Anytime I am on Facebook live crafting with y’all, there is one question I get OVER and OVER, and it is “What products do I need to get started with crafting?”. Let’s be honest, I could skip the blog and write a BOOK over all the amazing products that I have grown to love on this journey! But for today, I decided to put together a list of just THREE of my favorites. I will definitely add more of these lists to the blog, but I am so excited to share these with you today. I hope this is an easy reference for you when you are looking to stock up on the essentials– let’s get to it!
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon that I make a small commission on if you shop through them, at no charge to you. I will NEVER promote a product that I do not use and love.
Heat Gun
If you have been around Belle of the Barns for more than one week, you have definitely seen my heat gun in action! I love the heat gun especially when I am on Facebook live, because it speeds up the drying process on paint and adhesive SO much. If you have a project that is multi-step, this is going to be your best friend! I use my heat gun daily, and that is no exaggeration. I like to think of it has a hairdryer, but for crafting! Haha! I use the Warrior 1500 Watt model, and it’s easy to use and works so well for all of my crafting adventures. This will be a must-have for you, too, in no time.
Mini Sander
A mini-sander is another thing you have definitely seen me use if you have been following along for any time at all. The best thing about these little sanders is that they are perfect for little shelf-sitter projects, and those are a favorite around Belle of the Barns! You can use them to smooth out the rough edges of a small project, or (my personal favorite) use them to give your project that vintage look by using them to slightly distress your paint or stain. The ones I keep in my stash are the Gator Zip Micro Sanders– and the best part is they are super affordable, and come with a few different grits to get started. I never have just one, you can always find 4 or 5 wherever I’m working!
Mod Podge
Last, but definitely not least, Mod Podge! There is definitely a theme here, and this list is absolutely projects you can catch me using daily. Mod Podge is a great all around adhesive to use with paper, fabric, wood, canvas, you name it. There are lots of different varieties of Mod Podge, but the original is the one I use the most. It’s a running joke at Belle of the Barns that I am known to leave the lid off of my Mod Podge containers, so it is nothing to find several around my station at once… haha! It goes on smoothly and quickly with a sponge brush. (I’ll link those here, just as bonus! They’re definitely a must-have, too. Plus, they’re super affordable!)
One of the other great uses of Mod Podge is to use it as a sealer for your creations. You can even find it in matte or gloss, I tend to use the matte more often, but try it out for yourself… I think you will find that you use it just about every day, like me!
If you’re brand new to the crafting world, I hope you found this list helpful. I could add so many more, and I will soon! I would love to know if you’re going to try them out for yourself. If you’ve been crafting a long time– maybe this made you think of YOUR must-haves. What would you add to my list? See y’all soon!
Folk art chalk paint ! Use a sand block only because hubby has them in the garage. Not crafting much now out of wood. The dollar tree thin pressed wood carrot , I bought. t warped wen I painted it. So today making paper machet eggs,
Love all of your crafts ! You have the most creative mind. Love your down to earth live tutorials and see you being real!!
I use a hair dryer but want a heat gun. I do use mod podge and the gator sanders. I love c them they are so easy to hold.
Three of my must haves too! Spot on Danielle! I’m just trying to find time to paint my bunnies and eggs! Tried paper mache your way and it worked! messy , but fun!