I love DIY and crafting! I spend more time than I’d like to researching prices and finding the best products for my DIY’ing and living in general. So, to spare you all some of the heartaches I’ve created a list of my favorites supplies and a included a little bit about why they are my favorites! If you are lucky enough to live in Portland, OR you can also book a crafting party with me (read more here) and we’ll have all the tools, equipment, supplies, and expertise you’ll need.
Amazon is good for a lot, though I know some people hate it, but I’m still a fan (for now). This post and website contain affiliate links for Amazon, Cricut and a few other sites. These are all things I really do use and like. If you purchase I earn a small commission, you get something cool and we both win! See my full privacy policy here.
Shop my favorite finds & supplies list…
There are things every crafter should have … Paints, Pens, Glues, Glitters, Fabric, Styrofoam, Canvas, Doodads, Doohickeys, Scissors, Papers, Stamps, Punches, Slicers, Dicers, Paintbrushes, Rotary Cutters, Cutting Mats, Markers, Sharpies, Pencils, Paint Pens, Crayons, Chalks, Ribbons, Washi Tapes, Paints of all kinds including Fabric, Acrylic, Milk, Chalk, Oil, Water and so much more!
And here are some links to some specific things I use and love. And instead of writing over and over, “you must have this!” assume that for all of the following!
Glues
First up is my glue & adhesive list. Now, listen, I make a LOT of stuff from props to home decor to gifts and more. I have more glue than any one person really needs. But I have some favorites so here you go:
My Hot Glue Guns make me very happy. I have about 30 of them I think (I use them for crafting parties so they aren’t all for me!) I have a few favorites, but I love my cordless one, I can’t imagine how I lived without it before!
Mod Podge
It is the cream of the crop. I use it ALL.THE.TIME. It is non-toxic, made in the USA, easy to use, all-around great product. You must have at least these 2 in your supply stash at all times! 1st I recommend just your average everyday mod podge in a matte finish for all kinds of uses. 2nd I would get the hard coat finish which I use all the time to finish things that need extra protection like hand stenciled furniture or posters that are mounted on wood – that sort of thing. It’s amazing!
Mod Podge Hard Coat – I use it all the time. It creates a durable protective coat or finish on posters, wood signs, and more.
Gorilla Glue
Super Gorilla Glue and Clear Gorilla Glue– love my Gorilla Glues!
Gorilla Glue is my go-to for crafting and gluing bits that aren’t wood (see above Titebond) or paper (see Mod Podge). The Gorilla super glue is great – it is clear gel that doesn’t drip and can really get in there where you need it. The Gorilla clear glue is all-purpose and I use it on loads of things where you need to just tack some stuff down and a glue gun ain’t gonna do it!
Glue dots
Zots are amazing little sticky dots that are excellent for all things paper and scrapbooking! Check out my video on how to use them to create a paper Geode.
Wood Glue
Titebond brand wood glue – I love it because it is the most durable, it’s good for outdoor projects, is water-resistant, ok for food contact and has long set up time to allow for adjustments!
<Paints
Milk Paint: I used this exclusively when I first started painting furniture. I feel in love with Miss Mustard Seed and bought paint in all the colors!
Chalk Paint: Annie Sloan is the traditional Queen of chalk paint but there are lots of brands out there. It is very forgiving and easy to use. I like the coverage and ease of use. There are myths about no-need-to-prep, however, because you absolutely do need to do some prepping!
DIY Dark & Decrepit – I love the whole DIY paint and finish line. This product I used on my halloween skeletons and I use it to age furniture. I once used it to create faux wood on a table!
Fabric Paints:
And Fancy Crafting Equipment:
Cricut – Cricut is a die-cutting machine used for cutting paper, felt, vinyl, fabric and other products for stencils and more, oh so much more. I can’t imagine life without one and can’t wait to upgrade to the latest model.
Exacto knife – I use this for a million different tasks – from trimming paper or fabric to cutting through old glue or slicing paint to open a drawer to fitting drawer liner in, they are incredibly handy!
Sewing Machine – I have a Bernina, premium swiss sewing and embroidery machine
Serger – This is an overlock stitch that sews over the edge of one or two pieces of cloth for edging, hemming, or seaming while cutting the edges of the cloth as they are fed through.
Yudu screen printing -an all in one machine to print, burn and dry it at one place. They don’t make these anymore, but if you can get a 2nd hand one – do it!
And Other Fun Tools & Stuff:
Wood Burning Tools
Etching Cream
Grommet Setter – I used to be so scared of grommets! They are really easy once you get the hang of it. I have a tutorial on this blog post!
Leather Working Tools – I have this kit and use it to repair vintage leather bags, cushions, totes and more.
Pom Pom makers – These are essential and so easy to use – don’t be scared!
Knitting & Crotchet needles
Professional Heat Press
T-shirt iron-ons
Vinyl
Staple Guns
Glues, Tapes & sticky stuff
Tools Too
I currently use the line of battery-powered Ryobi tools including:
Circular Saw
Miter Saw
Airstrike Nail Gun
Drills & all the bits
Impact Driver
Miter Saw
Orbit Sander
Narrow Crown Stapler
Home goods & such
Working with my hands they are like really rough, they get dry and calloused, I also get eczema regularly. So I rely on a few good lotions to get me by!
DIY furniture bits
This is my favorite bookcase! I have purchased this 3 times (so Amazon tells me!) I have 2 in my living room right now and I use them when I do flea markets and shows to display my home goods – and EVERY time I do I end up selling at least one and giving out the information as to where they can be purchased multiple times. So here ya go!
I often need legs and bases for projects – these are my go to’s!
Metal flange and rods – I use these for props all the time. They also make amazing farmhouse/rustic/industrial shelving.
I included some links that might be helpful – they are affiliate links that help you and me too! See my full privacy policy and disclosure here. I don’t make a commission on everything though and I’ve included links to my favorites anyway because you deserve to know!
