Human beings have always been finding ways to express their creativity through making art. Craftwork is one of those activities that can be just a temporary hobby, a business idea or an attempt to tell a story. So, whether you’re just starting or have been crafting for years, you’ll find useful items on this comprehensive list of paper crafting essentials. Listed below are some of any serious craft-maker’s favourite crafting tools, along with descriptions of their uses and benefits.

1. Scissors

More than one pair of scissors is required for serious crafting. It should be possible with three or four pairings. For your consideration, here are a few scissors made of stainless steel and their different purposes. The stainless steel straight scissors are ideal for lengthy, straight cuts and cutting out large forms. 

For delicate work, nothing beats a pair of microtip scissors. Cute die cuts may have their edges smoothed down using these. Pinking shears are perfect for cutting ribbons and cloth in a zigzag pattern with little fraying. Perfect for long or short cuts, a guillotine paper trimmer has a cut length.

2. X-Acto Blade Knife

For a wide range of tasks or wrapping personalized gifts for the special people in your life, nothing beats the precision and sharpness of an X-Acto knife. It can sever even the thickest foam core board as easily as thin paper. (Remember to use it alongside a self-healing mat for best results.)

3. Die Cutting Machine

With versatile die cutting machines you can easily find online, your imagination can run wild. If you want to make your own shapes and patterns quickly and efficiently, invest in a high-quality die-cutting machine. Die cutting machines, both the automatic and the manually-operated, may create shapes with a single punch, allowing for the rapid production of similar forms. By utilising many cuts and layers, you can make various shapes with utmost precision and always have something new to create with excellent results.

4. Crop-A-Dile

Crop-A-Dile is one of the few crafting tools that can truly survive the test of time. In addition to punching holes in paper, leather, and wood, this tool is great for setting eyelets and grommets and works as a paper punch. This multipurpose art tool is truly indispensable for creative people who like to make their own stuff at home.

5. Adhesive/Glue Gun

Fabric, paper, home décor, my children’s classroom, and countless more possibilities abound when it comes to glue guns. So the question stands are you really a serious craft-maker without one? However, not every task calls for the highest heat setting, therefore it’s best to have a glue gun with a temperature control.

6. Needle-Nosed Pliers

Sometimes you need a tool that can readily grip extremely little materials while you’re producing jewellery, beaded crafts, keychains, and more. The perfect instrument for the job would be needle-nosed pliers! Along with needle-nosed pliers, there are two more useful tools in the jewellery tool set that you can purchase at your fingertips online.

7. Dremel Assembly Set

If you want to take your crafting to the next level with some awesome new tools, this is the package for you! A rotary tool, an engraving tool, and a butane flame tool are all part of this set, which is great for woodworking tasks and making unique gifts.  

8. Bucilla Rya Tie

The Rya Tie tool is so great because of how versatile it is! This set has everything you need to make two sets of adorable pom-poms (Rya Tie “bundles”) for crafts like shag footstools or simple tassels. The aforementioned tool set includes Rya Tie fabric, which you can use to create various items, including cushions, wall hangings, rugs, and more. Without a doubt, this is a great go-to tool!

9. Wood Burning Tool

When you have the right equipment, wood-burning tasks are a breeze. You may make a wide range of burnt designs in wood with the help of this wood-burning kit’s heat tool. For example, if you’re making chains with monograms burnt into the wood, this is the perfect piece of equipment to add to your collection.

10. Metal Snips

In addition to preserving your scissors for future paper crafts, they are the ideal craft tool for cutting the stems of fake flowers for use in wreaths, garlands, and other similar projects. Your botanical spring wreath can benefit from them.

11. Roller/Brayer

As a craft-maker, you already know that it is crucial to check for bubbles beneath the surface of your completed item when using sticky vinyl or Mod Podge. If you want your final product to seem professional, use a roller or brayer tool to remove the bubbles.

12. Washi Tape, Ribbons, and Twine

Washi tape is a favourite among crafters. Once you start exploring their world of different shapes and colours, you’ll only want to continue doing so. A wide variety of styles, patterns, and hues are available. Plus, they work well for marking and identifying technical devices and wires.