The Best Paper Craft Tools (After 20+ Years of Crafting!)

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.

Cricut Paper Trimmer

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.

We R Makers Trimmer

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! 😬

T-square Ruler

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.

Fiskars Fabric Scissors

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.

EK Success Scissors

Detail scissors: A newer addition to my stash. Very pointed and they leave a clean cut right to the tip.

Journalsay Scissors

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.

Score Pal Scoring Board

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.

Fiskars Eyelet Setters

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.

Journalsay Blending Brushes

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.

Spellbinders Better Press Ink

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.

Archival Ink

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.

Stamping Pressure Tool

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.

Ceramic Paint Palette

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.

Messy Mat

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.

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My Slow Sunday Crafting Ritual (And Everything You Need to Start Yours)

Can I tell you about the Sunday that changed everything for me?

It was one of those weeks where everything had felt like too much. Back-to-back commitments, a to-do list that kept growing and a version of me who hadn’t stopped long enough to breathe. By Sunday morning I was exhausted in that specific way that no amount of sleep would fix.

Instead of scrolling for hours (my usual default), I made myself a cup of tea, lit a candle, and just… sat down with some craft supplies I’d been meaning to use. No plan. No Pinterest tutorial to follow perfectly. Just me, some quiet and finally a reason to slow down.

By the time the afternoon light shifted, I felt like myself again.

That’s when I knew: crafting wasn’t just a hobby for me. It was self-care…. and I’ve been building my Slow Sunday crafting ritual ever since.

If you’ve been craving more balance in your life and a genuinely relaxing weekend that actually fills you up I hope this post gives you everything you need to start a Slow Sunday ritual because for me, it’s changed everything.

Why Crafting is the Perfect Slow Sunday Activity

Here’s the thing about a lot of “self-care” advice: it assumes you have a spa budget or two free hours to do nothing.

Crafting is different. It gives your hands something to do while your mind finally gets to rest. There’s real science behind this. The repetitive, focused movements involved in crafting (knitting, painting, paper crafting and more) activate the same calming pathways as meditation. Your nervous system genuinely settles down and on a Sunday specifically? It’s the perfect bridge between the rush of the week and the week ahead. A slow Sunday crafting ritual isn’t about being productive. It’s about being present.

This is what my Sunday actually looks like.

Step 1: Light a Candle First

This might sound like a small thing, but it’s actually the most important step for me. The moment I light a candle, something shifts. My body gets the signal: this is rest time.

I look for candles that feel cozy and grounding. Warm vanilla, Cedarwood and sandalwood are my go-tos. The scent becomes part of the ritual itself. After a while, just smelling it puts me in a calm headspace.

My current favourites, these last forever and the scents fill the whole room without being overwhelming.
1. Chesapeake Bay Peace + Tranquility, Balance + Harmony, Serenity + Calm Scented Candle Set. 2. Nest New York Scented Candles Himalayan Salt & Rosewater and Wild Mint & Eucalyptus. 3. Capri Blue Luxury Soy Candle volcano scented, 4. Neroli Vanilla candle, 5. Paddywax Bordeaux Fig & Vetiver, 6. M&SENSE Amber Jasmine Scented Candle.

Step 2: Get Genuinely Cozy

And I mean genuinely cozy, because comfortable and familiar are two different things. I used to think a familiar setting was enough, it’s not. I’m talking:

  • Soft blanket draped over the couch or your crafting chair,
  • Your favourite mug filled with something warm (tea, hot choc, whatever your favourite is),
  • Comfortable clothes — I’m a pyjamas-and-messy-bun person on Sundays.

1. Memory Foam House Slippers, 2. GOEWY Flat Memory Foam Slippers, 3. Slide on Slippers with bow detail, 4. Cute Lemon Slippers, 5. Fluffy Slippers, 6. Slippers with ribbon bows, 7. Bear Slippers, 8. Warm knit slippers.

