You don’t have to have a craft room to have certain things that you would keep on hand for projects. I see these fantastic craft rooms of other fellow creatives, and I start to drool. You may only have a drawer where you keep things that you used for one project. Perhaps it’s that paint you used for a pot you wanted on your doorstep. Maybe it’s a special wood glue you used to make a farmhouse sign. Are you in my house, Nikki? Of Course not. I understand you. You want to be able to do quick, easy projects, but not every day! Even though you don’t have a craft room, you should always have some essentials for DIY. Here are my top 10 essential items for those who dabble in DIY (that’s you) but aren’t ready to move into a full room of supplies.
1. Glue Gun
What can I say about a glue gun that hasn’t been said? I own a Surebonder glue gun. I started with those $3 low temp glue guns. They did the job and held me up for years, but I had to upgrade. It was time to spend money on a low-hi temp gun that came with a stand. I use my glue gun all day every day. Just purchase a glue gun, and I guarantee that you will use it.
2. Scissors
I am not a fan of spending money, but there is one item that I say to buy based on quality. Scissors. I’m talking about purchasing a pair of scissors with a soft, comfortable grip and sharp edge that can cut many materials. I currently have a pair of Wescott scissors. You can purchase these anywhere they sell scissors. Why invest in scissors? A great pair is like a trusty side-kick. You will end up cutting a lot of things with less pain and injuries. If you only intend to cut paper, cheaper scissors are okay. If you are doing any of my DIY projects, then you need to up your scissor game!
Now before any of your expert crafter friends can question my logic, yes, I do have separate scissors for different mediums. I have paper scissors, fabric scissors, wire cutting scissors, etc. Why? Because different materials can dull or damage your scissors, making them less effective. Have you ever tried to cut wrapping paper with scissors, and the cut comes out jagged? That’s because the blades are dull. You or someone you know was using your scissors to cut something else besides paper and ruined them.
Unless you are taking a deep dive into crafting, it’s okay to have one pair of scissors. More than likely, you won’t be cutting anything other than paper, tape, or very light fabrics.
3. Acrylic Paint – Red, Yellow, Blue, Black and White
These colors provide the foundation for all other colors. If you need to understand how, please read Learn How To Mix And Match Color. You can always go out and buy a set of acrylic paint colors. I have boxes of acrylic paint, ranging in colors. These specific colors are ones you should buy in larger quantities for DIY projects. It will come in handy when your child has a school project, too. My daughter had to paint a rock for the end of the school year, which required parents to have acrylic paint. My daughter later came to me and said, “Mom, we forgot to get acrylic paint from my teacher!” I laughed out loud. “I have all the acrylic paint we need,” I told her. “Every color?” she asked. I didn’t have every color, but I could make every color saving time and money.
4. Paint Brushes
I like to keep a pack of sponge brushes on hand and a pack of bristle brushes. Like the scissors, sure brushes are mean for certain paints. If you plan on using acrylic paint, then definitely purchase a pack of sponge brushes. Target has an eight-piece set with different sizes. You can also find these at Walmart, Michaels, and Amazon. What about the bristle brushes, Nikki? You can also buy a set of brushes in the stores I mentioned. Usually, the brushes are in the same aisle as the paint. Any bristle brushes that are in the acrylic paint aisle are recommended for use. I like bristle brushes for projects with small details where I may have to make a sharp corner.
5. Spray Paint- Gold, Black, Silver and White
You will thank me one day when you are invited to a Star Wars party and need to come dressed as CP3-O. Who is– He was the gold robot in the original Star Wars trilogy! Get it? Gold Spray paint?… Okay, that was a terrible joke. What about the tin man? You know what? I am going to leave these jokes on the floor where they fell.
I say these colors as one you should always have on hand for DIY because they can be incorporated into practically every craft project. These are the sprays that I purchase more often than others, and I always buy a large bottle. The other day I was making a calm down jar for my son, and I decided to spray the top of the jar black. Did I have to go to the store and buy black? No, I had it on hand already! Any other color, I only try to purchase what I need, otherwise you will end up with a room full of have used spray paints. You can buy small cans at the store. I also love the Rust-O-Leum brand. It’s very versatile since it works on different surfaces.
As you continue in your DIY journey you may find that you only need two or three of these base colors because you don’t have to have all four.
6. Modge Podge
I’m not going to lie; I don’t wholly understand Mode Podge. I have only been using it recently. My daughter had a history project where we created a pretend early 1900s suitcase, and I put images on the outside. I had to use Modge Podge to accomplish this. Is it just fancy glue? That’s how I describe it. It has a stronger hold than Elmers and allows you to add a clear finish to certain projects. I don’t know the science behind it, but I recommend that you keep a small bottle around. It’s like a superpower; you will know when and how to use it when the time comes.
7. Electric Balloon Blower
If you plan on throwing any birthday party, balloons will be involved. I remember making balloon columns that represented different superheroes for my son’s first birthday. It took over an hour to blow up one set of 12 balloons, using only my out-of-shape lungs. I had planned to create four of these columns. Thankfully, my sister was there to help. We alternated between lungs and hand pump, but it was still exhausting. I’m going to sound like an infomercial when I say that I never looked back once I purchased my electric blower. It saved me time and exhaustion! My machine is straightforward, with no digital screen or difficult directions. You turn it on, and the air starts blowing. Then, you place the balloon over the nozzle. You still have to tie your balloons manually. So long as you are not a professional balloon column creator, this will work just fine. You won’t use it all the time, but it is money well spent when you do. Another life-changing tool I always have on hand for DIY!!
8. Painters Tape
I don’t just use painter’s tape as guides during painting; I find it capable of so much more than that. For example, I use painters tape to hang my photos. Yes, you heard right I use it to hang pictures. I stick it to the back of a frame, mark the nail holes, then stick it on the wall as a guide. I also use it to temporarily hang paper on my walls, such as my kid’s art wall. Painter’s tape is perfect for anything where I need a temporary hold that won’t damage the item. I used to use it to label my baby’s milk bottles. It’s easy to take off the bottle and won’t leave a sticky residue. Keep some in your kitchen cabinet to label leftovers, water bottles…you can thank me later.
9. Super Glue
Hot glue doesn’t hold everything, I’m afraid. Neither does Modge Podge. That’s when I go searching through my house for that multi-surface quick-drying super glue.
10. Graph Paper
Graph paper? Yes, graph paper. If you don’t plan to get a Cricut, then you will need graph paper. Before purchasing my Cricut, I used graph paper when I needed to make sizeable symmetrical cardboard letters or shapes. Even after having my Cricut, which I love, I still need graph paper to make giant letters and images. It’s a mathematical way to make perfect letters. Did you say math? Yes, art and math complement each other. Michaelangelo had to use math to paint the Sistine Chapel. Uh no thanks, Nikki, I want to stick to the easy DIY. I, too, am not a fan of math unless it’s coupon math. I can tell you how much money I will save without blinking. Ask me to add or subtract, and I fall apart. This is math for measuring. Graph paper is not a big investment, so buy a pad and try it out.
So those are my top 10 things to have on hand. Of course you will have other things based on the specific projects. My suggestion is that you always keep these items on hand. Happy creating!
