My Favorite Crafty Things 2017 — Tools

12.10.17

Hi! It’s time for more of My Favorite Crafty Things 2017. Today is all about tools… including stamping, die cutting, and more.

If you haven’t checked out THIS video about this series, please do so – it explains a lot.

I have lots to share today, including giveaways (see below) and store discounts. Who doesn’t love a crafty deal!?

  • Ellen Hutson is offering 10% off your order! Use the code “JensFaves17” through 12/13/17 when shopping HERE.
    (Valid on in-stock merchandise only. Excludes BCRF Fundraiser set and Mama Elephant releases within the last 90 days. Not valid on previous purchases and cannot be combined with other offers.)
  • Simon Says Stamp is offering my readers $10 off purchases of $75 or more during 12/11/17 to 12/18/17! Use the code “JENFAVES” when shopping HERE.
    (Note the dates. Valid on in-stock merchandise only. Not valid on previous purchases and cannot be combined with other offers.)
  • Gina K. Designs is offering a FREE stamp set to my viewers!! Shop HERE.
    (Good for orders over $50 – just add “JENNIFER” into the instruction box at checkout.)

Let’s talk crafty tools…

[Warning: This video is VERY long. You can instead just check out the products below. All products are linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails. Affiliate links may be used. To watch the video in HD on YouTube, click HERE.]

If you are interested in any products, click on one of the store icons under the product images.

BASIC TOOLS

Here are some tools that are essentials or very helpful when cardmaking:

Penblades
[ SSS | ELH ]
Tim Holtz Tonic Mini Snips
[ SSS | ELH ]
Fiskars Titanium Micro Tip Scissors
[ SSS | ELH ]
T-Ruler
[ SSS ]
Large Black Work Surface
[ AMZUS ]
Tonic Easy Clean Mat
[ SSS ]
Cutting Board
[ AMZUS ]
Scor Buddy
[ ELH | SSS ]
Teflon Bone Folder
[ SSS | ELH ]
Micropore Tape
[ SSS | AMZUS ]
Tombow Monosand Eraser
[ SSS ]
Adhesive Eraser
[ SSS ]
Hero Arts Heat Gun
[ SSS | ELH | HA ]
Embossing Magic Powder Bag
[ SSS | ELH ]
Coffee Filters
[ SSS ]
Swiffer Dusting Cloths
[ SSS | AMZUS ]
Microfiber Cloth
[ SSS | AMZUS ]
Handvac
[ AMZUS ]
Handvac Option 2
[ AMZUS ]
Jewel Picker
[ SSS | ELH ]
Bead Tray
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Sprayer
[ SSS | ELH ]
Ink Blending Tool
[ SSS | ELH ]
Ink Blending Tool Replacement Foam
[ SSS | ELH ]
Tonic Blending Sponges
[ SSS ]
Full Sticky Post It Notes
[ SSS | AMZUS ]
Post It Tape
[ SSS ]
Avery Removable Ahdesive Sheets
[ AMZUS ]
Tim Holtz Trimmer
[ SSS | ELH ]
Fiskars Premium Cut Line Trimmer
[ SSS ]
Fiskars Reinforced Paper Trimmer
[ SSS | ELH ]
Carl Heavy Duty Rotary Trimmer
[ SSS | AMZUS ]

STAMPING TOOLS

Here are the tools I find most helpful when stamping…

MISTI Stamping Tool
[ SSS | ELH | MSW ]
MISTI Mouse Pad Insert
[ SSS | ELH ]
MISTI Mouse Pad Insert
[ MSW ]
MISTI Bar Magnet
[ SSS | ELH | MSW ]
MISTI Stickers
[ SSS | MSW ]
MISTI Creative Corners
[ SSS | ELH | MSW ]
Gina K Longer Acrylic Block
[ GNK ]
Catherine Pooler Acrylic Blocks
[ CTH ]
Studio Katia Round Acrylic Block
[ SHR ]
Simon Says Stamp Acrylic Blocks
[ SSS ]
Hero Arts Ultra Clean
[ SSS | ELH | HA ]
Lawn Fawn Stamp Shammy
[ SSS | ELH | LWN ]
Salt Box for Shammy
[ AMZUS ]
Salt Cellar for Shammy
[ AMZUS ]
Kirklands Baby Wipes
[ AMZUS ]
Microfiber Cloth
[ SSS | AMZUS ]

DIE CUTTING TOOLS

I use die cutting as much as I use stamping on my cards. Here are some helpful tools to consider…

