Being an overexcited craftsperson comes with its pros and cons. My toolbox is a collection of unrelated (but very useful) items and I find myself picking up new tools at the slightest opportunity.
The upside of my tool obsession is that overtime, I have collected some very versatile and essential tools which I find very useful for so many categories of crafts and even for routine maintenance work around the house. So, asides being a DIY crafter, I also get to be a DIY carpenter, electrician and plumber sometimes.
The downside? Well, I'm yet to find a use for some items in my toolbox. That is actually a story for another day.
So this is a list of some very essential items in my toolbox. Most of these tools are useful for several kinds of crafts, from woodwork to sugarcrafts and are readily available. So if you are a craft enthusiast, you should consider adding these items to your tool collection.
1.Tape Measure - This is one of the most important tools in a crafter's box. This is because precision in measurement is very essential in completing successful craft projects. I use this tool in measuring dimensions for sewing projects, jewellery making, leathercraft, crochet, sugarcraft. For projects that require sharp angles/straight lines, other measuring tools such as rulers, T-Squares are useful instead of/in addition to the tape measure.
2. Hot Glue Gun - I find this glue very handy for most of my craft projects. This is because it can hold together a wide range of surfaces. It can be used to glue plastic, wood, glass, fabric and a lot of other surfaces. The gun is an applicator which, when plugged to electricity, melts the glue stick attached to it. The glue cools down very fast and holds together the surfaces firmly. You should be very careful when working with this tool to avoid burns.
3. Scissors - do you know anyone who doesn't need a pair of scissors? No. That is how absolutely useful this tool is. It is used to...well, cut things. Depending on the use to which you want to put it, scissors vary in size and design. Some scissors are specially made to cut special materials such as leather. Also, some scissors are used to create patterns on fabric (pinking shears). Be sure to use separate pairs of scissors for soft (eg fabrics) and hard (eg leather, paper) materials.
4. Marker- I use markers to indicate measured areas and mark shapes to make cutting easy. Marking tools include pens, chalk, water colour sticks etc. This tool is useful for sewing, papercrafts, leather crafts etc.
5. Hammer - this is a very versatile tool which I use in reinforcing glue on surfaces, punching holes, driving in nails on wooden surfaces, and general repair/maintenance work.
6. Paint Brush - I use this to apply paint and glue on surfaces. It comes in different sizes, mostly varying in width. It is useful in leatherwork, papercraft, painting etc.
7. Safety Nose Masks - health and safety measures are very important in every area, including crafts. Nose masks are essential because of the strong and potentially harmful smell of some craft materials (eg paint and some glues). There are soft, commonly available surgical masks as well as the thick industrial ones.
8. Flat-nose Pliers - this is a must-have jewellery making tool. It is used in gripping items, opening jumprings etc.
9. Hole Punch - I use hole punches on leather, paper and fabric materials. The hole punch comes in two forms, the grip type (pictured) and the stick punches which require the strike of a hammer to make holes on surfaces. Hole punches come in different shapes and sizes.
10. Pressing Iron - this is a very important household tool and definitely a must have for fabric DIY projects. It is used to flaten fabrics, neaten stitches and apply iron on adhesives eg interfacing (stay).
So these are my 10 favourite craft tools and they are available around you and very affordable. Which of them do you have in your tool box and which is your favourite?
Thanks for stopping by!
