One of my father's favourite phrases: "you get what you pay for". I use a Fiskar trimmer only when I have to i.e. I need a narrow piece of cardstock; otherwise I use the Tonic/Tim Holtz guillotine trimmer. You’ll go broke buying the replacement blades for the Fiskar: they’re expensive & do not last very long.

Great Video! I have to say - I really dislike the sliding paper trimmers - they dull so quickly and drag and ruin my cardstock. I do have a Fiskars Guillotine Trimmer with the plastic "holding plate" that holds the paper in place. It's light, and fits 12" paper. And it's perfect for me. I can't say enough about quality paper! When I first got into card-making, I bought some packs of the Recollections coloured cardstock from Michael's, because it seemed like a good deal. The colours were nice. But the paper was rather thin and only good for matting, not making card bases. After really struggling to get my mats and layers to work with nice even margins, it became apparent the paper wasn't even square! The top and bottom edges were unequal by as much as a sixteenth of an inch. I'll never buy that brand again.

If you are about to discard a refrigerator- save the glass shelves (if smooth) . They make excellent cutting/craft mats. Love my guillotine, have just bought a Fiskars rotary cutter and I'm hoping I won't regret it (after reading all comments!).

@amy4birds645

5 ай бұрын

I have a fridge drawer on my shelf holding supplies.😂

@Taitcreates639

4 ай бұрын

I couldn’t afford the Neenah card stock, I So I purchased Hammermill110#, I just love it. Blends pretty good also.

Great vid! I only disagree on the guillotine trimmer - the Tim Holtz one had a lip on the bottom that helps prevent your paper from slipping, and I’ve never had a good cut on a sliding trimmer. But I guess we each have our own preferences 💜

@erinwood4968

6 ай бұрын

I’m with you on this too. I have a guillotine as well, it’s a “Purple Cow” brand (might be retired). I love it! It does have a metal arm which is important. Blade trimmers have been fussy for me and I don’t currently own one. That being said, I’ve noticed that I do have a need for one, for certain things but would never be my go-to option. 😊

@dinabaughman8731

6 ай бұрын

I agree. I never get as good a cut from a trimmer!

@mumma_of_one8511

6 ай бұрын

I’m a guillotine girl as well. I shamefully admit I have tried so many trimmers and then have sold them as I am not happy with them .

@kkrolf2782

6 ай бұрын

From those of you who only use guillotine paper cutters, do you then use dies to cut out “windows” in your cards?

@eileencervi9986

6 ай бұрын

​@kkrolf2782 yes that is what I do.

I agree a stamp positioning tool is needed though good quality acrylic blocks are needed too!

I would subscribe more than once if I could! Having subscribed years ago, I love your videos. And YOU!

I used to HATE stamping. Rarely got a good impression the first time, and re-stamping....well, you know.🙄 I love Tim Holtz, so that's the platform I got. Game changer!👍🏻

@cynthiatuczynski9491

6 ай бұрын

I too have a Tim Holtz stamping platform. (Got it before my sweet petunia got greedy ). And I love it. I have the small misty and I hardly ever use it. I will not recommend it because of the cost. Now Justine, you are right, Sometimes you have to spend money on certain things, but the price of the Misty is obscene. Having said all of that, I truly do enjoy your videos. I look so forward to when I get the notification that you have a new one. Thank you for sharing.😊🤗

@eileencervi9986

6 ай бұрын

I have the Tim Holtz stamp positioner and really like the "rubber"/"clear" option. We got a Misti at school for my card making club and it feels less sturdy but it works ok.

As a “seasoned” paper trimmer buyer, I finally bought the updated version of the CutterPillar Pro. The smaller trimmers with the arms which need to be extended seem to cut off the marks where I generally need to cut.

Stamping: absolutely get a stamping tool. I prefer the ones that dont have a lip on all sides because it lets me use larger sheets of paper when i want to stamp a lot of stuff to cut out. BUT: you also need acrylic blocks if you want to use your stamps in any kind of journal or book. I have large and small ones and I use them to stamp but also to mix colors on for ink blending etc.

