I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Quai Betts for DenGarden about my DIY equipment and skills. As an experienced crafter running my own business, Cheerodocious, for over 10 years now, I’ve built up quite the arsenal of crafting supplies and knowledge. Quai did an excellent job capturing the key pieces any DIYer needs to succeed. So I wanted to share the highlights here directly with you all, my fellow creative friends!
I broke down my must-have DIY tools for Quai, including:
- My trusty Surebonder cordless hot glue gun for versatile, clean bonding
- Long-lasting, non-stringy Gorilla glue sticks
- My beloved Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter — more flexibility than Cricut!
- Heavy duty industrial sewing machines for next-level fabric work
- A swing-away heat press to evenly transfer designs
- Sturdy shelving & storage to organize all my materials
- My Epson printer for vibrant pattern transfers
- Stackable containers to corral works-in-progress
Over a decade of sewing, crocheting, paper crafting and more has allowed me to finesse a DIY workshop that lets me fully unleash my creativity. Whether I’m making personalized dolls, cheer bows, handmade quilts or upcycled decor, having the right foundation of quality tools and organized storage makes ALL the difference!
I hope beginner and experienced crafters alike found takeaways from Quai’s thoughtful article. My goal has always been to inspire fellow DIY lovers and empower you to make incredible handmade goods. So thank you, Quai, for highlighting my passion so more creative folks can pursue theirs!
DIY Crafting Q & A
What crafting skills are easiest for total beginners to learn first?
Some of the easiest crafting skills for complete beginners are basic papercrafting, crocheting, embroidery, and hand sewing. These hands-on skills allow beginners to start crafting quickly and make fun projects from the get-go.
Where can I find crafting tools and supplies for cheap if I'm on a tight budget?
If you’re looking to craft on a budget, try dollar stores, thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces like Facebook, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Nextdoor. Dollar stores often have basic tools like glue guns, paint brushes, and fabric scissors for less than $5. Thrift stores can have yarn, fabric, baskets, and other supplies for dirt cheap. Yard and garage sales advertised in your area may have unused craft stash from previous DIYers. With some hunting, you can stock up on quality tools and materials without breaking the bank.
How can I best store and organize craft supplies in a small space or apartment with limited storage?
Over time my craft area has gone from a large rec room to the smallest bedroom in my home. This has required some really smart organization. That’s where the shelves and boxes from the article have come in handy.