Sizzix Big Shot Express
[ SSS ]
Sizzix Cutting Plates
[ SSS ]
Memory Box Metal Adapter Plate
[ SSS ]
Spellbinders Embossing Mat
[ SSS ]
Gemini Die Cutting Machine
[ SSS ]
Spellbinders Platinum 6 Die Cut Machine
[ SSS | AMZUS ]
Tim Holtz Sidekick Die Cutting Machine
[ SSS | AMZUS ]
Tim Holtz Craft Pick
[ SSS | ELH ]
Flush Wire Cutters
[ SSS ]
Your Next Die Wire Cutters
[ SSS ]
Handvac
[ AMZUS ]
Handvac Option 2
[ AMZUS ]
Micropore Tape
[ SSS | AMZUS ]

GIFT GUIDE

This list of Favorite Crafty Things makes a great gift guide for holiday shopping. Just forward on this link or print the page and circle what you are interested in. Don’t forget the discount codes above, too!

I have a few more days of My Favorite Crafty Things 2017. You can keep up to date on all the topics HERE… and for my lists from 2016, click HERE.

GIVEAWAYS

Throughout this series, I will have prizes!

Today I have a $50 gift certificate to Simon Says Stamp!

For your chance to win a giveaway, leave a comment below by 11:59pmEST on 12/15/17 telling me what crafty tool you could not craft without. (To leave a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post on my blog and click the green “leave a comment” button. The winner’s name will be randomly selected, emailed and posted on my “Winners page” after the giveaway closes. International folks are eligible, too! Prizes are personally donated.)

See you soon!

[Please note that I purchased most of the products in this post personally, but not all. Regardless, the decision to include them in this list was my own. I truly like these products and companies. For more info, visit HERE. If you have questions, please email me.]


Leave a Comment

492 thoughts on “My Favorite Crafty Things 2017 — Tools”

  1. Annette Hindes says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:12 pm

    There are so many great tools that make crafting easier
    The stamp shammy is my favorite!
    Keeps my stamps And Hands clean!!

    Reply
  2. Patricia Wilson says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    That was a great video on the tools. Allot of helpful information to digest. Thanks for taking all that time to inform us. It’s much appreciated.

    Reply
  3. Allison says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    Tks for all the info and ideas Jennifer. As others have said, picking one tool is near impossible but, since you asked, I’ll go with my paper trimmer. Always taking just a bit off here and there, straightening something, and making specific size card bases. TFS:)

    Reply
  4. kmaxwell83 says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:18 pm

    The #1 tool that I absolutely could not live with out in my craft room is Jennifer McGuire. You are an invaluable tool that I reference every single time I craft for some reason or another. You are an incredible teacher and give me so much inspiration in more than just crafts. I feel incredibly blessed to know you. Grateful doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel. A million thanks to you and all that you do for us. Big Hugs!!!

    Reply
  5. Sarah Kipling says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:22 pm

    My favourite tool this year has definitely been my MISTI. I love that thing!

    Reply
  6. Julie says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    I love my Vagabond and my big trimmer (although the titanium blade isn’t lifetime as advertised). I use my Mini Misti often.

    Reply
  7. Robin Walston says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    I have Tim Holtz medium scissors and I use them every day. I just got the small ones and hope they are just as handy.

    Reply
  8. Wendy O'dell says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:41 pm

    Omgosh, probably my paper trimmer. The one I have is just plain basic Fiscars. I’ve had it for years, actually have 2 incase I have a friend over to craft with me. Lol💜 That’s always the best, crafting with a girlfriend!💟💟💟

    Reply
  9. Reva says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    Jennifer the “Tools” favorite video has been super helpful. Even tho I started rubberstamping in 1997 and have a collection of the various tools available through the many years (some more helpful than others) you have introduced me to others I just may like better. I appreciate receiving your regular emails and often refer back to many of them. Hugs and smiles, Reva

    Reply
  10. Lynn Fletcher says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    I find that I use my Misti over and over again. I want to get the Misti Creative Corners to use with it. Loved the whole video, Jennifer! TFS

    Reply
  11. Mary Schmidt says:
    December 10, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    My most used and fav tools are the Big Shot and the Fiskars Paper trimmer and scissors. Loved your favorite things series of videos. Thanks so much for all you do. You are so inspirational. Merry Christmas and happy New Years.

    Reply
  12. jan metcalf says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    My Sizzix Jewelry Big Shot although I have not yet had a chance to make jewelry, LOL! Along with that my Tim Holtz retractable pick. Thanks for keeping us up to date on products!

    Reply
  13. Chi says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    . Even when my craft area is clear- I always have my AMG Crafting Co.’s XL Teflon Craft Mat- I like this because it has a silicone bottom and doesn’t slip around as much as others. I also like my EK Tools craft tweezers and my WAGNER HT 400 650-Degree Heat Gun
    Thank you as always for your FAVORITE THINGS video- I look forward to them every year!

