For the last few weeks I have talked about supplies you need for card making and today I am want to highlight some of the tools that are essential to card making as well as some awesome additional items.
First off if you don't already have one you will need a Paper Trimmer. This tool allows you to get nice, clean, straight cuts on your paper. They often have grid lines and measurements with an extendable ruler arm that help you to cut your paper to certain measurements. When looking at paper trimmers to buy I highly recommend looking for one that has a scoring blade in addition to the cutting blade. This will allow you to create some fun 3D projects without requiring a scoring board. Also look for ones with an extra wide cutting base (6 1/4"). This will allow you to make all of your standard cuts without needed the arm.
Paper Snips or Scissors are a must have. Look for scissors that are on the smaller side because they are more ideal for "fussy cutting" (cutting out stamped images). Even if you don't like "fussy cutting" you'll need a pair of good sharp scissors for cutting ribbon, trimming paper or even to help place rhinestones.
Adhesive is a requirement! Without this you wont be able to assemble those gorgeous cards or scrapbook pages of your kids or grand-kids. Now there are quite a few options to choose from and they all have a purpose but when your starting out you can go with your personal preference. Liquid Adhesive is great for gluing die cuts with really fine details but lots of people use it for everything because it allows them time to side the pieces into place and make sure its straight. Adhesive Runners also referred to as tape runners are a double-sided permanent adhesive. Often times you can find ones that are refillable. This adhesive unlike liquid glue doesn't allow for slide time. Once you have laid it down typically it's there to stay. My favourite is Dimensionals! These little foam dots give your cards some added dimension with is just so fun. Lastly is Glue Dots these are amazing for adhering those little embellishments such as buttons or a ribbon knot.
Acrylic Blocks are the foundation for you cling and photopolymer stamps. The stamps will just stick to the block when you want to stamp and they peel off perfectly when your done.
My first optional recommended tool is the Bone Folder whether you score your paper before you fold it or not this tool will help to ensure you have nice crisp folds on your cards which will help it to lay flat.
If you like to make batches of card I would recommend a Stamp Positioning Tool like the Stamparatus or MISTI. These tool allow you to line up your stamps before you stamp and make it easy if you need to stamp the same sentiment or image 10 times.
Some crafters really enjoy making 3D projects like bags and boxes and if you like that kinda stuff I would recommend a Scoring Board. I have one just for scoring my card bases and think its the greatest tool out there but I would suggest if you are looking for one to find one that will score down to the 1/16". I have a very old one that only allows me to score every 1/2" which has prevented me from creating some of the projects I wanted.
Lastly if you have been crafting for a while and a re looking to step up your card and are willing to make a larger investment into your hobby, a Die Cutting Machine is an amazing investment. You will have to buy dies and embossing folders to go with this machine but trust me when I say it is worth it. I have had so much fun creating card with embossed (textured) paper and die cut images. Lots of company's now a days make dies that coordinate with a stamp set eliminating the need for fussy cutting!
I hope this helps you to get started with crafting. Have you been crafting for a while? What are some of your must have tools? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy Paper Crafting!
*Contact me directly to place an order or search for Blaze Tully under 'Find a Demonstrator' to shop under me on the Stampin' Up Website.*
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