1. Mezcla King Size Fleece Blanket, 2. Chunky Knit Throw Blanket, 3. Bedsure Blanket. 4. Simple&Opulence 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Throw Blanket.
5. Battilo Cream White Ivory Throw Blanket.

The physical environment matters more than we give it credit for. When your body feels held and comfortable, you naturally slow down. Don’t skip this part.

Step 3: Do a Little Skincare While You Pick Your Project

Okay, here’s the part of my ritual that may surprise you: before I start crafting, I put on this nourishing moisturiser. It takes one minute and turns the start of my crafting session into a mini spa moment and honestly it makes the whole thing feel more intentional.

I’ve been using this Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Creme for months and my skin has never been happier. It’s the one skincare thing I genuinely look forward to on Sundays.

Step 4: Choose a Low-Pressure Craft

This is key: on a Slow Sunday, I don’t attempt anything complicated.

The goal isn’t to finish a masterpiece. The goal is to enjoy the process. So I reach for crafts that feel satisfying without requiring a lot of thinking. Things like:

  • Paper crafting or journaling (cutting, sticking, decorating a page). I have been a paper crafter for the longest time now. There is something so relaxing to me about cutting up paper and glueing them back together again. You can watch me create on my YouTube channel.
  • Simple watercolour painting (just blending colours with no particular plan). This Watercolour Workbook is my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants to try watercolour but doesn’t know where to start. The designs are already there, you just add the colour.
  • Diamond Art Painting (sooo relaxing because there is very little thinking required. Simply add the dots to the background to create a stunning little art work).

The rule is: if it starts to feel stressful, it’s the wrong craft for today.

Step 5: Put Down your Phone

I know this one sounds obvious. I also know it’s the hardest step.

But here’s the thing, the whole point of a Slow Sunday crafting ritual is to give your nervous system a genuine break. That’s not possible if you’re glancing at notifications every few minutes and no peace can come from an endless scroll.

I put mine in a drawer and use the “Do Not Disturb” setting. You can also try the Focus modes on iPhone if you want to stay available for urgent calls but block everything else.

Give yourself permission to be unreachable for one hour. It’s one hour. The world will be fine.

Step 6: Don’t Judge the Result

This is the one I still have to remind myself of every single time.

Whatever you make during your Slow Sunday session whether it looks beautiful or a bit chaotic, it served its purpose. You created something. You slowed down. You gave yourself time.

That’s the whole win. Resist the urge to judge it critically or compare it to something you saw online. Just let it be what it is.

A Final Note

A Slow Sunday crafting ritual isn’t about adding another thing to your list. It’s about removing things — the pressure to be productive, the guilt about resting, the habit of filling every quiet moment with your phone.

Crafting gives you something to do with your hands while your mind finally gets to breathe.

And in my experience? One cozy Sunday afternoon with a candle, a mug, and a simple project can completely reset your whole week.

I hope you try it. And when you do, come back and tell me what you made. ☕
Found this helpful? Save it to Pinterest for your next slow Sunday.

How to Use Up Your Washi Tape Stash: 30 Ideas for Scrapbookers, Card Makers & Junk Journals

Hands up if your Washi Tape stash started with one or two rolls and somehow multiplied when you weren’t looking, just like the laundry. Mine too. If your Washi Tape collection has a life of its own, this is for you.

I’ve been on a mission to actually use up my collection rather than just admire it and along the way I’ve discovered so many more ways to use Washi Tape than I ever expected. Whether you’re a scrapbooker, card maker or you create junk journals, there’s something in this list for you.

I’ve also filmed a full video walking through every single one of these ideas. If you’re a visual learner, make sure you watch that too, it’s right here.

A Quick Note About My Stash

I store my Washi Tape by manufacturer and collection in a three-drawer unit though I’m genuinely considering switching to storing by colour so I reach for them more. I also recently found a little washi tape cutter that gives me a perfectly clean straight cut every time, and I’m obsessed with it. I’ll link both of those below.

