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I am new to papercrafting and was wondering what are the top three (or more) things you "can't live without" for beginner and intermediate paper crafters? With my birthday & Christmas coming up, your opinions are greatly appreciated to help develop my gift list!
Welcome to this fun (and addictive) hobby! My top "go to" items are:
~Cuttlebug - with embossing folders and dies - use it on almost every card I make
~A good paper cutter and scoring pad (I like Tonic paper cutter and Scor-Pal)
~Use companies that coordinate paper, ink, and ribbon (Stampin Up and Papertrey Ink, for example) - makes life so much easier and makes the world of difference with your final project.
Good luck! Splitcoaststampers is such a great resource for all paper-crafters!
1. A die cutting machine and associated supplies (dies, cartridges, ebmossing folders, etc). Either a manual or an electronic one is great.
2. Good quality stamps, whether rubber or clear mount. Dollar Spot stamps are fun, but not usually of good quality. Many clear stamps don't give clear impressions, if they're not well-made. If you're new to stamping, check out these boards and you'll hear people rave about different stamp companies. If you're not new to stamping, my apololgies -- you probably know all this already :-)
3. Patterned paper! Then again, I'm a paper hoarder so I might be biased. :-)
The three things I can't make a card with out are my Paper cutter, It is a fiskars, my scor-pal, I can't make a straight fold without it and my ATG, it has saved me alot of money compared to the tape runners. Like someone else mentioned this is a very addictive hobby, but it can be so much fun. Have fun and good luck.
1. Staz-on black ink pad
2. Prisma Colored Pencils and Gamsol
3. Stardust Clear Gelly Roll Pen - Stardust Clear | Welcome to Sakura of America - You can get these and Joann's and Michaels.
I use my Clear Gelly Roll Pen on just about every card. It adds just a little bit of sparkle to the image, but it's not overwhelming. I am a little addicted to it actually!
__________________ "I believe, that my life's gonna see, the love I give, return to me..." John Mayer
The best advice I can give is to the buy the best quality of product you can afford. Quality paper and stamps and ink really make a difference. I love Stampin' Up's matching product line. It helps to create a very professional look without hunting for things that match. Cuttlebug or Big Shot and embossing folders are another thing I reach for all the time. A good quality paper cutter is another great choice. And then I second the ATG for adhesive. It is so worth the investment!
__________________ Rediscovering the simple joy of stamping and exploring my art! Stamp your ART out! Share your thoughts. Let your heart sing.
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FS465
I could honestly scrapbook with nothing else but those three things and a good journaling pen. I'm pretty simple!
If I had to add a 4th thing, I'd say my Slice die electronic die cut machine.
I agree with all of these with ONE addition.. a Cropodile.. hole punching for brads, and setting eyelets, and so many other uses.. I couldn't live without one..
A lot is going to depend on your style. For example, fiddlerontheroof lists designer paper as a "must have" - I'm DP challanged and just can't use the stuff; love what other people do with it but experience brain-freeze on almost every occasion I set out to use it myself.
I absolutely agree with Kathy that investing in quality is a good way to go. Almost all of the "budget" purchases I've made have been frustrating and have had little use as I've gone for a better quality alternative in the end. I guess they served a purpose in convincing me that I would enjoy the technique or whatever, though!
That said, my top three would be something like (sorry, cheating slightly here)
Some versatile rubber stamps
Inks to stamp with (favourites being Versafine if I'm not colouring with Copics, Distress and Adirondack dye inks - black and a good dark neutral like dark brown or charcoal gray plus a couple of colours that suit your style are a good start)
Manual die cutter with some dies and embossing folders ( I settled on a Big Shot for my die cutting machine and Nestabilites are my most used dies)
A close fourth on the list would be something to colour with (I'm happy with either Copic markers or Primsacolor pencils myself, everybody is different!)
I'm not overly worried about matchy-matchy supplies but I think that depends on your confidence in things like colour matching and mixing. I started papercrafting before the likes of Stampin Up! came to the UK so the DIY approach doesn't seem that big a deal to me. Kathy's rule of thumb of quality is more important as far as I'm concerned.
