When we log on to FaceBook, Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok, we’re met with all kinds of glittery altars and magick tools. And we wonder – how can we attain these pretty magick tools and supplies? Many of us don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend on an altar and magick tools. So here, I’ll show you my favorite methods of DIY witchcraft and you’ll see how easy and powerful making your own supplies can be.

DIY Witchcraft: Homemade and Natural Magick Tools

Natural magick tools come from many different places. It could be a branch you’ve found on the ground that you now use as a wand. Magick tools can be found at the beach, such as seashells, driftwood, and sea glass. They can also be grown in your own garden. While we tend to think store-bought items are more convenient, natural magical tools are just as convenient and MORE powerful because you took the time and effort to collect and make them! Here are 10 magick tools and supplies you can MAKE from natural and affordable sources instead of spending your entire paycheck buying them from a metaphysical store.

1. Wand

To be honest, I’ve never once owned a wand. I never needed one! I’ve only ever used my hands and finger to direct energy. However, if you want a wand they are simple and cheap to make. The first thing you need is a straight, smooth stick somewhere between nine and twelve inches long. Then, you decorate it! Wrap it in ribbons, paint it, adorn it with seashells and feathers, etc. It shouldn’t cost you more than ten dollars to make your own wand!

2. Wheel of the Year

Instead or purchasing an expensive Wheel of the Year tapestry to hang above the altar, why not draw and frame your own? Simple and fun DIY witchcraft! I literally took a bowl and traced around it on a large piece of paper to draw my Wheel of the Year. Then use a ruler to draw eight spokes. Label each spoke with its appropriate sabbat and date, etc. You can also color or paint your Wheel of the Year and add whatever details you’d like. Then frame it and hang it above your altar!

3. Grimoire

A grimoire is a book that contains your spiritual journey: dreams, spells, tarot readings, omens and signs, incantations and much more. Craft your own by purchasing a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors. This is probably the most organized way of putting one together. There are many ways, though. Some witches like using leather journals, while others take a scrapbooking approach. But the point is – you don’t need to use someone else’s grimoire. You can make your own!

4. Staff

Merlin carried a staff, so why shouldn’t you? A staff is one magick tool that isn’t required but definitely worth the effort. You can make your own staff just like you can make your own wand! You need a large, thick walking stick/branch found free in nature. Be sure to thank the tree from which it came. Then sand it, paint it, and decorate it (if you choose). BOOM handmade staff for ritual workings.

5. Cloak or Cape

Some witches, druids, etc. prefer to attend ritual and cast magick while wearing a cloak or cape. This is an upheld custom by many magical traditions: a. to protect the crown chakra and b. to (originally) protect one’s identity. Instead of purchasing an expensive cloak or cape, make your own using secondhand fabric and a needle/thread (a sewing machine comes in handy for this kind of project, if you have one available).

6. Incense

While stick and cone incense are fairly cheap, you can make your own loose leaf incense by growing your own herbs or foraging for wild herbs. All you’ll need in addition to the loose leaf incense is a charcoal disk, a pair of metal tongs, a bowl with salt, and a lighter. LIght the charcoal disk, set it in a fireproof bowl with salt, and sprinkle the loose leaf herbs on top. Be sure the herbs you’re burning are not toxic when inhaled!

7. Herb Oils, Sprays and Infusions

If you grow your own herbs and/or forage for free plant material, you can also make your own oils, sprays and infusions easily. Instead of buying these magick supplies, you need a few pots and bottles and your own kitchen! Learn how to make herb oils here. Oils, sprays and infusions can be used to cleanse, anoint, and charge yourself and your magick tools!

8. Besom (Magical Broom)

If you want to have a besom in your magick tool collection, it’s not hard to make one from natural materials. Yes, you can buy fancy ones online but why not make it yourself? You save money AND infuse your magick tool with your own energy. You’ll need: a large branch, brush (from a tree/bush to act as the bristles), and twine. You’ll also need scissors, glue, etc. Here’s how to make your own besom.

9. Runes

Every witch wants magick tools that also serve as a means of divination. Runes are super easy to make and cheap, too! You’ll need either a set of 24 flat, round stones or 24 wood slices. Then draw, carve, or paint the 24 Elder Futhark runes onto your stones or wood slices. Cheap and possibly even free to make! Don’t forget there’s another form of divination called witch’s runes that are easy to make as well. These are as simple as drawing or painting symbols on seashells, stones or wood slices of all the same size. Then casting and reading the pattern of symbols to answer life’s pressing questions.

