This is where you will find the other tools that don’t really fall into the other main categories.
If there is a tool that you would like to see here, please let us know lynzelle@make-in-wonder.com
- Air blower
- Anti-static pad/pouch
- Awl / poking tool / piercing tool
- Bone folder / scoring tool
- Book binding guide
- Book cover guide
- Brayer
- Eyelet setter
- FUSE tool
- Glue/adhesive eraser
- Handle It tool
- Heat tool
- Label maker
- Marker Spritzer
- Mister
- Paper Crimper
- Pipette / dropper
- Sanding block
- Scoring board
- Scrapers
- Spatula / palette knife
- Stamping pressure tool
- Stapler
- Sticky pick-up tool
- Tweezers
- Wax seal stamp
- Xyron sticker machine
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Air blower
This air blower is traditionally used to clean camera equipment, but in the crafting world it has a completely different use.
It is used with alcohol ink to move the ink around on the page. This is much safer to use than a straw, as you don’t run the risk of inhaling the alcohol ink vapours.
Anti-static pad/pouch
An anti-static pad is a handy little tool to use when you are doing heat embossing. It is used to cover the cardstock or surface you are doing heat embossing on with a thin layer of powder in order to make it anti-static. This way the embossing powder will only stick where it is supposed to and not all over your cardstock.
This is not a precision tool and if you don’t have one you can easily make one yourself. Just fill a small cloth bag (it must have a tight weave) with some corn flour/cornstarch or talcum powder and close it up tightly. I have even seen someone using a baby sock as the pocket to put the powder in, stitching up the open edge, it worked perfectly!
Awl / poking tool / piercing tool
An awl (also called a piercing tool or a pokey tool) is a simple but important tool to own when you are a paper crafter.
It is used to pierce holes in paper. This can be useful when adhering brads, when binding your own books or journals or when preparing paper or cardstock to do some hand stitching.
It is always a good idea to press into something soft like a thick foam pad or a cork pad when piercing your holes:
A push pin can be used instead of an awl.
It is advised not to use a needle as you often need to push quite hard and then it is better to have some kind of handle.
Bone folder / scoring tool
A bone folder is a small, flat tool used in various crafting and bookbinding projects. It is typically made from a piece of smooth bone, plastic or other smooth material, and is shaped like a slim, elongated paddle with a pointed tip.
The primary function of a bone folder is to create crisp, clean creases in paper, cardstock, fabric, and other materials. By using a bone folder, crafters can make precise folds without wrinkling or tearing the material. The pointed tip of the bone folder is especially useful for getting into tight corners and creating sharp creases.
Bone folders are commonly used in bookbinding to create clean folds in paper and other materials used for book covers, end-papers, and pages. They are also frequently used in origami and other paper crafts, as well as in sewing and quilting to create creases for hems and pleats.
In addition to creating folds, bone folders can also be used for a variety of other tasks. For example, they can be used to smooth out wrinkles or bubbles in adhesive materials like tape or glue. They can also be used to score lines or marks on a surface, or to apply pressure when burnishing or rubbing down materials.
Overall, a bone folder is a handy tool for anyone working with paper, fabric, or other materials that require precise folding and creasing.
Book binding guide
The We R Makers (used to be We R Memory Keepers) book binding guide is a versatile and easy-to-use tool that allows you to create custom-bound books, journals and planners with ease. It is designed to help you bind and punch holes in your paper, cardstock, or other materials for book binding.
The tool consists of a durable base that assists with precise hole punching and an awl that can easily punch through 8 sheets of paper, book board and leather. The tool can be used to create books of up to 22.5cm tall, making it perfect for creating custom books, journals, and planners.
Two needles, waxed thread, a storage pocket and a guide with instructions for saddle stitching, Coptic stitching and Japanese bound stitching are also included with this set.
This tool makes book binding really easy and I love creating books and journals using this tool!
Book cover guide
The Book Cover Guide from We R Makers (We R Memory Keepers) is a really handy tool.
It has various functions when making/covering a book or a journal :
1) It shows the perfect book board placement
2) It helps to create consistent gaps
3) It helps to trim corners at the proper angle
4) It helps easily create and cover rounded corners
5) It helps to mark the prefect spot for an elastic closure
Brayer
A brayer is a hand-held tool used in various crafting techniques, including scrapbooking and gel plate printing. It consists of a cylindrical roller made of rubber attached to a handle.
