- Scissors
I typically use fabric sheers as my go to scissors. I have a pair that I use for
nearly everything and a pair I use for cutting ribbon and fabric.
- Ruler
I use a 4"x18"grid ruler that I found in the sewing section at Walmart. The Tim
Holtz grid ruler is a center point grid ruler that is nice as well. I
also like stainless steel rulers.
- Craft Knife
The craft knife I am using now is by Husky. It has a small cushioned handle that I like.
This was purchased in a kit at Menards. I typically buy the #11
refill blades by X-acto.
- Cutting Mat
I am currently using the 12x12 cutting mat by Martha Stewart.
- Paper Cutter
I have a Tonic Studio 12x12 sword cutter that I use for paper. For chipboard I use my older
trimmer that is by Purple Cow. It has a rotary cutter on one side and
a sword cutter on the other. I prefer sword cutters.
- Scoring Board
The Martha Stewart Scoring Board is something I use often. It has scoring grooves every 1/8". This makes it easy to lay the
paper down and do what you need to do without moving the paper.
- Bone Folder
I use the bone folder by Martha Stewart. One side is flat and the other
has a curve to it. I use the curved section a lot when I'm wrapping
the covers of my albums. It's also rounded instead of being flat like
most bone folders. I that shape, I think it's much easier to hold.
[Back To Top]
Dry Adhesives
- Tape Gun(ATG)
I like using a Tape Gun (ATG) for adhering paper to paper. It's a dry
adhesive so it won't warp the paper like a liquid adhesive. With a
tape gun I can buy bigger rolls, making it more cost efficient
compared to using a tape runner all the time. The adhesive for a tape
gun is also stronger than the normal tape runner.
TheTapeDepot is the cheapest place I have found to buy tape refills. They also have an Ebay store which is where I usually purchase my refills. My tape gun was also bought from them, but their tape works in the scotch guns as well.
TheTapeDepot is the cheapest place I have found to buy tape refills. They also have an Ebay store which is where I usually purchase my refills. My tape gun was also bought from them, but their tape works in the scotch guns as well.
- Scor Tape
Scor tape is a strong, double-sided adhesive tape that comes on a roll. I like to
use this when my ATG may not be a strong enough adhesive. I also like
using tape that comes on a roll because it's easier to get the
adhesive right next to the edge of the paper. Scor tape can be torn easily, it's heat resistant, and it comes in many different sizes. Depending on the size, cost can vary from $4 to $21 per roll.
Scrapbookpal.com offers scor tape at the lowest price I have seen.
- Scor Tape Alternatives
I like scor tape but
I don't like the outrageous price. I have searched for some other
adhesives that are similar, but have a better price point.
Scrapbuck.com offers a tape that's only a dollar a roll. I like this tape very much and the price is great. They also offer dimensional dots or squares that have the same tackiness as their tape. The tape rolls they offer come in two different sizes; a 5mm x 20m and a 12mm x 10m roll. The 5mm x 20m roll is slightly smallr than 1/4" wide and over 65 feet in length. The 12mm x 10m roll is slightly smaller than 1/2" and over 32 feet in length.
Viva Las Vegas Stamps offers a tape called Miracle Tape. Their tape is strong and has the same features of scor tape. A roll of Miracle tape is 55 yards in length compared to a roll of scor tape, which is 27 yards long. Buying one roll of Miracle Tape is like buying two rolls of scor tape, except the price is much better.
Scrapbuck.com offers a tape that's only a dollar a roll. I like this tape very much and the price is great. They also offer dimensional dots or squares that have the same tackiness as their tape. The tape rolls they offer come in two different sizes; a 5mm x 20m and a 12mm x 10m roll. The 5mm x 20m roll is slightly smallr than 1/4" wide and over 65 feet in length. The 12mm x 10m roll is slightly smaller than 1/2" and over 32 feet in length.
Viva Las Vegas Stamps offers a tape called Miracle Tape. Their tape is strong and has the same features of scor tape. A roll of Miracle tape is 55 yards in length compared to a roll of scor tape, which is 27 yards long. Buying one roll of Miracle Tape is like buying two rolls of scor tape, except the price is much better.
- Tape Runner
I use a tape runner when I working with smaller projects, such as card
making. I don't use glue runners often, but it's something I like to
have around. I'm not particular to any brand. There are different
kinds of glue runners, such as dots, stripes, and solid. I prefer to
use a permanent solid runner. I also use removable tape runners.
- Glue Dots
Glue dots are nice for adhering small embellishments, such as buttons and
flowers. This makes for instant adhesion. I not particular about the brand that I use.
