Guide to Buying Craft Tools
Some craft tools are the absolute essential part of a crafter's tool kit. Others make life easier, and if you're short of time or looking for a crisp, polished look then they will probably be making their way into your tool kit as soon as possible! Craft tools are there to do a specific job, so to ensure the best results always choose the best you can afford and look after them. Simple, regular maintenance needn't be time consuming or costly and will keep your tools in tip-top condition.
The Papermania Creative Setting Hammer is a weighted...
Our Price £3.98
Scissors & Craft Knives
A comfortable pair of scissors is worth its weight in gold; the same goes for craft knives too. These are probably the tools you will use most so look for cushioned, easy to hold handles. Scissors come in a number of different sizes and you may need two or three pairs to do different jobs. A small pair of scissors with a sharp point is useful for cutting out small embellishments and trimming decoupage papers, whereas a slightly larger pair is handy for cutting larger shapes and trimming ribbons and fibres. If you are cutting material or large sheets of paper you may find a larger pair of scissors saves time.
Whatever size you choose, sharpen them regularly and clean off any sticky residue from cutting double-sided tape or stickers. Non-stick finishes are available that help to keep the blades clean. You will need a craft knife to cut mats and trim embellishments. It is essential to have a clean, sharp blade for a crisp cut. A blunt blade may lead to ragged edges as it will drag on the edge you are cutting. Craft knives are available with interchangeable blades, and whilst they may seem a little more expensive than disposable knives, they offer greater value for money in the long run as the replacement blades are cheaper than a new knife every time!
Paper Trimmers & Guillotines
If you are cutting a lot of straight edges it is probably worth investing in a paper trimmer (with a rolling blade) or a guillotine (with a long blade). They are great for quick and easy mats and cutting paper and cardstock to size is a breeze. They come with built-in rulers too, so even the measuring is a doddle.
RRP £34.99
Our Price £24.99
Hole Punches & Eyelet Setters
If you would like to add eyelets to your scrapbook layouts and handmade cards you will need both a hole punch and an eyelet setter. Simply punch a hole, push an eyelet through, turn the paper or cardstock over and open out the back of the eyelet with the setter. There are different options available for both of these tools, so ask yourself these questions before you buy:
- Do I want to place my eyelets and make holes anywhere on the page or card? If the answer to this is 'yes' opt for an 'anywhere' hole punch and eyelet setter.
- Am I going to be crafting late at night when others in the household are sleeping? If so, look for a silent punch and setter.
There are tools on the market that cater for both of these requirements. Check out our Craft Tools section for our top sellers.