Are you in a search for a new hobby? Or maybe you’re a passionate DIY-er who wants to explore new creative possibilities? Then, let me introduce you to the world of paper crafting.
There’s something innately satisfying about paper crafting. It may be because paper was one of the first ways of communication, or maybe it’s because there are so many creative possibilities. Whatever the reason, paper crafting is a popular activity that people of all ages enjoy.
What Do You Need for Paper Crafting?
If you want to enjoy paper crafting, you must understand the value of having the correct paper craft tools for the job. While the paper crafting possibilities are endless (think crafting cards, scrapbook layouts, journaling, or just doodling on a piece of paper), there are some essential paper craft supplies that every crafter should have in their tool bag. We’ll look at the must-haves and some nice-to-have, too, whether you’re new to DIY creating or want to add some new DIY craft supplies to your collection.
Paper
Paper is, of course, one of the most fundamental paper craft materials. While you’ll need paper for all forms of paper crafting projects, other DIY craft types likewise involve paper in some way, shape, or form.
Paper comes in various sizes, weights, colours, textures, and other characteristics. Regular copy paper, cardstock paper, speciality paper (vellum, foil, parchment), watercolour paper, patterned paper, and more are available.
While you probably won’t need all these different types of paper immediately, it would be beneficial to have some on hand, especially if you enjoy card-making and scrapbooking. Additionally, specialty papers can add a unique touch to DIY projects.
Cardstock
Cardstock is heavier than regular copy paper. It is available in various colours, textures, finishes, and thicknesses. Some use card stock materials to make cards, party printables, party backdrops, stickers, and different home décor projects such as big paper flowers and wall art. In addition, you can find decoupage kits with diverse themes for creating brilliant dimensional elements for cards, scrapbook pages and more.
Tissue Paper
Decorative tissue papers are thin and crisp, and you can produce many little projects using them, such as flowers, pom poms, gift wrappers, and more. Colours spill through the paper and are a favoured choice for simple creative projects. Keep various colours on hand for your party and home decor tasks.
Gift-wrapping Paper
Gift wrap paper is available in a variety of thicknesses and finishes. Because it comes on a large roll, you may use it to make considerable paper projects! Make large flowers, large party backdrops, table covers, and more!
Cutting Tools
A nice pair of Cricut scissors is one of the most valuable tools in the crafting world. When selecting the best scissors for your DIY projects, choose a pair of thicker steel and a titanium-coated blade that is rust and corrosion-resistant (for added durability). An ergonomically designed handle that’s soft to the touch is another consideration.
You’ll use scissors for card making and scrapbooking to cut cardstock, fussy-cut stamped images (if the matching dies aren’t available), cut embellishments, manufacture DIY ephemera, trim other ornamental items, and cut overhanging bits and pieces. That makes high-quality scissors vital craft tools for both beginner and experienced crafters.
You will face the challenge of how to cut through or around tight areas and smaller spaces throughout your crafting trip. A craft knife comes in handy in this situation. That’s one of those craft supplies that sometimes goes unnoticed but is quite helpful to have on hand. It provides a clean and accurate cut that a pair of scissors cannot. Furthermore, individual craft knives are retractable and come in various blade sizes.
Adhesives
Unless you’re only doing origami, adhesives are essential paper craft supplies. So, what is our finest advice for selecting the correct adhesives? Choose the one that best meets your crafting requirements. Because not all adhesives are created equal, you’ll need to do your homework to locate one that works best for your DIY crafts, whether cards, scrapbook pages, art journals, or mixed media projects.
Here are a few adhesives to consider:
- Liquid glue. The basic sort of craft glue and an absolute necessity.
- Double-sided adhesives. Excellent for cardmaking and scrapbooking, especially when using intricate dies.
- Glue tape. Essential for attaching paper and other lightweight materials.
- Foam tape. Use it to give dimension to your paper crafts.
- Masking tape. A low-tack tape that’s used for masking methods but also to keep your cardstock or stencil in place for watercolour or ink mixing.
Mat
Crafting mats are available in silicone, rubber, and glass. While making DIY paper crafts isn’t the cleanest or neatest hobby, a mat can protect your crafting area. A crafting mat is necessary to prevent knife cuts, ink stains, alcohol ink spills, sticky adhesives, and other catastrophes from destroying your craft workstation. Here are the two main types.
- Cutting Mat. A self-healing cutting mat is a must-have craft equipment for protecting your work surface from craft knives, rotary cutters, and other cutting instruments.
- Stamping Pad. Ink stamping can range from enjoyable and soothing to messy and frustrating. Although most dye and pigment inks are easy to remove from your work area, don’t risk it. A silicone stamping mat can help you avoid inky circumstances while crafting and may also aid the stamping process by providing soft, equal pressure beneath the stamp.
Nice-to-have Tools and Supplies
- Scoreboard. Helpful if you like making cards –this paper-making gadget scores straight lines and folds paper fast.
- Bone folder. It helps you fold paper professionally without a scoreboard.
- Stone picker or tweezers. When you want to bling up your DIY items, you can use tweezers or stone pickers for using tiny gemstones, sequins, etc. You may even use tweezers to grab complicated die-cuts!
- Watercolours. Although many paper crafters avoid them, pan or liquid watercolours on hand can be a helpful addition.
- Gel pens. Used for journaling, these are also wonderful for scrapbooking and card creation.
- Fine liner pens. A fine black pen for journaling or embellishing cards and scrapbooks is essential.
- Ruler. A ruler is still the ideal craft tool for straight lines. Metal or transparent rulers aren’t necessary, although they’re always handy in a craft area.
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