Tools Rule

If this blog had a mission statement, it would be "to encourage and guide people to try out doing homey things for themselves, instead of paying someone else big bucks to do it." Be it roasting a chicken or hanging a chandelier, there is nothing more rewarding and fun than learning how to do something new, and finding it surprisingly simple. However, even if you are one of those wimps who won't even touch the circuit box, you need a basic set of tools if you are going to accomplish anything. I'm not suggesting you go out and buy a table saw, but you aren't even going to be able to hang a picture frame properly without a hammer, a measuring tape, and a level. I mean I suppose you could always bang a nail into the wall with a rock or something, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Luckily, I have scouted out some cute, simple and functional tool kits to get you started on your do-it-yourself-ing. And they are all-inclusive and pre-packed in cute little containers that you can stow under the sink.

And in case you are one of those intrepid souls for whom the act of walking into a hardware store does not inspire a fit of hives, here is a list of essential tools you can buy a la carte. I pack mine in a cute vintage-looking canvas-and-leather bag, that is so cute I'm sometimes tempted to carry it as a purse. Because if this blog had a motto it would be "you can be into tools and be girly too".

Hammer
Crobar
Needlenose Pliers
Regular Pliers
Screwdrivers (Phillips head, and flat head)
Tape Measure
Utility Knife
Level
Adjustable Wrench
Miter Saw

30-piece Pink Tool Kit, $79, from Little Pink Tools (all proceeds go to breast cancer research); Orange 15-piece "Fixa" tool Kit, $8, from Ikea; Barbara K! Blue 30-piece kit, $49, from Country Curtains; Klein Tool Bag (this is the one I have), $65, from Ace Tool Online.