On this page I want to open my basic crafting toolbox and show you all the essential and basic supply and tools that I just cannot do without. You will notice how I keep referring to the same products over and over again on almost all my tutorials.

1. Basic supply.
2. Elementary tools.
3. Time savers.
4. My favorite stores.

Basic Supply

Cardstock:

• Solid core cardstock – This is the basic type of cardstock I work with. I use both textured and slick cardstock, depending on my project. Usually if I want to use stamps I would go for the slick cardstock. The cradstock is sold in two main sizes: 12″ by 12″ and 8 1/2″ by 11″ (letter size). The letter size cardstock is perfect for card making, home printing and small scaled projects. (My favorite manufacturers are: American Crafts and Bazzil.)
• White core cardstock – This type of cardstock is great for distressing techniques, as the white core can be revealed by lightly filing or tearing its surface. (Die Cuts With a View manufactures inexpensive cardstock stacks you can try out.)

Adhesive:

• Glue stick. It’s the cheapest glue but yet it is very versatile. I use it a lot for attaching fabric and papers to chipboard and cardboard. I am not very particular with the brand of glue stick I am using, however the features of the UHU Color Glue Stick are great. The glue has a purple hue when you apply it to the surface, so you can tell the surface is completely coated, yet it dries clear.
• Tape runner. The best brand I have used so far is Kokuyo which provides a sturdy bond, yet can be removed easily by rubbing it off the project.
• Double sided tape. I use this type of adhesive any time I want to make sure the bond is strong and sturdy. I am really impressed with Provo Craft’s Terrifically Tacky Tape. It definitely gets the job done and is sold in a variety of widths, starting from 1/8″ wide which is perfect for tag books and interactive cards.
• Glue dots. These are great for attaching buttons and flowers and small chipboard items to your project. Their look may be deceiving, but don’t let their size full you. They are very sturdy and everything you attach with them is going to stay attached. The glue dots can be found in various sizes and also in different applicators, for your convenience.
• Liquid adhesive – As much as I’d prefer to use dry adhesives only, sometimes only a liquid adhesive can get the work done… Here is a short list of the main brands of liquid glue I always keep in my toolbox:
  
  • Tombow Mono Multi adhesive. I use this brand to adhere chipboard to cardstock. When you stick something with this glue, you can rest assured it will stay put.
  • Judikins Diamond Glaze. Beware, this is an addictive product. It has so many uses. You can coat stamped images and/or patterned paper with it for an epoxy-like finish. You can use it to prevent ribbon from fraying or for securing knots and you can also use it as an adhesive for adhering any bulky item to your project.

Elementary Tools

• Self healing cutting mat
• Craft knife. Any brand will do. Replace the blades frequently enough and never cut anything with a dull blade.
• Ruler. In this case I do have a preference for Tim Holz’s Design Ruler. With a prominent grid, a metal strip for cutting and a piercing guide – it has everything you need from your ruler and then some…
• Utility scissors
• Crop-A-Dile. This is my number one go-for tool. It punches holes with ease through any material or width (provided it can fit in the tool’s clutches) and it sets eyelets perfectly and in complete silence. I absolutely love it.
• Precision scissors
• Bone folder. This is an inexpensive, yet handy, tool. You can use it for scoring and for crisp folding and covering.
• stylus. Another handy tool I tend to use over and over again for: scoring, dry-embossing and transferring rub-ons.

Time Savers

Tools -

• Paper trimmer. Technically, the ruler, craft knife and self healing mat are enough for all your cutting. However, a paper trimmer saves you precious time as the measuring and aligning are basically done for you… I also use the paper trimmer for all my scoring.
• Coluzzle or circle scissors. A circle is one of the hardest shapes to cut but it adds a lot of visual appeal to your projects. Having a circle-cutting system at hand is great. I prefer the Coluzzle system and use the circle cutter only for larger circles or circles that has to be a certain size the coluzzle templates do not provide. To use the Coluzzle templates you need to purchase the starter kit that has the special swivel knife and foam mat – but it will be well worth it, as there are many inexpensive templates available.
• Punches. Punches are a great way to get a perfect shape quickly. There is a large variety of punches and I suggest to stick to some basic shapes – circles and squares + scalloped circle and squares and a few specialty ones as the tab punch. My favorite punches are from EK Success and Fiskars.

Supply -

• Specialty cardstock- Here I am sidetracking a little bit from the very essential, but it is always useful to have a few unique sheets of cardstock in your stash for a quick addition of allure to the project.
  
  • Embossed Cardstock The raised surface, the embossed cardstock provides, gives an instant visual appeal. There are many available brands. My favorites are: KI Memories and Bazzil Dotted Swiss
  • Colored core cardstock Try the whimsical cardstock that Core’dinations offers.
  • Laced cardstock. A scrap form this gorgeous laced cardstock can lift up any design, add dimension and texture, quickly and easily. Below you can find a list of other specialty cardstock types.
  • Sheer cardstock.
  • Flocked.
  • Glittered cardstock
  • Shaped edge cardstock

My Favorite Stores

• ScrapbookPal.com – This online store has great deals, especially on adhesives (which are running like water…) This shop also offers same day shipping and free shipping on orders over $25 – for residents of continental USA.
• Scrapbook.com – This online store has a great variety of products. Chances are you will find what you are looking for at that e-store.
• Two Peas In A Bucket – This online store has a growing design team (aka: the garden girls) of über-talented artists that can spark your creativity and provide fresh ideas and techniques. In addition, they are having monthly sales, providing up to 90% discount!!!