These are essential items in my craft supply closet that are either hard to find or impossible to find in stores. Ordering these items online in bulk will save you time and money.

1. Kraft Paper Boxes: I like to order my Paper Mache boxes from www.dcccrafts.com. Paper Mache boxes are cardboard boxes covered with a layer of brown paper. They are ready to paint or decorate. I like covering these with origami paper or my own marbled paper. There's a huge selection of these boxes on this website that you'd never find in a craft store. Another place to find boxes is www.papermart.com. I like their Natural Kraft boxes. I get size #11 for my Advent Calendar project and #33 for my Accordion Book-in-a-Box project. They come in cases of 100, but don't let that scare you. You can split an order with another artsy mommy if you think that's too many. You'll want to have a good supply of these for play dates, birthday parties, or last-minute hand-decorated gifts. These boxes can be painted, embellished, decoupaged, or decorated with whatever you have in your craft cupboard. The possibilities are endless, and ordering them by the case makes them an affordable craft project to have on hand.

2. Chinese Take-Out Boxes: Since I just mentioned www.papermart.com, I might as well point out another favorite. The pint-sized plain white Chinese Take-Out boxes are a must. They call them "Standard Coated White Paper Boxes." They come in sleeves of 50 boxes. Every Christmas I fill them with homemade Chex Mix, tie a piece of ribbon around them, and give them to neighbors and teachers. You use them for party favors or gift boxes. You can box up Thanksgiving leftovers for your guests. You can put a piece of wet florists' foam in the bottom and create a flower arrangement for someone. I could go on and on.

3. Glassine Envelopes: Glassine Envelopes originally were intended to preserve negatives and photos. They are semi-transparent paper envelopes that may or may not have a fold-over flap at the top. (I prefer the no-flap, or thumb-cut variety.) The paper is similar to parchment paper or wax paper. They are perfect envelopes for hand-made Valentine's Day cards or individual homemade cookies. Go to www.samflaxny.com and enter "glassine envelopes" in the search window. I recommend the 3.25"x 4.25" or the 4"x 5" sizes. I haven't found these envelopes in any store even though I have seen them numerous times in magazine craft projects.

4. Rusty Metal Shapes: Brand name Tin-Tiques, these have vanished from craft stores. I don't know why they have stopped carrying these. I have glued mini clothespins to the back of rusty stars and hearts and clipped them to my Christmas tree and wreath. I have also spray-painted, hammered, sanded, and nailed them to a painted wood plaque for a rustic piece of wall-art. These shapes will make a great addition to all your paper crafts and collages. The best selection can be found at www.dcccrafts.com.

5. Mixed White Buttons: I love white buttons! Ideally, they would be antique buttons, but new buttons work just as well. I like to cover a star cut out of foam core with buttons and hang with a red-checked ribbon (easy project for little ones!). You can encrust the lid of a small sewing kit with a layer of buttons for a gift. Buttons add a nice touch to collages and paper crafts. I always have a good supply of buttons on hand since many of my creative moments require buttons. You can order mixed white buttons by the pound at www.craftconn.com and enter "bubulkwht14" in the search window.