I have to admit, I am a Crafting Tool “Tryer”. I seem to have to buy every new thing that comes along so I can try it out! If I like it, it sticks with me, if I don’t, I usually gift it or sell it, but if it’s a tool, I’ve probably tried it! LOL This post is all about the awesome, miscellaneous crafting tools I use and love, that don’t fit into any other category. For instance, stamping tools and die cutting tools are listed in their own sections.
Craft Mat
My first favorite new tool this year is my Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat.
I haven’t had this mat for very long but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! (Did I mention that I love it? LOL) Prior to this, I had a glass mat from Ikea and it was fine but it was white (it also comes in black) and had no grid on it. The Tim Holtz Mat measures 14×23 inches and features a gridded area AND a 7.5×11 inch mixing palette area with a 7.5×11 inch removable non-stick mat with heat resistant surface. I love that I can mix anything on this mat, heat emboss, cut, etc all on one mat! I loved my Tonic Craft Mat (still do), but I find I rarely need it anymore now that I have the Tim Holtz Media Mat. This product is a little hard to find, but it’s so worth the cost and any wait you may have.
Paper Trimmers
I have had the same paper trimmer for years and it is still my favorite. I’ve tried 3 or 4 new ones this year but none of them compared to tried and true Cutterpillar Pro…..Except for ONE. I’m sure it’s because my new favorite is just a smaller version of the original, it is the Cutterpillar Crop.
In all the years I’ve been crafting, I’ve never used a trimmer better than the Cutterpillar(s). Whether you want a large one with a bigger footprint or a smaller one that can be more space friendly, you can’t go wrong with this brand. I got my first one when they were doing a Kickstarter program several years ago and although I have bought MANY trimmers since then, these are the ONLY two I’ve kept. (I have three other brands that I tested for sale now LOL).
Anyway, some of the features I like about the Cutterpillar(s) is that the rotary blade NEVER has to be replaced. When they say that, they really mean it. I have put my trusty Cutterpillar Pro through the test of time and it’s still going as strong as day one! I like the LED lights which help you cut exactly where you want in all kinds of lighting. I also appreciate the fact that you can cut a 12″ sheet of paper with no trouble because the cutting surface is 15″ x 17″ and the ruler goes up to 17″. It also has a handy little storage tray on the bottom that I tend to forget about, but it’s a good feature if you want to keep something in there.
Some of the things I specifically like about the Cutterpillar Crop is that it has the same sturdy construction and other features as the Pro plus:
- The smaller foot print (takes up less room) than the Pro. It has a base of 6.5″ but can still cut a 12″ sheet of paper with no problem. The ruler extends to 17″!
- It is lightweight and portable.
- Can cut through chipboard like butter and then something as light as vellum and the edges are always smooth and straight. You can cut a big piece or a teeny, tiny sliver with no worries.
Scoring Tools
The next two tools are carried over from last year because I love and use them just as much as before!
On my list for another year is my trusty Scor-Buddy. This handy little scoring tool is the perfect size for cardmakers and doesn’t take up a lot of room.
Also remaining on my list again this year is my Teflon Bone Folder. This little tool is so handy. I use it with my Scor-Buddy and alone to score/crease my cards and projects. I love the flat edge on the bottom! It glides right over your paper smoothly and doesn’t leave marks like some other bone folders. It is a little bit of an investment but once you use it, you’ll never look back! You can also find them now on Amazon for less.
Pick Up Tool
When working with small objects such as sequins, beads, even small die cuts, I always use my Crystal Katana. This little tool is amazing and makes crafting so much easier. No fumbling around, no sticky stuff and best of all, it releases the object when you lift it, unlike some other pick up tools. The inventor of this tool is a genius! The Crystal Katana is refillable too!
You can also get a similar product for less money by buying it in a smaller size. It is called the Tanto. One difference is that you cannot replace the tips on the Tanto like you can on the Katana. In 2015, I did a review and demonstration blog post and video which shows how it works which you can watch below if you’d like:
Hannah Rubenstahl from the Kat Scrappiness design team also created a video recently showing how the Crystal Katana works as well as some tips on sequin placement. You can view it below:
Ink Blending Tools/Sponges
Also a carry over from last year are the Creative Expressions – Mini Smoothie Blending Sponges – These little sponges have changed my crafting world! And I’m totally not exaggerating! I used to avoid ink blending and backgrounds because I could never blend anything smoothly using the Ranger Blending Tools. I always left circles and marks on my cardstock. Now that I’ve discovered these little blending sponges, I create ink blended backgrounds quite often and I love it! Here and here are a couple of cards I made using these to create the background.
They also come in a larger size here.
Bow Maker Tool
The Bowdabra Mini bow making tool is new to my list this year. My best friend introduced me to this tool and I’ve enjoyed learning to make bows (double and triple bows too!)
Sand Eraser
Another carry-over item is the Tombow Mono Sand Eraser (Thanks Jennifer!) – This little eraser is so very helpful when I make a mistake. It removes almost any mark from your paper including colored pencils, inks, pens and even some markers! If you just rub it gently over your paper it will remove the mark without leaving damage to your paper. It’s amazing.
T Square Ruler
All of the (available) products mentioned in this post are listed and linked below for your convenience.
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