The brayer is used to apply even pressure to a surface, such as paper or fabric, to transfer ink, paint, or other media onto the surface. This creates a smooth and consistent layer of colour or texture.
In scrapbooking, brayers are commonly used to apply ink or paint to stamps or stencils, creating decorative designs on the paper. It can also be used to flatten out glue lines under paper.
Brayers come in various sizes and types, with different textures and hardness levels for different crafting needs. They can be used with a variety of media, such as watercolour, acrylic paint, and dye-based inks. Proper care and cleaning of the brayer can extend its lifespan and ensure that it continues to create even and consistent results.
Eyelet setter
This eyelet setting tool set consists of a handle with interchangeable front ends, a hammer and a pad to protect your working surface.
The black front ends are for punching different sized holes while the metal front ends are used for setting different sized eyelets.
I prefer to use a melamine block to work on when working with this tool set.
The We R makers (We R memory Keepers) Crop-a-dile eyelet setter and punch can replace this whole set. It takes a lot less effort to use and it doesn’t make the noise a hammer does!
I prefer the all in one Crop-a-dile eyelet setter and punch.
FUSE tool
The FUSE tool from We R Makers (We R Memory Keepers) is exactly what its name says, a tool to fuse plastic sleeves together.
It is mainly used to create custom pockets for journals and scrapbook pages by melting specific areas of plastic sheets together.
It comes with different tips for different finishes.
It can also be used for shaker-type embellishments to seal the beads or sequins inside the embellishment.
A fun useful tool if you create a lot of pockets for your journals or scrapbook pages.
Glue/adhesive eraser
These two glue erasers of mine might not look so good anymore, but it is because they have been working so hard!
Easily remover extra glue from you projects!
Handle It tool
This Handle It tool from Ranger has soft silicone hands to hold on tight to your projects when you are working with any heat techniques like heat embossing.
The silicone hands won’t damage you paper or cardstock while keeping you fingers safely out of the way of the heat tool!
Just remember not to heat up the stainless steel handles!
Heat tool
Craft heat tools are specifically designed to use with craft projects that requires heat, like drying and heat embossing.
They come in different shapes and sizes, but don’t be fooled by the fact that some, like the Ranger Heat It Craft tool, looks like a hairdryer. It is in fact very different.
NEVER USE A CRAFT HEAT TOOL AS A HAIRDRYER!!!
Hairdryers produce a rather strong wind with temperatures of between 60°C and 90°C (140°F and 194°F), while craft heat tools produce a mildly strong wind with temperatures of between 100°C and 200°C (212°F and 392°F). Heat guns used as paint strippers on the other hand, can heat up to temperatures of between 500°C and 700°C! (932°F and 1292°F)
Because of the heat produced, it is strongly advised that you use a protective heat resistant surface like a glass mat to work on.
Use something like a Handle It tool or tweezers to hold on to the object being heated up to prevent burn wounds to your hands.
Also be careful of what is close by, like synthetic curtains, they will melt!
Rather keep heat tools away from children!
Label maker
A label maker is a fun tool that can be used to add words, dates or short sentences to your crafting projects like scrapbook pages and journals.
Various different colours of tape can be used in the label maker and even strips of paper work well to create fun edition to your projects!
Marker Spritzer
The Distress Marker Spritzer tool from Ranger is a lightweight hand held tool that is easy to use and creates an airbrush like spray effect on your craft projects.
You can insert a marker into the tool with the brush-like tip in front of the nozzle of the tool. Then just squeeze the tool to create the “spritz” of ink onto your project.
The marker insert is adjustable to accommodate different brands of markers.
Use this tool to create backgrounds or even colour some embellishments like flowers with it.
Mister
A mister or mini-mister is a small, portable spray bottle that is commonly used in scrapbooking and crafting. It is designed to spray a fine mist of water or other liquids onto paper, cardstock, or other crafting materials.
In scrapbooking, misters are often used to add water or other liquids to paper in order to create a distressed or aged effect. For example, a crafter might spray a sheet of cardstock with water and then crumple it up to create a distressed look. Misters can also be used to apply a light mist of ink or paint to paper or other materials.
In addition to scrapbooking, misters can be used in a variety of other crafting applications, such as mixed media art and card making. They are a versatile and convenient tool that can help create a wide range of effects and finishes.
Paper Crimper
A paper crimper is a tool comprising of two rollers with a specific pattern that can emboss that pattern onto a piece of paper or cardstock.
I like to use mine to create corrugated-like pieces of cardstock to use in my crafting projects.
