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10 Paper Crafting Essentials – #'s 6-10

Because there are SO many things to choose from I broke this up into 2 sections. You can find Part 1 right HERE, which goes over paper trimmers, die cut machines, stamping platforms, cardstock, and adhesives.

When I began paper crafting (card making) many years ago I wish someone would have told me what tools would be best. So I bought things here and there…and most were a waste of money.

So, if you are as confused as I was at the time…this blog post is for you!

And FYI – there are SO many options of everything out there – I will hone in on the top 2/3 that I love the best.

#6 – Inks

There are SO many inks to choose from and just as many companies that have them. I recommend buying 1 or 2 based on the color that you like…and then find the ones that you like and work best for you.

Let's start with the different type of ink pads.

There are basically 2 types of ink pads – felt ink pads and foam ink pads.

Felt ink pads have a firm surface – so sometimes you need to ink your stamp multiple times in order to get good coverage.

Foam pads have a ‘squishy' surface and typically offer complete coverage after 1 stamping. If you have a heavy stamping hand it might take you a bit go get used to how to use a foam pad.

Some companies also offer mini ink cubes – which helps with storage and has a lower price point.

You can also buy re-inkers for every color.

And now to the inks. SO many different companies. The list is endless (almost).

Simon Says Stamp – Their Saturated Inks are new on the market. So many yummy colors. There are sets of 3 that co-ordinate with each other for easy blending.
Concord & 9th – This is a foam pad and I have every single color. I love them.
Lawn Fawn – This is a felt ink pad with TONs of colors. Co-ordinating cardstock too!
Gina K Designs – This is a felt ink pad with TONS of colors.
Pink Fresh Studios – This is a felt ink pad and I love the colors!
Hero Arts – HA has their core inks and inks that react to water! So much to choose from

Simon Says Stamp | Concord & 9th | Lawn Fawn

Gina K Designs | Pink Fresh Studios | Hero Arts

And then you have specialty inks. With these inks you can stamp, add water, and change the look of the ink. I use Tim Holtz Distress Ink and Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks. Both do different things. If you would like to know the difference Tim Holtz has a great video showing the difference.

#7 – Stamp Sets

There are different types of stamps. Clear and cling (rubber). My personal fave is clear because I can see through them…but the rubber stamps beautifully.

Different companies tend to have a different ‘design'. Some focus on flowers. Others are into single designs. Others companies have little critters and animals.

Here are my fave companies:

I could go on and on. Check 'em out for sure.

#8 – Dies

There are different types of dies. The 2 most popular are Framelits and Thinlits.

Thinlits are used to cut out an element to add to a card that is a stand alone – no coordinating stamp set needed. Framelits are used for easy cutting out a shape that frames a stamped image or creating a window.

The same companies that carry stamps also carry dies. Not all stamp sets have co-ordinating dies available. I try to buy them whenever I can.

#9 – Embossing Supplies

Embossing means to carve, mold or stamp a design onto something, in this case cardstock. When paper crafting we use Embossing Folders to create an overall design or Embossing powder, which is sprinkles onto our stamped image and then melted with a heat gun. Here is a great video on using embossing powders.

The basic tools that you need are:

Heat gun:

Wagner Heat Gun | Wow Dual Speed Heat Tool | Sizzix Dual Speed Heat Tool

Embossing Powders:

Embossing powders come in many colors and, of course, from many companies. I personally love all of the Brutus Monroe embossing powders. I also love fine clear embossing powder – it gives the perfect amount of shine to my stamped images. Hero Arts Clear | Gina K Clear | Simon Says Stamp Clear

Sticky Ink:

In order for the embossing powder to stick to our stamped image we need to use a clear sticky ink. Versamark is my fave. 2nd after that is Simon Says Stamp's Clear Embossing Ink.

Antistatic Powder Tool:

Before stamping with the clear sticky ink it's important to make sure that all of the static is removed from the cardstock – otherwise the embossing powder will fly everywhere! This Ranger Pouch is great. Personally I love the Rabbit Hole Designs Powder Tool.

Embossing folders:

There are hundreds of embossing folders to choose from. These folders make an impression in your cardstock and are they are beautiful. Check these out from Simon Says Stamp.

#10 – Misc Tools (bone folder), eraser, scissors

There many little tools that I could not do without. Here are a few for you.

Bone folder – In order to get a good crease in your cardstock when folded you need a bone folder that does not leave a mark or a shiny area.
Eraser – The Mono Sand Eraser is great for erasing inky booboos. A good adhesive eraser is necessary for getting the odd adhesive off of your project.

Bone Folder | Mono Sand Eraser | Adhesive Eraser

Scissors – A good pair (or 2) of scissors is absolutely necessary. Teflon scissors are great because your sticky projects will not stick to them. A pair of fine detail scissors and a pair of regular use scissors will round out your crafting essentials.

Teflon Scissors | SSS Fine Detail Scissors | Tonic Craft Shears

And that's all folks. The 10 Paper Crafting Essentials….just for you.

Check out Part 2 right here where I will go over #'s 6-10. Inks Pads, Stamp Sets, Dies, Embossing Tools and a few random tools that I love.

In the meantime – go on and grab this FREE ‘Craft Room Supply Storage Ideas' PDF. It is normally included in my Joyful Living Toolbox. Today it's FREE!