Craft Cutting Tools
Craft Cutting Tools
When it comes to crafting, you can't do without your cutting tools. I use an electronic cutting machine for many of my projects, however sometimes you can't beat the functionality of manual tools. They are great for all sorts of quick projects and having the right tool for the job really makes a difference. Luckily this isn't very difficult, as they are not very expensive and don't take up a lot of space.
I use a couple different craft knives. They even use the same blades, which is handy when it comes to keeping a healthy supply of refills on hand. A basic sturdy craft knife, with a comfortable handle, is great for most crafters. The X-Acto swivel knife is one of my favorites but the knife at the top of my list is the Fiskars Fingertip Swivel Detail Craft Knife, I really appreciate the control I can get with this tool, especially around curved or tight corners.
An acrylic quilting ruler is helpful for a variety of crafts, the durability of them makes them great for paper crafting as well. If you're cutting printed paper, the see-through functionality of it is also very helpful. This Omnigrid ruler is one of my favorite! It's great for use on dark or light materials, has a centering feature, and is great for right and left-handed users.
Make sure you get a large cutting surface to work on. And buy a quality mat that will last. It's gonna take some abuse. I like to use at least a 12" x 18" self healing mat. It will work great for most projects and doesn't take up a lot of room if you you're limited on space. If you can afford it, splurge on an 18" x 24" mat, it'll come in handy on your bigger projects!
I also keep a good pair of spring action scissors, a small paper trimmer (easy to take on the go!) and a pair of wire trimmers on hand. Spring action scissors, such as these Fiskars No. 5 Titanium Micro-Tip Easy Action scissors are a great choice. With a small precise tip, they are great for cutting out little embellishments and the spring action will save your hands from getting sore after heavy use.
A paper trimmer with a triple track blade is handy for several things. Not only is it great for quick and accurate measurements and cuts, you can also remove the blade and use it to create quick score lines. Just use a bone tool in place of the cutting blade! It's convenient portability makes it a great tool that can be used at home or on the go.
If your budget allows, consider adding a manual embossing / die cutting machine to your craft collection. You can do so much with these turn-crank machines and they aren't very expensive. To find out more about my personal favorite, click here!
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