I have so any crafting supplies…and I love each and every one. Don’t you love yours?

Years ago one of our neighbors told my husband ‘You can’t do the proper job without the proper tools’. We still laugh about that….only I have taken it to heart! I need ALL the tools.

I wanted to give you a roundup of my favorites or what I call my ‘MUST HAVES’.

The holidays are around the corner….maybe Santa will be a nice guy this year!

Ok, ALL you vinyl enthusiasts….Here you go!

Cricut Maker

The Cricut Maker is a workhorse. It will cut any design you throw at it. And, not only does it cut vinyl it will cut wood, leather, cardstock, and more. One of my favorite options is the print then cut. (see my Vanilla Labels and tags).

The products that you can put vinyl on are endless (called blanks)…..and if you can’t think of anything GUESS WHAT? Someone else has. YouTube has ideas with tutorials… you won’t have enough hours in the day. Did someone say Santa plates, custom socks, tote bags, towels, envelope labels, tags, cards, and journal covers….just to name a few?

Cricut is a great source for blanks too.

I recently purchased my Cricut Maker and only wish I would have put it on my Christmas list years ago!

Cricut Easy Press

The Cricut Easy Press is awesome. It makes short work of pressing your vinyl onto your surfaces. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) is great for all things that can be ironed, including paper.

The Easy Press comes in 3 sizes PLUS the new mini (on my Christmas list this year). There are also different colors and different bundles (with a bunch of stuff included at a discounted price). Check them out.

I have the large (12×10) and small one (6×7)….the medium one will be added to my craft room next year for sure!

And, of course, I can’t do the proper job without the proper tools. The essential tool kit has the basics. I also added the weeding tool kit and the applicator and removal kit to my craft room.

Heat transfer vinyl is just what it says….

the vinyl is transferred to a surface via heat (Cricut Easy Press). Expressions Vinyl has some of the best prices out there. And the EasyWeed Vinyl is a MUST. (BTW, weeding means to take out the bits that you don’t want…like weeds in a garden). Many colors to choose from too, AND glitter!

Adhesive vinyl, again from Expressions Vinyl is applied without heat. Coffee cups, plates, wood signs…any hard surface. My mind is filled with the endless possibilities! My favorite is Oracle 651 vinyl. I have not had the chance to use the stretch vinyl (socks and stretchy things) yet. On my Christmas list too!

I want to add a few Cricut things for you –

• Cricut has Infusible Ink. This is ink that infuses into your t-shirt, bag or item. It does NOT sit on top of the item. I made coasters this year and they came out awesome. (I would post pics but I don’t want my peeps to see them yet).
  
• They also have an access program. For a small fee per month you get access to ALL the designs that Cricut has….thousands and thousands of them. Since I don’t have time to design (I am busy making) this has been a life saver for me. There are Standard and Platinum programs.
  
• And don’t forget your extra cutting mats. Having a few extra helps with setting up the next color for cutting. They come in light grip, standard grip and fabric grip or a variety pack with 1 of each.

AND NOW TO THE PAPER CRAFTING……

Gemini Junior

I have owned many die cut machines but this Gemini Junior is my all time, hands down, personal favorite. It cuts anything AND it does not have a crank. Which means that while the die is cutting I can be doing something else. Those seconds sure do add up!

Fiskars Trimmer

A straight cutter is a must when making cards or working with paper. I have had some cutters that cut wavy – how can that be? I searched and found this Fiskars. I have been using it over a year now and love it.

Scor-buddy

When I need a score line I reach for my Score Buddy. A really easy and simple tool to use.

Nuvo Adhesive

Hands down…this Nuvo Adhesive is my favorite glue. It does not clog, I can get small dots and it stays stuck….forever. I reach for liquid glue more often because there is a few seconds of ‘wiggle room’ to line up my project or embellishment.

Teflon Bone Folder

A bone folder is a must when making knife edge creases. The only thing is…they tend to leave a shiny area when pressed down. This teflon bone folder does NOT do that – score! And I love.

I also love my craft pick. This Tonic pick is perfect for removing all those little pieces from your dies.

I hoped this helped….I would love to see YOUR Christmas or Hanukkah list this year. As usual I have craft items on my list. This year I want ALL the Distress Oxide Sprays (I have full set syndrome? You too maybe?!) Plus, the Tim Holtz Guillotine Trimmer.