My Paper Crafting Favorites: Must-Have Tools & Supplies for Every Crafter
When it comes to paper crafting—whether you’re making junk journals, handmade cards, or scrapbook pages—the right supplies make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve tested countless tools and materials, but there are a few essentials I reach for time and time again.
Today, I’m sharing my must-have paper crafting essentials—the tools and supplies I recommend for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. These are the items that make crafting easier, faster, and a whole lot more fun.
📌 Note: This post focuses on the essential paper crafting tools I can’t live without. If you’re looking for embellishment favorites like washi tape, charms, and ribbons—don’t worry! I’ll be sharing a separate blog post soon with all my top embellishment picks.
Adhesives: The Best Glues & Tapes for Paper Crafting
No project comes together without a solid adhesive. I keep a variety of options on hand to suit different needs:
- Liquid glue with a fine tip applicator – perfect for small embellishments and detail work.
- Double-sided tape or tape runner – ideal for clean, mess-free layering.
- Glue sticks – quick and easy for larger surfaces.
- Binder clips – I use these to hold glued pockets or folds in place while they dry, ensuring a strong and even bond.
The right adhesive setup prevents warping, reduces drying time, and ensures your projects stay intact for years to come.
Cutting Tools: Crisp, Clean, and Precise
Sharp cutting tools are non-negotiable in paper crafting. My essentials include:
- Detail scissors for fussy cutting images and trimming embellishments.
- A sturdy paper trimmer to keep lines straight and professional-looking.
- Self-healing cutting mat for protecting your workspace.
- X-Acto knife or precision craft knife for clean cuts on fine details and tricky shapes.
A good set of cutting tools not only saves frustration but also makes your finished projects look polished and professional.
Inks & Distress Tools: Adding Dimension & Style
One of the easiest ways to elevate your paper crafts is with ink. My favorites are:
- Distress inks for adding vintage edges or blending backgrounds.
- Blending tools or brushes to soften lines and create layered color effects.
Even the simplest project can come alive with a little ink shading—it’s one of my go-to techniques.
Must-Have Tools: The Everyday Game Changers
Some tools may not seem flashy, but they are the backbone of every project:
- Bone folder for crisp, professional folds.
- Scoreboard for accurate folds and envelopes.
- Hole punch for tags, journal inserts, or binding projects.
- Grommets & grommet tool for reinforcing holes in tags, making them both durable and decorative.
These tools are the workhorses of my craft room, and they’ll last you for years.
Shop My Paper Crafting Favorites
To make it easy, I’ve put together a full list of my go-to supplies in one place. You can browse them all in the graphic below. (These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—thank you for supporting my creative work!)
Click on photo to get my list of paper crafting essentials. Final Thoughts
Having the right paper crafting supplies not only saves time but also helps your creativity shine. These are the tools and materials I trust for every project, and I hope they’ll inspire you to build your own go-to collection.
Do you have a favorite tool or supply I should add to the list? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing what other crafters can’t live without!