It’s pretty common for people to react with surprise when I tell them that I have a hot glue gun and a box of sequins stored in my dorm room. Add to that all the other random things I’ve accumulated throughout this semester, and I have a DIY-ers dream right underneath my bed.

When I tell people about my Passion blog, one of the most common things they ask me about is supplies. What are the best things to have? What things do you use most often? Where do you get this stuff? Why do you have a hot glue gun, again?

So this week to try something a little different, I decided to put together a list of all my favorite things to have on hand when I want to make a project.

What’s in my DIY Box?

Pencils and scissors. I always make sure to have a sharp pair of scissors on hand. At home, I’d try to have separate pairs to use on fabric or paper, but since I’m working with limited space, I have one that I use for everything.

Paint and paintbrushes. I use paint on everything. Fabric, canvases, wood. Everything looks different when you add a coat of paint. I try to always keep a variety of paintbrushes on hand, too. (I just picked this paint and these brushes up this week while making letters for Airbands. I was missing them all semester!)

Glue and sequins. Hot glue guns are a lifesaver. I have put so many things together with this stuff–it’s crazy. Sequins are one of my favorite things. I’ve had this crazy assortment for about a year now and I use it ALL the time.

Fabric. I use this for everything. From my mural map to adding touches to shorts and vests to sewing entirely new projects. I LOVE having fabric around.

Mini sewing kits and fabric dye. I picked these up at McLanahans not too long ago. They’re perfect to have around for when I want to sew up something new or dye a boring old tee.

Thirfted denim. I always keep some denim items with all my supplies. It’s so easy to bleach something out or add some adornment and create an entirely new garment. I’m hoping to come up with some ideas for these soon.