Thursday, January 14, 2016

Essential Tools

I am back with my 3rd post for craftykickstart16!

Today I am sharing 3 of my favorite basic tools (other than scissors), and highlighting the importance of using the right tools. In my opinion these tools are a must for every paper crafter.
[Before I start, I just want to add that there are alternatives for practically every tool, BUT if you want to save time, and minimize effort, invest in the right tools]

1. Scoreboard
This is a must have, and if you are a paper crafter, this is your best friend! In ancient times, I would score the cardstock using a ruler, and an ink-less ballpoint pen; yes, it did get the job done, but it took me twice the time and effort. This is highly recommended if, you want to score straight lines in a matter of seconds.
I use the Martha Stewart Scoring tool, and it works great for me. It is true that sometimes, when you are going really fast, you might jump the line because the groves are only 1/8th of an inch apart, but I don't mind that much. I love the fact that there are groves every 1/8th inch, because that allows me to score multiple times, without having to move the cardstock around.

2. Trimmer
Buy it! Your wrists will thank you! Using the paper knife may serve the purpose, but when you use it frequently you realize the pressure it puts on your wrists, and your fingers. The trimmer is your savior. Go get it!
I've worked with Fiskars and Tonic, and between the two, I prefer Tonic simply because the blades last longer. Most trimmers come with a scoring tool, Tonic does too, but I prefer using a scoreboard especially when I am working with cardstock that is longer than 12".

3. Craft Sheet
If you like to keep your desk/table clean, and damage free, do invest in a craft sheet. It is worth the investment.
I use the Ranger Inkessential non-stick craft sheet. I like to keep my table clean, so before I owned a craftsheet I would use large plastic mats, and though they served the purpose, cleaning them wasn't very easy especially when I had to remove UHU or permanent ink from them. The rangers craft sheet is very easy to clean, one wipe does it all; I also realized that it makes inking with the blending tool a lot easier, for some reason the ink seems to just flow easily onto the cardstock when you are inking the edges, with the cardstock placed on the mat.

These are my top 3 essential tools, and in this post I've only highlighted what I like about them. If you would like to read more about their features, just click the hyperlinks in the post.

Happy Crafting!

 

22 comments:

  1. then I shouldn't buy a self healing mat, and invest in the rangers craft sheet?

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    Replies
    1. Self healing mat is a good idea if you cut using a craft knife. The craftsheet you cannot cut on, but you can use it to keep the surface clean, plus cause its heat resistant, you can pour UTEE or drop hot glue on it without worrying about burning it. Take both if you can. I have both too. = )

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  2. hey . :)
    Thanks for sharing these tools with us
    Love to make rosette via martha scoring broad <3

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    Replies
    1. Heyy! Most welcome, i enjoy making those too. 😊

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  3. I totally agree with you... these crafting tools are a must have :-)

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  4. Is the rangers mat also self-healing?

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    Replies
    1. No its not. Its heat resistant and all, but not self healing. It will cut, if you cut on it.

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  5. Oh yes these 3 tools are really very important to save time and efforts...I did invest in Tonic's trimmer and it does have scoring blade too so I dont need to use ruler and old crochet tool to score anymore :D

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  6. Thank you for sharing Saba! I agree with you, having these three tools on hand is great :)

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  7. This is a great post. Wanted to hear it out loud from a pro as I'm a crafter who would like local and cheaper alternatives. Scoring board and a crafts mat is definitely on my to get list but I'm not too sure about the trimmer. I have one from a random company, either I don't know how to utilize it properly or I'm simply a cutting knife kinda girl! ;)

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    Replies
    1. =D to be very honest, i usey trimmer a lot. If you work with sheets that are longer than 12", then the trimmer won't help much. But if its less than 12", then I feel it is really worth the investment.

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  8. i definitely need a craft mat. :)
    Rest of the two I have but I prefer the desi trimmer more than the other. It is heavy duty and cuts the paper really well. (the other one although does the job but the regular printed car stock gives me a bit rough edges)

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    Replies
    1. Oh really! I had that issue with Fiskar, but not with Tonic. By the way, which local trimmer do you use? I have the large guillotine one, but I noticed it doesn't cut straight.. =/

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  9. great post ! didnt know about the craft sheet ! :)

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  10. Can you also do a post on different kind of paper & cardstock trimmers ! I have a rotary paper cutter it is very heavy duty for heavier papers but I cannot make center cuts in paper ! mentioning such things in the post. Thanks :)

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    Replies
    1. Thats a wonderful Idea Tehreem. Will work on doing one. I'm curious to know, why your rotary cutter doesn't let you make center cuts..

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  11. And Im yet to invest in non stick craft sheet.
    Wonderful post, bdw. :)

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