How To: Make a Fashion DIY Kit

For me, the key to fashion DIY boils down to one thing: organization. If I have all of my materials gathered in one place, I’m much more likely to sit down and create. Here are the steps I followed to make my fashion DIY kit.

Because I wanted my kit to be portable, I chose a little canvas bag to hold all of my odds and ends. I found this great canvas overnight bag from J.Crew's Crewcuts. From there, I filled it with clear plastic jars like these and affordable zippered cosmetic pouches. That way everything was neatly organized and I could see my materials without opening tons of boxes or bags.

Of course, fashion DIY kits will vary from person to person, depending on personal style and interests. I tend to stick to jewelry and accessory DIY projects, but I like to have some basic materials for clothing DIY as well.

My kit includes:

• Scissors
• Exacto knife
• Small self-healing cutting mat
• Pliers (chain nose and round nose)
• Wire cutters
• Chain
• Stringing materials (thread, cord, leather, etc.)
• Beads
• Beading mat
• Jump rings, clasps, components and jewelry findings
• Glue (type varies by project)
• Paint (type and color varies by project)
• Paintbrushes (assorted sizes) and sponge brushes
• Measuring tape and ruler
• Pencils
• Tailor’s chalk
• Mini travel sewing kit (including needles and assorted basic threads)
• Pins (safety and straight) and pin cushion
• Buttons
• Studs, spikes, pyramids, etc.
• Assorted trims, sequins, tassels, ribbon
• Toothpicks (for applying glue in small spots)
• Fabric, leather and suede scraps
• Resealable bags (assorted sizes)
• Clear nail polish (to reinforce knots in thread)

With the holidays around the corner, wouldn’t this make a great gift?

What’s in your kit? Did I miss anything?