I will add my voice to those disagreeing on the guillotine trimmers: I bought my first Tim Holtz one (the middle size) USED 25 years ago and it was still working when I replaced it (mostly for new features and colour). I passed it on to a new crafter. They never dull, are easily cleaned (glue eraser or alcohol and GREAT care!) and if you but the paper up to the edges at the top or bottom, nothing will shift. Everything else, I wholeheartedly agree. Kind regards from Bodensee, Nicola

I agree with nearly everything you said. I wouldn't be stamping if it wasn't for a stamping platform. I love my Misti because it makes stamping so easy. The only thing I disagree with is the trimmer. I love using my Tim Holtz guillotine trimmer. I just butt my paper up against the bottom lip so the paper doesn't shift as I bring the blade done. I do a agree that a slide-y paper trimmer is important too. I think a 13" one is ideal since it allows for cutting scrapbook paper that still has the identification strip on it.

I agree about the old stampin’ up! trimmer. It was the best!

Watch the GSM weight as well as pounds!! 110 lb / 199 GSM is NOT super heavy cardstock!! I prefer 120lb/325 GSM weight for card bases. Also many like to color on 80lb cardstock but if it can be from 90 GSM or 163 GSM!! So watch the GSM weight as well. The higher the number the heavier or thicker the paper!! Awesome video!!

@eileencervi9986

6 ай бұрын

Yes, when I understood about GSM it made my cardstock purchases better!!

Great suggestions except for the Fiskars trimmer. They have too much wiggle in the plastic channel where the blade slides so i never got a straight cut. Plus, blade refills are difficult to find. Not every store carries a full-time blade supply. I much prefer a guillotine trimmer. Straight cuts and blade never dulls.

I’m 59 yo and I can tell all of you, from experience, get the best you can afford. And this applies to EVERYTHING; not just cardmaking. You will end up spending more in the long term by replacing than if you had gotten something better to begin with. Experience is both expensive and a b***h!

Paper trimmers/cutters: still swear by my Cutterpillar. Why? Not a guillotine, has self-sharpening blade, has a LED light along the cutting edge (can be turned on or off) great for photo's and such. Yes, you have to hold the paper down but that has never been an issue for me. Cuts straight for me. Comes in 2 sizes - full & half sizes. I own the full size. Just a thought :)

#1 The Stamp Platform Wars are a whole irritating mood with the Misti folks losing their minds and blocking any other company from putting theirs on the market. I do wish you had talked inks. Everyone makes their own ink lines but I have messaged creatives and they will never speak up or answer my question over which is the best ink line to use? Also if you buy a ream of white card stock you can probably take it to a FedEx print store and have their machine cut the A2 bases and you won't need a guillotine trimmer. That is what I did for my Neenah and Hammermill and it has been a time saver.

I also find that cheaper embossing powders aren't fine granules - they tend to be thicker. I also bit the bullet and bought good cardstock. Nothing ruins a project like cheap paper. I agree with every suggestion, Justine. Great video!

I had a piece of tempered glass cut to fit my table top and use an xacto on it all the time. There are very few scratches in it and it is my favorite cutting surface.

@CricketsBay

5 ай бұрын

I bought a tempered glass mat because I saw comments saying it does not scratch. They were correct. An X Acto knife cannot scratch it.

Justine, I purchased the small Tim Holtz guillotine trimmer last year to cut card stock and I'm not sorry. My Fiskars trimmer is great for thinner papers, but, even after replacing the blades, I was not getting a smooth cut edge on my thicker cardstock.

I didn't know you are a teacher, but I should have guessed. Your videos are informative, interesting, & well organized. I also enjoy you speaking voice. You speak clearly and deliver at a comfortable rate. Thank you for the time you put into making the watching of your videos a pleasure.

I would suggest a great die cut machine. Love my Sizzix Big Shot and my Spellbinder Platinum.

I use both the Cutterpillar pros and LOVE them. They work well for me and have free blade replacement.

