All Paper Arts

I hear a lot from people that they are afraid to get to into paper arts. In my mind I think how could you be afraid? However, out loud I ask why do you say that? Several times I hear “I’m just not creative”. Even more often I hear “I can’t afford to buy any new tools or materials”. Buy tools and materials? Whoever said you had to buy new tools? I admit there are a number of gadgets that I just love but you can still be creative with the bare minimum. What is the bare minimum? Here is a list of things most everyone has. I’ll go by category.

Adhesive. Everyone has their favorite. If you ask me some adhesives like some people better then others. Seriously, there are some adhesives I swear by but my friends just can’t stand. On the other hand there are some they love that just won’t work for me. Yes, I realize that is the operators failure not the actual product but hey the adhesive can’t talk back.
A good glue stick is easy enough just make sure it is acid free.
Double sided tape is great. I never thought I would think that but it has become my adhesive of choice. It is especially a good deal if you buy it from the super club stores. Those rolls have more on them then at regular discount centers. Trust me I didn’t believe it either but compare just one of the rolls from the club store to the super discount center and you will see what I mean.
There are a lot of little adhesive roller things out there and they are good if you just love them. My only complaint is even if I fill it with a brand new refill at a card party or crop I run out before the event is over. Which is aggravating when I think about how much I spent on the refill?
Later down the line you can worry about some more great adhesive products like glue dots, foam, and photo corners. Although these aren’t bad investments because one box usually last for a while. You can usually get a box of any one of the three from about $2.99-$4.99.
Cutting implements
Scissors easy enough
Whole punch just a basic whole punch can do a lot. When you decide to invest you will find all different size hole, hole punches.
Paper trimmer preferably one big enough to measure anything up to 12X12. If you like to cut and can cut straight (I can not) then by all means stick with your scissors and ruler but I’ll use the trimmer. Usually, you can find them on sale or use a coupon at a craft store and get them for under $13 for a good one
So there are your major tools. Later this week I’ll let you know what some of my can live without but don’t want to tools are.
Now on to materials
Paper (I know that was a given)
Ribbon, yarn, embroidery thread not all the time but most of us have some around the house
Markers, pencils

There you are the bare minimums! I bet if you look around you’ll probably have all of the above. Anything else you have is just great!
If you plan on using a lot of embellishments, especially, grommets /eyelets then you are going to want something to push the grommet down. There are all kinds of little hammers and eyelet setters out there at pretty reasonable prices. I know a lady who says she takes hers out to the garage floor and just uses a hammer! That is totally an option. I myself would get tired of that but I guess it depends on how much money you want to spend. I have two grommet/eyelet tools that I love and both were under $30 each. I know that might sound high but both have some extras that really make it worth it.

Okay, so not having the tools or materials is no longer an excuse for not doing paper arts. As far as the “no creativity” excuse. There are so many resources out there to get ideas. Magazine, books, and websites a plenty. Not to mention this site! I am guessing even if you aren’t creative that you can make something when given the instructions or seeing an idea. So there! No more excuses! Now have some fun!