When I Started Crafting: The Supplies I Didn't Know I'd Be Begging For!

 

When I Started Crafting: 

The Supplies I Didn't Know I'd Be Begging For!

Hey there, fellow crafting enthusiasts (or soon-to-be craft addicts)! Let's take a trip down memory lane to when I first dipped my toes into the vibrant world of crafting. Spoiler alert: I was clueless! Sure, I had dreams of beautiful creations and Pinterest-worthy projects, but little did I know about the treasure trove of supplies I'd soon find myself desperately needing.

So, grab your glitter glue and let's get into it!

  1. Cutting Tools: Scissors vs. The Universe

Ah, scissors, my former crafting sidekick! I once believed that a humble pair of kitchen shears could rule the crafting universe. Boy, was I mistaken! While kitchen scissors can handle the basics, the delicate art of snipping required for intricate crafting demands something more refined. Enter Paper Snips, the unsung heroes of precise cutting, even in the tiniest of spaces. With their precision-ground stainless steel tips, these snips slice through materials cleanly and effortlessly. Trust me, they're sharp enough to make you say "wowaza!"

Who could have guessed that I'd soon be swooning over these compact yet mighty Paper Snips? These tools didn't just trim paper; they shattered my naive notions of crafting simplicity!

So don’t forget to get these in your stash 

 2. Adhesives: Stickiness is Next to Craftiness

Ah, the days when I believed a glue stick was the ultimate adhesive marvel! Oh, how innocent I was! Now, my crafting arsenal boasts foam adhesive strips and dots, versatile craft glue, double-sided tape, Glue Dots, and so much more. Whether you're adhering tiny embellishments, bulky accents, or entire projects, we've got the sticky solution for you.

 And let's not forget about Dimensionals – those puffy wonders of the adhesive world! Who could have guessed that these elevated adhesive pieces would become the unsung heroes of my stamping escapades? They add the perfect touch of dimension, lifting paper crafts to new heights (literally!). These adhesives are more than just sticky stuff; they're the adhesive magic that keeps my crafting dreams alive and thriving!

 3. Acrylic Blocks – Need Something To Hold!

When I bought stamps, I never thought about what I would mount them on. I used makeshift stamping surfaces like random household objects – hello, overturned coffee mugs and smartphone cases I quickly realized it was time for an upgrade of acrylic blocks!

Picture this: You're about to stamp your masterpiece, and suddenly, you realize your stamp is misaligned because you couldn't see through that makeshift stamping platform (we're looking at you, coffee mug!). Cue the crafting chaos and the frustrated sighs. (And yes, this did happen to me a few times!)

  

Make sure you have these crystal-clear acrylic blocks, With grooves for easy gripping and transparent clarity that lets you see exactly where you're stamping, these acrylic blocks are like the superhero sidekicks your crafting projects never knew they needed.

Mount your stamps on these clear blocks for temporary stamping bliss, then easily remove them for storage that's as compact as your crafting dreams (and much neater than that overflowing "crafting drawer" we all pretend doesn't exist). these acrylic blocks are calling your name! Trust us, your future crafting self will thank you (and so will your coffee mugs).

4. Replacement Blades – Why Does My Paper Look Like Keith Richards Hair?

Hey crafters, let's talk about those worn-out blades making your paper look more rock 'n' roll than refined. Yikes! If your cuts are a bit too jagged for comfort, it's time for replacement blades for your Paper Trimmer.

Always keep sharp replacement blades on hand for flawless paper cutting, whether it's for cards, scrapbooking, or other projects. And here's a savvy tip: when ordering, grab a few extra blades. Trust me, it's a game-changer! Having spares means you're always ready for those marathon crafting sessions without any interruptions.

Don't forget a package of score blades and the Bone Folder!

So, say goodbye to messy cuts and hello to precision with fresh replacement blades. Your projects will thank you, and maybe even Keith Richards would give you a nod of approval! Stay sharp, crafters!

 

 5. Protective Gear:  Heat Embossing Tools and More

 Ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant, glitter-filled, and oh-so-addictive world of crafting? Hold onto your glue guns, because before you get lost in a whirlwind of washi tape and watercolors, let's chat about some game-changing tools that are essential for crafting nirvana.

1. Embossing Buddy: Think of this little gem as the "guardian angel" of your embossing adventures. Swipe it over your paper pre-inking and embossing, and presto! It ensures your embossing powder sticks only where you want it. Without it? Your paper might end up looking like a disco ball after a wild night out.

2. Powder Pal: Meet your BFF (Best Funnel Friend) in the crafting cosmos. Embossing powder is as precious as gold (or at least, as pricey), so wasting it is a crafting cardinal sin. The Powder Pal catches those pesky powders and funnels them back to their rightful place. It's like a mini Hoover for your crafting glitter!

3. Crafting Tweezers: Juggling tiny beads while crafting is like trying to play hopscotch on a tightrope. Sounds impossible, right? Enter Crafting Tweezers, your trusty sidekicks for holding those microscopic treasures steady while you work your magic. No more chasing runaway gems or sequins across your crafting kingdom!

4. Crafting Brush: Let's face it, crafting can get messier than a paintball fight in a rainbow factory. The Crafting Brush is your secret weapon for sweeping away those sparkly remnants, keeping your crafting castle spick and span. It's the Mary Poppins of the crafting world, minus the umbrella!

5. Take Your Pick Tool: Drumroll, please! 🥁 Introducing the Take Your Pick Tool – the Swiss Army knife of crafting! This multipurpose marvel simplifies meticulous tasks, from picking up sequins to paper piercing and everything in between. It's like having a crafting genie in a tool!

6. Stampin' Scrub & Stampin' Mist Cleaner: Say goodbye to messy stamps with the Stampin' Scrub! This nifty tool features two trays with plush black fiber scrub pads. Simply spray some Stampin' Mist Cleaner on one side, scrub your stamps clean, and then dry them on the other pad. The plush fibers ensure even the most intricate stamps come out squeaky clean! It's like a spa day for your stamps, complete with a cleansing facial!

 

Crafting: The Never-Ending Adventure

Before you tap into your inner crafting maestro, enchanting fairy, or sparkle-crazed unicorn, ensure you've got this fabulous six-tool kit at your fingertips. With these essentials, you'll master crafting in no time!

So, there you have it, my comically enlightening voyage into crafting and the surprise sidekicks that stole my heart. Whether you're just starting out or a crafting guru, embrace the surprises, cherish the little wins, and always keep a sprinkle of humour close by (maybe in a jar full of glitter). 

Happy crafting, all! 🎨✨ Tina Kvrgic aka Northern Stamper