Tools:
When stating out you need, Basics: Card Stock, Sharp Knife, Ruler preferably metal, Pencil, Self Healing Cutting Mat, Scissors, I have 4 pairs, 1 for Bows – 1 for Card Stock – 1 for odd jobs and a spare pair. Different types of Glues, this will be trial and error, as different crafters use different glues for different projects. Tweezers and Tooth picks for Gems and Bows and any other fiddly bits. If you are folding your own card stock then you definitely need an Embossing Board and Ball Tool, this helps give a professional fold. You can buy pre-folded cards, they usually come with envelopes. A good inexpensive guillotine type cutting machine is worth having for all those card cutting projects, for those straight line cuts.
You may find you get a more expensive cutting tool, depending on how much you use it. I personally wouldn’t be without mine.
Anything else usually comes later as you progress in your crafting.
Hints & Tips:
Embossing Boards = When using an embossing board to crease card stock, using a tea light on the embossing tool helps the tool to glide on the card easier, causing less drag. (optional )
Card Surfaces = When using a wet glue on a shiny or glittery card surface, use a little light weight sand paper or an emery board nail file, to scratch away a little of the glitter or shiny surface, taking care not to scratch too near the edge, as this will show on your project, keep to the centre as much as possible. Emery boards can also be used to take off the tiny pips on a die cut kit used for card projects.
Die Cutting = Releasing card from dies can be a problem, using a grease proof paper between the card and die usually helps to release the card stock from the die. This is especially a good tip when using intricate lace dies.
Gems and Bows = I find it easier to put a small amount of my chosen glue into a shallow dish, less waste. Using a tooth pick or similar, pick up a tiny amount of glue and gently place it on the project where you would like to adhere your gems. Using tweezers pick up the gem and place it on the glue. ( Maybe do a practice run on a piece of scrap card to get use to the amount of glue needed for each gem ). It is too easy to apply too much glue, spoiling your finished project.
Boxes = When making a box a wet glue is a better option as double sided tape may dry out over a long period of time. Red tape only is also good for boxes.
Foam Pads = When using foam pads to raise your toppers it is a great idea to use a glue stick or a glue of your choice, put glue on the pads before placing it on your card, this will allow you wiggle time, so you can get it straight or in the correct place before it sticks, especially good for those decoupage projects.
More Hints & Tips to come