- Hot Glue Gun
A hot glue gun can be used for a wide variety of things; this is why I
like it. Also it has an instant bond and sets up fast. I am currently using a "standard" hot glue gun.
Liquid Adhesives
- Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
Aleene's Original Tacky Glue is a really thick and strong glue. As is, I like
to use it for a variety of things, but I find it adheres chipboard to
chipboard very well. I like to mix this glue, in a jar, with water to
thin it down. This gives me a thinner consistency; similar to
the consistency of book binding glue. Then it can easily be spread with
a foam brush. I like to adhere paper to chipboard this way. It gives
me 100% full coverage.
- Scotch Quick
Scotch Quick Dry is
thinner than Aleene's Original Tacky Glue and it dries quicker. In
certain situations this works better than Aleene's Original Tacky
Glue, because I need a thinner bead or I need the glue to
dry faster.
- Glossy Accents by Ranger
Glossy Accents is a finer detailed glue than dries even quicker than
Scotch Quick Dry. I like to use this as an accent and with small things, it makes a great glue. Also available is matte,
crackle, and sepia accents.
- Glue Sticks
I don't use glue sticks regularly, but sometimes a glue stick can be the best way to adhere something. I have tried many different kinds; expensive ones and super cheap ones. The cheapest glue sticks I have found have also had the best quality. The glue sticks I use are available at Hobby Lobby.
Glues and Sealers
- Mod Podge
Mod
Podge is a all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish by Plaid enterprises.
There are different kinds of Mod Podge; such as gloss, matte, hard
coat, glitter, shimmer, and more. Mod Podge is a great way to glue
multiple layers and finish projects. This is a water-based product
that may remain tacky after cured, especially in humid climates. When
used as a finish it's recommended to use a acrylic sealer over the
top.
- Royal Coat Decoupage Finish
Decoupage
is another product offered by Plaid enterprises. This product is also
a glue and sealer. In most instances, this is used in the art of
decoupaging.I use it for the art of decoupaging and my general craft projects. It provides a
water resistant finish. So an acrylic sealer is not necessary.
- Krylon UV Resistant Clear Coat Matte and Krylon Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze
There
are many different acrylic sealers on the market. These are just two
that I keep around all the time for finishing my projects. They can
can be used on a variety of surfaces; such as wood, metal,
wicker, plastic, glass, plaster, ceramic, paper, paper mache, and
dried or silk flowers. These sealers offer a permanent, protective
finish that is fade resistant and non-yellowing. The matte clear coat
gives a matte finish even over a glossy one. The Triple-Thick
Crystal Clear Glaze gives a high-gloss finish that looks like glass.
These products come in spray cans which makes the application fast and easy.
[Back To Top]
When I first started papercrafting, I purchased the cardstock packs that were offered at
Walmart. At that time, the brand was Paperbilities, Walmart now
carries Colorbok cardstock. Years later I was introduced to the
Michael's Arts and Craft store. I began purchasing the Recollection
cardstock packs they offer. I still use both brands of cardstock and
I like them both.
More recently I have started purchasing my cardstock from ThePAPERMILLStore.com. They offer a variety of cardstock types as well as different sizes. My personal preference has been the ColorMates Smooth and Silky cardstock. Before I had to purchase colored cardstock in multicolor packs that would only provide a few sheets of each color. Now I can purchase any color they offer in bulk packs. They also have a steady supply of their cardstock. So I'm not worried when they're going to retire certain colors. Like I might be with other companies, like Paper Trey Ink or Stamping Up.
More recently I have started purchasing my cardstock from ThePAPERMILLStore.com. They offer a variety of cardstock types as well as different sizes. My personal preference has been the ColorMates Smooth and Silky cardstock. Before I had to purchase colored cardstock in multicolor packs that would only provide a few sheets of each color. Now I can purchase any color they offer in bulk packs. They also have a steady supply of their cardstock. So I'm not worried when they're going to retire certain colors. Like I might be with other companies, like Paper Trey Ink or Stamping Up.
[Back To Top]
There many companies out there that have great paper collections. I am not particular to any
one company or even few. There are paper collections that I like from most of the major companies, but I don't like all their paper. However, I do find myself purchasing a lot of Bo Bunny and Die Cuts With a
View papers.
[Back To Top]
The magnets I use are called neodymium magnets. These are extremely strong so take
precautions when having these in your possession. These can be purchased in
different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. I purchase my magnets from
K & J Magnetics.
[Back To Top]
I am not affiliated with any companies, businesses, or organizations that have been referred to on this page.
