Here’s something I’ve noticed after more than 20 years of paper crafting and hundreds of projects.
I actually spend more money on tools than any other craft supply….
and once you see what the right tools can do, you’ll understand why. Because the right tools don’t just make things easier. They change what’s actually possible with the supplies you already have.
In this post I’m walking you through my must-have paper craft tools one by one, sharing exactly why each one has earned a permanent spot in my craft stash. I’ve also created a YouTube video if you’d prefer to watch… and there’s a full shopping list here with links to everything I mention.
Read right to the end to learn my all-time favourite tool. I think it might just surprise you. Especially when you find out how inexpensive it is.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only ever link to products I personally use, trust and love. By shopping through my links you help support my creative work and I’m so grateful for that!
Let’s Start With the Basics
1. Paper Trimmers
There’s not much paper crafting you can do without a paper trimmer, so let’s start here. I actually have two on my desk at all times and I switch between them constantly depending on what I’m making.
My large trimmer: I use a full-size blade trimmer from Cricut. The cutting arm goes out to 16 inches, which makes it perfect for scrapbooking pages and any larger projects. I love that the measurements come in both inches and centimetres because I genuinely use both.
My small trimmer: This one is from We R Makers and it’s a guillotine style. I use it for all of my smaller projects, cards and mini albums mostly, and it’s my go-to for trimming photos. I’ve tried a lot of trimmers over the years and I keep coming back to this one. My cuts are always straight and the blades last a really long time.
If you’re just starting out, one good trimmer will absolutely do the job. But if you’re creating regularly, having both sizes is something you’ll appreciate every single session.
2. T-Square Ruler
Simple. Basic. and essential. I use mine on every single project for alignment. The 90 degree angle lets me know that my card stock is exactly straight, that my sentiments are positioned properly, that my floating elements on a layout aren’t slightly off. Once you start using one of these, you’ll wonder how you ever created without it. I’ve had mine for about 10 years. When I thought I’d lost it in my move, I ordered a replacement immediately because I couldn’t imagine not having one. The old one turned up as soon as the new one arrived…. of course! 😬
3. Scissors (Yes, You Need More Than One Pair)
Crafters love their scissors. And honestly? Five pairs is completely reasonable. Each one does something different.
Fabric scissors (Fiskars): I use a lot of ribbon, lace, and fabric in my projects, especially mini albums. These scissors are reserved for fabric only, which is the rule for keeping them sharp.
General paper scissors (Fiskars): These have been in my stash for over 20 years. Still going. I did replace the spring once and Fiskars sent me a replacement at no charge when I emailed their customer service team. To keep them in great shape, I use a scissor sharpener and a rubber eraser to remove adhesive buildup from the blades now and then.
Fiskars Detail Scissors and Fiskars Scissor Sharpener
Fussy cutting scissors: If I had to pick a favourite, it would probably be these. They’re very lightweight and incredibly maneuverable, and the pointed tip cuts all the way down without leaving a little dent in your paper. Really designed for fussy cutting and they are excellent at it.
Detail scissors: A newer addition to my stash. Very pointed and they leave a clean cut right to the tip.
Fringing scissors: These create a fun fringe effect in one cut. A specialty pair, but one I’m really glad to have when I want that look.
Martha Stewart Fringing Scissors
If you could only have three pairs, I’d go with the Fiskars Fabric Scissors, the Fiskars General Scissors for paper and the EK Success scissors for fussy cutting.
4. Scoring Board and Bone Folder
For all of my card making, I use a Score Pal Scoring Board. It’s a mini scoring board that comes with a bone folder that stores right on the board so it is never lost on your desk. I love a tool that has a home.
The measurements along the top mark every quarter inch, which makes it simple to score exactly where you need to. I also use the board itself to push my card up against the edge for a perfectly square fold every time.
I have the small size (6×6 inches) and for almost everything I make, it’s exactly right. For anything larger I just use my paper trimmer as a scoring guide instead.
5. Eyelet Setters
An oldie but absolutely a goodie. I use mine mainly for mini album making. Each page needs a hole at the top for the ring and these create that hole quickly, cleanly, and exactly where I want it. The spring action does all the work.
The big advantage over something like a crop-a-dile is placement. With these, you can punch a hole anywhere on the page, right in the very centre if you want to. Not just within reach of the tool’s arm.
They also come in different sizes, so I can switch between a tiny hole for stitching and a slightly larger one for album rings.
My favourite trick: create one perfect page first, then use it as a template to mark the placement for every hole that follows.
6. Paper Punches
Paper punches are a very personal thing and what you collect will depend on the projects you love to make. But here are the categories I’d recommend starting with.
Edge punches: These punch a decorative border along the edge of your paper. I have a simple one and a more detailed one. My advice is to choose classic designs over trendy ones. Simple stripes and basic borders will serve you for years.
Basic shapes: A circle punch and a square punch are both worth having. Simple and endlessly useful across so many projects.
