My Favorite Crafty Things 2017 — Tools

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. nancymssw says:

    It is impossible to choose just one but I do love my big shot and MISTI and Tim Holtz scissors and the blending tools etc. Thank you so much for sharing all this information.

  2. Shelley Bankston says:

    My Teflon Bone Folder. I love that it doesn’t leave marks like the cheaper ones do.

  3. Linda Parker says:

    There isn’t just one favorite tool, but I can narrow it down to my Big Shot, MISTI, Paper Trimmer and tweezers! Your videos are the best! They are informative, actionable, and well paced. Thank you!

  4. Gibboney Vicki says:

    I could not go one day of crafting without my 12 inch Fiskars paper trimmer with the metal guide line. Just wish the titanium blades lasted a little longer.

  5. Ok. I cannot choose only one favorite tool, but I will choose one from each category.
    Basic Tool: Fiskars Titanium Micro Tip Scissors (when using scissors is painful for your hands, these scissors save the day.)
    Stamping Tool: Mini MISTI (perfect stamping every time)
    Die Cutting Tool: Big Shot (everything for your die cutting or embossing needs)
    Thanks for sharing these awesome lists!

  6. Jean K says:

    Definitely can’t live without the MISTI! It has saved so much paper and time because I can restamp when I don’t get enough pressure.

  7. Emily Daniels says:

    I could not craft without my Big Shot!! I love die cutting 🙂

  8. Jeannie H says:

    My favorite crafting tool is the MISTI. It has saved many a project.

  9. Jeanne Beam says:

    I bought a Misti last year for Christmas and I love it. Also love my Lawn Fawn stamp shammy I just got a few weeks.
    ❤️❤️❤️

  10. Lytona says:

    I could not craft without my stamp positioner tools. I have both the Misti and Tim Holtz Stamp positioner. I love them both and use them both. A close second is my vagabond. I have arthritis and it makes die cutting a dream. I love this series. Thanks Jennifer.

  11. Ang says:

    I really use my Big Shot a lot! Also love the Misti.

  12. Cathy says:

    Oh it’s definitely my Misti! It helps so much with stamping!

  13. susie sonnier says:

    My BigShot and MISTI. I use both everyday

  14. books_and_scraps says:

    YOU HAVE SOME GREAT IDEAS

  15. Aditi says:

    My Big shot!! Love it!!

  16. Donna Oates says:

    Other than ink (lol) it would be my MISTI!

  17. Laurie Van Parys says:

    EVERY time I craft, I use my MISTI. I have not made a card without it since I got it for a birthday gift in June of 2016!

  18. KimMJ says:

    M y Big Shot and fisker’s paper trimmers!

  19. Holly Denghel says:

    I think this is my favorite video. I love tools!! Honestly, my most use tool is a pad of grid paper. I use it to sketch card ideas, to stamp on to see how things are lined up, etc.

  20. EB Hawks says:

    I use my Fiskars Paper Trimmer daily – for crafting, work, and the kids school projects. If I had to get rid of everything in my craft room and keep only one thing, I think that is what I’d keep. But please don’t make me do that. lol.

  21. Nina says:

    My no. 1 tool is the Misti!

  22. Dionne says:

    My Fiskars paper trimmer.

  23. Renae says:

    My Totally Tiffany Scraprack. It keeps my supplies and products in one organized place where I can quickly see and use them.

  24. Marthalowi says:

    Hi Jennifer,
    Wanted to let you know that your Favorite Tools of 2017 was wonderful. It helped me put together a Cristmas list for my husband. (I actually ordered several items on Amazon using my husbands credit card)!
    I really enjoy your videos and have learned a lot from watching them.
    Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
    Martha

  25. SherylH says:

    As I was watching this video, I kept thinking “yes, I use that” and all because of your previous recommendations. Right now I am waiting for the teflon bone folder to arrive. But the craft tool(s) I use for every project are my craft knife and clear ruler with a metal edge — not as exciting or fun as other tools, but a necessity for me.

  26. Sidney says:

    The discard cutting tool.

  27. Marilyn Brittain says:

    I could not craft without my Misti because if I stamp and don’t get good ink coverage, I can stamp again with precision. I used to throw a lot of mistakes away that now I can fix. Thanks for the great videos.

  28. kitty says:

    Hi Jennifer thanks so much for making what tools and thing You use to make cards. I’ve been trying to figure out what I need to buy. Im kind of a I’ve been making cards for 3 years and I want to save up to buy thing to make my cards look better. This video has helped my alot. THANK YOU! Also were do you buy your ink pads from? My favorite tool is the Fiskers cutter.

