Need to create a quick card or project and want it to be more than just layers of boring cut paper? Looking to spice up the images of your creation, but don’t want to fuss with a die cutting machine? The easiest way to accomplish this is by pulling punches.
This punch holder houses my smaller punch collection along with some basic shapes. It sits on my work counter for easy access.
Punch A Bunch
Stampin’ Up! offers a vast variety of punches. In fact, there are currently over 40 different punches to choose from in the Annual and Mini Catalogs. You can purchase large, medium or small punches, border punches, tag topper punches, builder punches (make a punch template!) and trio punches.
This heavy duty punch holder is home to my basic punches. Also located on my work counter, it is my number one go to for punch shapes!
Every year as new offerings come out, I am working them into my orders and crafting with utter glee, pulling punches from my collection to work with. Every now and then, I remember to update my punch binder for quick-find access ( a project that is currently on my to-do list!). I also rotate punches into new locations as my collection expands.
My 5×7 binder is punched and labeled cardstock in protective sleeves. Cardstock colors differentiate specific punch types, and are filed accordingly. At a glance, I can view what punches I own, and if it will fit a particular stamped image via the “punch template”.Another punch holder, this 7 drawer cabinet really packs them in!
Versatile Punches
Punches are amazing! They offer quick and instant results, can be layered, embossed, turned into 3D projects and combined into punch art. No batteries, electricity or great skill are required to manipulate a punch. And they can add so much to your project.
Stacked or crated, punches make great decorative accessories in your craft room. Beautiful to look at and to use!
Get Punchy
Punches are available to purchase individually, or as a bundle when newly released. Bundles typically include a coordinating stamp set, along with a 10% savings. When you have images that you can stamp and punch to exact shape, your crafting is more enjoyable.
If you are new to papercrafting, punches are the way to go for building blocks in your crafty arsenal. For experienced papercrafters, adding new punches to the mix adds fresh variety and elevates your projects into greatness. Stop by my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net, and pull some punches onto your order today.
Maybe you’ve been invited to a card making event, and you were told to bring your basic card making kit. What is this, you think to yourself, if you are new to the world of paper crafting. Or perhaps you have been crafting for some time, but you are curious as to what others may carry in their kits.
Carpenters have toolboxes with wrenches and bolts. Athletes have gym bags with sneakers and sports equipment. Business professionals carry satchels with laptops and files. The best dressed paper crafter has their basic card making kit.
Kits, like luggage, can be stuffed to the brim. It’s not the size that matters… it’s what’s inside that counts!
Like purses or backpacks, a well-stocked card making kit is typically jammed full of everything but the kitchen sink. After all, you wouldn’t want to be at an event and not have something on hand that you might need!
Therefore, let me break it down and talk about my Top 3 No Nonsense Necessities versus a few of the Endless Extravagant Extras.
The Basic Supplies
Adhesive. Projects that involve layers of paper need some tape or glue to keep them from coming apart at the seams. Most paper crafters use double sided tape, or tape runners. With a quick zip, zip, zip, you can attach items easily. I find that glue dots are also super handy for placement of tiny bits and pieces.
Every paper crafter’s fear consists of running out of tape in the middle of a project. Always have refills on hand. Or stamp with a friend and use their supply!
Scissors. At a typical event, the paper for your project is pre-cut. But scissors are useful in the additional trimming of ribbon ends, fussy cutting and more. Sharp scissors, although dangerous, are best.
Bone Folder. This must have tool helps you to get crisp folds. You can smooth and secure paper layers with it. I like that it works to break up paper fibers, or curl and shape. It is also great in removing layers that were taped incorrectly.
More is More
Take Your Pick Tool. Let me tell you, this is one superb helper! This baby boasts of paper piercer, mini spatula, small and large stylus and a quick picker upper. When you add the additional attachment (sold separately), you can brush clean your dies. I love this tool to help ease the edge of the new style “cling” red rubber stamps off of clear blocks.
My favorite use of this tool is removing adhesive back embellishments from their packaging and applying them easily to projects.
Wink of Stella Glitter Brush. Okay, glitter. But not in a bad, make a mess kind of way. This glitter is securely contained in liquid form inside the pen housing. It is brushed onto projects in paintbrush fashion. This glitter dries quickly, and the effect is a shimmer accent that is just lovely.
Dimensionals. Projects really pop off the page when they are given a lift upward with these double sided foam adhesive dots. Stampin’ Up! offers them in 2 sizes, regular and mini. Originally, they were only made in white, but now they are available to purchase in black. I find this beneficial when darker coverage is required.
Your Kit, Your Way
Stampin’ Up! draws shoppers in with their vast array of fabulous stamps, tools and paper. But they also cover your need for the basics. So, shop my online store, https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net to fill up your card making kit with some vital supplies today.
In conclusion, starting with the basics is the way to go when compiling your basic card making kit. Sometimes it’s all you really need! As you begin to experiment in paper crafting, it is, without doubt, easy to add more to your kit.
And let’s face it, when you are away from home and crafting among friends, don’t worry that you are missing something important from that basic card making kit…sharing always occurs.