Florals: A 2 inch floral punch is one I reach for constantly. I’ve used mine on mini albums, scrapbook layouts, and cards. Look for something in that size range.
Butterflies and leaves: These are lovely to have for embellishment clusters, especially layered with florals.
I have a full Ultimate Guide to Paper Punches video on my YouTube channel if you want to go deeper on this topic, including all my tips and techniques.
7. Glue
Crafters are passionate about their glue. I am no exception because choosing the right glue for your projects can make a really big difference. That’s why I’ve made a video about this too. 14 Glues, One Clear Winner. I put every glue I could find and tested them, so you don’t have to. If you don’t have time to watch the video, here’s my recommendations.
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive and My Sweet Petunia Glue and Glue Press
Bearly Art Glue
Now the Fun Stuff
8. Blending Brushes
I use three different types of blending brushes and each one does something different.
Small round blending brushes: My go-to for soft, delicate colour blends on cards and layouts. You can build colour slowly with the lightest touch and create a very subtle effect. I use dupes from Journalsay and they are great.
Large blending brushes: For covering a much bigger area with a beautifully soft blended background, or for blending two colours together. I have one from Altenew and one from Journalsay. I tested them side by side in a recent video (the price difference is significant) and I’ll link that here.
Altenew large blending brush and Journalsay Large Blending Brush
Stencil brushes: These have a very flat side to the bristles and are excellent at creating concentrated colour through a stencil. They come in a set, which I love, because you’ll need multiple colours every time you work with a stencil.
Pink Fresh Studio Stencil Brushes
9. Inks
I’ll be honest with you. Ink selection used to feel really overwhelming to me. So many types, so many brands, and everyone tells you theirs is the one you need.
I’ve kept things simple. Here’s what actually lives in my stash and what I use each one for.
Distress Oxide Inks: I have a selection of colours, mainly pastels, which are my favourites. The finish is beautiful, a soft powdery look. I use them for stamping and blending and really love the end result.
Distress Oxide Inks Colours 1-6
Distress Oxide Inks Colours 7-12
Distress Oxide Inks Colours 13-18
VersaMark and VersiFine: This is my embossing setup. I stamp first in black Versa Fine (pigment ink), then re-stamp with Versa Mark, then add embossing powder. I tried skipping the Versa Fine step but it didn’t work well in my bright craft room. So this little trio stays together.
VersaMark Ink and Versa Fine Claire Black Ink
Dye Inks: This is my pride and joy. The full collection of Pink Fresh Studio Dye inks, warm colours on one side, cool on the other. I use these for colouring and water colouring stamped images and they are just beautiful to work with.
Pink Fresh Studio Dye Ink Sets
Better Press Ink (Spellbinders): Specifically for use with my Better Press system. Everywhere I researched said it was specially formulated for the press, so I went with it. Results have been really beautiful.
Slow drying white ink: I got the Lisa Horton Cloud 9 pigment ink so I could ink white over darker card stock or over an embossed element. A specific use case but really useful when you need it.
Lisa Horton Cloud 9 White Pigment Ink
Archival inks: I don’t use these often, but I have them for stamping on glossy surfaces and photos.
10. Stamp and Die Sets
This is where things get really fun.
A good stamp and die set gives you a large design element, the matching die to cut it out, and often a coordinating stencil. Pink Fresh Studio is one of my favourite brands for these.
The investment feels higher than buying a single stamp or die separately, but the versatility completely justifies it. I’ve used the same set on cards, mini albums, and scrapbook layouts across many very different projects. That’s what makes a tool earn its place.
Pink Fresh Studio Stamp and Die Sets
11. Die Cutting Machine
You need one of these to use your dies and embossing folders, so it’s worth investing in a good one.
I’ve used my Sizzix for many years and the quality is outstanding. My specific model is no longer available, but if I were buying today I’d look at the Spellbinders Platinum 6 or the current Sizzix equivalent. If you’re on a budget, Amazon also has some generic versions that can do the job while you’re getting started.
Spellbinders Platinum 6 and Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
12. Embossing Folders
Embossing folders run through your die cutting machine and give your paper a beautiful raised texture. They’re inexpensive, they never run out, and they last forever. Classic designs like stripes, lattice, and simple patterns are the ones you’ll still be reaching for in 10 years. Trendy designs date quickly.
I love working with vellum and embossing folders together, then flipping the vellum over and colouring in the recessed sections with paint markers. A really lovely effect.
My favourite embossing folders can be found here: Spellbinders Embossing folders and Altenew Embossing folders.
13. Light Tack Tapes
Two tapes worth having in your stash.
The Mint Tape from Scrapbook.com and the all-purpose tape that comes with the Better Press system are both repositionable and really useful for positioning dies in your machine and holding elements in place before you commit.
That said, a good washi tape works very similarly at a much lower cost. For die positioning especially, I’d reach for washi without hesitation. And you probably already have some in your stash.
