10 Essential Scrapbooking Tools
The Basic Tools for Scrapbook and Paper Crafting
These tools are all that is needed to create beautiful scrapbook and paper craft topics.
Scrapbooking and paper crafting are extremely popular hobbies. Some people who may be interested in creating paper crafts may feel intimidated by the sheer number of products and tools available at a local craft store. Despite all of this variety, there are only a few essential tools that are required to create beautiful scrapbook and paper crafting projects.
- Paper Trimmer - A paper trimmer is the essential tool for cutting straight and square pieces from large sheets of paper. Paper trimmers are available in a variety of sizes, but the best type for a beginner is a portable paper trimmer, such as the Provo Craft Zision Trimmer. This trimmer is small enough to fit into a tote or craft bag, and can still cut a 12" x 12" sheet of paper or cardstock. The blades can be replaced easily.
- Craft Scissors - A small pair of craft scissors with a fine point is useful for trimming small pieces of paper or ribbon, for trimming rough edges of die cut papers, or poking small holes. Although a larger pair of scissors may also be useful, they are not as essential as a small pair.
- Ruler - A ruler can be used for its intended purpose: measuring, but it can be used for so much more. A ruler can be used to tear straight edges in paper, or to line up elements on a scrapbook page. Another great use for a ruler is to lay out sticker letters on the very edge of the ruler to get the spacing right, then lay the letters on the page, pulling out the ruler.
- Fine Black Pen - While journaling can be added to scrapbook layouts using many colors, a black, fine-tipped pen is the workhorse of the scrapbooker. Use a black pen to write journaling, to doodle shapes, or to embellish other elements on the scrapbook page.
- Adhesives - While adhesives is more of a category than an item, there are three types of adhesives that are useful to the scrapbooker. A tape runner is best for adhering paper, photos or other lightweight elements to paper. A glue stick is best for adhering large areas of paper firmly to a surface, such as a book cover. Thick liquid adhesives, such as Allene's Tacky Glue, are best for adhering heavier elements, such as buttons or metal embellishments.
- Hole Punch - A hole punch is a great tool that will get a lot of use. A small diameter punch can be used for brads or eyelets, and a large diameter punch can be used to create holes at the edges of tags. Rather than buying several different punches, it is worthwhile to purchase a multi-punch tool such as the Crop-A-Dile that can punch two different hole sizes and set a wide variety of snaps and eyelets with very little effort.
- Ink Pad - A small brown or black ink pad is handy for small stamps or for inking the edge of lighter scrapbook papers to provide definition.
- Sandpaper or Emery Board - A piece of sandpaper can be used to distress the edges of a piece of paper, or to provide definition to a dark photo or scrapbook paper when the white core of the paper is revealed.
- Craft Knife - Craft knives are great tools for trimming excess material from embellishments, cutting freehand titles out of scrapbook paper, or cutting small slits or holes for brads or other embellishments.
- Self-Healing Mat - The most obvious use for a self-healing mat is in tandem with a craft knife, but a self-healing mat also makes a great work surface that can be easily cleaned after use. A self-healing mat can be used when painting, inking or stamping to protect your work surface, and can be brought over to the sink after use for a good wash.
A few basic tools give the paper crafter unlimited potential to express her creativity through her projects.
The copyright of the article 10 Essential Scrapbooking Tools in Scrapbooking & Paper Crafts is owned by Susan Kristoff. Permission to republish 10 Essential Scrapbooking Tools must be granted by the author in writing.
