It’s National Hobby Month, and that means it’s a great time to get started on all those DIY projects you’ve been putting off. Want to start showing off your skills, make your own stuff and maybe even save some money, to boot? There are all sorts of crafts you can make that will add personality to your home, but before you can get started you need to assemble a crafter’s toolkit. Find out what you need to make your hobby happen.
Essential DIY Tools
Anyone can get a great idea, look up tutorials online or find inspiration unexpectedly. But lots of people ignore their DIY urges, or put off that project a little while longer, because they don’t have the right tools to get started. Don’t let this happen to you! Put your crafting toolkit together right now, and the next time you get inspired you’ll be ready to act.
- Hot glue gun: So many projects wouldn’t be possible without a hot glue gun. You’ve got to get one if you plan to work with metal, glass, wood or plastic – not to mention a few other materials. It’s very easy to use a hot glue gun, though it can be a little intimidating at first. Remember to let it heat up before you attempt to use it, and get yourself some old wood or fabric scraps the first time you try it out. Use the glue gun when it doesn’t matter to get comfortable with it, and when you’re ready to use it for real you’ll be a lot more confident.
- Staple gun: If you want to re-cover couch cushions, re-upholster anything or work with fabrics, you want to get yourself a staple gun. This tool is very easy to use, though it frightens plenty of DIYers. To properly use a staple gun, press it firmly against your project and hold yourself steady as you pull the trigger. The staples shoot right out of there, so always exercise caution. Do not point the staple gun at a living creature or any delicate item, especially your own hand!
- Needle and thread: Keep some spools of thread in different colors handy, along with at least one sewing needle. These are invaluable tools for mending clothes, adding buttons and finishing up fabric-related DIY projects. With just a needle and thread and some fabric, crafters can create all manner of accessories and clothing items, not to mention stuff to show off around the house. Get basic thread colors like white, black, brown and red, and you’ll have a basic kit for pretty much any fabric-related crafting project.
- Tape measure: Get a tape measure, and put yourself in a position to correctly complete your craft projects. Always measure everything at least twice before you cut anything.
- Craft bin: It can be a small shoe box or a giant plastic container with a lid, but get yourself some sort of collecting receptacle. You need a place to store cords, feathers, shells, buttons, fabric scraps, ribbons and all those little odds and ends that become so useful when you start doing a lot of crafts.
Creating Your Toolkit
Keep your crafting tools and all your DIY stuff together in one accessible location. You may not always know what you’ve got on hand for your projects, but you should always know where your stuff is. Once you assemble your toolkit, make a space for it, and you’ll be ready to start crafting at any time.
Comments