Products I Use

I've had some questions about what products I use, so here are a few of my go-to crafting products.

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Die Cutting Machines

Gemini

This electric machine works really well for all types of dies. The only issue I've had is warping of the plates, but they still work just fine. This is my go-to electric machine. 

Spellbinders Platinum 6

This manual machine is what I use with my Glimmer machine (foiling machine). It die cuts and embosses great too. Very sturdy machine and folds up too.

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Craft Mats

Waffle Flower Silicone Mats

Waffle Flower carries multiple versions of the silicone mat with different sizes and features. My favorite is probably the bigger of the stencil mat. They clean up so well and the soft, grippy silicone is the perfect surface for stamping, blending, painting, and embossing. The only warning, no sharp tools. 

Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat

I use this mat over in the area where I die cut. I don't have to worry about scissors and dies damaging my silicone mats. Super easy to clean up and very sturdy (tempered glass).

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Basic Inks

Versafine Clair (Sentiments)

Absolute best for stamping sentiments. Crisp, very black, and done in one stamp.

Tsusineko Memento Tuxedo Black

Still the standard for stamping images that you want to color with Copics/Alcohol markers. 

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Cardstock

Papertrey Ink (White & Colors)

I'm very picky about paper and I have always used Papertrey Ink Stampers Select White. It is very white (no tint of blue, pink, gray, or yellow) and is heavy (110 lb). I have used it for mostly everything. 

Hammermill Cardstock, Premium Color Copy, 100 lb

This is what I use for foiling. Foiling works best with super smooth paper and this is it! It is not as thick or sturdy as the Papertrey Ink paper, but it not lightweight.

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Adhesive

Bearly Arts (General Liquid)

This glue is the best all-around glue especially for small die cuts and embellishments. Liquid glue is also best when you need a little time to move the pieces before the glue sets. 

Waffle Flower Foam Strips (1/8" & 1/16" thickness)

For ease of use, the foam strip sheets from Waffle Flower are the best. They have a 1/8" thick or a 1/16" thick sheet. 

3M Foam Tape

I tried to go with the cheap foam tape rolls but most of them had terrible adhesive or were very mushy. I usually buy the huge rolls from Amazon.  

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Markers

Copic (Alcohol Markers)

There are a lot of new options for alcohol markers, but Copics are still the standard for their large range of colors and the fact that they can be maintained (change nib and refill with ink). It's definitely an investment, but the color blending is the easiest and looks the best compared to others I've tried.  

Sakura Gelly Roll (White Gel Pen)

Sakura Gelly Roll White Gel Pens are still my favorite. They have good opaqueness and don't seem to dry out or gum up like others I've tried.

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Watercolor Paper

Arches (Watercolor Painting)

My favorite watercolor paper is Arches, but that's just for watercoloring. It's pricey and I usually reserve it for actual watercoloring and not cards.

Master's Touch (Cards)

For cards, I have actually been using Master's Touch from Hobby Lobby. It has a texture to it that I like. You may not like the texture, but I think the texture lends itself to the handmade look of watercoloring. Just a caveat, this paper may not be the best paper for creating full watercolored pieces, but it's great for cards.  

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Tools/Supplies

Teflon Bone Folder

I really thought that people were exaggerating about needing a teflon bone folder, but it really does work! It doesn't tear at your paper and gives a smooth edge.

Pixie Spray (Stencil Spray)

This repositional adhesive spray is what you need for stencils. Sticky but not too sticky. It's very light too, so your stencils don't get all gummy. 

Splatter Tool 

If you want to achieve that perfectly imperfect splatter,  get one of these from Tim Holtz or Liquitex. I have used paintbrushes and toothbrushes, but I like these tools because they seem to give natural looking splatters. 

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Other stuff?

• Glue guns/tape runners - I do use them, but I don't have a favorite. They are all very similar and there are so many sizes/shapes out there. Pick what works for you. 
• Paper trimmers - I have a guillotine trimmer, but I know many folks do not like to have a blade cutter. There is a wide variety of opinions on cutters, but you can expect to pay more if you want one to last a long time. I prefer a larger size (12X12) because I want the option to cut scrapbook paper. 
• Scoreboards - I have a number of scoreboards and they all work about the same. Just think about the size of your cards/projects before you choose. You'll want a larger one for party favors and slimline cards. 
• Scissors - Lots of choices out there now. You do need a large pair and a detail pair. Just remember to keep your paper and fabric scissor separate.