Here's my top 10 of tools I would recommend for those starting out in papercrafting ...
1. A paper cutter / trimmer - Stampin Up offers a cutting and scoring tool in one product with a full 30.5cms cut or score - perfect for 12"x12" papers for £25.95 (129772)
2. A scoreboard - if you're planning on making lots of boxes or folded projects then a Scoreboard would come in handy - I use Stampin Up Simply Scored Scoring Tool which is great for up to 12"x12" card & paper complete with scoring markers, stylus & storage compartment. £25.95 (122334)
3. Scissors - the sharper the better! I just love my papersnips (103579 £8.25) and have several pairs of them floating around - they offer expert cutting in small areas and have precision ground tips to the 6.4cm thin blades.
4. Cardstock - With over 40 colours of cardstock available in every colour/shade of the rainbow and in A4, 12"x12" and textured patterns, Stampin Up card is unbeatable. For just 26p per sheet for A4 & 46p per sheet for 12" x 12" there isnt much on the market to beat it! Plus it's acid & lignin free for imporved preservation, is 216gm in weight and is colour died all the way through so if you rip or tear then there's no white inside! Plus all the card coordinates with designer papers, ribbons & embellishments so there's no matching up to be done = more time for crafting!
5. Punches - Stampin Up have some of the most durable, reliable and cost effective punches available - with new shapes being added all the time! Plus a lot of their Stamps also coordinate with the punches to save time on cutting out :) To start with build a library of basic shape punches - circles, ovals, squares & labels - you'll always be grateful you have these in your stash!
6. Stamps - where would we be without stamps to create beautiful, unique projects? With hundereds of stamps and 2 new collections released every year Stampin Up stamps come in wood mount or clear mount and many coordinate with punches. Browse through the catalogue top right to take a look at the vast range - something for every occasion!
7. Patterned papers - for coordinated colour and the latest trending designs look no further than Designer Series paper. Papers are double sided offering choice & flexibility and combine both feminine and masculine patterns to suit everyones needs and come in 12"x12" as well as A6 sizes. As well as 10 packs of patterned paper in the annual catalogue, a variety of new sets are released in the Autumn & Spring as well - spolit for choice!
8. Embellishments - ribbons, buttons, bows, brad, washi tape, jewels - all colour coordinated - what more could a crafter want? ;)
9. Big Shot - for die cutting and dry embossing a Big Shot die cutting machine cuts shapes and embosses over 25 materials including card & paper, fabric, metal! Although an investment item it will take your crafting to another level - and with Stampin Up's generous free products programme it could be yours for half price with orders of £300 or even free with orders over £500!
10. Last but not least adhesives, heat embossing tools, envelopes, paper pierces, acyrlic blocks, glitter powders ... I know it's not one thing but just wanted to show off the range ;)
Well there you have it, a complete guide to what you would need to make gorgeous cards, scrapbook pages, decorations & home accessories. If you'd like any more advice or information don't hesitate to get in touch with me at lisa.barton@hotmail.co.uk and I would be more than happy to help :)
And if you've decided you'd like to order any of the above products from Stampin Up then drop me a line - and I'll let you in on an amazing offer we have for you to buy £130 products for just £99!!
Have a great day!