Pipette / dropper
A pipette or a dropper is used to pick up a small amount of liquid.
This is very useful when you just want to use a drop or two of liquid ink for your project.
A good tool to have in your toolkit.
Sanding block
A sanding block is mostly used in crafting to distress paper / cardstock / or photos.
They come in different shapes and sizes and I love that you now even get sanding discs for your blending tool!
If you don’t have a sanding block, an emery board will also do the trick!
Scoring board
A scoring board is a tool used in crafting to create precise and even score lines on paper or cardstock. It typically consists of a flat board with grooves or channels that allow the user to easily score lines in a straight and uniform manner.
Scoring boards are commonly used in a variety of paper crafts, such as card making, scrapbooking, and origami. They are especially useful for creating crisp fold lines, which are essential for making boxes, envelopes, and other three-dimensional paper projects.
To use a scoring board, the user places the paper or cardstock on the board, aligns it with the desired groove or channel, and then uses a scoring tool / bone folder to create a crease along the line. This creates a clean and precise fold that can be easily manipulated.
Scoring boards can also come with additional features, such as measurements, rulers, and alignment guides, which help the user to create more complex projects with greater accuracy and precision.
Overall, a scoring board is useful when you create a lot of precise folds like for card making.
You could alternatively use an awl and ruler on a soft surface to create the same score lines.
Scrapers
Scrapers come in different shapes and sizes and are very useful little tools.
They are used, like a silicone brush, to apply and move paint, gels and pastes around especially while stenciling.
They are also useful to remove paper and vinyl scraps from your electronic cutting machine’s cutting mat.
A scraper can also be used like a bone folder to ensure a nice flat fold.
Spatula / palette knife
A spatula, also sometimes called a palette knife, can be used in much the same way as a scraper.
It is mainly used to apply paint, gels and pastes, like a silicone brush.
A tool that will make your mixed media projects so much easier.
Stamping pressure tool
A stamping pressure tool is used with a stamping platform to spread the pressure applied to the stamp in order to get a better stamped image.
I couldn’t find one locally at the time and I instead bought an air-hockey pusher and stuck some felt to the bottom. It works exactly the same.
Stapler
I do not own a Tiny Attacher by Ranger, but I do have a tiny stapler! I got my first one from a Christmas cracker, but it didn’t last long, so I bought this one. It uses number 10 staples.
It is very cute when you attach journal cards or ribbon to tags, or tabs. I like to colour the staples with alcohol ink to give them a little extra flair.
Sticky pick-up tool
A sticky pick-up tool has a sticky end and a non-sticky end. The sticky end works well for picking up small embellishments like rhinestones and pearls to easily place them where you want them.
The non-sticky end can pull out and has to different points. One is really sharp and the other is flat. I find that either works well, when held in your other hand than the sticky pick-up tool to press your small embellishment (rhinestone or pearl) down from the sticky pick-up tool.
A crayon can be used to pick up small embellishments in the same way. Use a white crayon as to not leave coloured marks on your embellishments.
Tweezers
I own a couple of different tweezers, each with a different function. Mainly the are used to either hold something in place or to pick something up.
This one is quite handy as it opens when you press it.
Wax seal stamp
Wax seals are all the rage and if you want to do it properly you will need a couple of wax seal stamps. These handles comes with interchangeable wax seal stamp heads. This way you can buy one handle and have a couple of different stamp possibilities.
If you don’t have a wax seal stamp, you can always use a coin.
Xyron sticker machine
A Xyron sticker machine is a handy tool for creating stickers and labels for a variety of crafting projects. It is a compact, easy-to-use device that requires no electricity or batteries to operate.
To use a Xyron sticker machine, follow these simple steps:
- Begin by selecting the items you wish to turn into stickers. This could include photos, cutouts from magazines, or printed designs
- Feed the item you wish to turn into a sticker into the machine
- Slowly start pulling the tape on the other side, which will pull the item through the machine and apply a layer of adhesive to the back of it
- Once the item has been pulled through the machine, rub the backing sheet to make sure the adhesive is transferred
- Gently remove the item from the backing sheet
- The adhesive should now be on the back of the item, turning it into a sticker.
I mostly use this machine to add adhesive to the back of letters that I cut with my Silhouette Cameo electronic die-cutting machine. This one can only make stickers of items with a maximum width of 3.5cm.
Really just a nice to have as it is easy to apply glue to small items if you use a precision metal tip on your glue bottle.