Creative Crafting: Best Tools for DIY Lovers

There’s something magical about taking an idea and bringing it to life with your own two hands. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved being creative. Whether it’s trying a new craft, repurposing something old, or just experimenting with materials, crafting has always been my happy place.

I’ll admit, I’m one of those people who sees something and immediately thinks, “I can do that!” Sometimes I can; sometimes, let’s just say it’s a learning experience. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it? The trial and error, the satisfaction of completing something unique, and the occasional realization that, well, maybe next time I’ll leave it to the professionals.

Two crafts that have stayed close to my heart over the years are crocheting and making beaded jewelry. Crocheting is my winter craft — there’s just something cozy about sitting down with yarn and creating something warm and beautiful during the colder months. Beaded jewelry, on the other hand, is my year-round go-to. I love playing with colors and textures to create pieces that are not only pretty but personal.

I have to laugh whenever I see that meme about spending $92 on craft supplies to make something you could buy for $7 because, well, that’s me to a tee. Crafting isn’t just about saving money; it’s about the process, the creativity, and the joy of making something your own. (At least, that’s what I tell myself when I’m adding another set of beads or a new skein of yarn to my cart!)

In future posts, I’ll share some of my favorite crafting projects and maybe even a few tutorials. But for now, I wanted to wrap up this post with a list of some of the crafting/hobby supplies I’ve purchased and loved. These are items I’ve found that have made my creative adventures a little easier (and a lot more fun).

If you’re a fellow crafter, I’d love to hear about your favorite projects or supplies in the comments. Let’s keep the creative inspiration flowing!

JEWELRY

3mm gold filled beads

5mm gold filled beads

11/0 Seed beads

More 11/0 seed beads

Big eye needles

Bamboo beading board

Stretch beading cord

Black and white or gold and white letter beads

Detail scissors

YARN CRAFTS

Yarn tension rings

Yarn tote bag

Crochet hook set

Stitch markers

COLORING/PAINTING

Diamond painting storage container (my daughter, Lauren, is 21 and loves diamond painting!)

Diamond art kit (cowboy boots)

Canvas paint by number

36 Acrylic paint pen set

48 Acrylic paint pen set

Color by number book

80 Alcohol marker set

Boho coloring book

Desert coloring book

Country scenes coloring book

In the Forest coloring book

81 Colors-alcohol markers

Tracing pad

POLYMER CLAY

Sculpey Premo polymer clay

Pasta maker (to use for polymer clay crafts)

Polymer clay extruder

Air dry clay

Macrame cord

MY CRICUT SUPPLIES

Cricut cutting mats

Cricut tools

Cricut machine (I have been using my same Cricut machine for over seven years! I am linking one of their newer models)

Siser easyweed heat transfer vinyl

Oracal 651 permanent vinyl (use for decals)

SEWING

Fiskar rotary cutter

Fiskars sewing ruler

Fiskars cutting mat

Brother sewing machine

Dritz ruler set

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I’m Tammy

Wife to my wonderful husband Patrick, and a mom to four young adults. I love crafting, DIY projects, cooking, and exploring life’s little adventures. On this blog, I share tidbits of my everyday journey — from family life and creative projects to product finds I love. Thanks for joining me!

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