    Reply
  14. Vicki Smith says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:11 pm

    I could not stamp without my MISTI which makes me able to enjoy stamping again. I have most of the tools you use because of you using them in your videos. Thank you!

    Reply
  15. Sheri K says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:15 pm

    I have caught a bug, so will go recline on my sofa and watch this next awesome video of yours! At least you don’t have food commercials–thank you! I could not make it without 3 tools–my paper trimmer, my Pazzles die cut machine and software (I design layouts of cards and projects in the software) and my Misti stamp platform! The MISTI is the most awesome stamp tool ever, I use it all of the time for every stamping project.

    Reply
  16. Linda says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:15 pm

    I love my Big Shot Plus. Second would be my Misti. Thank You for your helpful Favorite Things.

    Reply
  17. Simone says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:16 pm

    I love my Misti stamping tool and use it all the time for my cards. Thank you for this helpful video!

    Reply
  18. Sharon Clark says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    My can’t live without tool is a package I use a rotary cutter and 6×12 quilting ruler on a fiskars rotating mat to do all my cutting. I also love my Misti. I do love all your favourite things reviews they are so helpful. Thank you.

    Reply
  19. Elia Rogers says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    Thank you Jennifer for your videos. You inspire and help me expand my stamping ability. You are amazing!

    My Cuttlebug and Cricut Explore Air have brought my stamping and crafting to a new level. Now I just need a Misti to add to my tools.

    Reply
  20. Jo says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:29 pm

    Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to make each of the “My Favorite” videos. They are so informative and really help me make informed decisions when spending my craft dollars! I saw you using the jewel picker earlier this year. I bought one and must say that inexpensive little tool has saved me so much time in placing tiny embellishments and lettering. The one tool I probably used the most is my Big Shot – couldn’t craft without it! Thanks again for your great ideas and kindness!

    Reply
  21. Sabrina Bullock says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    my cricut now has become my biggest tool for almost everything I do. I use it for card making and making decor around the house. The best money I have ever spent on a crafting item. Also washi tape is awesome!

    Reply
  22. grammasuzi says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    My Fiskars Fuse! It’s comparable to the Big Shot Pro, I think . I can put 12 x 12 papers through it! I actually use the Big Shot multi-platform with it most of the time, same sandwich, and I can put it in at angle if need be. I don’t know why it didn’t take off, but I only paid $70 when it was being closed out, and I love, love, love it!
    Love your video, as always. I trust your advice and look to your recommendations when I need something. Thank you!

    Reply
  23. Rocio Espinoza says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:37 pm

    So hard to choose one thing, because i have a lot that can’t live without them, but definitely, my misti, my fiskars paper trimmer, teflon bone, heat gun, my cuttle bug that NEED to update it for the Gemini one! Thank you Jennifer for always give us a guide every year with your series about your favorite crafty things, and for all your videos with VERY clever techniques for us! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

    Reply
  24. Connie G says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:41 pm

    I cannot craft without my tonic paper cutter and my big shot. Great product advice!!!

    Reply
  25. Jill S says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    I couldn’t possibly choose just one favorite. I use my Fiskars paper cutter daily. I love my Misti, Big Shot Plus and Cricut.

    Reply
  26. Kim k says:
    December 10, 2017 at 6:58 pm

    I could not craft without die cutting tools and die cuts. They changed card making for me.

    Reply
  27. Sharon O says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    I love your Favorite Crafty Things videos. They are informative, unbiased, and very useful. I have purchased many of your suggestions and have found your recommendations to be spot on! Thanks for sharing your expertise.

    Reply
  28. Carol O'Leary says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    I love my MISTI! I woouldn’t even think of trying to stamp without it. I also really love my Marsupial matting board. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to line up layers with the lines on my grid mat, but the Marsupial makes it easy. It does for lining up layers what a scoring board does for scoring. It’s great!

    Reply
  29. ROSEMS says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    I use my Misti all the time. And now that I have the corners I use it even more. The grid lines are so helpful when lining up and the angle are such a great touch!
    Thank you so much for the Tool video, I always learn something new on your blog.

    Reply
  30. Cindy Matthews says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:11 pm

    I’m a scissor nut. Love all three sizes of Tim Holtz scissors, as well as a pair of Fiskars 5″ titanium trim scissors that I prefer for fussy cutting, and I keep a pair of the large spring-loaded, kush-grip scissors on my desk as well. I also have a pair of golden scissors that I won from Blitsy last year that would be great sewing shears but I use the large Fiskars for that. Instead these are my paper-cutting long-cut scissors of choice.