My Current Favourite Washi Tape Tools & Storage

🌸 FREE Download PDF – Washi Tape BINGO! The fun-est (and BEST) way to use up your stash.

📦 This Three Drawer Storage Unit is the best WashTape Storage ever!

✂️ Use this Washi Tape Cutter for clean straight cuts every time.

For Your Scrapbook Layouts

1. Create a frame for your page This is one of the best ways to use up a lot of washi tape in one go. Run a wider tape down all four edges of your 12×12 cardstock, overlapping and wrapping it around the edge for a really polished finish. Trim the excess, then add a second sheet of cardstock on top trimmed down slightly. Add a stitched edge detail and you’ve got a beautiful custom frame.

2. Create a photo mat Similar idea; find a scrap piece of cardstock to use as your photo mat and apply Washi Tape around all four sides. Combining this with the frame idea on the same layout is my favourite trick. It uses up almost an entire roll and makes the whole layout feel really cohesive.

3. Fill in your layout background with stripes This is a great one for using up a lot of washi at once. Lay down a stripe on the far left edge of your page and another on the far right, then add another strip about three and a half inches in from one side. Fill the gaps with strips of patterned paper. Use a T-square ruler to keep everything straight, this technique is super flexible and you can adjust the widths to suit whatever Washi you have on hand.

4. Add extra detail to paper layers Building a cluster on your layout? Add a thin strip of washi tape down the edge of a plain white card piece to create a little anchoring detail. You can run it vertically or horizontally. Mix and match across all your paper layers for a really put-together look.

5. Make your own patterned paper Choose three or four coordinating washi designs in different widths and layer them across a piece of cardstock. You don’t need to cover the whole sheet leaving some of the cardstock showing through actually adds to the look. For best results, vary the widths of the tapes you use.

6. Neatly join two papers together Have you ever had patterned paper that was just a little too small for your project? Washi tape is perfect for joining two pieces together. It covers the seam beautifully and adds extra detail and dimension without adding any bulk. I use this one all the time.

DIY Embellishments

7. Use Washi Tape with your paper punches This is one of my absolute favourites. Apply washi tape to a scrap of cardstock and punch it out just like you normally would. Tab punches, circle punches, any shape punch, they all work. This is best with wider tape but standard width works too, you just need to line it up neatly.

8. Fussy cut the icons If you have Washi tape with cute little icons or illustrations printed on it (butterflies, florals, anything like that) try fussy cutting them out and using them as embellishments. The wider the tape and the larger the icons, the easier it is. Keep an eye out for these styles of tape because they give you very inexpensive embellishments.

9. Add Washi to wooden embellishments Run a strip of washi tape down the front of a wooden embellishment, press it on firmly, then fussy cut the edges to fit the shape. This works best on simple shapes. A layer of glossy accents over the top takes it to the next level.

10. Customise a paper clip Thread a thin washi tape through one end of a standard paper clip, fold it back onto itself, then cut a cute little banner shape in the end. Such a simple idea and such a cute result.

11. Customise a bulldog clip Run a strip of washi across the top of a bulldog clip. A little tip here: use light-coloured washi on silver clips and save your darker designs for the black ones. Make a batch of these in advance so they’re ready to go.

12. Make die-cut embellishments Layer strips of washi tape onto a cutting mat to create an area large enough to die cut. Take care to line up the design so it looks seamless when the die is cut. Layer two different sized floral dies on top of each other for a finished embellishment. The Washi patterning makes it look really special. Bonus tip: if your paper is stuck in the die, just drop it gently on your desk. It usually falls right out.

13. Make a string banner All you need is some thin string and your washi tape. Start in the centre of the string with a small strip of tape folded over onto itself, then work your way out with evenly spaced pieces. A really sweet finishing touch for any project.

