Top 10 Big Ticket Items Every DIYer Should Own: day 8

Since we're on the topic of craft rooms. I think I should mention another nice amenity that deserves a post of it's own.

A Deep Utility Sink.

Source: blog.maggiemakes.com via Tricia

Okay, if you ONLY sew, this might not be for you. But, I've found that even in my sewing, a utility sink has been useful, like when I'm dying fabric. The sink in my upstairs half bath is what I use when I'm working. It's just an ordinary bath sink but now it's stained with dye and yudu materials.

Having something that you can really sink your arms into is amazing. Recently, I've been making my own fabric with my silkscreener and trying to work in a 10" deep sink is surprisingly frustrating. My old house had a deep (and dirty) sink in the basement which little did I know came in handy more often than I realized.

Source: remodelista.com via Emily

  
Now, the sink is not necessarily the 'big ticket' part. You can find deep sinks for fairly inexpensive. Of course there are more pleasing to the eye options out there for quite a lot. I guess it really depends on how often other people are going to see the space and how much you care about the way it will look.

If you don't want to change you existing half bath sink for a utility one, you might have to enlist a plumber to help you install new pipes and drains. That's where the 'big ticket' part might come into play. BUT, if you already have the plumbing and don't care about looks as much this could potentially be a place where you can cut corners in a craft budget.

One option is to install a deep utility sink in a laundry room. That's a great place because it can serve as a hobby/laundry sink. Below is a nice way to dress up a cheap polypropylene utility sink.

Source: beneathmyheart.net via Tammy

Another option would be to dress up an inexpensive utility sink like above. This sink alone only costs $27. 

Here's a more pricier option in stainless steel.

Here's a nice double freestanding sink for only $98.
Ceramic ones are always classic and lovely (though pricey).
Looking on eBay or Craigslist for vintage cast iron and porcelain sinks are the best.  
They can either be really expensive. 
Or really cheap.

Source: schmancy.blogspot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

If you don't have means to hire a plumber another option might be to use one of the inexpensive freestanding sinks outdoors and use the hose as your means of running water.


It may not be perfect but you can use it 6 months out of the year.

Source: willowdecor.blogspot.com via Bethany

Finally another option could be to make your own. This is my favorite idea. How cool is this?! All you would need is a stainless steel tub with a hole for draining and a stand to put it on. The plumbing is of course separate but it looks really interesting, right?! I wouldn't mind having guests see this in my laundry or craft bathroom!

This is the one thing of the 10 big tickets items that I currently do NOT have. But boy I'd like to have one. Perhaps I can try the outdoor hose freestanding $27 one on my deck? It would make for a cute buffet cart/ice bucket/craft sink all in one!

Possibilities;)