Here are 6 basic tools i use over and over again when I’m crafting a project. See the list below describing how I use each of them.
- Punches Let’s face it, as crafters we have a tough time throwing out craft odds and ends. Aside from punches being handy to cut out various small shapes, I use them to punch out all the spaces in between from paper that i used for another project but there’s not enough left to really keep. Blue or Gold Hearts anyone? Crcles and butterflies out of any color at all? You can make party confetti, mobiles, or super cute garlands all from the leftovers and one basic punch!
- Speaking of punches, you NEED a plain old hole punch. Either a single hole punch or even a 3 hole punch from your home office will do and you also might consider a tiny single hole punch as well. Use for making holes to string up banners and punching holes to pop brads thru. The tiny size will be great for 1/4 in ribbon or twine.
- Edging Scissors If you don’t have a cutting machine, don’t worry, everything can be done by hand. And these scissors make a plain square, circle or any other shape different than the last one! I’m partial to a pinking shear and a scalloped edge but they come in a variety of edges.
- Corner Rounders These are small little hand punches that you will find in two basic sizes. They take a plain old square or rectangular piece of card stock or patterned paper and turn them into a nicely finished, gently rounded shape. It’s a nice finishing touch for all of your hard corners.
- Bone Folder Do you know what that is? A simple little tool to make a really nice crease or score mark in your paper crafts. If you are making cards, you simply use the bone folder to first, score a fold line into your card and then after folding the card along that line, run the bone folder along the spine of your card to make it nice and crisp. You can get one with a craft store coupon for around $3. And yes, you could just use about anything to make that crease, but really, you will fall in love with this tiny and basic little tool. Trust me!
- A Paper Trimmer and Scoring Board. All one tool. You can measure, cut, and score perfectly straight lines with ease. There are several out there so just pick your favorite! And then, don’t forget to round those corners!
What is your favorite papercrafting tool not mentioned here? Comment below and tell me about it, because i might not have it yet, and i’ll probably want it!