My top 3 "can't do withouts":
1. ATG (and refills) or monoadhesive (and refills!)...I ran out in the middle of my xmas cards and had to make do with scotch double stick tape....not fun!
2. A good quality paper trimmer (can't stress this enough!!!)
3. my copic markers (and memento black ink and copic friendly cardstock- Papertrey Ink, Xpress It, or CC Designs Copic quality to go with my copics)
Techinically that is more than 3 but you get the picture...everything else is optional in my book. I also love my Bigshot, Spellbinders/Nestabilities dies and absolutely love Kaisercraft 6X6 paper pads too!
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I definitely say a company that coordinates colors....SU, Gina K, Papertrey
It made the world of difference for me...and still does!
Enough ribbon, brads, good variety of stamps, good quality cardstock (such as the above) or stamping becomes very frustrating, as you can't create much.
Paper punches...I still LOVE my punches and continue to buy them!
__________________ All I want is the chance to prove money won't make me happy!
Another vote for the Stamp-a-ma-Jig. I use it almost every day.
I'm getting a new Wizard for Christmas and packed up my old one to send a friend tomorrow, so I'm hoping I can live without that for a week .
I use a scalpel for most of my cutting, so a good supply of blades and clear steel-edged rulers are in daily use.
A good variety of acrylic blocks if you use clear or unmounted stamps. Having something a close size to your stamp makes stamping easier.
1. A good paper trimmer! Ask around an try every one you can and see what you like or don't like.
2. Heat embossing gun.
3. Good quality white cardstock (SU!)
From there, your collection of stamps, inks, papers, coloring media and embellishments will grow.
Mary Beth
I couldn't do without all of YOU. This is a great community of friendly, talented people who are so willing to share with us all. I learn something new all the time and try to contribute when I can.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I can't imagine being back at the beginning of card making - it must seem so overwhelming on what to buy, there are just so many products!!! You need a good cutting mat and exacto blade. I love my piercing tool I use it all the time for all sorts of things it's not meant to be used for!! I use a tool called Perfect Layers, sadly I don't think they make them anymore but I can't function without them. Love my Cuttlebug and Big Shot Express. Another vote for a good paper cutter. You will develop your own "love" for tools as you try different things.
You've received great answers so I just have two things to suggest that I have not seen mentioned yet:
(1) expandable/flexible storage
(2) a good inventory system
It might seem like these are not necessary when you only have a few supplies but you'll soom acumulate (hoard) lots of different items and them and keeping track of what you have can be a daunting task at that point.
scor buddy
paper cutter-get a good/great one. not one you will need to replace
good cardstock
crop-a-dile
and the best is a friend to stamp/chat & share with
1) ATG - this is the only paper adhesive I've found that stands up under our humidity
2) Scor-Pal - I'm mathematically challenged, and this is so easy for me to use.
3) Tonic Guillotine Cutter - nice, straight cuts every time
I'll also second the notion to go with the best quality you can afford. I think you will be much more satisfied with the results.
__________________ Marcy Wolf Creek Crafting
I just love the smell of Stazon in the morning!
General papercrafting supplies: ATG, ScorPal, Genesis paper trimmer, Cuttlebug, Nesties
Stamping supplies: Good quality rubber or clear stamps (my personal favorites are Memory Box and PTI (Papertrey Ink); inks (Ranger Archival Jet Black, Memento and Ranger Distress Inks); Quality cardstock
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
Thanks to each and every one of you who took the time to respond to my question! It is very overwhelming with all of the products that are out there to choose what is important to buy and what can wait.
With your help, I am ready to make my list & check it twice!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!
I couldn't do without all of YOU. This is a great community of friendly, talented people who are so willing to share with us all. I learn something new all the time and try to contribute when I can.
I was going to say she already found the most important tool. Splitcoaststampers has been the best find ever!
