FAVES & MUST HAVES

Here, you will find a collection of my favorite and must have items.

Please know, that this list is constantly evolving as I discover new, must-have products.  I have done my best to provide additional shop options for each item, when available.

(Contains affiliate links - where I earn a commission from purchases made from my links, at no cost to you. Your support helps me keep this blog going, and continue to create - Thank you! Affiliates and disclosures can be found here.) 


Teflon Bone Folder


I have been reluctant to purchase one of these for years, because the cost put me off, however, I recently discovered that there were many more affordable options on the market now, so I invested.  And I LOVE it.   The beautiful sharp creases this creates in my card bases - without leaving a mark - makes it totally worth the cost!  I also love that it's nonstick, so I don't have to worry about adhesive getting on it.
Store 1 | Store 2. 


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Reverse Tweezers


These awesome tweezers work in the reverse of a normal set.  You squeeze the body of the tweezers to open the pinchers, and release to grip.  This makes holding small pieces of paper for heat embossing, or placement super easy!  I love my set, and have had them for many years.

Store 1 |  Store 2


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This is a newer item in my tool box, but I'm not quite sure where it has been all my crafty life.  The sticky ends make it so easy to pick up, and place, small gems or sequins.    
Store 1 | Store 2




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No list would be complete without this handy tool.  I've been through a lot of trimmers over the years, and have had both good and horrible trimmers.  This is one of the very good ones!  From the tiniest slivers of paper, to cutting down card fronts, this trimmer can do it - and no ragged edges!  I do keep another trimmer that I like, on hand to cut anything larger than 8.5", but most of the time, as soon as the piece will fit into the Comfort trimmer, I will switch back.   
Store 1 | Store 2 | Store 3                



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These pencils are soft, and easily blended to allow for some great 3D coloring.  They are also a more affordable option for a "quality" pencil, and it is easy to find replacements.  The color selection in the 150 ct set is amazing, and as you can replace individual colors easily, the set is a good investment to start.  
Store 1 |  Store 2
Another set of pencils that recently entered my craft room, are the Polychromos Colored Pencils.  I currently have the box set of 60.  These are a slightly different pencil than the Prismacolors - these pencils are more expensive, but the leads are harder, which means they last longer, and don't break as easily.  These are a VERY good quality pencil, and will be appearing more and more in my card making.  
Store 1 | Store 2 (120 Ct, or 72 Ct) 



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Platinum Die Cutting Machine

I have both the full size machine (in an older color configuration), and the smaller Platinum 6.  Either of these machines will quickly become your favorite.  The full size machine has an 8.5" x 11" platform, allowing you to cut a full sheet of card stock at a time.  Both are able to cut thin and steel rule dies, as well as emboss with embossing folders and dies.  I've had a few different brands of die cutting machines, over my time paper crafting, and this is my favorite so far!  

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Gina K Designs Obsidian Amalgam Ink


Every crafter has to have a great black ink in their arsenal - I have two.  This first ink stamps beautifully, and is perfect for Copic coloring and watercoloring - without the need to heat set, or wait hours for it to set.  Color to your hearts content in minutes - with no smearing!  For no-line coloring, the Barely There shade has all the same  abilities, but in a color that fades away under your coloring.



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The second black ink pad that I rely on, is the Picket Fence Studios Black Hybrid Ink Pad.  It dries quicky, and is great for coloring, or embossing over the top of (if you move quickly!) 





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Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue - The Mini

A friend introduced me to this glue a while ago, and I LOVE it.  The precision tip really helps when you're trying to glue delicate die cuts, and the glue dries quickly, clear, and makes a solid seal. I highly recommend also investing in the rubber stopper, however, it's not necessary if you are very careful about properly sealing the bottle when you have used it.  
Store 1 | Store 2




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MISTI Stamping Tool

You'd be hard pressed to find a crafter who has a MISTI and doesn't love it.  This stamping tool makes stamping layers, double stamping, or creating multiple identical cards, a breeze.  Be sure to also pick up the Mouse Pad, which allows you to have a wipeable surface, when you use clear stamps in your MISTI. 



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Tonic Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Pen - Glitter Gloss

This actually knocked my beloved Sparkle Silk off the list.  The perfect subtle shimmer to add to projects.  You can paint it onto specific areas with the brush tip, or flick it across your project for more random shine.  Also works to watercolor with, if you squeeze a bit out into a palette when watercoloring.



These are one of my favorite tools ever! I love these for Blending Brush Painting.  I do find that I reach for the broader brushes (linked above), more often that the fine assortment, however, the finer brushes are great for detail work.  I do not keep separate sets for various inks - I simply wash the brushes in lukewarm water with a tiny amount of dish soap, and dry them upright in a cup.  If you are gentle with the bristles, and their connection to the handle, these will last for years with no problem.  

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I play around with several different brands of colored card stock, but for my card bases, and for ink blending, or coloring I tend to reach for the 80lb Neenah Classic Crest Solar White card stock. The smooth surface works well for many techniques.  I often use white card bases on my cards, and the card base is made with the 110lb Heavyweight Neenah Classic Crest Solar White.  
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