Advanced Tape Glider (ATG)
The first item on my list would have to be my Scotch/3M Advanced Tape Glider - most commonly known as an ATG gun. I have the pink one shown in the photo but it does come in other colors. These guns were used primarily by custom framers before the paper crafting world got wind of them. The adhesive is very strong. The ATG is a bit unwieldy at first. But it's great once you get used to its size. The tape rolls come in 36 yards and are relatively inexpensive compared to the tiny refills of other tape runners (at twice the price). The rolls are also available in several widths. I'm a 1/4" girl. The price on these babies were in the $40 range not long ago. But I see that Amazon has them at $16.36 as of this writing (9/16/13). Maybe I need a backup...
Sakura Stardust Pen
One of my favorite accents on cards is the Sakura Stardust Pen in clear. It adds subtle sparkle to a project on light paper and a more dramatic impact on dark paper. I outlined the cat below with this pen. I'm really happy with how it came out. It also lets you add glitter-like accents to paper without having to pay the extra price to buy them that way. I gave quite a bit of info on these pens at this post.
Embossing Folders
Whether you are a fan of the Big Shot, the Cuttlebug or any of the numerous machines able to do embossing, embossing folders have to be the best tool since the craft knife! You get such a "wow" factor for the little bit of effort involved. Several companies make embossing folders. I personally have not found much of a difference between them. The main factor is whether or not you like the pattern - and their are tons. You can choose from grunge-type folders designed by Tim Holtz all the way to elaborate designs by Anna Griffin. Since Anna Griffin is my all time favorite designer, I tend toward her designs. This picture shows two pieces of the same paper to demonstrate the impact of embossing. The piece on the left is as it came from the store. The piece on the right has been run through my Cuttlebug using the Anna Griffin Foulard embossing folder. You can't deny the difference. I tend to emboss something on most of my cards - making embossing folders one of my very favorite crafty things. As an added benefit - folders can usually be purchased at the big box craft stores with a discount coupon.
Whether you are a fan of the Big Shot, the Cuttlebug or any of the numerous machines able to do embossing, embossing folders have to be the best tool since the craft knife! You get such a "wow" factor for the little bit of effort involved. Several companies make embossing folders. I personally have not found much of a difference between them. The main factor is whether or not you like the pattern - and their are tons. You can choose from grunge-type folders designed by Tim Holtz all the way to elaborate designs by Anna Griffin. Since Anna Griffin is my all time favorite designer, I tend toward her designs. This picture shows two pieces of the same paper to demonstrate the impact of embossing. The piece on the left is as it came from the store. The piece on the right has been run through my Cuttlebug using the Anna Griffin Foulard embossing folder. You can't deny the difference. I tend to emboss something on most of my cards - making embossing folders one of my very favorite crafty things. As an added benefit - folders can usually be purchased at the big box craft stores with a discount coupon.
Fiskars Softouch Micro Tip Scissors
Scissors are perhaps the most essential part of paper crafting. I've used many different types and like many of those currently available. The scissors that I started using years and years ago are still my favorite. I even have three pair. These are the Fiskars Softouch Micro Tip scissors. They have a spring built into the handle to keep your hand from getting stiff. They are very sharp which makes them great for getting into tight spaces. A sheath is provided for added protection. Believe me, they're worth the money - especially with one of those great discount coupons.
YouTube
A new "tool" that I've come to depend on is YouTube. I've found that you can find a video demonstrating just about any tool or technique on YouTube. Many videos are made from the manufacturer themselves. But some of the best are made by very talented every day crafters. If you haven't experienced YouTube, give it a try. You can customize it to only the content you're interested in by subscribing to channels. A channel is simply the set of videos made by a specific person or company. Here are a few of my favorite channels: Lawn Fawn, Lolli Lulu Crafts (Amanda Evans), SVG Cuts and Annette Green. My all time favorite YouTube video isn't a tutorial but just about any crafter can relate to it. Check it out here.
A new "tool" that I've come to depend on is YouTube. I've found that you can find a video demonstrating just about any tool or technique on YouTube. Many videos are made from the manufacturer themselves. But some of the best are made by very talented every day crafters. If you haven't experienced YouTube, give it a try. You can customize it to only the content you're interested in by subscribing to channels. A channel is simply the set of videos made by a specific person or company. Here are a few of my favorite channels: Lawn Fawn, Lolli Lulu Crafts (Amanda Evans), SVG Cuts and Annette Green. My all time favorite YouTube video isn't a tutorial but just about any crafter can relate to it. Check it out here.
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