
Today I’m sharing five tools for cardmaking that are among my most favorite; the tools I use for pretty much every card I create.

The list features items starting as low as $6.99 and finishes with one that retails for $77.99. Are there other tools I rely on? Absolutely, but these are the ones I use the most.
I left my die cutting machines off the list of five, because those are high ticket items and of course, I rely on mine heavily but today is more about basic and mostly affordable tools. Here’s my video sharing the list:
Now onto some of the other tools I mentioned…we are putting these in the Honorable Mention category!

This stamp press is called The Debby Tool and for folks with wrist issues (raising hand and wrist here!) it has made a HUGE difference in my stamping.

These angled shader brushes are perfect for removing any embossing powder that DOES stick to your cardstock! They are firm and allow you to get into tight areas on your stamped image!
I would be remiss to not mention my two die cut machines:

I have the Spellbinders Platinum Six (this is a limited edition version and you can see my white one on the floor.)

I also have a Gemini Jr. which I used a ton off camera. It gives my wrists a break and cuts like a dream.
And that base it’s on? It’s a Rotating Design Board from Totally Tiffany and I LOVE that I don’t have to lift the machine anymore!
Check the recent Instagram post to see how cool this is.
And last but not least for my honorable mentions? My Tim Holtz Tonic Guillotine Trimmer!

I had been scrapbooking for YEARS and never knew about this trimmer. In fact, I hated trimmers. I always cut using an X-acto Knife and a metal ruler. Until I met this bad boy!
This trimmer is by far the best trimmer I’ve used. It cuts so beautifully and I use to to create all of my card bases.
I hope if you’re new to card making, this post is helpful!
See you back here with more crafty projects soon!
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Denise Johnson says
The only thing on your list I might want would be the Gemini Junior. I have something similar to everything else. Thanks for your helpful tool selection. Thanks for sharing your inspiration and tips!
Beth Goldstein says
I love all your videos, long or short, live or pre-recorded. I put myself on a no spend January (so far so good at 9 days in). I was a little worried with your title as I thought there might be something I’d have to buy. I have all 5 tools, plus the extras. I even changed my black tip to white on my embellishment wand. Thanks for sharing and saving me from breaking my no spending pact!
Patricia Wilson says
This was very helpful. Like you I started cardmaking with no good tools to help me and threw away many attempts. Now it is so much easier to line things up and make sure you get a perfect finished product. Thanks for sharing this.
Annie Cianciolo says
Cathy –
I have all five – for me, the salt cellar for my stamp shamy/tidy towel was an eye opener! they would dry out overnight in the other container I’d purchased, not they stay damp for over a week!
Love your videos!
Colleen Murphy says
In this video you showed a card that said ” love your guts”. I luv luv luv that sentiment and was hoping you could tell me who it’s by so I could purchase.
New to your program. Really like it and subscribed