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My Favourite Tools for Business and DIY

Often people will ask me what my favourite tools are for different aspects of my work. Both as a business, and as a DIYer I have found several “tools” that work for me – and that I love to use as a part of my day to day biz.

I’ve divided the list into “Business Tools” and “DIY Tools” for your convenience. Some of my favourite tools may lead to affiliate links – this just means I may get a small commission if you choose to purchase via this link, at no additional cost to you. As stated, these are tools that I love to use and that work for me. I won’t post about things that I don’t absolutely LOVE to use.

Note: for North American readers, I have included separate Amazon affiliate links in brackets for your convenience.

My Favourite Business Tools

I Restore Stuff website on Macbook pro laptop

Social Dots:

  • My current favourite – Social Dots! These nifty gadgets are like an alternative for business cards. They’re great for connecting your clients and even networking with colleagues to share your contact details, social media profiles and even link your FAQ pages or highlight a promotion.

WordPress.org:

  • WordPress.org – this is the website builder that I’ve used to build my website. Lots of online tutorials on how to add plugins. Easy to grow your business this way.

Tailwind app:

  • Tailwind – helps to schedule Pinterest and Instagram posts automatically! It also has an amazing Smart Bio feature for Instagram, which allows me to have one url link in my Instagram bio that directs people to all the important links I might refer to in my Instagram posts, stories or reels.

Acuity Scheduling:

• Acuity Scheduling – so much more than a scheduler! This tool allows you to embed a schedule to your website, clients can book in to make their own appointment, it can automatically send clients forms to fill out before your scheduled meeting and so much more.

LED Video Light:

• LED On-camera, Bi-colour Video Light – great for Lives on Facebook or pre-recorded video to add extra lighting to your shot.

Lavalier Microphone for phone:

• Lavalier Microphone for iPhone/Smartphone – amazing difference it makes for recording Instagram or Facebook video as the audio goes directly into your phone, cutting out all the background noises. (USA link here.)

• Extension Cable For SmartLav+ Microphone, 20 Feet – so you can be even further away from your iphone and the mic still picks up your voice only. (USA link here.)

The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.

Benjamin Franklin

My Favourite DIY Tools

Essential Stencil my favourite tools

Sanding:

• Sanding Tools – check this blog post link all about the tools I use for sanding.

Prepping for Painting/refinishing:

• Prep: Zinsser BIN Stain Blocker – for dealing with ‘bleed through’ or ‘resist’. (USA: Zinsser BIN)

• Drill/Screwdriver – Ryobi ONE (USA: Ryobi ONE drill)

• Hot Glue Gun – Ryobi One (USA link here)

Stencils:

  • Stencils – Essential Stencil – for Farmhouse signs & furniture stencils (ship USA)
  • Stencils – Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils (ship from Canada)
Farmhouse Sign stencils
Essential Stencil Welcome Set

Shop my Amazon Favourites

Additionally, you can browse my Amazon USA Influencer storefront HERE. I’ve curated a bunch of my favourite books, home decor, tools and even Live video gear for you to “window shop” for inspiration.

Amazon Storefront image

irestorestuff

How to paint furniture & grow your hobby into a thriving biz!
Furniture paint: upstairs in Camp Hill Antique Centre, Qld. Australia.

Sharon Hankins | Furniture DIY
Refreshed the Lamp White colour on this Hampton st Refreshed the Lamp White colour on this Hampton style office desk ready for marketplace. 
Enquiries welcome if you’re happy to pick up from Park Ridge. 

#hamptons #officedesk #lampwhitefusionmineralpaint #fusionmineralpaint
If you received my email news this week, you may h If you received my email news this week, you may have seen a chance to score yourself a sample pot of Artisan Mineral Paint. AND - I sent out my latest tutorial video on how to use Artisan Mineral Paint with their glaze to makeover a cute side table (pictured here). Let me know if you missed it. 👇
You’ll find all these goodies and more in my boo You’ll find all these goodies and more in my booth upstairs at @camphillantiques this week. Always treasures to find throughout the Centre. 

#camphillantiquecentre #vintagebrisbane #antiquesbrisbane #brisbaneantiques #brisbanevintage #brisbanecollectables  #furniturerestoration #brisbane #vintagestyle #antiquefurniture
USA Sign makers! For 2 days only, you can save 10% USA Sign makers! For 2 days only, you can save 10% off on Pre-Orders of Essential Stencil's Southwest & Outdoor collection! 🌵🦌🏜

🛒 Apply my affil code: IRESTORESTUFF for a further 10% off the bundle.

💥 Bonus set of BRUSHES (stencil bridge fine/artist brushes)
Use my link in bio.

 #essentialstencil #essentialstencils #essentialstencilsale #essentialstencillives #usastencils #signmakers #stencil #stencilart #stencilstuff #stencildecor
Swipe to see this easy refresh of an a-frame chalk Swipe to see this easy refresh of an a-frame chalkboard. Before: see how the writing has been “burnt into” the chalkboard?
1. Check to see if chalkboards are removable. These could lift out easy like a picture frame backing. 
2. Refresh the boards with a coat or two of chalkboard paint. For this one I used @fusionmineralpaint in Coal Black. 
3. Refresh frame with your choice of stain. This frame was unfinished raw pine. I used Fusion’s Stain & Finishing Oil in Driftwood. Wipe on & remove excess with lint free cloth. 
4. Voila - finished! 
Note: remember to “season” your new chalkboard before use so that your message isn’t permanently burnt into the board. 
Seasoning: using a piece of chalk on its long side, rub over the entire surface, then rub surface with a dry cloth all over, spreading the chalk dust evenly across surface. Use a clean cloth or chalkboard duster to rub away chalk dust. Your surface is now seasoned and ready for use. 
Save/bookmark this post for future reference. 😁

#fusionmineralpaint #paintitbeautiful #fusionmineralpaintaustralia #chalkboardsign #seasoningchalkboards #upcycledecor #refinished #recycledecor
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