Love your baby sleeping in the back 🥰🥰🥰 when I started making cards I used blocks as I’m more of dies than stamping. It’s true about the guillotine I have one and sometimes if I don’t hold the paper will move. Thank you for all this important information, I wished I have known couple years ago when I started purchasing stuff

Watercolor paper is different to work with, hot press and cold press know the difference one is smooth the other is rough. I am going to look into a glass mat, I use a thick piece of glass about 5 by 7 in to color on that way there are no accidental marks from my work surface, guess I do need a larger one for watercoloring or ink blending. You made me think, thank you.

I wholeheartedly agree with you on all these tools! Thank you!

I agree with everything. Paper makes a huge difference.

Glue is a big one for me. I consider it a tool. Glue makes a difference. I use Art Glitter Glue. Introduced it to friends that had been crafting for years. It was a game changer for them.

@justinehovey

6 ай бұрын

Glue is a good one as well. I should’ve added it to my list. I’ve heard that glue is very good also but I can’t purchase it here in Europe.

I was always told buy the best you can afford specially for tools you use a lot like die machines trimmers scissors mat for Working surface …….and tape, glue because you want our projects to stay together after hard work making it

I would caution the new stamper to go with the regular sized, not the mini stamping platform that many content creators use while filming. I made this mistake and within weeks I was investigating in a full size platform. I’m one who also loves my Tim Holtz guillotine trimmer and I also love my Fiskars.

I use a CARL paper trimmer. I invested in the CARL 12 inch professional rotary trimmer about a decade ago and have never looked back. Other than about 1 a year changing the replaceable blade track, and on 2 occasions the blades itself it is matinence free. I have a dedicated place for it though. It is too heavy to easily be portable. Requires very little strength to operate and always cuts straight for me and gives very clean cut. Best trimmer I have ever owned by far, and i went through quite a few to find this one.

I agree with everything but the paper trimmer. Now that I bought Tim Holtz last one released I stopped using my fiskars I’ve had for at least 25 years. The paper holder where the blade is, is slightly elevated so it’s easier to slide the paper in and out because you do not have to pull it up every time. Thanks for sharing.

I love my Tim Holtz guillotine trimmer. I use it every time I craft and it always cuts perfectly. The blade is designed to be self sharpening too. You just have to get in the habit of holding down the protective bar and you'll get perfect cuts. It's easier to line up along the cutting blade if you need to trim in a specific place, and Fiskars trimmers block your vision. Also the TH is lighter weight and easy to store on its side or end. Being light weight does not affect performance, it just makes getting it out and putting it away so easy.

I resisted using a guillotine paper cutter for years. I finally purchased a little guillotine cutter for small projects and found success, with this little tweak. I use a 6 inch metal ruler close to the cutting blade to assure the paper doesn’t shift when I’m cutting.

I agree with everything. Fiskars are so GOOD. I have with a cutting blade, a guillotine and a rotary blade one. LOVE them all. I have always been very picky with my paper. I want my alcohol marker paper and watercolor paper to be the same color as my white cardstock. So I use Neenah solar white 8o lb and 110 lb and Canson Montval 300 g for water coloring.

I so agree with all of this. I had bad luck with several trimmers that cost $100. I finally bought a Rotatrim professional and I have never looked back. It's the kind they use in Fed Ex stores and comes in several sizes. I had never thought I wanted a rotary cutter but it's perfect and cuts the tiniest sliver. All metal and made in England. Tim Holtz is fine for the more lightweight stuff. Cutting watercolor or other heavy stuff it didn't t give me a clean edge for very long. Fine for lighter weight.

Thank you for the video. Very informative. I wish I had spent the extra money and gone with an electronic cutter instead of spending 1,000’s of dollars on die cuts.

My cutterpiller crop was my expensive buy that I wouldn't be without, cuts through all thickness's of paper and never blunts, I found other trimmers feather the paper after awhile. Definitely agree with having a stamping platform.

@kriskeel2753

6 ай бұрын

I agree. I love my cutterpiller. I have a Fiskars but a lot of time the blade pops out and dulls so I have to buy a new one. My cutterpiller sharpens itself every time I use it. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

@susanpearson-creativefibro

6 ай бұрын

It’s strange, I have a Cutterpiller Pro. When I am cutting weighty card stock it is fine, but when I try to cut thin slivers from paper it always bunches and tears. I almost regret the purchase.

