DIY essentials: affordable tools and materials you absolutely need to start crafting at home

As you all may know, I started showcasing my DIY and upcycling project on YouTube recently. I have been asked several times, where did I get the tools and materials for my DIY projects and how I can get them, too. In this post, I am going to share my list of 22 items, which I call DIY essentials. Most of them I have used already in my projects, some of them I am about to try out. The fact is, all of the items are affordable and you can easily purchase from Amazon. The links I will share under each item.

DIY essentials

Jute twine and macrame cords

In one of my video and a post, I fully dedicated to DIY projects from jute twine and created 3 pretty home decor items: a coaster, a lampshade with a chessboard pattern and knotted carafe. If you are curious about those projects, check the post – Simple DIY projects from jute twine. In another project, Upcycling IKEA jute basket, I have used macrame cords of 3 colours to decorate a basket planter.

Jute twine (300m, 2-3mm) https://amzn.to/3hdqIVd
Macrame cord, white (100m, 3mm) https://amzn.to/3ha2aMO
Macrame cord, grey (100m, 3mm) https://amzn.to/3beYzt3
Macrame cord, green (100m, 3mm) https://amzn.to/3xYW8Ex

Clay

In my very first video, Sustainable DIY fox planter, I have created a nice fox planter as a birthday gift, I have used some clay to build the ears and legs of the fox. Clay is essential for DIY projects and can be used in many ways. I am sure I will be using it more in the future.

Clay, soft white, 1kg https://amzn.to/3xWBo0i

Wooden sticks and popsicles

I have a cute project, where I have build coasters in the shape of mini pallets, you can check out the Mini pallet coasters, using popsicle sticks and wooden sticks. It was a successful project that has received warm feedback.

Wooden popsicle sticks (300 sticks) https://amzn.to/2QGEhlg
Wooden square sticks (25 sticks) https://amzn.to/3xGbAFC
Wooden sticks (100 sticks) https://amzn.to/2SFRift

Hot glue gun

I have been using a lot of hot glue in my recent projects, so the hot glue gun became my favourite tool.

Hot glue gun (+50 sticks) https://amzn.to/2QYTCwZ

Measuring tools

A cutting mat and a ruler became important tools for me as well. Now, having a bit of experience with crafting, a cutting mat is a must-have tool! Trust me!

Cutting Mat A3 https://amzn.to/3nHmSVj
Ruler 30cm https://amzn.to/2RJFc4c

Working with wood

I still don’t have much experience with woodworking, but one of my upcoming projects is all about that. So I have purchased recently some important tools and material to make my learning smoother.

Sander 125W (+16 sandpapers) https://amzn.to/3vTbWa1
Roll of sandpaper (500mm x 93mm) https://amzn.to/3f67iPj
Dark brown wood stain (0,25l) https://amzn.to/33vlZ9b
Wood stain oak colour https://amzn.to/2RbhWfA
Set of paintbrushes https://amzn.to/3eAVsxL
Paint, Victorian White (750g) https://amzn.to/3fcTcfg
Black spray paint (200ml) https://amzn.to/3euR6Ih
Granite-effect spray paint (400ml) https://amzn.to/3y1oe1V

Masker

A good idea to mask part of the surface you want to avoid painting over by using a masker.

Masker (550mm x 33m) https://amzn.to/3xXUmDR

Working with metal

I just started working with metal and you can check my most recent DIY project, Wall decor with wire, where I used wire to create wall decor and home decor items.

Metal rings (16 rings) https://amzn.to/3tABjfe
Silver wire (116m) https://amzn.to/3hgSdgG

In one of my upcoming posts, I will share with you the electric tools I am using for home improvements and DIY. They are a little bit on the high end but highly recommended.

Tell me, what are your essential DIY tools and materials?

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You can see them all together on my Amazon DIY Essentials page.

Photo: A screenshot of DIY Essentials page on Amazon.