Top five papercraft essentials

Paper crafting is a popular hobby enjoyed by many, I’m sure we all agree that there’s just something so satisfying about crafting with paper. The possibilities for creativity are endless, perhaps that’s what draws us to papercraft in the first place?

Whether you’re new to the world of crafting and are beginning to build your papercraft stash or you’re an experienced crafter looking to add some supplies to your collection, we’ve compiled a list of our top five papercraft essentials that we think every crafter should have in their craft cupboard.

Collall All Purpose Glue

If cardstock is the first step in papercraft, then the second is finding the right adhesive and this is a great all-rounder. It works quickly (but not so fast you don’t have a bit of wiggle room), it’s secure when dry, and as well as paper it sticks a range of other materials so if you want to add embellishments to your project (wood, fabric, acetate, etc) this will do that too. I often decant some into a fine tip glue applicator bottle for more delicate work – a little goes a long way! I use this for both 2D and 3D projects, with different paperweights – even greyboard - it’s really strong and versatile, ideal for all your papercraft projects.

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Foam Pads

Foam pads are one of the easiest, most effective ways to give your papercraft projects a boost. I rarely – if ever – finish a project without these somewhere! It’s amazing how much dimension just a couple of little squares of foam can add. They come in different depths and sizes and can be layered up to create even more levels. They are ideal for using between layers in card making and adding lift to petals when making papercraft flowers. Even if it’s just one to make that finishing touch have a little extra depth, they’re a small thing that make a big difference.

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Distress Ink – Antique Linen

Distress inks are one of my absolute favourite ways to add detail to my projects, and like many crafters out there I have an ever-increasing collection of them! If you are just starting out with distress ink, then the Antique Linen shade is a great one to begin with. It’s neutral enough to use on a variety of coloured cardstock, and gives a lovely, muted effect so it’s perfect for vintage style projects, or to give a more natural look to paper flowers and foliage. There are different ways to use distress inks such as blending tools, short bristle brushes, and sponges so lots of ways to get creative and make your papercraft stand out.

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Cutting Mat

There are plenty of sizes to choose from with cutting mats, and you’ll know which one suits you best based on they type of papercraft you do. Even if you’re not doing lots of hand cutting, they are so useful to have and function as a portable workspace. I have a few that I’ve collected over the years but if you’re only going to get one, I’d recommend a larger size. This way you can have a ‘tidy’ space on the mat where you put your project together, but you can have a little ‘messy’ corner too – somewhere to pop your glue/ ink/ pens down in between using them. This also helps to protect your furniture!

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Glitter

Card looking a little lacklustre? Add glitter. Bodged some glue where you didn’t want to? Add glitter. Having a bad day? Add glitter. Everything is more fabulous with glitter, and as well as elevating your project to something sparkly and magical, it can also cover a multitude of crafting errors, ideal whatever stage you’re at in your papercraft journey – we all make mistakes! It can be as heavy or as subtle as you want it to be, there are so many different colours, and various ways to use it. If you want an easy introduction the Sakura Quickie Glue Pen is a great tool for adding glitter elements – just draw on the details you want to highlight and dip in/ sprinkle on the glitter. If in doubt, add glitter!

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Looking for inspiration?

The sky's the limit when it comes to what you can create, we hope our checklist has helped provide a few ideas of must-haves for your craft kit. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, tune in to HobbyMaker and watch expert demonstrations from the top names in papercraft, mixed media and all things arts & crafts. We are live everyday, Monday right through to Sunday, from 1pm.

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