My Favourite Crafty Products

My shopping escapades began way back in 2004 when I discovered scrapbooking at (you guessed it!) a Creative Memories party. 

In those early days, I purchased my scrapbooking supplies at my local dollar store and Michaels. When those stores weren't satisfying my itch for the latest and greatest products, I took my search to the internet and that's when I discovered a lovely little thing called a local scrapbooking store. :) 

This hobby is certainly not for the faint of heart though. It can get quite expensive because naturally you want all the things! I never considered myself an impulse shopper until this hobby came into my life but shopping is part of the fun right? I digress. Here are some of my favourite crafty products.

Adhesives

Scrapbook Adhesives E-Z Runner

This is my go-to adhesive runner for adhering paper to layouts and cards. I buy them from Scrapbook Nerd. 

Thermoweb Zots Clear Adhesive Dots

Adhesive dots are a must-have in your stash! They are super sticky and perfect for attaching tiny embellishments like buttons, sequins, etc.

Glossy Accents Clear Dimensional Medium

Glossy Accents is a 3-D gloss medium that can be used to add accents, sparkle and dimension to embellishments. 

Connect Glue

This glue tube by Gina K Designs is awesome! I love it because it's multi-purpose and it's kind of shaped like a pen so it's easy to hold. A gentle squeeze is all it needs and you're good to go!

Art Glitter Glue

This is a liquid glue, similar to the Gina K Connect Glue, but stronger. I use it mostly for my mini album projects when I need a very strong hold. 

Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares

These are the foam squares I use the most when I need to add dimension to my projects. Really great quality at a decent price point.

Paper Trimmers

For years, I was using rotary blade trimmers until I discovered the Tonic Studios guillotine trimmer. It is hands down my favourite paper trimmer! The 8.5" size is super light weight with a 1/4" measuring grid, perfect for cardmakers. The sharp blade gives you precise cuts every time. It will even cut off a sliver. 

Tonic Studios 12.25" Maxi Guillotine Trimmer

Shown here is the longer format guillotine trimmer that I prefer for scrapbooking. It's very portable and features an extendable arm, perfect for measuring and cutting 12x12 cardstock and patterned papers.

Electronic Die Cutting Machines

Silhouette Cameo 2

If you are considering purchasing an electronic die cutting machine, I highly recommend the Silhouette Cameo. I admit that mine sat around in its unopened box for two months before I cracked it open, but once I stopped being afraid of it, it was as simple as plugging it in to my computer and downloading the free software. There are thousands of designs available for purchase in the Silhouette Design Store and lots of freebies to be had with just a quick internet google search. I have the Cameo 2 above but there are newer versions available with a few more bells and whistles. 

Non-Electronic Die Cutting Machines

Sizzix Big Kick

There are quite a few manual die cutting machines out there but the one I use is the Sizzix Big Kick. When I decided to invest in a die cutting machine, I admit I didn't do any research or comparisons on the different models available. To be honest, I bought the Big Kick because it was the only model that my local Michael's carried and I was able to use a 50% off coupon on it. Saved me a bundle! But as far as the features go, it's got everything I need and I'm perfectly happy with it.

Here's a great link I found comparing all the Sizzix die cutting machines. There is also a version that offers motorized cutting (no more hand crank!) which is pretty cool, but at a much higher price point.

Stamping Tools

MISTI Stamping Tool

Before the MISTI came into my life, stamping was definitely not in my wheelhouse of skills. This tool makes stamping so easy and possible for me. It really is the Most Incredible Stamping Tool Invented!

Lawn Fawn Stamp Shammy

The stamp shammy is a must-have for cleaning stamps. All you need to do is wet the cloth. When the shammy dries up, you just wet it again. You can use it over and over even when it gets stained. My shammy is so well loved but this thing has nine lives. Plus you save money on baby wipes and have zero waste.

Versamark Watermark Ink Stamp Pad

I use this stamp pad for all my embossing projects. Super sticky ink that stays wet. Works great on vellum and all kinds of cardstock.

Gina K Designs Amalgam Ink

I've tried many dye ink pads but this one is fast-drying, fade-resistant and permanent when dry. It's  perfect for copic colouring because it doesn't smear! 

Lawn Fawn Embossing Powder White

There are a lot of really great embossing powders out there, but my favourite ones to use are from Lawn Fawn, Brutus Monroe and Ranger.

Colouring Tools

Tombow Dual Brush Pens

These Tombow markers were my first marker purchase. At the time, I wasn't willing to invest in Copic markers. They are water-based so they are blendable and come in beautiful colours. I bought mine from Amazon.

Copic Sketch Markers

Fast forward one year and after watching many process videos, I realized that Copic alcohol markers seemed to be the preferred medium for colouring stamped images. I've been collecting them slowly ever since as they are very cost prohibitive but amazing to work with, so smooth, and they blend beautifully.

Zig Clean Colour Brush Markers

If you love the look of watercolouring but feel like you have no skills in that area, then these markers are for you. I never believed I could watercolour until I tried this product. The colours are beautiful and vibrant and all you need is a waterbrush and you're good to go. One of my favourite purchases ever!