14. Make paper flag banners Cut some paper strips and punch a little flag shape in the ends, then add a small strip of washi as a decorative detail. Super cute and a great way to use up small pieces.

15. DIY photo corners Cut your photo mat to size, then place a piece of washi diagonally across each corner. Start with the very edge of the tape sitting exactly in the corner of the mat, that alignment is what makes these look really polished.

Cards & Mixed Media

16. Create a card background Cut a piece of white cardstock to fit your card base and layer strips of washi tape across it, taking care with the placement so it looks like patterned paper. This works especially well with geometric prints. Trim the excess, then die cut into it. You’ll often get two cards worth of background out of one piece.

17. Create a textured background Apply washi tape to strips of cardstock, then cut those strips into smaller pieces and layer them onto your project, overlapping slightly. Ruffle up the edges a little to add extra texture. Really fun effect.

18. Mask off your mixed media Lay washi tape down as a mask when working with inks or paints and you’ll get a super crisp clean edge. Works beautifully with distress inks and an ink dauber. The tape is repositionable too, so you can move it around your page as you work.

19. Hold down masks and stencils Use pieces of washi to keep your masks and stencils in place while you work. Because it’s repositionable, you can easily adjust and move them without damaging your project.

20. Colour with alcohol markers or inks Did you know you can colour over washi tape with Copic markers or alcohol inks? This works best on tape that has a pale or white background. It’s a brilliant way to customise your stash to match a specific project.

Clever and Practical Uses

21. Create a paper pocket Start with a journaling card and a strip of cardstock folded in half to the width of the card. Use Washi Tape to seal the two open sides, the first strip is visible as a decorative detail, the second is tucked underneath so it’s hidden. Cut a small notch in the top before you seal it up (do this first and learn from my mistake!) so you can slide tags in and out easily.

22. Create a handle for flip-up elements If you have a layout with a flip-up section, add two matching pieces of washi tape to the edge of the flap to create a little handle. Practical and pretty.

23. Create an interactive flap Washi tape makes a great flexible hinge. Use it to create a little flap that covers hidden journaling on your project. The tape is strong enough to hold up to repeated use.

24. Use thin washi as journalling lines Not sure what to do with your super thin washi tape? Use a T-square ruler to lay it across a journaling block as lines to write on. Simple and really effective.

25. Add detail to tags and gift tags Find a coordinating washi tape and apply it to any tag, wrap it all the way around or trim the edges with scissors for a neater look. Perfect for Christmas gift tags and really elevates a plain tag quickly.

26. Secure your machine stitching Washi tape is excellent for securing any machine stitching on your paper crafts. A brilliant little trick if you do a lot of stitched layouts.

27. Hold dies in place before cutting Use washi tape to hold smaller dies in place on your die cutting machine before you run them through. This can save you from having to invest in a magnetic plate — especially useful for those fiddly little dies.

Storage & Organisation

28. Rescue washi tape that’s losing its stick If you notice your washi tape isn’t sticking as well as it used to, press it onto strips of cardstock and store it that way. It saves the tape, and you can share strips with crafty friends or use them for the textured background idea above.

29. Label your storage Washi tape is fantastic for labeling plastic boxes and bins. My favourite part? If you change your mind about how you’re organising things, it peels off and repositions without any fuss.

Best Places to Buy Washi Tape

Here are my favourite places to stock up:

🛒  #1 Stunning designs you won’t find on Amazon at prices you’ll love here. (Super budget friendly option)

🛒  #2 A huge range here, many with co-ordinating papers and embellishments ideal for Scrapbooking and Card Making. (The biggest selection is here)

🛒 #3 Some of the prettiest designs available here. If you want something different THIS is the shop to visit.

Yes, these are affiliate links, but there is no pressure to shop… sometimes it’s nice to just check out pretty things! If you do take action, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting what I do! 🩷

My Current Favourite Washi Tape Tools & Storage

Ready to Start Using Up Your Stash?