I prefer a Tonic guillotine cutter. Paper trimmers, because they flex so you can change the blade, also can flex as you cut. I finally bought one so I could cut precisely and save paper, but for 99% of my cuts, the guillotine works better. It helps to make sure your edge is aligned with the grid and you press down on the plastic guard to hold it that way before you cut. (Tonic guarantees their blades, which is another quibble I have with trimmers and blades that so easily dull.)

@Wannaloom

6 ай бұрын

Agree! Love my Tonic!!

I remember thinking that all my blocks would be sufficient for stamping. Besides l thought the MISTI was too expensive. All the cards I ditched because to to re stamp became expensive too. I have the stampin up trimmer and I bought extra blades before they were discontinued. I don’t use a guilitine cutter because my granddaughters craft with me. I am looking to get a glass mat now that I have a dedicated space to craft

Ive been crafting for decades and mostly use acrylic blocks. I have several positioners, and use them for specific techniques but mostly use blocks.

You’re brilliant. Thank you.

I totally agree with all of this! 👏🏽💖 my stamping platform was worth every dollar cuz I no longer get frustrated with blurring my image.

I agree a stamping platform is so useful, I have 2 guillotines and really like them, also have a creative craft trimmer, don't use a glass mat, can't cope with the noise! What about a scorer?

I totally agree about the stamp positioner. It really was a game changer. I have several different brands. All work well. I have a Tonic guillotine trimmer. Love it. Also have a Fiskars trimmer which is great for cutting when you don't want to cut edge to edge but in the middle.

love your video! (actually all of them). these are great trips. I recently cleared out a lot of embossing powder. Had to have all the colors and found I rarely used them and now narrowed down to black, white and clear. clear you can get any colored embossing by stamping with your misty and restamping with clear. thank you for all sharing your knowledge!

Great video and recommendations. Just a note - Tim Holt also has a great 12.5" rotary cutter that cuts flat like a fiskars but is much larger and cuts through much heavier materials also. I dont like the guillotine cutters as have little hands (grandchildren) and it is dangerous for them and for me. I have the large Tim Holtz cutter (not guillotine) and the fiskars and never have issues if I hold the paper correctly.

Great information ! Thank you!😊

I bought a Gemini, the plates warped the first time I used it and after 6 months it broke. Then I saved up and bought a fold up Sizzix which works a lot better.

Good tips, Justine, thanks!

Great video, thanks Justine!

Definitely agree on the stamping platform. I literally can’t stamp without my MISTI. I think a guillotine is a better purchase than a trimmer because it lasts longer, doesn’t need replacement blades or mats, and I never get fuzzy cuts - but yes, you have to be quite exact with holding the card in place to cut. I enjoy your videos - always full of information ❤

I would add a 3M ATG tape gun. I use mine constantly for adhering papers to cardstock, etc. I like the instant gratification; no waiting for glue to dry is a plus. I actually keep TWO ATG machines at my crafting area, so I can keep narrow tape in one, and wider in the other.

@Nature2251

6 ай бұрын

How do you put your narrow tape in please?

@betteannkelly744

6 ай бұрын

My second ATG is the pink Scotch Advanced Tape Glider, purchased at Michael's. It accepts the narrower, 1/4 inch wide tape refills. (I use the 1/2 inch wide rolls in my yellow Scotch ATG 700.)

@eileencervi9986

6 ай бұрын

​@betteannkelly744 I find that with the tape runners my card stock will separate from the card base after a while (my mother-in-law keeps all my cards on display!). Maybe I'm not using a quality tape runner?

@betteannkelly744

6 ай бұрын

I have not heard any such feedback from recipients about separation using my Scotch ATG'S.

@amandahodgin9316

6 ай бұрын

@@eileencervi9986 I have had that happen with the adhesive in the smaller tape runners that you find in lots of stores but not the 3m adhesive for the ATG tape runner.

