Crafting and DIY is one of those hobbies that you are either seriously into, or have absolutely zero interest in. Personally, I’m all about the craft life.
One of the caveats is that this hobby comes with a lot of tools, gadgets, and supplies, and frankly, it can be overwhelming. Even for an experienced crafter and DIYer.
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Good news though! We’ve rounded up some of the best items for crafters and DIYers that they’re sure to love.
Surebonder Hot Glue Guns
Crafting can involve attaching two pieces together, and one of the easiest ways to do this is with hot glue. Surebonder hot glue guns and products make a tool for virtually any job you’re trying to accomplish. From their detailed glue pen to their melting skillets for dipping pieces into the glue, Surebonder has you covered. They even have a line of industrial glue guns for your craft business needs. They offer low temperature and high temperature glues, many models of glue sticks, including a wide assortment of colors, glitter, and even glow in the dark glue. Get ready for your next crafting session with Surebonder.
Giani Granite Countertop Paint Kit
The Giani Granite Venetian Gold Countertop Paint Kit is a great project for a new or experienced DIYer and doesn’t involve any heavy lifting to change your countertops. This easy-to-use paint kit will transform your old laminate, wood or cultured marble countertops into something a little more 21st century. The finish will cover stains and minor flaws like cuts or burns in your countertops to make them look like you spent a gazillion bucks to remodel your countertops. It’s an easy process with great instructions and videos on their website to help. Great for the bathroom countertops, too. One kit covers 35 square feet, they even have a calculator on their site to help you.
365 Days of Stitches Book
The 365 Days of Stitches is a great book whether you are a newbie or experienced stitcher. It is designed in a loose format to document your – or someone you love’s – year with a little motif remembrance for each day. These are placed in a circle that is divided into months to commemorate events or occasions from the year. It is well thought out, with stitch diagrams that will be helpful to beginners, and a color palette that will help with the overall aesthetic. There are 1000+ embroidery motifs with each showing what stitches to use, as well as the embroidery floss colors. The book also comes with pattern sheets and an iron-on transfer for the motifs. This book would make a great gift with the inclusion of fabric, the floss, needles, and a small pair of scissors.
DMC Kits
I find that kits can be a relatively easy and inexpensive way to explore a new craft. If you have an interest in learning any kind of stitchery, DMC has a wide variety of kits that will appeal to most everyone. Kits are also great for a quick, all-inclusive project for a trip or when you want something to do but don’t want to have to make decisions. They generally contain everything you need to complete your masterpiece from thread to needles to any specialized tools for the project. You only need to add a pair of scissors and your skills to create a beautiful project. Whether you choose cross stitch, embroidery or even punch embroidery, they have a wide variety of styles, from traditional to modern to abstract. Sometimes the hardest part is choosing which kit is your favorite.
Life Whimsy Book
This book is more about unlocking your creativity and working it in to your everyday life. Whether it be work – even in non-creative fields – or leisure time, you can use author Wendy Conklin’s ideas to incorporate a more relaxed and artistic approach to how you work and play. It doesn’t matter if you are artistic or creative or not; Life Whimsy will guide you through the steps to unleash that side of your thoughts and bring a new way of seeing your life through creative living.
Hand Lettering for Happiness
Hand lettering and calligraphy has always impressed me more than I can tell you. First, the straightness of the lettering; if I don’t have lined paper, my writing is at a severe slant. Also, the evenness of the individual letters; the sizing and spacing just makes me wish I could have that skill. Hand Lettering for Happiness: An Introduction to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy is the book that will change my insecurities and reassure me that I can do this! The book takes you through the basics and helps build your skills and confidence along the way. Author Brenna Jordan starts with the materials needed, including different types of pens to different styles, wreaths, and those wonderful flourishes to make you the envy of your friends.
Quill Pen Set
Pen Heaven has been our ‘go to’ source for all things beautiful in the stationery realm for quite a while. When we set out to learn about calligraphy and the beautiful lettering, we knew they would have what we needed to begin. The Wood Pen, quills and ink set is perfect to pair with the hand lettering book to get any beginner started. The set comes with a handcrafted wood pen, 8 quills to control your line width, and a bottle each of black and red ink to inspire your efforts. There is also a scroll with basic instructions included. Pen Heaven also carries a wide selection of ink colors on their site.
Galison Liberty Thorpe Paint by Number Kit
My grandmother was a crafty kind of lady, and in her older years, loved doing paint by numbers. If you visited her, chances were good you were going home with a new painting or piece of china she had worked on. This Paint by Numbers kit from Galison is as easy as those were, but with a thoroughly modern twist. First, they’ve partnered with Liberty of London, who are known for their fabulous patterns and designs and made them into an all inclusive kit. The kit includes an 11 x 14 canvas that’s ready for you, and all the tools and supplies you need for a successful project, including paints, brushes, and even an easel.
Brass Monkey Cross Stitch Kit
Another stitchery kit maker is Brass Monkey Designs. Cross Stitch is an easy craft to learn and is very relaxing to work on. Their designs have a more modern and edgy approach, and are slightly tongue in cheek. The complete cross stitch kits make a project that’s about 6 inches in diameter, just add scissors. These fun pieces would be great in lots of settings, even a workspace cubicle. If you’ve never stitched before, Brass Monkey kits would be a good beginner project, as well as an easy project for more experienced cross stitcher.