    I also have a variety of paper trimmers for different applications. I have the Fiskars PROcision paper cutter, which is great forbulk cutting and for cutting chip board, which I use a lot for all kinds of projects. I have a cheapo Fiskars trimmer that I use for cutting a single sheet of paper, especially cutting off the branding strips on patterned paper. I have a 6″ Tonic trimmer that is on top of my desk more often than not, fantastic for cutting 6″ paper for card making. And I just got the Tim Holtz trimmer from Tonic. I’m looking forward to seeing how that changes how I use the other trimmers, but it’s Not To Be Used until Dec. 25. 🙂

    Reply
  31. Lee says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    This was a fabulous video. It really clarified some things for me and educated me as to new things I didn’t even know were available. SUCH a valuable service for us and I hope it is worth your time, as well.

    Reply
  32. Leslie s says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    Thanks for the great video Jennifer I love my MISTI it’s the BEST

    Reply
  33. Laure B says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    The MISTI is something I can not live without. I use it everytime I stamp . Thanks for everything you do.

    Reply
  34. Cindy says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:30 pm

    I could not craft without my Misti. I honestly could not. I have 3.

    Reply
  35. Stephanie M says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    Thanks for making this video. The tool I use the most is my Tonic/TH Stamp Platform. I really really want the Spellbinders Platinum machine, but my darn Cuttlebug won’t break!

    Reply
  36. JmB says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    What a video! Thank you for being so thorough. Your explanations for uses and reasons for the products you highlighted are very informative. Thank you for all the work that you did to put that together. I can’t live without my Big Shot, my first real tool received as I started card making. Die cutting and embossing are so fun. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and opinions. It’s always very helpful.

    Reply
  37. Barb says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    Love the Misti and the Big Shot.

    Reply
  38. Judy M says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    That is a hard question. I guess my heat gun!

    Reply
  39. Colleen Halpern says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:40 pm

    I finally found the re-inforced Fiskars trimmer a couple of months ago. This is now my favorite!

    Reply
  40. MaryG Zell says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Jennifer, I really look forward to your blog! So many times you make my day. Thank you for all the inspiration!
    I would not want to do without my Cuttlebug. I don’t buy a lot of tools or supplies, and I waited a while before purchasing it, but I’d hate to do without it now. I use it to die cut, emboss, and more.
    Blessings for a wonderful Christmas with your family,
    MaryG

    Reply
  41. Andrea Miller says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:45 pm

    I can’t craft without my Cricut trimmer . I totally agree that a trimmer can be a personal preference.

    Reply
  42. Cindy Holloway says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    Thank you for the great video as always. I got my Big Shot Plus last Christmas and recently bought a Tim Holtz paper trimmer. I love them both and use a lot.

    Reply
  43. Joy Moss says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    Hi Jennifer! I have a lot of the tools you have shown above but I cannot live without my StampinUp! Paper Trimmer and my Sizzix Plus Die Cut Machine! I have tried a LOT of paper trimmers and was always changing them out for new ones until I used the StampinUp! Paper Trimmer. I absolutely love the Sizzix Plus Die Cut Machine because of the size of its cutting bed. It allows me to easily turn dies sideways if they don’t cut properly the first time.

    Reply
  44. Leanne in Cali says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:55 pm

    I could not live without my MISTI. It has helped me so much with stamping which I used to not enjoy. Thanks for your fun series every year!!

    Reply
  45. Pat McCleary says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    I use so many of these tools as well. I could not craft without a paper trimmer; I’m a Fiskar’s fan. I also love the big shot & the MISTI. Thanks for keeping us up to date on new products.

    Reply
  46. Stephanie Walter says:
    December 10, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    Love this series – thank you

    Reply
  47. Monika.Buzsy says:
    December 10, 2017 at 8:03 pm

    What a great guide jennifer. Love crafting tools! I think my favorite right now is the MIsti Tool. I have the big one, but I’d love to get the small one for small projects. I love to use it with due-cuts and any type of mass stamping! Such a neat tool!

    Reply
  48. Lin says:
    December 10, 2017 at 8:05 pm

    I need lots of tools but I do rely on the Misti.

    Reply
  49. Nancy Smith says:
    December 10, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    I absolutely love my Gemini. In fact I have 2. Works beautifully every single time. Die cutting and embossing are done easily and results are perfect.

    Reply
  50. Mombart says:
    December 10, 2017 at 8:11 pm

    Jennifer thank you for your wonderful videos they are always full of great ideas and information. I could not live without my MISTI and my Fiskars paper trimmer. Keep the videos coming!

    Reply

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