, try switching to ergonomic ones with soft grips. They can make crocheting easier on your fingers when you get back to it.
Expired knitting yarns
You might have yarn stashed away that’s been sitting for years. Old yarn isn’t dangerous, but it can get rough or lose its softness.
Sometimes colors fade or the yarn gets a bit brittle. Before you knit, check it for smell, feel, and stretch. If it feels okay, you can still use it for simple projects or crafts. Otherwise, it might be time to toss or recycle it.
Forgotten stamp collections
You might have a stamp collection tucked away somewhere, maybe from when you were a kid. Those little stamps can be old and sometimes have some value if you know what to look for.
Stamp collecting isn’t as popular as it used to be. But if you find your collection, it could be fun to dust it off and see what you have. Even old stamps without marks can be special.
Dried up watercolor palettes
You might have a watercolor palette sitting unused that’s all crusty and dry. Don’t throw it away just yet. You can often bring the paint back to life by adding a little water and letting it soak.
Some paints rewet better than others, especially those with natural ingredients like honey. Try gently scrubbing the dry paint with a wet brush to loosen it up. It’s a simple way to get painting again without buying new supplies.
Unused quilting fabric bundles
You probably have stacks of quilting fabric bundles sitting untouched. They often come in sets of pre-cut squares or fat quarters, perfect for patchwork.
If you’re not quilting anymore, these fabric pieces can still be great for small crafts. Or you might want to pass them on to someone who will use them. They don’t go bad, but they do take up space.
Old scrapbooking paper packs
You probably have some old scrapbooking paper packs tucked away. These packs usually have lots of 12×12 sheets with different patterns and colors.
Even if you don’t scrapbook anymore, these papers can be great for other crafts. Try using them for cards, gifts, or simple decorations. Dust them off and give them a new life!
Never-used woodburning tools
You probably bought a woodburning kit with big plans. The tool has different tips, but it’s still sitting on your shelf. Maybe you never tried controlling the heat settings or practicing simple patterns.
It’s easy to forget these kits because they need steady hands and patience. But if you ever want to give it a shot, everything you need is right there, waiting.
Unopened model kit sets
You probably have some model kits hidden away that never got built. They still look great in their boxes but collecting dust on your shelf.
These sets can be fun to return to if you want a relaxing project. Just make sure to check if all the pieces and instructions are still inside before starting.
Dusty calligraphy pens
You probably bought a set of calligraphy pens with big plans. They looked cool and promised to help you make fancy letters.
Now, they’re just sitting in a drawer, maybe with some dried ink inside.
If you dig them out, you might find they still work, especially those with replaceable ink cartridges. But getting back into calligraphy takes time and patience.
Old bead assortment jars
You might find old jars filled with beads you forgot about. These assortments often include mixes of colors and shapes you no longer use.
If you haven’t touched them in years, it’s okay to think about letting them go. Clearing them out can help you focus on beads you actually enjoy working with now.
Untouched embroidery floss
You probably have some embroidery floss sitting around from old craft days. It’s soft and comes in many colors, great for friendship bracelets or small decorations.
If you haven’t stored it well, it might have lost some quality over time. But if it’s still good, it’s perfect for quick, simple projects.