Many of my new crafters ask what they should invest in first, and what are my must have tools from Stampin' Up!
The following tools are my absolute must have items. Every day these tools are pulled out and used.
Paper trimmer
When working with paper, you need a paper trimmer. There are so many on the market and I have had quite a few of them. However the Stampin' Up! Trimmer is perfect, it cuts accurately and crisply.
It is a cutting and scoring tool made with crafters in mind!
It can cut anywhere, in any direction. Full 12" cut or score.
I love that you can keep the scoring and cutting blades on the track at the same time.
It has an extending arm that takes the measurement out to 15
1/2". It even has a storing compartment underneath to store blades, scoring stylus, etc!
Adhesives
Depending on the project, depends on the adhesive. Once again I have tried so many over the years and have very firm favourites.
Snail Adhesive, applies a controlled amount of permanent adhesive directly to your project, so your hands and work area never get sticky. A small amount creates a strong bond, so your cartridge lasts a long time. It has refills that slip right into the cartridge very easily.
Stampin’ Dimensionals are the easiest way to give your projects an instant 3-D look. Just stamp an image, trim around it, and then use a Stampin’ Dimensional to attach it to your project. They are also great for making greetings stand out and attaching 3-D objects such as tags and bows.
Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive has a dual tip for placing adhesive exactly where you want it. Place an exact small amount using the small tip, or spread the adhesive over a larger area using the wide tip. It is a latex rubber acrylic resin adhesive so is acid free. I use it as a permanent or temporary adhesive and it is just fabulous to use with Stampin Glitter.
Mini Glue dots are super sticky, double-sided adhesive dots for use on 3-D accents for cards, scrapbook pages, and other projects. This fast, clean adhesive is safe for kids, too. No fumes, no mess, and no drying time required. There are 300 per roll so lasts for ages. I use them for attaching embellishments. They adhere to paper, fabric, wood, foam, plastic, and more.
Paper Snips These small thin-bladed scissors are perfect for reaching into tiny areas and allowing precision cutting. While large cutting can be done with a paper trimmer, you will soon find times when you need to cut out an image free hand, perfect cutting in even the tiniest areas.
Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist Cleaner
When I first started stamping, I cleaned my stamps with baby wipes, water and paper towels. I felt that I could manage and that the Stampin' Scrub was an unneccessary expense. But, once I finally purchased a scrub, I realised that it is a tool that we should all have to keep our stamps in good condition. The Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner makes cleaning stamps easy and I appreciate knowing that the rubber is being conditioned with each use. A small refill bottle lasts me for ages, so the cost per use is minimal.
Of course there are many more must haves, but I really think these are the first "must haves" for a beginner. One or two good punches are then the next items to think about.
If there are any other "must have" items, I would love to hear. Leave me a comment and everyone can benefit.
