If you are a dedicated paper crafter like me, then you probably have craft tools that you use all the time. I have three crafting tools that I can’t live without. Stick around and find out what they are and see if you agree. There are probably way more than three crafting tools that I consider a necessity but let’s just start with three for now. If you are a beginner crafter or would like to learn paper crafting, then this should help.
Crafting Tool #1
My paper trimmer is THE most important tool for paper crafting. It is used to cut cardstock and designer series paper in nice straight cuts with precise measurements. The paper trimmer comes with a cutting blade, a scoring blade and a ruler guide that extends to 17 inches. It is very important to change out your blade periodically. You will know when it is time because your cuts will start to look ragged when your blade is dull. The scoring blade will make a nice crease along your cardstock so you can fold it perfectly every time. If you need to purchase a paper trimmer, click here.
Crafting Tool #2
The second most important crafting tool I can’t live without is my adhesive. Adhesive is good for layering designer series paper on top of cardstock, adding ribbon to your cardstock or adding another layer of cardstock. There are many different kinds of adhesive and each have their purpose. For instance, there is Tombo Mono Permanent Adhesive tape runner and Tombo Mono Removable Adhesive tape runner. I use the removable kind when I need to attach a mask to my card base. I brush some color on with a blending brush and then I don’t get any color underneath the mask. The temporary adhesive keeps the mask in place until I am done. Stampin’ Up! has a version of a tape runner called Stampin’ Seal for everyday use. Stampin’ Seal+ is great for 3D projects that need an extra strong adhesive. Periodically you will need to buy refills for the tape runner case because they eventually run out of adhesive.
The next type of adhesive is Multipurpose Liquid Glue which has a narrow tip on one end and a broad tip on the other. It is the least expensive and it creates a strong bond on whatever needs attaching. But it can be messy if you get glue to close to the edge and it oozes out the sides. Tear & Tape Adhesive comes in a roll and you can just tear a strip of it off for whatever length you need. Mini Glue Dots are great for adhering small things like ribbon, embellishments or tiny die cut pieces. If you want to add some height and dimension to a project, use double sided adhesive foam dots called Stampin’ Dimensionals (in white or black) and Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals. Foam Adhesive Strips and Foam Adhesive Sheets are similar to the Dimensionals only the strips can be used to make shaker cards and the sheets can be used with dies or larger cardstock pieces to add depth and dimension. Adhesive Sheets are flat and can be attached to cardstock and run through a cut and emboss machine with a die which creates a sticker. Then you peel off the backing and attach it.
Crafting Tool #3
The third tool I can’t live without when paper crafting is my Big Shot embossing and die cutting machine. Almost every handmade card I create has me reaching for my Big Shot. Stampin’ Up! stopped selling the Big Shot a few years ago and replaced it with the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine and the Mini Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine. I bought the Mini to take with me when I travel because it folds up and is very lightweight. The Mini only works with small dies and embossing folders. So, you need the big Boss if you are going to be die cutting and embossing with larger dies and embossing folders.
It is so much fun to die cut or emboss and it adds so much pizzazz to cards and other projects. Some dies do both! They cut AND emboss the piece it cuts out! The machine can be intimidating at first, but each plate comes numbered with instructions. Soon it becomes second nature on how to make your “sandwich” by placing your cardstock and die in between the plates before cranking the handle and running it through the machine. The embossing folders give texture to your cardstock which is another fun element to add to any project.
Additional Tools
Above are the three crafting tools I can’t live without. I could keep going if you want. My snips are also pretty crucial as well as my bone folder but I can make do without them if I absolutely must. Then there is my Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Mist that I use to clean the ink off my stamps. I think we are up to seven tools now. I haven’t even mentioned the Blending Brushes which are great for spreading and blending ink around on your cardstock. There are lots of other tools I could mention like my heat tool or blender pens but I think I will stop for now.
If you are a beginner card maker or scrapbooker and need help, please contact me. I can steer you in the right direction as far as supplies, advice and tutorials. If you are considering getting into paper crafting as a hobby you might want to consider getting the Stampin’ Up! starter kit. For just $99 you can order $125 worth of supplies AND get FREE SHIPPING. Then you will be eligible for a 20% discount on any future supplies you purchase. You can read more about it here.
Thanks for taking time out of your day to visit my website. Here is a link to visit me on the other social media platforms and a link to my online store if you need the three crafting tools I mentioned above or any other supplies. I would be very grateful if you could share this post with your friends and help me to build my small business.
Take Care and God Bless!
-Tammy
Tammy Loves Stamping
