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ESSENTIAL TOOLS

IN THE BEGINNING, 

There was paper, stamps, and scissors

and then this happened!

Hello, Crafty Peeps


You will get here faster than you can imagine!  That's part of the Fun!

  I hope this Community will help both novice and seasoned paper crafters. 
I will try to keep this page as current as possible.  
New products hit the market every day so, bear with me.

Well, let's just get right into it.  
Here are some basic tools and other crafting supplies you definitely need.
I have linked to Amazon for these reasons: (1) Ease of ordering, Two-day shipping on most items, Availability of products. (2) I am an Amazon Associate.  However, the brands that are specified in the listing below have been chosen because I use these products every day and can vouch for the quality and value.
  The cheapest choice is not always the best choice.

YOU MAY CLICK ON THE ITEM TO REVIEW OR PURCHASE


Glass Media Mat
This product is at the top of my must-have list.  If you are among the crafters who do not have a dedicated crafting space, the media mat will greatly enhance your crafting experience.   This is a multipurpose work surface that has improved project processing for crafters of all skill levels!

There are many videos on YouTube showing how to use the Media Mat.
Here is Tim Holtz demonstrating this product!


Paper Trimmer  
Scissors

Tim Holtz Tonic Scissors


EK Success Cutter Bee Scissors

Fiskars Easy Action Micro-Tip Scissors
Fiskars Razor Edge Micro-Tip


Click item


Craft Knife
This is the knife I use.  I would be lost without it.  Cost a little more..but worth it.

This is my second knife!
(No longer available at Amazon)
Tim Holtz Craft Knife
(not my favorite, but it works)


Bone Folder

HG Crafting Teflon Bone Folder
I highly recommend purchasing a Teflon bone folder.
 These bone folders will not leave a shiny glaze on your paper.
Fm
I use this tool for scoring and also for creasing papers that will not be seen in my projects 
(i.e., insert pages for my Traveler's Journals)

Score Boards
(This is not an immediate need since you can score your projects using your Paper Trimmer)


Die Cutting and Embossing - Manual
** Visit our page on Manual Cutting Machines to read about the differences in these machines. 
I  recommend purchasing the Big Shot Plus because it gives you a larger cutting area.  You can cut multiple dies in a single pass.

Dies - Metal and Steel Rule
I would recommend purchasing the basic shapes first.
Squares, Ovals, Rectangles, Circles
Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Spellbinders, and Memory Box are among my favorite Die companies.
You may want to purchase a few decorative dies, but, in the beginning, you should probably only purchase a few.
As with all craft purchase, a lot will depend on your design aesthetic and your budget.

Paper - Card Stock//Cover Stock
**You need good, heavyweight paper #80 or higher.  
I often use Cover Stock which is heavier than Card Stock.  Card Stock is good to start.

Designer Papers
This is a matter of personal taste.  I would recommend not purchasing too many of the Paper Stacks.   I would look for places that sell paper by the sheet and purchase a few that I like for specific projects.   Until you start making large numbers of cards, you may find yourself stuck with paper that you never use.  I speak from experience.  
As a matter of fact, from time to time, 
I may try to unload some of my stashed items on you guys! :D

Here is a place that sells by the sheet.  They also have a lot of discontinued stock.
 I also recommend:
Oozak is a great place to purchase Copic Markers  (more about that later)
I am an Amazon Associate.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Ruler
Design Ruler
Double-sided Tape
Liquid Adhesives**
Masking Tape/Painters Tape
Of course, you will need a few stamps.  Acrylic or Wood Block Stamps. 

This page will be updated as needed!

1 comment:

  1. Dear Chana
    Thank you so much for this blog and i just came upon you accidently from your other challenge blog avenue 613.blogspot.com. I love your blog so much. Thanks a ton for your efforts. Blessings to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting! We look forward to seeing your submissions to our challenge. Your support of our little challenge is greatly appreciated!

Hugz,
Chana