Love your videos , love your honesty on the products Thank you

I really enjoy your educational videos. Thank you.

I would say that once you have gone down the card making rabbit hole, invest in a $100+ trimmer. I purchased so many, even Fiskars, and dulled the blades very quickly. The more expensive ones last longer and most have replacement blades.

@Minalynn53

6 ай бұрын

Do you have a recommendation by any chance?

@jadeturtledesigns

6 ай бұрын

I bought the CARL Heavy Duty Rotary Paper Trimmer - 12238, Black/Silver, 18inch from Amazon after trying soany others. I really like it.

@eileencervi9986

6 ай бұрын

We bought the Tonic/Tim Holtz rotary trimmer at my school. Not happy with it! The paper moves all the time and paper is frayed??

@Minalynn53

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I have wasted more money and I want to admit to trying to find a great trimmer. @@jadeturtledesigns

This was great, Justine. I learn something from each and every one of your videos. This time it was your mention of the Fiskars trimmer. I have four different trimmers (3 old Fiskers and 1 Cutterpede) and they are all very, very old, and behave accordingly. As I watched your video I decided they will all be “retired” to make room for a new one.

Hi. Thank you for sharing your informative videos, they're great and a more in-depth one on paper/card types, weights and uses would be so helpful to many crafter's. I know I would find it very useful. Have a lovely day.😊

For precision card bases and layers, I cut on my Maker. For just cutting cardstock down to be die cut, I use the Cricut trimmer (I like how light and small it is). For cutting chipboard, magnetic sheets/mats, heavy glitter cardstock, I use my 35 year old Dahle rotary trimmer that I got when I was living in Denmark. Still just as sharp as the day I bought it. I love all these tools for the things they are good at.

I like my Fisckar's guillotine trimmer. Best & most used tool in my craft room. I had to find a new trimmer because i too had the stampin up trimmer & could no longer purchase replacement blades for it. I still have it for the occasional cut where you have to start in the middle of the page, but otherwise my plastic (and lightweight), self sharpening , $30 trimmer is my go to.

Excellent video! Thank you😊

Very informative and helpful. I think I have all the toys now but when first starting that was the way to go such as stamping blocks but you're so right in the frustration level they cause. Only use them for small things now and always have to search for the small one to put leaves on a tree or some such thing.

Thanks Justine!

Great video. You are so one point about going ahead and getting the better items in the beginning. With all the crafts I try I start out trying the cheapest and find out that they usually don’t work. It may not seem like it but spending the money up front can actually save you money. 🥰💕

I would add a paper trimmer that also has a scoring blade. I didn't like storing two tools, and with arthritic fingers, pressing a bone folder in a groove was painful. Finally got a 2-fer tool for Christmas, and I won't go back!

Only thing I would disagree is the Fiskars trimmer. The blades don’t last too long. I still use it if I need to cut at a right angle for whatever reason, but my preferred trimmers are both by Tonic, guillotine type. I would add ink to your list. Bargain inks stamp poorly, the inkpad dries quickly or warps and are not worth the money. Good quality inks last forever even without reinking, and give very consistent results, with vibrant colors. Lots of companies also sell reinkers which will extend the inkpad life immensely, especially for “technique” inks like Distress. Another item that I see new crafters get suckered into are those miniature diecutting machines that use plastic folders instead of acrylic plates as the diecutting surface. Those plastic folders need to be replaced very often, it’s like inkjet ink. Very soon you will have spent more money than the price of the machine. Tim Holtz/Sizzix and Altenew make mini machines that use acrylic plates, if you’re a newbie and want to try out diecutting before investing in a larger machine. Totally agree about the glass surface. Game changer, along with a positioning tool. Great video!

Awesome information thanks stay bless 😊

Gosh! I wish we had had You Tube and you 25 years ago! Everything you say is absolutely true; I could have saved myself lots of $$ as well as much frustration. Thank you so much for this vid!

