Kat’s Favorite Crafting Tools – 2015

This is an update to my original post from 2014 outlining some of my favorite “miscellaneous” crafting tools, as well as my printer and label maker.

Miscellaneous Crafting Tools

10 Second Bow Maker Tool

A tool that I use quite often when scrapbooking and making cards is my 10 Second Bow Maker Tool.  It took watching a video a few times before I “got it” but now I’ve got it down pat and can make a bow in seconds and it turns out perfect every time.  I love this thing!

Teflon Bone Folder

This bone folder will not leave burnishing marks or “shine” on your paper like other bone folders.  Because it’s made of teflon, you can use it with adhesives, inks and paints and it’s easy to clean.  One of the features I like the most is that it has a flat, horizontal end. It is a little pricey so I consider this a “splurge” item, rather than a necessity.  It was on my wishlist for over a year before I invested in one.  But now I love it!

 

Scor-Pal Scor-Buddy Mini Scoring Board

Another tool I use often is my Scor-Pal Scor-Buddy Mini Scoring Board.  I have a full size score board from Stampin Up but I rarely need that one.  However, I use my scor-buddy on a daily basis.

Elizabeth Crafts Spring Action Scissors

I hate fussy cutting, partly because I have arthritis and partly, because I am a lazy crafter (lol).  These little baby scissors make fussy cutting as easy as it can be because they get into the tiniest of crevices and it takes no pressure at all to cut.  Great for anyone with arthritis or fussy cutting woes.

UPDATED 9/12/15

My new favorite fussy cutting scissors are my new Fiskars Titanium Micro-Tip Easy Action Scissors!  They are so much easier on my hands (arthritis) and make fussy cutting as easy as possible!

 

EK Tools Craft Tweezers

These tweezers have a non slip, precision tip which makes picking up small items easy.  I find myself reaching for these quite often.

T Square Ruler

This inexpensive tool gets used on almost every layout!  It allows me to line things up and glue them on straight!  A must have tool for all scrapbookers!

 

Design Ruler by Tim Holtz

Another ruler that is handy to have around is the Design Ruler by Tim Holtz.  I like this ruler because it has a metal edge and I can use my craft knife to cut along the edge of the ruler and it won’t cut the ruler’s edge.

Silhouette Pick Me Up Tool

This little tool is very handy when using small items like die cuts, sequins, pearls, etc.  It has tacky stuff that comes out of the end when you turn it which “grabs” the small items.  The other end is a very pointy tool you can use to help place intricate items where you want them.  It’s very handy and I like it a lot.

Tim Holtz Retractable Craft Knife by Tonic

Another tool that I use on a regular basis is the Tim Holtz Retractable Craft Knife by Tonic.  It lasts forever and is great for all kinds of crafts, not just scrapbooking.

Speaking of Tim Holtz tools by Tonic, I could not craft without these:

Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 819 Titanium Kush Grip Non-Stick Micro Serrated Shears

These are unlike any other scissors I’ve ever had.  They are micro serrated and non stick.  I can cut through anything with glue on it and it won’t stick. They cut through red rubber stamps like butter!

Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz

Tim Holtz plays a pretty major role in my scrapbooking tools because I also use the Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz.  It’s basically a stapler with teeny tiny staples.  It sounds like something silly I know, but you’d be surprised how often I use his when scrapbooking.  My regular staple got the boot from my desk completely because of this little tool.  🙂

We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper (1/8″ – 3/8″)

Easily round the corners of your cards or other paper products using the Corner Chompers by We R Memory Keepers.  I use both the 1/4″-1/2″ tool as well as the 1/8″-3/8″ one.

 We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper (1/4″ – 1/2″)

Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool

The mini ink blending tool is used to apply ink and other mediums to paper crafting projects.  This tool is small and gets into the corners of stencils and the like.  It’s very useful and the foams are replaceable so you only need one even if you have multiple ink pads.

