Not cheap ... but useful

A useful addition for any cardmaker and one that can save you lots of time and frustration if you hate to cut out shapes ..... like me!

I really can't be bothered with all that fiddly stuff and so  I bought myself  a  Die Cutter   a long time ago.

The first machine I ever bought  was the Big Shot from Sizzix, and it has been a little work horse for me from day one.

It can do everything that I need it to do from cutting out shapes to taking some of the embossing folders.

But as the years have gone on and I have started to use more and more Spellbinders  I decided to invest in the Grand Calibur.

Not because there was anything wrong with the Big Shot but purely because of the cutting area.

The Big Shot will only has an A5 area where as the Calibur has an A4 which means that I use the larger Grand dies and the Impressabilites all from Spellbinders.

But whichever one you decide to go for ... and there are lots on the market all with varying price tags ... just make sure that it will do what you want it to do because they are a considered purchase for you to add to your list.

Hugs xx

Scoring Board

To me this is an essential piece of quipement and one I use every day whenever I have a card or a project that needs to be folded carefully.

This is the Ultimate Pro from   Crafters Companion  and is one of the best things I have ever invested in.

With this I can score card and papers and the sizes I need are all marked on the  board.   I can make boxes and envelopes to suit my cards and several different styles of card including K-cards, aperture cards, exploding boxes, drawer cards and many many more.

The inside is where I can store my trimmer and bone folders ... which come with the board ... and there are adjustable pegs that will enable you to tie perfect ribbon bows everytime.        It even has it's own paper trimmer stored inside too.

It comes complete with a booklet that gives you all the measuring ...  ready done ... for several box and envelope sizes and detailed instructions on how to use the board so that you can get the best results.

Hugs xx

Paper Trimmer

I find a   Paper Trimmer   very useful in my cardmaking as it enables me to get a neat edge to my project.

You can get them with straight edges as well as fancy ones to vary the look on your cards.

This was my choice and I got it for half  price in the local craft shop sale ... so was I pleased or what????

It is  both a  Rotary trimmer and a  Guillotine combined and the trimmer has different cutters that can be changed at the twist ot the knob.

The cutters can also be used freestyle too.

It is from  Purple Cows  and the two pieces seperate to be used individually.

The 12" cutting platform means I can use larger papers and card for everything that I want to do.

Hugs xx

Heat gun

So yesterday we got started making cards and we got together some of the basics.

One of the things that will help you is a   Heat Gun   and they are all different prices to suit your particular budget.

This is the one I use and it has a dual heat setting.

The little metal stand at the front of the gun will allow you to stand it down without burning the work top

It was not expensive and I use it to heat  embossing powders to give a raised edge to my designs.

I can heat set any stamped images, dry ribbons that have been coloured and Enamel my flowers.

I can also use shrink plastic to make small embellishments .... and if these terms are alien to you then you can always visit Card Making Magic for a more detailed explanation on each subject covered.

There are lots of other ways to use the tool and there are many on the market ... so shop around to get the best one for your money.

Hugs xx 

Tools of the trade...

Everybody needs some basics to start cardmaking with and most of the stuff we need we already have to hand.  You will need the obvious .... card, paper and some glue to stick 'em all together ... and envelopes to send the finished card in.

Then get together ...

• A space to work in ... could be the kitchen table.
• A metal edged ruler ... raid the toolbox ... or invest in a clear ruler with a metal edge
• A craft knife and some scissors .... a pair for paper and another for ribbon.
• A self healing cutting mat ... to preserve that kitchen table

And that will get you started cheaply and easily.  I used my dining room table for a long time and made lots of cards that I sent to family and friends. 

The only problem is that as you start to gather together items for your "Stash" it doesn't take long before that "Stash" out grows your chosen space and fills the house.

I am sure many crafters are nodding their heads at that statement as they know exactly what I mean and that is when you need to invest in some storage .... or utilise everyday objects.

But that is another story which we will get too in due course ... but for now back to tools of the trade.

So we have got the basics and we have started to make some cards.... Yes??? well it won't be long before you will  want to invest in some of the bigger stuff to make life easier for you as you get addicted to this lovely hobby.

But over the next few days I will cover some of the pieces you may want to get ... but not all of it is needed ... even if you want it.

Hugs xx