Mint Tape and the NICEST Washi Tape ever is here (use code CREATED BY GWEN at checkout for 8% OFF your order)
14. Stamping Platform
I’m an original Misti owner. I got one because I am, in my own words, a terrible stamper.
The Misti lets you position your stamp, ink it up, and then re-press if you don’t get a perfect impression the first time. For me that’s not a nice-to-have. It’s how I get crisp, clean stamped images. It’s also brilliant for layered stamps.
I also tested the Stamp Master, a much more affordable alternative at around $20. I genuinely love both but note that the Stamp Master only seems to be available in Australia. The Misti is still my preference for how it’s designed and how it feels to use, but the Stamp Master is a really solid option if budget is a consideration.
MISTI stamping platform and Stamp Master
One more thing to mention here: I use a little pressure tool alongside my stamping platform. It’s a small handle with felt on the bottom that you press onto the stamp for even pressure across the whole image. It cost a couple of dollars on Amazon and it made a noticeable difference to my results.
15. Heat Tool and Embossing Powders
My heat tool is from Couture Creations and I use it purely for embossing. Simple and reliable.
As for powders, here’s where I’d start:
Clear gloss is the one to buy first. Clear works with any ink colour on white card stock, which means you can have embossing in any colour of the rainbow with just one powder. Start here.
White is essential for darker card stocks where clear would disappear.
Gold because gold. I have a glitter gold from American Crafts that is really beautiful.
Shabby powders (shabby white, shabby pink) create a speckled, flecked finish that works really beautifully for certain styles.
See all the heat embossing power options in one place here.
16. Better Press System
My most recent addition to the craft room and I am already completely in love.
The Better Press is a Spellbinders product that goes into your die cutting machine and lets you create beautifully letter-pressed cards. You ink up the plate, position your paper, and run it through the machine. The results are stunning. It has been on the market for years and I am very late to this party, but here I am and I am so glad I finally arrived.
Other brands now also make plates compatible with this system, which opens up even more options.
Spellbinders Better Press System
17. American Crafts Punch Boards
These make fiddly processes quick and easy, which is exactly what I want from a tool.
My two favourites are the Pocket Punch Board and the Shadow Box Punch Board. When you shop at American Crafts here, you’ll get 10% OFF your order, just by using this link.
The Pocket Punch Board creates pockets from regular card stock, vellum, or glitter card stock. I made a full mini album with pockets using this board and it is one of my favourite projects I’ve ever made. I have a full tutorial video on it here:
The Shadow Box Punch Board creates little boxes in lots of different sizes. I made a full set of these for Christmas and had the most wonderful time doing it. Tutorial linked below here too.
American Crafts Pocket Punch Board and American Crafts Shadow Box Punch Board
18. Ceramic Paint Palette
Yes, this is a little bit bougie. I know.
But there’s something about using a ceramic palette over a plastic one that just makes creating feel more enjoyable. It cleans up really beautifully and I use it for watercolouring and with my acrylic paint markers. A small thing. Makes a difference.
19. American Crafts Alignment Guides
A scrapbooker’s best friend, and totally underrated.
The set comes with three shaped guides: an arch, a squiggle, and a straight line. I’ll be honest, I almost only ever use the straight one. But it is brilliant for laying out Thickers titles before you commit to placing them on the page.
You lay your letters along the guide, space them out, audition the placement on your layout, and then press them down. The guide pulls cleanly away. There’s also a centre marker so you can work outwards from the middle for a perfectly balanced title.
American Crafts Alignment Guides
20. Messy Mat
I am a neat crafter. I do not love mixed media. I like clean, tidy, precise projects. And yet. My messy mat still gets used all the time. It’s just one of those things that makes your workspace easier to manage and I’m really glad to have it.
My Absolute Favourite Tool (I Promised You a Surprise)
After all of that. After the Better Press and the Misti and the Cizzix and the glue press. My number one, most-reached-for tool in my entire craft room is… My T-square Ruler.
And the best part is it’s one of the cheapest things I own.
I use it on every single project. Cards, Scrapbooking Pages, Mini Albums. It goes on everything, every time, to make sure my elements are perfectly straight and aligned. It is so simple and it is so, so useful. I cannot imagine sitting down to create without it.
If there’s one thing you take from this whole post, make it this. Buy a T-square ruler. Today. You’ll thank yourself every single time you sit down to make something.
Is Your Craft Room Ready for All These Tools?
You’ve got the list. But are your supplies stored somewhere you can actually find them when you sit down to create?
If your craft room feels like it needs a bit of a reset before you can enjoy using anything in it, grab my FREE 10 Minute Craft Room Reset checklist. It’s a simple, practical guide to getting your space back under control, even if you only have a few minutes to spare.
You Might Also Like:
- My Ultimate Guide to Paper Punches
- Discover my My Slow Sunday Crafting Ritual
- Learn even more with my FREE Resources and Printables
