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Friday Top 5: Tools Every Cardmaker Needs
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
If you’re just getting started with cardmaking, it’s easy to feel like you need everything — all the tools, all the supplies, all the things.
The truth?
You really don’t.
A few solid basics can take you a long way and make the entire process feel simple, enjoyable, and honestly… a lot less overwhelming.
If you’ve been wanting to start (or get back into it), these are the five tools I always recommend having on hand.
✂️ 1️⃣ High Quality Cardstock (for card bases)
This is your foundation — and it matters more than people think.
A sturdy cardstock instantly makes your cards feel more polished and professional. It holds its shape, folds cleanly, and gives you a strong base to build on.
If you’ve ever made a card that felt a little “flimsy,” chances are it was the paper.
👉 Look for cardstock that’s smooth, heavyweight, and easy to score and fold.
👉 Neutral colors like white, cream, or kraft are great to start with.
📏 2️⃣ Paper Trimmer
This is one of those tools you’ll use every single time you make a card.
A good paper trimmer gives you clean, straight cuts — which makes a huge difference in how your finished card looks. Crooked edges or uneven layers can take away from even the best design.
It also saves time and frustration compared to scissors.
👉 Use it for:
Card bases
Matting layers
Cutting down patterned paper
Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever crafted without it.
📐 3️⃣ Bone Folder
This might be a small tool, but it makes a big difference.
A bone folder helps you create crisp, clean folds when making your card base — and that alone can take your card from “homemade” to “handmade.”
It’s also great for:
Smoothing adhesive
Creating sharp edges
Adding little details to your projects
👉 If you’ve been folding cards by hand, this is a simple upgrade that instantly improves your results.
🖋️ 4️⃣ Stamp Positioning Tool (MISTI) or Acrylic Blocks
If you’re adding sentiments or stamped designs, this is where things really come together.
A stamp positioning tool (like a MISTI) makes stamping almost foolproof. You can line things up perfectly and re-stamp if needed — which is especially helpful with detailed or bold sentiments.
If you’re just starting out, acrylic blocks are a great, budget-friendly option and still get the job done.
👉 This tool is what helps your cards feel finished and intentional — not guesswork.
🧴 5️⃣ Adhesive (Tape Runner or Liquid Glue)
This is the final step — bringing everything together.
A good adhesive keeps your layers secure and your design intact. There are a few options depending on your style:
Tape runners → quick, clean, and easy
Liquid glue → gives you a little wiggle room for placement
👉 Most cardmakers end up using both for different things.
The key is finding one you trust — because nothing’s worse than your card coming apart later.
Bearly Art Glue is the OFFICIAL GLUE OF SCRAPPYSHAK!
✨ Keep It Simple
One of the biggest misconceptions about cardmaking is that it has to be complicated.
It doesn’t.
With just these five tools, you can create beautiful, meaningful cards — and build your skills from there.
You don’t need everything all at once. Start with the basics, get comfortable, and then add in more as you go.
💜 This Month at ScrappyShak
All month long, we’re focusing on cardmaking — from tools and techniques to simple projects you can actually finish.
If you’re just getting started, you’re in the right place.
And if you’ve been crafting for years… it’s always fun to go back to the basics.
💌 We’d love to know — what do you want to learn next?
Layouts? Techniques? Easy cards you can make in under 10 minutes?
🎨 Join Us This Saturday!
We’re making ATC cards in class this weekend, and it’s the perfect way to try something new in a fun, relaxed setting.
OR
👉 Stop by ScrappyShak - we'd love to show you what we've been up to!
💜Ready to start creating?
💜 Shop these favorites at ScrappyShak: https://www.scrappyshak.com
We can’t wait to see what you create 💜
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