10. Red Brick Dust

Red brick dust is also a cheap magick supply that is easy to make. Acquire a red brick or two from a junk yard, abandoned building, etc. Then hammer away at it until its broken down into small chunks. Following, you’ll want to use a mortar and pestle to grind it into dust. Then save and sprinkle over your thresholds to protect your home. Learn MORE about how to make red brick dust here.

11. Cascarilla Powder

Try your hand and making powdered eggshell, also called cascarilla. Sprinkle cascarilla anywhere you wish to ward off negative energy: your home, altar, bedroom, or even on your body. Cascarilla is a great ingredient to add to your warding powder recipes. It’s also effective in floor washes, to dress candles, in sacred washing soaps, and as a dust on the outside of the body. Add it to the bath to immediately clear the auric field and work to expel internal negativity. It is used to honor Obatala and is put on a practitioner’s hands before divination. Cascarilla powder’s magickal applications are virtually endless.

12. Witch’s Black Salt

Witch’s black salt is easy to make and effective in many forms of magick. Save your ashes from your cleansing herb bundles. Add those ashes to a cup of salt. Then you have witch’s black salt to sprinkle over thresholds, encircle candle spells, add to jar spells and much more. It is cleansing and protective. It wards off negative spirits and energy.

13. Witches’ Bells

Make your own set of witch’s bells and hang them from your front door. The sound of bells wards off negative energy and spirits. Add your own charms, crystals, etc. to your bells to put your own magickal spin on it. Bells have a long history in protection magick and are also used in ritual to invoke certain deities. And in music as an instrument of celebration. Learn how to make your own here.

14. Candles

Why buy your candles when you can make them? Candlemaking is an art form, but one that’s enjoyable to learn. Add a small bit of herb matter and oils to the wax during the candlemaking process. This step infuses your intentions and extra magical energy into the candles themselves. So later, when you burn the candles, your spell energy is amplified. Experiment with different colors, waxes, molds, and more.

15. Jars and Bottles

Now obviously you’re not going to be making your own jars and bottles unless you’re into glass-blowing. BUT jars and bottles are typically things you’ll already have around the house and they can be super useful in your craft. Washing and re-using glass jars from the fridge like pickle jars, olive jars, sauce jars, etc. cut down on waste and give you a vessel to use for jar spells and storing items. Same goes for bottles either glass or plastic. Small herb bottles are great for spell work and for storing small items like feathers, shells, and crystal chips.

16. Herb Bundles

The bundles of sage you find in your local metaphysical store can be made at home for cheap. If you’re able to grow your own herbs for smoke-cleansing purposes, do so. I actually grow my own rosemary for this purpose. It’s as simple as cutting off sprigs of all the same size, then wrapping cord around them to form a bundle. Let the bundle dry out for a few weeks and boom. You have your own “smudge” (now called smoke-cleansing) bundle of herbs to purify your home and self.

17. Osteomancy “Throwing Bones” or Charms Set

We teach you how to make your own bag of bones and charms here. But, basically, by collecting a set of charms, bones, and other small items with symbolic meaning to you, you can create your own personal divination tool that’s unique to you. In my own set, you’ll find a fairy charm, racoon bone, cowrie shells, acorns and more. Remember to write down your meaning to each charm/bone used this way it solidifies the symbolism and makes it easier for you to begin working with your new divination tool.

18. A Pendulum

A pendulum is used in a few different ways including to find lost objects and to speak with spirits. You can buy a fancy one in a store OR you can simply use a heavy charm on a necklace. I’ve also seen folks use crystals affixed to cord. Be sure to cleanse and charge it before use.

The Benefits of DIY Witchcraft Tools and Supplies:

• Convenience: walk out your back door and find items to use in your practice
• Connection: looking for magical items in nature automatically gets you outside and connected to Mother Earth and the elements; making tools with your own hands connects you deeply with the material itself
• Power: natural and homemade tools have are powerful in that they are pure and infused with JUST your energy
• Cheap: if you find your magical items in nature or grow them in your garden, you don’t have to pay anything at the store (minus when you first start your garden with seeds, soil, etc)
• Preservation: you aren’t exploiting the environment or overseas laborers when you forage or make your magical tools