So, let's begin at the beginning. If you have plans to tackle the paper portion of your wedding, you may want to do a small inventory check. The fact is "making stuff" can require a pretty significant investment....especially when you're not exactly familiar with crafty accoutrement. Your bff will insist you get a xyron machine...the lady at the craft store will knowingly suggest the biggest and sharpest paper trimmer.
The truth? What you get should be determined by what you're doing. If you are making invitations and you try to get away with using a pair of scissors and a stapler...it will look as though you used scissors and a stapler. If you seek to create something a bit more refined, I suggest considering the supplies you see above. Keep in mind...these supplies are for specific paper based projects. If you are planning to bind your own guest book, gocco print your invitations or any thing outside of basic paper crafting please shoot me an email and I will send you a customized supply list.
#1. the paper trimmer. this is a must have if you plan on doing any type of precision trimming. I have tried a LOT of trimmers and the Tonic Guillotine is my favorite. A quick tip: if you're on the fence, request a demonstration. You'd be surprised how many stores would be happy to oblige. Final word: There are many kinds of trimmers out there and while price doesn't necessarily dictate quality they are NOT all created equally.
#2. a steel edge ruler. this is a necessity, especially if you end up doing your cutting with #4. Try to get one with a cork back. This keeps it from sliding around while cutting. If you don't plan on using a craft knife then any old 12" ruler will do.
#3. a bone folder. now i'm one of those people that will use almost anything just to see if I can...I have used a butter knife, an inkless ball point pen and a stylus in lieu of a bone folder and know what? The bone folder works better. Oh...what's it for? Scoring, folding, burnishing...all the things you would need to get any folded portion of your project looking crisp, clean and profesh.
#4. a craft/x-acto knife. there is a slight learning curve to this one and the definite possibility of drawing blood, but I am of the opinion that nothing, if wielded properly, can deliver a straighter cut. I have been a devotee of the knife since freshman year Intro. to Design and have never looked back. A quick tip: sharp blades, a light touch, two or three passes rather than pressing heavily. These things will ensure a better experience if not an ideal one. Final word: practice makes perfect...so if you can't be bothered with the practice...get the trimmer and be done with it.
#5. a 1/8" hole punch. this is a handy tool but not really a must have if you aren't doing anything that will require holes being punched, ie. eyelets, ribbon, tags & string. I include it simply because I always end up needing it.
#6. glue dots. these babies are strong. I would get a pack if you plan on using charms, buttons or any heavy embellishment. They are available in different sizes and a variety of thickness.
#7. a tape runner. There are many different kinds. I have used everything from the heavy duty ATG gun to the Hermafix runners and I like this little one the most. You can buy refills and it flows nicely and rarely gets all gummed up. Final word: I would get one of these over the Xyron any day. The xyron covers the entire back of your paper in permanent or repositionable adhesive which is way more than I have ever needed to securely adhere paper to paper. You may want to see it demonstrated prior to deciding.
#8. double sided PERMANENT tape. Oh man. we swore by this stuff at PS and used it in every workshop. Same concept as the tape runner just a tiny bit more labor intensive. A quick tip: if you decide to use it...invest in a two dollar weighted tape dispenser from Staples, and buy the tape in bulk. Oh and focus on smaller strips. It can be hard to control one really long sticky piece.
#9. super tacky tape. this tape is strong. Very strong and double sided. this tape is a must have if you are working with thick handmade paper, making your own pocket folders or assembling favor boxes. BTW it isn't red...it's clear, the red is the removable backing.
#10. a tiny pair of precision trimmers. These are good to have on hand. I use mine mostly for cleaning up slightly ragged edges and snipping off overlapping paper.. A quick tip: it's wise to use a different pair of scissors for ribbon than you do for paper...keeps the blade sharp.
So that's that.
Keep in mind, many of these supplies are reusable so if you are working on a one time only project I'm sure you can find many diy'ers willing to take them off your hands. Also, before making a purchase, check ebay for other folks no longer in need of these basic tools and looking to find a happy home for them. I don't normally suggest borrowing. It can be weird. Buy your own stuff and if you do borrow...make sure to return in good condition.
Resources:
dick blik
create for less
paper source
staples
ebay
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