{scrap and stamp with mary}: Tools, Tools, Tools

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Tools, Tools, Tools

Last week I shared cards using my Favorite Stamp sets and products from Stampin' Up! and mentioned that I have some favorite tools, too. These tools are ones that live on my workspace table and never get 'put away' because I used them every time I stamp and would be lost trying to stamp without them.

My Tabletop Cutter has a prominent place on my stamp table and I don't know what I ever did without it! This is a guillotine style cutter and it cuts my heavy weight Stampin' Up! cardstock very accurately and without fraying it. The blade does not need to be replaced and has a 5 year guarantee. The extended arm is removable to store underneath if I need to take it with me.

Grid Paper is always on my stamp table as well - it's a staple not only for my classes and workshop events, but for my personal, everyday stamping. (No, I don't stamp EVERY day, but I wish I did!) I write notes on my Grid Paper, use it to measure mats, line up my ruler and Bone Folder for score lines, stamp off ink from my stamp or brayer, test the color intensity from an inked up Sponge Dauber, stamp an image to check alignment or ink coverage and even to catch excess adhesive.

A few other tools I use every time I stamp or scrapbook are a Paper Piercer and a Bone Folder. I not only add piercing holes as an accent with it, or use it to set Brads, I can pick up the tiny Rhinestone and Pearl Jewels, adjust a piece of cardstock or lift the corner of a mat, place a Mini Glue Dot or stick a Stampin' Dimensional under something.

How about Sponge Daubers, Embossing Buddy, Heat Gun, Cutter Kit and of course my Big Shot! I use the Big Shot on nearly every card, scrapbook page or other project and my kids love creating with it as well. The Textured Embossing Folders are my favorites, but I use so many of the Dies as well. My Stampin' Mist and Stamp Scrubber have a permanent home on my stamp table as well!