Happy Birthday!

My cousin's birthday was a few weeks ago and I never got the chance to give this card to him. I thought I should blog about this before February, so hopefully he's not reading this post! :P

...but if you are, Mike...HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :)

Crafter’s Toolbox: Basic Tools- Part 2

This is part 2 of Crafter’s Toolbox! Click here to read Part 1 of Crafter's Toolbox: Basic Tools. Enjoy!

6. Double-sided Tape/ Foam Tape
   
   
   
   My most favourite tool to use! This tape has adhesive on both sides and it sticks on materials quite easily. I don’t use glue anymore because it’s way too messy and it creates funny bumps when the glue dries up. Also, I find that glue don’t stick as well as double-sided tape.
   
   
7. Paper Punches
   
   
   
   They are a quick and easy way to create adorable shapes. You can use them to decorate cards, scrapbooks…basically anything you want! The most common punches are corner rounder, circles, hearts, and stars. I really like my Martha Stewart cupcake punch! Although the size is a bit big, I like how it’s really easy to use compare to the thumb punches. TIP: You can sharpen them by punching through aluminum foil or lubricated by punching through waxed paper (from Michael’s Craft Store).
   
   
8. Glitter Glue
   
   
   
   Of course glitter glue is on my list! What can I say? Clear glue with glitter stuck to it...AMAZING!
   
   
9. Pens and Markers
   
   
   
   You’ll need at least one fine-tip black marker… to sign your name on the back of the card so that people would know who made the card =D lol For Christmas, a friend of mine gave me a box of colourful gel pens! 84 pens to be exact!
   
   
10. Card Stock
    
    
    
    They’re thicker and sturdier than normal writing or printing papers you use at home, work, or school. Card stocks come in different colours, thickness, patterns, and textures. I prefer to use card stock for card making because it’s thick enough to hold a good amount of glitter and stickers that I use for cards :P
    

Other tools that didn't make the cut:

• Rubber Stamps- Want to know why my rubber stamps are in CD cases? Click here to find out! :)
  
  
  
  
• Hot Glue Gun- PLEASE make sure you work safely when using hot glue guns!
  
  
  

I hope you enjoyed the past two posts! Because I did! Are there any tools that you would like to see on the list? If so, leave a comment or send me an email! I would love to hear from you!

Happy Crafting! :)

Crafter’s Toolbox: Basic Tools- Part 1

You’re in for a treat because this is neat topic! :) It’s going to be really useful for anyone who wants to start a new hobby or any card making projects.

It’s quite easy to get carried away with the selection of tools and supplies available in craft stores…and it’s sometimes overwhelming. You don’t need a room full of supplies to make cards...just a few basic items (and your creativity ;) ) will create gorgeous cards and other craft projects.

To keep things simple, I’m going to list, in no particular order, the 10 basic tools (in my opinion) that are essential for cardmaking.. BUT i'll be listing only 5 for today, so be sure to come back to read the next 5 tools! ;)

Note: The pictures below are my craft supplies! :) enjoy!

1. Paper Cutter/Trimmer
   
    
   
   The ruled grid lines in a paper trimmer make cutting straight lines a piece of cupcake! lol it doesn’t take up a lot of space and blade is easy to operate and replace. I kinda regret buying a cheap paper cutter, but oh well…it still works fine.
   
   
2. Craft Knife
   
   
   
   It’s one of the tools I use the most! It would be hard to make cards without using a craft knife. To choose the best craft knife, find one that is easy to grip and has changeable blades. To use a knife, hold it at a 45-degree angle to get the clean and crisp cuts.
   
   
3. Cutting Mat/ Self-healing Cutting Board
   
   check out my Hello Kitty sticker on the bottom right side! :P
   
   You’ll definitely need a cutting mat when you use a craft knife! The cutting mat is used to protect the blades of your craft knife and the surface of the table. It can also be used as a ruler because they have horizontal and vertical lines every centimeter, inches, or millimeters.
   
   
4. Scissors/ Decorative Scissors
   
   
   
   Having a good pair of scissors is important to successful papercrafting. It’s extremely frustrating when you have use dull scissors or ones that are too big or small for the job. I would suggest spending a bit more money on a pair of sharp micro-tipped scissors because they’re perfect for cutting in small areas.
   
   Decorative Scissors come in unique patterns such as the scallop design (my favourite!), wave, lace, ripple, and so much more! You can use them for edging stationary, photos, page layouts, and more!
   
   
5. Ruler
   
   
   
   A metal ruler is better than a plastic ruler because it’s safer when you'r cutting paper with a craft knife.

Ready to find out the next five tools? Click here for part 2!

First blog for 2010!

How did everyone's New Year start off? Great, I hope! Unfortunately, I had a bad start :( I caught a little cold which lasted for a week and I lost my camera. BUT, I feel a lot better now and I bought a new camera! yay!

This is my first blog for 2010, so I’ll start off with my first birthday card for the New Year!