Today we are covering eleven must-have tools for paper crafters. I chose these eleven items by analyzing which tools you’ll almost always find out on my work area. These are the tools that I reach for on a regular basis for stamping, embossing, die cutting and fussy cutting. You won’t find big tools on this list, such as my die cutting machine, paper cutter or heat gun. Instead, this is a list of those smaller “essentials.”
This list is by no means comprehensive. Depending on the paper crafting category, there are many more essential tools. For example, someone who watercolors would most certainly include brushes on their list. I purchased several of these tools on the advice of Ellen when I first began card making. Others I’ve more recently discovered as I’ve tried more techniques. If you’re an experienced crafter, you may already own all of these tools. If you’re just starting out, you may have considered the purchase of some, but not known enough about a particular tool to do so.
Let’s take a look.
1. Fiskars Compact Stamp Press
One of the first stamping tools I purchased was the Fiskars Compact Stamp Press, which has a 3" x 5" grid. I use this regularly for stamping, especially for stamping sentiments directly onto a card base, because the tool makes it easy to position clear and cling stamps. See those ink splotches on the press? When using the press, it’s easiest to stamp the stamp with the stamp pad (rather than put the stamp into the pad). When I inked the stamp, some of the ink got onto the press, but that ink won’t transfer to the card unless I pressed extremely hard on the edges. The press is also available in a larger size. However, I find this compact size perfect for just about anything I stamp.
Ellen demonstrated the EK Success scissors when I asked her which scissors to purchase for fussy cutting. Like the stamp press, these scissors were an early investment. The precision-ground tips are intended for making intricate cuts. I don’t use my pair for anything but fussy cutting, not even cutting baker’s twine and certainly not for cutting foam adhesive. I have a different pair for those tasks. I wanted to maintain the sharpness of these blades specifically for fussy cutting. As Ellen taught me, turn your paper, not your scissors.
The Tim Holtz Ruler is a recent investment. On one side, the ruler is labeled in a standard manner from “0” to “12” inches, in 1/8" increments, while on the other side, “0” appears in the middle and the measurements go left and right from “0” to “6.” This enables one to easily center an item, such as a die when cutting the shape out of the base as a window.
I use the Tim Holtz Tonic Craft Pick to remove delicate die cuts from a die after cutting by poking the tool through the small holes in the dies. The tool can be used to pierce a variety of materials as well, although I don’t use it to do so. The pick is retractable, which I personally prefer to a cap, for safe storage.
5. We R Memory Keepers QuickStik
Although the Lifestyle Crafts QuickStik can also be used to remove die cuts from dies, I primarily use it to pick up delicate die cut pieces when applying glue to the pieces. The tool contains a sticky tack that is exposed by turning the top slightly. The tool can be used to pick up anything small, such as beads or gemstones. The opposite end includes a double-tipped poker with both a sharp point and a chisel tip to control small pieces. I occasionally use the chisel end to maneuver my die cuts as I'm gluing them.
I learned about the EK Craft Tweezers from Julie Ebersole. The reverse-action feature means that you can use the tweezers as a third hand, for example, when tying a bow in baker’s twine. I also use them to hold die cuts or other embellishments while gluing them to a card base.
I use the PolyShrink Sanding Blocks, abrasive-coated foam blocks, in two ways, neither of which are their intended use. I use the blocks to sand off rough edges on my card sides. The grit on the blocks is such that it doesn’t tear the cardstock. I also use the blocks to gently sand new stamps to season them if I get any splotches with my first stamp. This is another “trick” I learned from Ellen.
I’ve included the Copic Color Swatch Book in this list even though it’s not a typical “tool.” I don’t have a storage system for my Copics that makes it easy to see what I’ve got, so I just flip open the book when I’m looking for a particular yellow-green, for example. It’s also easy to see which color families I own when choosing for a project.
Finally, I’m sharing a couple of tools that just weren’t that exciting to photograph but are essentials nonetheless.
9. Ranger Non-Stick Craft Sheet
The Ranger Craft Sheet, sized 15" x 18", was another item Ellen advised me to purchase when I began paper crafting. It’s an invaluable work surface. I have my craft sheet on my worktable whenever I’m working with embossing pastes, Distress inks, Distress paints or Distress stains. I have also used the mat when misting through stencils in an outdoor environment. The sheet is easily cleaned; I simply put it in the sink to wash it off.
10. Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag
Whenever I heat emboss, I pounce the Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag on the cardstock surface. The bag will need to be replaced after many uses.
11. Thermoweb Adhesive Pick-Up Square
I use the Thermoweb Adhesive Pick-Up Square to remove adhesive from my cards, as well as to clean up little spots that inevitably get on my cards. I also use the square, which has a rubbery texture, to season clear stamps before use.
Have I missed one of your often-used paper crafting tools?
--Jean