You now have 30 reasons to pull out your washi tape collection and get creative. Start with whichever idea speaks to you and if you want to see all of these in action, make sure you watch the video above.

Which idea is your favourite? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear!

Slow Sunday… but EVERYDAY: For crafters who already know how to live slowly

There’s a particular kind of afternoon that every crafter knows.

It’s an afternoon you spent entirely on your current craft project. No rushing, no overthinking. It’s a warm cup of tea or coffee by your side and soft music or a crafty YouTube video playing in the background. It’s the calm you feel when making something by hand. The candle you lit without really thinking about it, your favourite slippers and the feeling of time moving differently.

As a crafter, you’ve already been living this, you just might not have called it anything. For me, it’s called a slow Sunday, but everyday.

It’s simply the decision to bring that feeling of calm and quiet into more of your days. Not just Sundays. Not just when the schedule allows. As a thread running through an ordinary week in the small choices and in the small moments and if you’re here… I think you are already a part of this.

Make Something

As a creative person, this will always be the heart of it.

Crafting is the original slow living practice. It requires your hands, your attention, and your patience. It asks you to be present in a way that almost nothing else does. When you’re fussy cutting out flowers, mid-row on a knitting project or halfway through making a card, you can’t be anywhere else. That’s the gift.

I didn’t realise it at first, but every project on my YouTube (and this blog) is a slow Sunday project. Whether it’s a 20-minute card or a scrapbook layout or mini album… and this year, I’m really leaning on into this. In a world that’s getting crazier and crazier by the day, I’m finding more and more space for things that bring calm.

What I’m Currently Loving

Crafting will always be my focus, but the things around it matter too.

A candle that changes the feeling of a room. Slippers you actually want to put on. Tea in a cup worth lingering over. These aren’t extras. They’re the difference between crafting as a task and crafting as a ritual.

I’ve been building a little collection of cozy finds that live around my craft space and make the slow Sunday feeling easier to create than ever… any day of the week.

🕯️ La Jolie Muse Candle 🩰 Fluffy Slippers with Bow 🌼 Harney & Sons Chamomile Tea ☕ Floral Mug 🌿 Muse Apothecary Pillow Ritual Spray 🌸 Satin Hair Scrunchie 🛏️ Silk Pillowcase 😴 Satin Sleep Eye Mask
Browse all of my SLOW SUNDAY finds in one place → HERE.

*Affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only share things I’d genuinely reach for. #ad

You’re in the Right Place

If you came here for craft tutorials and you’re still here reading this, great because, I’ll be sharing more of this as I go. Still crafts, always crafts. But also the whole slow, cozy, intentional life that crafting lives inside. New posts, new finds and new ideas for bringing that Sunday morning feeling into a Tuesday afternoon.

📚 Easy Watercolour Workbook 🎨 Watercolour Paint Set 🧣 Dusty Rose Fleece Throw Blanket 🌸 Floral Washi Tape Set 🧴 L’Occitane Rose Hand Cream 🕯️ Neroli Vanilla Candle ☕ Green Toile Floral Mug 🫖 Tea Infuser Ball Set
Browse all of my SLOW SUNDAY finds in one place → HERE.

Everything a Beginner Paper Crafter ACTUALLY Needs… For less than $100


If you’ve been putting off starting paper crafting because you think you need a mountain of supplies and a serious budget to match… this post is for you.

The truth? You can get everything you actually need to start making beautiful cards, scrapbook pages and journal spreads for under $100. No expensive cutting machines, no overwhelming hauls. Just simple, well-chosen supplies that will have you creating projects you love from day one.

Here’s exactly what I’d buy if I was starting paper crafting all over again. 💛

They all come from Journalsay and when you use code CREATEDBYGWEN you’ll get 8% OFF your order.

The Essential Tools

Every paper crafter needs a reliable set of core tools and the good news is, they don’t need to cost a lot.