    1. Mike Ditz says:

      I get the ink pads from Simon Says Stamp. 🙂

      Mike for Jen

  29. Stacey Kowbel says:

    Oooh, I’m going to have to make sure I get the chance to go back and watch the video – some cool things that you’ve listed that I need to find out more about but just don’t have the time to watch now. Two of my favourite tools to use are the Misti (although I just have the mini and have found I need the original) and the Zyron 2.5″ sticker maker. Probably the most used tools in my stash right now. Although there are others that I should be using more! 🙂

  30. vanna says:

    My number one tool is my misti. I can’t live without this tool..

  31. Bertha says:

    Thanks for the detailed look at your favorite tools. The sidekick does seem tempting. Choosing a favourite crafting tool is a hard one.I love my MISTI and Fiskars wire cutting tool but I think my Silhouette Cameo is my ultimate tool.

  32. nancy dempsey says:

    My Misti for sure! It has saved me time, money and my sanity!

  33. Loving that you take the time for these videos every year! I appreciate it 😀
    My can’t be without tool would have to be my die-cutting machine- I’ve used a few over the years and I’m sure I will get a different one eventually, so the brand itself doesn’t really matter to me, mainly just the fact that I have a tool that gets the job done.

  34. Carmell Giacobbe says:

    Thank you for this video! Well worth it to be extra long. I absolutely love my papermate flair pens. And my gel pens. and my pencils. For all areas of my life.

  35. DollyH says:

    Thank you so much for this video. Every year I look forward to this one the most. Over the years I bought a lot of things you recommend. Like the handvac and the teflon bone folder. I even brought some teflon bonefolders over from my holiday (I live in the Netherlands) for some crafty friends. My most used tool is the cutting tool. Like you I love the Fiskars premium line cut trimmer and never had problems with it. After watching this video, my wishlist is bigger than ever 🙂.

  36. Teresa Doyle says:

    Jennifer, all of your videos are great but this one is probably the most helpful to everyone from beginners to professional card bloggers. I don’t have a blog but have been making cards on a budget for a long time and I have learned (the hard way), that there are things we really could use and things that we may not need. This is all such helpful information that I know we can all benefit from. Thank you so much for taking the enormous amount of time that I am certain you spent on putting this all together for us😙

  37. Maryanne Willequer says:

    My favorite tool is my Fiskars cutting board I love the way I can lock the paper down. This ensures no shifting and crooked cuts to my card stock!

  38. SabrielRae says:

    Baby wipes! I always make such a mess!!

  39. Michelle Donnici says:

    Lawn Fawn shammy has been my go to item of late.

  40. Daniela May says:

    The Misti incl the creative corners and the big shot. Love the information provided in these videos. It helped me tremendously when selecting things to buy. Thanks Jennifer

  41. sandra h says:

    I love, my Big Shot machine and my Misti!

  42. Dana M says:

    I have a lot of basic favorites – paper trimmer, blocks, big shot, snips, etc. But I love stamping on a gridded paper pad. I use an 11×17 paper pad with ruler and grid lines which is great for lining up images, finding center, etc. It provides a little give when stamping for a a better impression, provides a place to test a stamp, jot a note, great for using a blending tool as I don’t have to clean up after it. When the top page is messy, just tear it off and toss in the recycling.

  43. Sue Byers says:

    Couldn’t live without my big shot plus my Silhouette cameo or my paper trimmer. But I reallneed a good paper trimmer. Lol

  44. Nicki says:

    Definitely the MISTI!

  45. Lynda says:

    The MISTI has been a real game changer, don’t remember how I stamped before I had it. The other must have is a die cutting machine.

  46. Donna Gourley says:

    That’s a hard question!! I’d probably say my paper cutter! I have an older Fiscars large rotary style cutter that I bought when I first started stamping many years ago. At the time it was a little bit of a “splurge” but my husband encouraged me to get a more substantial cutter as I was getting into card making, and it was good advice. I have a small one, but I hardly ever use it.

  47. A Me (Tammy) says:

    I can’t craft without myBig Shot (:

  48. Joanna says:

    So many things I couldn’t live without from my go-to Xacto knife, metal ruler and self-healing cutting mat, to double-face tape, to the indispensable Misti!

  49. dhendrick says:

    There are so many different tools I couldn’t live without but I would have to say my misti. Second has to be my fiskars cutter! Thanks so much Jennifer. I have a huge list to now start shopping for.
    A very blessed Christmas to you and your family!

  50. Carol McGregor says:

    Wow! This was a very informative video. I have made my Wish list while I watched. Thanks.

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