Basic Rubberstamping and Papercraft Tools

Basic Paper Craft Tools at Paper Crafts 101

There is a basic set of tools that every papercrafter keeps handy no matter what the project. This list is compiled from the "stranded on a deserted island" list. Yes, the list rubberstamping papercrafters come up with when asked what tools they would have if they were stranded on a deserted island. Most of us have entire roomfuls--or even housefuls--of tools, but most of us could live with only a simple collection of tools to make many gifts and mementos, improvising everything else. Listed below are the basic tools. You may want to get small sizes if you plan to travel, or larger sizes (more versatile) if you work mostly at home, or even both (many crafters have travel kits that duplicate their usual must-have gear so they are ready to go at the drop of a hat).

Self-healing cutting mat: Several companies produce these cutting mats and they can be found in most craft and sewing stores. If you've done any quilting, you probably already have one. The mats remain smooth after repeated cuts and protect surfaces from cutting and sticky messes that may soak through paper (be sure to wipe clean). Different mats have different measurement grids marked on them, or none at all. If you were stranded on an island you would at least want a mini-mat, but one that is at least 10x12 would be preferable. If you visit the quilting section of a sewing store, you will find some desk-blotter sized cutting mats. If you need to cover your entire craft table, try a drafting supply store.
Cutting Instrument(s): Craft knife and replacement blades. Professional paper cutters would be great, but they take up lots of room and cost much more. For your deserted island kit you can get by without the rotary paper cutter, mat cutter, and specialized blades--a plain old craft knife and extra blades will do.; Some people prefer scissors. A pair of craft scissors can do just about anything a craft knife can do. We recommend small springed craft scissors for the most flexible cutting.
Ruled Metal Straight Edge: The self-healing mat and craft knife only get you so far into your project. At some point, you'll want to cut a straight line. Metal edged rulers work just fine. Determine the end-point for the line, make a small pencil mark or pin-prick, line up the ruler and either mark the line and cut with scissors or hold the ruler down firmly with one hand and place the craft knife against the ruler and cut. Keep the blade at a small angle to the cutting surface so that more than just the tip of the blade comes in contact with the paper. This maximizes the length of the blade that touches the paper, making cutting much easier.
Bone folder or stylus: It doesn't necessarily have to be a bone-folder, but you need something to make your creases deep that won't leave a residue or ruin the paper's texture. Even using the wooden edge of a stylus might work, plus a stylus can be used to add dimension to the paper. Just have something other than a yellow Number Two pencil because the pencil will leave its paint behind (unless that's the intended affect for your project).
Pencil: You still need a pencil even if you aren't going to use it to crease your paper. Make small markings on your paper to guide you in your project. Even if you choose to select a pin and prick your markings for your project, you may want to write ideas and notes down.
Glue Stick or double-stick tape: Some people say poe-tah-toe, some people say poe-tay-toe. Whichever one works for you is fine. There are limitations to both glue and tape and some people consider both to be basic supplies, while others simply don't consider projects with their non-preferred adhesive to be basic projects. All will agree, however, that at least one of these two types of adhesive are essential to a basic supply kit. Some people even prefer glue guns for many projects.
Black Ink Pad(s): Some people will prefer a Black Pigment Ink Pad to a Dye pad. Pigment will stay wet on any surface long enough to emboss it--in fact, it might not ever dry on a glossy surface. While most people would consider embossing powders to be a basic supply, most people also consider the black dye inkpad THE basic ink pad to have on hand. However, a black pigment pad is more versatile for embossing and most surfaces can be heat set even if they are not embossed. We're recommending you get one of each. A 3" x 4" or larger black dye pad and at least a tiny black pigment pad.
Stamps: A small collection of stamps that can be used in many ways will be the best collection. We've got tips for selecting a "core" set of rubber stamps.
Embossing Powder and Heat Gun: The basic collection of embossing powder is white, black, gold, and silver. A heat gun is necessary to melt the powders.
Stamp Cleaner: Don't forget to clean your stamps! It's really true, removing the ink residue from your stamps will prolong their life. Plus, many stamp cleaners actually have some conditioning agent in them to help prevent the rubber from over-drying. Besides, when you want to stamp a blue image, you really want it to be BLUE, not blue-black.
Stamp Cleaning Pad: There are fancy stamp cleaning pad kits out there, or just go to the paint section of your local hardware store and get an uncushioned replacement paint pad. Clean the stamps with stamp cleaner, blot dry and repeat until no more comes off, and then wipe on the textured surface of the paint pad to remove any remaining residue from all the detailed areas. Yes, it really makes a difference, you'll see!

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