Paper Trimmers

I must explain that in the past, I have had a love/hate relationship with Paper trimmers. I have tried them all (almost) and have settled on two that I really like.  This first trimmer is no longer available, however, there is a newer model that is available and you can find it here or better yet, you can find it at Joann.com and use 40% off coupon code!

The first  is the Cutterpillar Pro, however, it is quite big and expensive, but hey!  If you have the room and the budget for it, it’s the way to go!  This is my ultimate dream paper cutter and I absolutely love it.  As I mentioned, the model shown in the photo is no longer available but the newer version is.    The retail price is $129.99 but you can use a 40% off coupon at Joann.com or catch it on sale!

For those of you on a budget or just starting out, this is a great paper trimmer and I have one myself.  It is the Fiskars 12 Inch SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer and for a budget paper trimmer, it rocks.  It cuts straight (which is important lol) and expands to a full 15 inches for larger projects and has a “SureCut” wire cut line to make it easy to see where you are cutting (also very important).  I use this trimmer when I go to crops or when I need to make a cut that requires “lifting up” the blade.

Cutting Mats –  Alvin Professional -Self Healing Cutting Mat GREEN/BLACK (12×18)

The cutting mat I use is no longer sold (made by Prima), however, there are many great cutting mats and this one is very similar.  It really depends on what size and color you want.  Here is a link to a search for cutting mats on Amazon.

Craft Mat

The Best Ever Craft Mat by Ken Oliver

This craft mat is awesome.  It’s got a “tacky” surface so your tools don’t slide around, however, you can still blend easily with inks, etc.  This mat has the following features:

• Non Stick, Non Skid, Non Porous
• Heat Resistant up to 480 degrees
• Heavy Duty
• Wrinkle Free
• Wipes Clean, reusable and multi purpose

It is a grey color and slides underneath my cutting mat (which it holds in place because of the tacky nature of the mat!).  There is a funny video on Blitsy’s YouTube Channel showing someone running over this mat with their car to show how durable it is.  Here is a link.

Photo Printers for Scrapbooking

Over the years, I’ve gone through many printers and have finally found one that I really love.  I use it not only for printing photos and printable graphics, but also for my everyday printing needs such as postage, documents, etc.  I have and recommend the:

 Canon PIXMA MG6220 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-in-One Printer

It has six individual ink colors, even a gray ink and prints beautiful photographs in both black and white and color. The ink cartridges are not cheap (about $70.00) but they last FOREVER!

There are newer models available since I purchased my printer but I can vouch for this one for sure (and it’s still available).

Compact Photo Printers

Many scrapbookers, myself included, have found compact photo printers to be quite useful when printing photos that are 4″x6″ or smaller.  There are two printers that are frequently used by scrapbookers, the Epson PictureMate Charm and the Canon Selphy.  With these compact photo printers, you can print from your phone or your computer (unless it’s windows 8, Canon Selphy is not compatible with windows 8), and they print professional quality photos in seconds.  It’s fun to use as well.

I chose the Canon Selphy mostly because the price was half the cost of the Epson PictureMate Charm and because I was so happy with my Canon Pixma that I figured I’d stick with Canon! Again, the only downside is that you can’t print from a windows 8 computer.  Other than that, it’s pretty darn perfect.  It comes in both white and black too, if you are a matchy, matchy crafter 🙂

Label Maker

 

Brother P-touch Label Maker

Every crafter needs a label maker and the one I have now is my favorite of all time.  It is the Brother P-touch Label Maker.  EVERYTHING in my craft room is labeled, from my ink pads to my drawers, it has a label on it; which makes finding things much easier!

You can choose from two different tape sizes with the label maker and it has a TON of features.  If bought individually, the tape is not cheap but you can get a huge pack at Costco that is quite affordable. If I cannot get to Costco, I buy this brand because it’s less expensive on Amazon and works just as well.

I hope this information and the links provided on this page are useful to you.  If you have any questions about any of the products I mentioned, please feel free to contact me by leaving a comment on this page.