Scrapbooking includes different techniques and, therefore, there are many tools for use. However, certain tools should never be missing from our working area. Today we are talking about scrapbooking essentials.
Cutter or Precision Knife
A quality tool to cut paper and cardboard is an important item. Whether you're using a cutter or a precision knife depends entirely on your own preference, although you have to bear in mind that you won't be able to use as much force with a knife as you would with a cutter. With the cutter, you can cut fine chipboard, a material you'll find difficult to cut with a precision knife.
Recently, we have launched a cutter and a precision knife from our brand, Craftelier. The cutter is ergonomic, with a non-slip surface and grip to make it easy to hold it correctly and firmly. It also incorporates a safety locking system to prevent accidents. And as a bonus, inside the cutter itself, you will find two replacement blades for when the blade starts to wear out.
Our precision knife is perfect for cutting little details. It can cut paper, cardboard, cardboard, some plastics, and EVA.
Cutting Mat
Cutting mats are another must-have item, very useful for different reasons. It protects the work surface from getting stained or scratched; on the other hand, it is helpful to measure your projects. All cutting bases include a grid with measurements in centimetres or inches that are very useful in your quickly measuring projects.
There are different types of cutting mats that can be categorized into two main groups: self-healing cutting mats and glass mats. Self-healing cutting mats are of a slightly flexible material, which you can cut without damaging the surface too much. You will need to, eventually, replace them, but with some care, they will last for years.
A glass cutting mat is perfect for Mixed Media work. The best thing about them is how easy they are to clean. You can make colour mixtures using watercolours, acrylics, mediums, etc. And by simply using a little water and some paper towel, you can easily clean it. There's no need to rub off.
None of them is better or worse, it depends on your needs and the type of projects you're doing.
Trimmer or guillotine
As cutting is, maybe, the most repeated action in scrapbooking, having good quality tools for that is a must. A trimer or a guillotine allows you to make larger cuts with precision. The main difference between both of them is that trimmers can only cut a single piece of paper at a time, while a guillotine can cut several. However, you can be more precise with a trimmer when measuring your projects to be cut.
However, the use of one or the other will depend, to a large extent, on your personal tastes. There are different models of guillotines and trimmers so if you're not sure which one to choose, we recommend you to take a look at this link where we talk about the most famous ones: Trims and guillotines, which one to choose?
Bone Folder
After cutting, folding is also one of the most common actions in scrapbooking, so a bone folder would be a great ally. They come in different materials and shapes, so you can choose the one that best suits you and your way of working. In this post, "Finding the best bone folder", we tell you the differences between them.
It's important to know that the material they are made of has a lot of influence on the final result. Plastic bone folders, which are lighter and cheaper, will leave a shiny finish on the paper. The bone or teflon ones are a bit more expensive, but they don't leave this annoying shiny effect.
Metallic Ruler
Being precise is also important in scrapbooking, so a good quality ruler with measurements in both, centimetres and inches is highly recommended. Our recommendation is a metallic ruler, as its edges will always remain straight. Another feature really valuable in this kind of ruler is the back. A cork or a rubber back will avoid the ruler to slide through the paper while working with it. This item is the best companion if you're cutting with a precision knife or a cutter.
These are the most basic items, the ones you need to start your scrapbooking journey. With only these tools and some decorative elements such as paper and complements, you can make great projects. Then, you can start finding out the techniques and styles you like the most and the ones you feel more comfortable with and so, find out other tools that will be very useful for your projects.
