Recommendations. Once helpful and now hostile. It is strange that we live in a world where every piece of knowledge is used as a way to market a product to us. Yet, here we are. With that being said, I do actually have years of experience crafting, scrapbooking, journalizing, you name it. So I do have a few tips and tricks here and there. If you’re ever interested experimenting on your own then I have some places for you to start:
Gifting + Card Making
- There are an incredible amount of paper punches on the market but if I had only one to recommend this would be it! No other tool of mine like it has gotten as much use
- Not ideal for fine papers but any left over shipping paper, map, brown paper bag, or generic construction paper can be used to create infinite possibilities
- An underdog in the world of paper crafts this perforator has come in handy a number of times
- Would also recommend a metal ruler to help create perfect lines
- There are fancier tools available with interchangeable blades but in this case I do still believe less is more
- Two sizes available
- This is just personal preference but I do believe I get a more consistent result with the ‘squeeze’ option rather than the push to punch design
- I happen to have purchased the Martha Stewart brand but I don’t believe it is necessary if you’re looking to save money and buy something ‘off-brand’
- Regardless I get a LOT of mileage out of mine and it has been critical for projects that include rosettes, custom envelopes, and even small pieces like greeting cards, table numbers, name cards, etc.
- Easy to use and does not require much practice to get a hang of
Pens + Ink
Ball Point Pens
Misc. Pens + Paper
Pen Nib for iPad + Procreate
- Great way to start learning about line width and experimenting with grip and consistency
- Tracing paper or really any kind of paper can be used for practice so keep your scraps!
- Print from home!
- These are on the pricier side but the possibilities for customization is endless
- Don’t forget to reverse your image horizontally to ensure lettering and other imagery is mirrored appropriately for application
- Not suited for all skin types, but most do not react. Try a small test patch first before using, please!
- While taking a pottery class I discovered these handy tools that helped when I didn’t feel like brushing on underglaze paint
- Perfect for those who already draw but want to try their hand at potter too!
Markers
Hand Lettering
- Brush Pen in Black for Calligraphy practice
- Both options above helped me discover how to have a lighter hand while writing and learn that more pressure on the way down helps thicken my lines where I want to add style or emphasis
- Great to use with a glass pen, refillable quill, or any calligraphy nibs
- Comes in so many beautiful colors but I tend to use metallics the most – they have the prettiest finish in my opinion
- These bottles of magic may be small but for their price they go a loooong way
- I have only ever run out of one container of gold in my decade plus of using it for crafts
- Some people prefer to have a catch tray to use while working on their creations but laying down a piece of paper underneath to scoop all the unused powder is just as effective! It just requires a bit more patience
- There is a ‘sticky’ that will help hold any glitter you may or may not already have laying around the house! Just don’t forget to set it a second time after applying your glitter
- I typically use my Versamark pad to create a watermark stamp on dark construction papers
- Its most practical use is to help hold embossing powders in place long enough to get melted by a heat gun
- I got mine from Paper Source years ago but really any will do
- Please do not point at people, this things gets crazy hot
- Way hotter than a hair dryer and does not blow as much air
- Did you know paper crafters used to use their oven at the lowest setting in order to use their embossing powders? Now we have this nifty tool which is much safer all around!
Sticker Making
Photo Printer ( Sublimation )
- Great quality for at home printing
- I will typically use an adhesive magnet sheet to adhere to the back of the image
- $$ but well worth the money for any scrapbooker or parent/caretaker
Travel Printer ( Zinc )
- Quality certainly lacks but these 2×3″ stickers are made quickly
- Inkless printing means the device doesn’t need to be fussed with outside of loading the paper
- $$ but great for casual social events and parties
- Functions more or less like a polaroid camera except with your phone
Printable Vinyl + Laminate
- After some trial and error HTVRONT has proven to be an outstanding manufacturer
- Very pristine, clean images that can easily be smudged until the laminate is applied
- Laminate is a pain to learn how to apply cleanly but worth the effort in the long run
Holographic Printable Vinyl
- I didn’t expect holographic to be an easy medium to work with but it’s very smooth!
- Create Lisa Frank inspired stickers of your own because you can!
- Very affordable with lots of different styles for any kind of project
Scrapbooking
Thermal Laminator
- The one I purchased is no longer available but Scotch is a brand I rely on
Foil
- Deco is the only brand I’ve used so it is the only I can recommend
- I love the variety of colors they offer
- Adds such a magical touch but does require a toner printer
Double Sided Sticky Tape
- Scotch brand is the only one I use anymore because of its ease of use
- I rarely use wet glues if I can help it as this prevents mess and works quickly and cleanly
Aleene’s Tacky Glue
- When I have to use glue this always gets the job done
- Does require a bit of patience while it dries
Zig Glue Pens
- Great quality in such a convenient form factor!
- It really is as easy as using a gel pen
- Pull off any residue before and after use and these will last you through many works of art
Foam Squares
- This is entirely up to personal taste but I do prefer the squares over the circles
- Affordable and very useful for a variety of paper crafts
Stationery
Scrap Exchange
- Local to North Carolinians only (*disclaimer: many cities have scrap and reuse stores of their own that I highly recommend exploring – you’ll never know what you’ll find!)
- Very affordable way to get a lot of supplies quickly however you are at the whim of chaos and no one particular item is guaranteed
- Difficult to shop for something specific but they always have the basics available like paper, photographs, stickers, stamps, old maps, old books, etc.
Letter Seals
- Highly praise the vegan wax seal sticks that are available and the coincidentally the most affordable option
- All you’ll need is a hot glue gun to use ( takes a while to get the color out if you want to switch back to glue)
- I refuse to buy wax from another brand UNLESS it is a color I can’t buy from Letter Seals directly
Wax Seals
- This link happens to lead to amazon for affiliate marketing purposes but honestly, most wax seal heads are machined brass that can be purchased anywhere. As much as I love to shop secondhand sometimes there just aren’t enough options to finish a project.
Shops + Stores
Paper Source
- Phenominal quality paper envelopes with a ton of variety in color and shape
- Best to feel quality in store but there are more options to shop online
- Their fine paper and printed wrapping paper options are unmatched and absolutely worth the splurge
- Paper Source branded paper is printed with soy inks, sourced from a 6th generation family business, and new designs are always available based on season and holiday!
- ( also now available at Barnes n Noble )
Craft Habit
- Local to downtown Raleigh I can not praise this location enough for providing a safe and clean environment to “get your hands dirty” with their wide variety of classes
- Will definitely always go here first to learn a new skill!
- Lots of beginner tools are available for purchase along with eager advice from the employees
Glowforge
Modfy
- Consistent and amazing quality acrylic sheets for such an affordable price!
- Love the array of color options, fast shipping, and ease of use
- I have had no problems over the last few years with any of their of products I have ordered
Lowes
- Plywood, draft board, and chip board are all supplies I have experimented with that I would recommend anyone new to laser cutting play around with as well
- Affordable price compared to Glowforge brand products
- Quality will always vary depending on which woods you want to work with
Amazon
Speaking Of
Gifts from/for Crafty Friends and Family
Recent Move?
