There was a time when my Christmas list was filled with tools and decorating/DIY books. I actually got hardwood flooring for my birthday one year! That was my passion and I wanted to have the gear, resources and materials to help me in honing my craft. Now, I can buy those things as a part of my business, so my Christmas and birthday lists can be filled with other fun things.
If you’re shopping for a DIYer this year, though, I’ve created a collection of my favorite must-haves including…
The Kreg Pocket Hole Jig. This thing has totally changed the way we build and join furniture and built-ins. It saves a lot of time and creates solid joints.
The Spruce Upholstery Book by Amanda Brown. I recently got this book and it is awesome. It shows how to tackle all sort of upholstery from channel backed chairs to sofas to dining chairs to wing chairs. It’s a great resource book.
The Porter Cable Upholstery Staple Gun. I tried to upholster a chair with a manual stapler, then an electric one. Both are big, boxy and not powerful enough for upholstery. When I switched to this upholstery staple gun, it made the job so much easier.
Furniture Makeovers by Barb Blair. Barb is a good friend of mine, but I’m not including this book for that reason. It’s one of the best technique books I’ve read on giving furniture a fresh look.
For more gift ideas, follow my curated collections on eBay.
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Disclosure: This is a paid featured post. My eBay Collections were curated as part of my collaboration with eBay #followitfindit and Style Coalition.
15 Responses
You’re right! Barb’s book is so awesome. Chock full of everything an aspiring furniture refinisher needs to know!
Dang girl! I’ve got them all already!!!! The pocket hole jig things is JUST the bee’s knees too!
I relate to what you said about getting things for your house for Christmas. I am there right now! I am getting a mantle for my fireplace and shelves for my office for Christmas! Also, thanks for the recommendations!
Thanks for sharing this information. I already have the Kreg Jig tool, and just love it. I also love my pneumatic staple gun. But… I don’t have this upholstery book. I HAD to order it. Now I can hardly wait until it arrives! I’ve been trying to figure out how to upholster a channel back chair for quite some time now. Hopefully this book holds the answer!
Thank you for the book suggestions. I just requested them from the library. A little light reading for Christmas break and a terrific jump starter for the New Year. Would like to read more posts about your tools of the trade. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
I have the porter cable staple gun and I LOVE it! Definitly a must have for upholstery projects.
Ha! What’s not to like about a woman who asks for power tools for Christmas and Bday gifts! I’m kinda liking that staple gun too!
Cindy
I want one of those upholstery guns and the pocket hole jig. I think both of those would really come in handy for some of the things I want to do in the house next year.
This is a great list Marian! I might ask the staple gun and upholstery book for Christmas. Thank you for the suggestions! Looking forward to 2014 full of creative projects 🙂
Great suggestions for gift ideas. I am sharing your Ebay list on Facebook. I have lots of DIY friends!
Hi – I would like to know how you like your Pottery Barn silverware. Please do tell.
Thanks
Bev
Oh, I love it. I’m really glad I took the plunge and splurged on it.
We love our pocket hole jig too! Thanks for the book recommendations – they look great!
Hi!
Just used some of my ‘funds’ from painting furniture to purchase the staple gun. I have a chair waiting for a new cover. Thanks for the DIY suggestions. Linda
well,your post made me chuckle! Last Fri. I bought myself an early Christmas present!
Told my husband not to worry,about shopping,I did it for him! I bought MMS paints!wax,etc.
Love, love, love!! Never going back to old school latex. I am in the middle of painting 2 chairs and an end table. Sanding and waxing next. Have enjoyed your blog and now love your paints.