I make cards so I would say:
1. Paper cutter (I use an Xcto guillotine I bought at Staples)
2. Big Shot and embossing folders or texture plates.
3. SU paper and inks and stamps
4. Punches (corner rounder, edge punches, etc.)
5. A good adhesive. I use Tombow but I hear good things about ATG. They just look soooo clumsy.
6. Embellisments of all kinds (brads, button, ribbon
7. Markers or watercolor pencils and a blendor pen
8. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate
1. Heavy duty cardstock in solid colors (whatever colors you like working with).
2. Good adhesive (this can be anything from my Uhu Glue stick, Glu Dots, to roll on adhesives).
3. Clear stamps and blocks to hold them. When these came out I thought I had died and gone to heaven. You can see where to put them and now they come in such a great variety of themes. I love them.
From here on out you will need something to color in the stamps, a cutter, rulers....the list goes on.
For more basic ideas, there are card making mags that have basic supplies listed for beginners.
And then it happens..........you become addicted (we probably all should be in therapy) and then every tool and medium becomes a must have!!
Welcome to the wonderful world of cardmaking and scrapbooking. I love this hobby!!
Wow, everyone! This is so helpful! I have a lot of miscellaneous things that I've never even touched before. Now it's time to take inventory and then shop, shop, SHOP!!
What a wonderful community I have joined!! Thank you!!
I did not see this thread when I posted one just yesterday asking something similar. You narrowed it down here to just 3 things....I opened it up in my question. So I just thought you might like to see the other thread for a longer list.
I've been scrapbooking for years and dabbled a bit in stamping, but just got into stamping with Copics this past month. I have to say, that for both scrapbooking and stamping, the most important thing is, as someone said, here, buy the best tools your budget will allow. Great advice.
I've only been to two Stampin' Up parties and one Crop & Craft. They all had make and takes, and those make and takes are the only things I have ever made. I have lots and lots of miscellaneous supplies that I've never touched.
I really needed direction in my purchases and received great help from others in the forum (including you!).
This seems like a great place to learn, grow, & have fun!!
Without reading all the replies first; I am going to say invest in a GOOD paper cutter.
There are a few threads out here discussing the pros and cons of many different brands. After paper crafting for 5 years and mostly using a Fiskars cutter with a fold out ruler on one side and "slide" blade set-up called Triple Track......I finally spent some money and bought a Tonic Guillotine cutter.
I was tired of not being able to cut a straight line every time with the Fiskars; plus with heavier weight paper that little "slide-y" blade left rough edges on my paper. Yuck!
I bought the Tonic with the 12" base so I could easily cut down 12 x 12 paper if I wanted. LOVE IT. Prevents lots of wasted paper so it's worth the investment up front.
I would have to say my top items are (can't limit to 3, sorry!)
1. Big Kick with dies and embossing folders. If you are just starting out you can get older release embossing folders for really good prices. Get the general pattern ones to start because you can use them on many different cards, and then buy more card-specific folders (like birthday, Christmas, thank you, etc.). I would get Swiss Dots, D'vine Swirls, Textile Texture, Argyle. Let me know if you want links and I can post them.
2. Nice cardstock. I buy Gina K for colored. For bases you could probably use Georgia Pacific 110# white cardstock, from Walmart or Sam's Club. I use Gina K, Paper Trey Ink or Mohawk Superfine for bases but it can get expensive. Paper Trey Ink white is really nice and more cost effective than Gina K - but the absolute best cardstock on the market (In my opinion) is Gina K Pure Luxury Cardstock. IT IS AMAZING!
3. Nice, effective paper trimmer
4. Good adhesive. I use the EZ Runner and buy the 2 pack ONLY when it is on sale or with a 40% off coupon from Joann. I stock up every other month. Scotch Double stick tape in a desk dispenser also works really well.
5. Scor-Pal - This is an amazing tool and one I resisted buying for a year because I thought I didn't need it. Now I do not know what to do without it!
