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Tool Box Basics and what to bring to a workshop.

This page will soon be upgraded. Sorry for any broken links or 'ugly' bits.

It is a recognised standard to bring your own toolbox, including adhesives (double-sided tape, wet glue, & etc), to workshops.
If you are a 'newbie', Alannah provides a basic in-house toolbox for use during your first few workshops.
Once you become a regular crafter you will be required to bring your own tools and adhesives.
Note: please mark your name on all tools you bring, just in case you leave something behind.
All workshops require minimum essential tools 1, 3 and 8
(refer to list below).
Specific tools required for specific workshops will be listed when advertised on the HOME page.


(Images below are reference only.
Various brands/styles are available either from Alannah May'd or other scrapbooking/craft suppliers.)
1. Bone Folder (bone, plastic, or teflon)

Also called a bone 'scorer', this dull-edged hand tool is used for burnishing a folded or scored line to create crisp folds. Essential tool for card making and paper crafting.
Bone folders are also made from Teflon. These are a superior tool in that they won't 'glaze or scratch' when creasing a fold.

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2. Pencil/Sharpener/Eraser/Rule

Use a HB Pencil for lightly marking lines. Unless you plan to use a craft knife, a clear plastic rule is fine.  Rules should be in both imperial and metric for convenience. A Metal Rule is required for safety when using a Craft Knife (see #5 below).
3. Scissors (2 pair)

One for general use (cutting tape etc) and one reserved for 'fussy' cutting (requires a fine point for detailed cutting - think embroidery scissors).

  
4. Multi-tool

This compact tool set includes a handle with multiple end options
(a) ball stylus*,
(b) paper piercing tool (see also # 4 below),
(c) burnishing tool*,
(d) quilling tool and
(e) 5 x blades (see also # 5 below)
* these two tools are used frequently during paper craft workshops for shaping leaves and flowers.
5. Paper Piercing Tool

Useful for poking holes (to attach brads) and aids in positioning small embellishments. Use with embossing mat (see #8 below) for removing small waste pieces from intricate die cuts. Use to pick-up Glue Dots. Use to unravel or 'shred' ends of knotted twine.
(Optional: Long- shafted needle)
6 Craft Knife & Tweezers

Use craft knife free hand for intricate trimming where scissors can't reach or to trim straight cuts with a Metal Rule, especially useful for partial die cutting technique. Tweezers are useful aid to hold intricate pieces such as sequins, pearls, rhinestones and die cuts. 'Reverse' tweezers are available - these open as you squeeze.

  
7. Embossing Mat

Use with Ball-end stylus or paper piercing tool. Mostly used to shape flower petals and leaves. Also handy when using the paper piercer and for poking brads through paper. (in-house sets available)
(Optional: use an old mouse mat )

  
8. Adhesives
  • Liquid Glue - for paper craft or thicker card embellishments, you'll need a strong fast-drying NON-TOXIC glue. 'Glossy Accents' doubles as an effective glue and dries glossy to accent embellishments. Also recommended - Aleene's Turbo Tacky Glue. Please note: Strong smelling adhesives are not permitted in the workroom. If in doubt what type of wet glue to bring, please get in touch. Contact HERE.
  • Double-sided Tape - available in varying widths. 6mm wide is a popular size for cards.
  • Foam Adhesive Dots and Glue Dots - foam dots are great for elevating embellishments and elements off the page, to make them 'pop'. Use behind a sentiment or flower for effect. Great alternative to a hot glue gun with some materials. Glue dots can be 'rolled' to attach detailed die cuts. 'Magic Mount' is also a recommended foam adhesive, supplied in sheet form which you cut to size. (Economical: Craft Foam with liquid glue - cut foam into appropriate size strips or squares and adhere with liquid glue.)
  • Runner Tape - available as acid free (archival quality) for use when attaching photos, available in permanent or repositionable hold. Has some use in card making but not for paper craft or thicker card embellishments, which require a firmer hold. Use liquid glue instead.
9. Gel Pens, Chalk Pencils and/or Journal paint pens

White and Black gel pen are a great way to quickly add interest or enhance an area. Chalk pencils make easy highlights over stamped images or to quickly add 'snow' or 'clouds' to scenes. Journal pens are a handy tool for 'doodling' images or creating borders.
10. Paper Distressing Tool and Sanding Block

Use to distress paper or card edge to create a weathered/torn/shabby appearance.
(Optional: use scissor edge, your fingernail, nail file.)
11.Water Colour Pencils

Watercolour pencils are used regularly during workshops.
They are usually softer than regular colouring pencils and may be used to add extra definition when working with water-based inks.
12. Water Brush

With a soft brush tip and a reservoir for holding water, this is the ideal tool for blending water colour pencils and water based inks. For best effect, use with watercolour paper or heavy card stock.
13. Stapler

For attaching ribbon etc (then hide staple under embellishment). Some companies are producing tiny staplers i.e. Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher Stapler with very small staples.
(Optional: use a small #10 stapler)
14. Paper Trimmer

A must for card making (and scrapbooking). It keeps your paper straight and square and makes cutting so much faster. Some trimmers may double as a score board. 12" Trimmers and/or Rotary Cutters are recommended. (Optional: Ruler, pencil and scissors)
In-house trimmers are available for use if reqired.
15. Scoring Board

If you're into making boxes and/or other rigid paper craft items, this is a worthy tool to include when you're ready to expand your basic toolbox. Available as 12"x12" or as smaller, more portable units. Available Imperial and/or Metric measurements. An essential tool for use during Paper Craft Workshops. (in-house score boards are available for use)
16. Envelope Punch Board

The perfect tool for making envelopes and various paper craft projects.
(in-house EPBs are available for use, although once you use this exceptional tool you'll want to order one of your own.)
17. Heat resistant, non-stick craft sheet
This is another essential crafting tool however you won't need to bring one to Alannah's workshops. All ink blending and heat setting activities are performed at a dedicated Ink Station and/or Hot Bench.
   
   
   
   
   

 

  
   
   

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