Scissors are your most-reached-for tool, so don’t skip on these. A sharp, comfortable pair makes all the difference when you’re trimming papers and cutting details. I’ve had this particular pair of scissors for years now and they are great for every crafting need, including fussy cutting, cutting tapes and papers.

A Paper Trimmer is a game-changer for clean, straight cuts on cards and scrapbook pages. This A5 bidirectional trimmer is compact, beginner-friendly and so satisfying to use. If you’re doing a lot of 12 x 12 paper crafting such as Scrapbooking, this trimmer is a better choice. I also have a mini guillotine trimmer which I use for trimming down photos, the big benefit to a trimmer like this is that the blade never needs replacing.

Adhesives

Nobody talks about adhesives enough, but trust me the right ones will save your projects. They can be a very personal choice and over the years, I’ve learned which ones are my favourite.

Double-sided dot glue is endlessly useful. Clean, no-mess and perfect for layering papers and sticking down elements without any warping.

Foam squares Add instant dimension to your layouts. Pop a sticker or die cut on one of these and suddenly your page has depth. Beginners love these.

Double sided Tape Used for almost everything, card assembly, scrapbook pages and mini albums.

Stamps & Ink

Stamping is one of the most satisfying parts of paper crafting, and you really only need a small, curated set to start.

For ink pads, I’d recommend picking up two to start — a classic black for crisp outlines and a warm brown for that vintage, aged look that works beautifully with nature-inspired projects. If you have a little more to spend, this fast drying pigment ink is one of the industry’s best. You could also invest in a coloured ink set which will give you lots of creative options.

For Stamps, these three are wonderful starter picks:

  • Butterfly & Backgrounds Stamp Set — delicate, versatile and works across cards, journals and scrapbook pages alike.
  • Vintage English Text & Butterfly Stamp — that aged stationery feel, perfect as a background or focal stamp.
  • Wooden Vintage Plant  — A simple design with a more organic, handcrafted impression. Perfectly imperfect design that’s super easy to use.
  • Stamp Block – You’ll need one of these when working with soft acrylic stamps. This is what you mount your silicone stamps onto for crisp, even impressions every single time.

Papers & Stationery

Paper is where the magic really starts. Here’s a mix that gives you versatility without overwhelm:

And of course, you need somewhere to create! This A6 Literary Embossed Flower & Leaf Journal is the perfect beginner’s canvas — beautiful on the outside, ready for your creativity on the inside.

Washi & PET Tapes

Tapes are one of the most addictive parts of paper crafting — and for good reason. They’re easy to use, forgiving and instantly elevate any page.

Stickers & Die Cuts

Here’s where you can really have fun. These are the finishing touches that bring a page to life:

Pens & Markers

Last but not least — a set of Acrylic markers (9-piece set) in soft, painterly tones. These are brilliant for adding handwritten titles, colouring stamped images or adding painted details to your pages and come in every colour of the rainbow.

The Full List at a Glance

CategoryItems
ToolsScissors, Paper Trimmer, Stamp Block
AdhesivesDot Glue, Foam Squares
Stamps & Ink2 Ink Pads, 3 Stamps (Silicone x2, Wooden x1)
Paper7 Paper Packs + Journal
Tapes4 Washi/PET Tape options
Stickers & Die Cuts11 Sticker/Die Cut packs
Markers9-piece Acrylic Marker Set

Ready to Start?

Every single item in this list came from Journalsay and the whole haul came in under $100.
**Use code CREATEDBYGWEN for 8% OFF your order**

If you want to see all of these supplies unboxed AND watch me create three beginner-friendly pages using nothing but what’s in this list, the full video is right here 👇

Happy crafting, my creative friend. 💛

This post contains affiliate links. If you take action after clicking a link, (buy something or sign up for example) I will earn a small commission. By doing so you are helping to support my family and I’m so grateful for that! Rest assured I only link to products I personally use, trust and love.

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