6. Ribbon - you can match up your cardstock to ribbon from the craft store. Just take swatches with you.
7. NICE scissors. Don't buy the cheapy ones! Also a pair of small cutterbee scissors are fantastic. Mark your scissors paper or ribbon and don't use the ribbon ones for paper or vice versa.
8. A great inventory system. Otherwise you will never know what you have!
9. Patience with yourself.
10. The most important - Splitcoast Stampers! Come here whenever you have questions, need ideas, want to chat, or have a great idea to share with the group!
Welcome to the best crafting community on the web. We're glad you are here.
2. Nice cardstock. I buy Gina K for colored. For bases you could probably use Georgia Pacific 110# white cardstock, from Walmart or Sam's Club. I use Gina K, Paper Trey Ink or Mohawk Superfine for bases but it can get expensive. Paper Trey Ink white is really nice and more cost effective than Gina K - but the absolute best cardstock on the market (In my opinion) is Gina K Pure Luxury Cardstock. IT IS AMAZING!
I agree about the Gina K heavy base weight card stock. I have tried most brands and this is the best! I love the to make card bases with the white, ivory, soft sand or kraft.
Just off the top of my head...ATG, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Versafine Ink pad (OnyxBlack)....there are several other things I could mention but these are what came to mind...Have fun!
You probably know good cardstock, paper and embellishments, ribbons, inks, coloring media and a variety of stamps ~ all of the fun things!!
The "support system" stuff that I would consider musts:
Guillotine paper cutter - I use the Tonic cutter as solid by Stampin' Up. . . fabulous!!
A good pair of sturdy scissors - again for me SU (as that's where I started getting supplies). They have a large pair of $30 (*gulp!* i know!) scissors but they are wonderful. Even if only to cut ribbon.
A pair of paper snips. I also use Cutterbee.
Some kind of foam adhesive pieces. . . like SU "dimensionals" for "popping up" items on your cards.
ATG. Hands down the best adhesive for general use.
Scor-Tape. For any unusual materials that are resistant to regular adhesives or for 3D projects of any kind. You can tear it to size with your fingers.
Scor-Pal or -Buddy . . . some kind of scoring device and I use an embossing stylus with it for a bit deeper groove.
An X-acto knife (chisel tip blade, #16 is the best), white gel pen, emery board, a least a single glitter pen, adhesive remover (or "pick-up"), a hole puncher (a 1/6" or 1/8" is good for attaching brads, etc., but a Crop-A-Dile is handy-dandy!), Fray-Check (from the sewing notions dept. for ribbon).
Embossing folders and dies are great. I recommend the Big Shot. I also love embossing powders. If you like to emboss, you'll need a Versamark (watermark) ink pad (which is also great to use with pastels), embossing powder (clear is a must!!), and a heat gun. Also what Stampin' Up calls an "embossing buddy" which is a little pouch with a fine powder you use to prevent surrounding areas from picking up the embossing powder.
Another favorite for me is SU grid paper to use under my projects. I use it all the time!
And I use a drafting brush to clean up my work surface.
It sounds like a lot . . . but I tried to think of those little things that I reach for all the time no matter what I'm doing. As you go along, you'll discover a technique or style you like and then you'll learn what you need to execute it.
Like someone else said, I can't imagine starting at the beginning. I've only been making cards for a few years and there are so many more options even now it probably can be overwhelming ~ and if you load yourself down with options, it can even be frustrating.
Just take it easy and enjoy yourself ~ don't be in a rush to "have it all." It isn't going anywhere ;^) .
My advice is a good paper trimmer, a die cutting machine such as the Big Shot and adhesive you like. If you can try before you buy do it. I have bought a few tools and ended up not liking and therefore not using them. One other thing that I like is my corner rounder.
When I started I was overwhelmed by the amount of stuff out there...I started out with a Stampin Up Demonstrator and bought things as I need them for projects. I am a CM consultant so I had a lot of cutting tools. I got in a stamp club that my demo had and learned from there. That also gave me an avenue to borrow stamp sets at first so i could spend on tools and such.
Can't Live Without!?!