I love the stamping tool idea. I got mine years ago and still my go to. Also excellent tip on embossing powder. I have box full that do not work anymore. Just a wasted box of powder

@planetroxx94

6 ай бұрын

Could you use the expired embossing powder in shakers?

you are spot on.

Nice video for beginners in our great hobby! I agree with everything you said...especially the MISTI stamping tool! What a revelation...just love it! I do disagree with you on the trimmers though...I have that Fiskar's you mentioned and never have liked it. Love my Sizzix guillotine trimmer....only negative is it wouldn't cut 12" paper, so when the new Sizzix rotary trimmer came out, Tim Holtz sold me on it and it is GREAT! Thanks for the video...I'm sure this will really help a lot of newbies!

Great video, thanks. I love my Fiskars trimmer. I’ve had it for years, cut tons of paper because I do my own disk based planner, as well as cards. The blades work forever, and when they do get dull, you can get replacements. As for the glass mat, I found a great glass mat at my dollar store for about $4 CAD. Technically it’s a kitchen cutting mat, a knock off of the ones made by Corning ware. While the Corning ones often had a pebbled surface, this one is smooth and works great for what I need. I mainly use it when I’m gluing (easy cleanup) and when I’m ink blending.

This is a fabulous video!! I was wondering about the big blur then realized it is the baby!! I use Accent Opaque 120# cardstock and I love it. It is totally affordable, too. I have a Rotatrim cutter which I love. I also have a Tim Holtz guillotine trimmer which works really well for me. I agree that one should avoid cheap embossing powders. I also recommend spending a bit more for your heat tool. I went through a couple before settling on a Wagner. Huge difference.

I was sure you would follow embossing powders with a good heat tool. I used the Tim Holtz Heat-It tool for heat embossing for years before realizing that the ones sold for embossing really do a better job faster. I still like my Heat-It tool, but it’s really better suited to other jobs. Also, I used the Ranger craft mat for years before I got a glass mat, and it really didn’t hamper me at all.

Thanks for the info, although I'm not a brand new newbie. I also agree with a lot of this. I still love my guillotine cutter (Tim Holtz) for most cuts but I have a Fiskars blade trimmer as well. Both are useful. I could not do this hobby if it weren't for the stamp positioner platform. I have a Misti, and I just bought a mini Misti. So incredibly essential!!!

Spellbinders is selling a paper trimmer that is supposed to be identical to Stamp in ups "retired" paper trimmer - you should check that out.😀

@pattyh2410

5 ай бұрын

I will check it out. I heard SU didn’t have a choice. I waited too long to mine.

Hi Justin,Love that you talked about this! I learned the hard way on paper and embossing powder and you are right it needs frustration when you don't have good supplies. I have a question- do you happen to know a good paper for foiling? Thanks!

The one thing I started using many years ago, and haven’t found any brand better (and I’ve tried many) is Cutterbee scissors. They don’t work well on ribbons and things like that because they’re so fine and slick, but you can’t beat them for paper crafting. For other uses, I like the Tim Holtz scissors in different sizes - again, I don’t think you’ll find any better.

OMG Justine this sure was in Outstandingly Detailed infomercial for truly what to buy…..I agree 100000000000% as I am a die hard scrapper I did buy the BIG Misty and LOVE it allot and even tho 12 x 12 paper fits it it I still use it for cards or journal tags etc the best $100plus dollars spent ever and I got it the day it was release so years and years ago use it almost daily and it’s still going strong!! You are spot on about trimmers and I do have. 2 small guillotine trimmers but of course one is Tim Holtz Deckle edge. I’m a huge Tim Holtz fan so his products are A plenty in my scraproom!! Girl this was interesting and lucky newbies cuz it’s hard to know what to buy KIDDO YOU ROCK!!! Joan Smith

I certainly agree that good tools will pave the way for you to be successful. It’s taken a few iterations to finesse my setup. Re trimmers: choose one that is SHARP. The reason the paper or cardstock slides when you cut with a guillotine trimmer is that the blade is pushing the paper rather than slicing through it, being pushed by the paper fibres rather than cutting through the fibre. A sharp blade (as well as a guard that helps hold the paper) will make all the difference. I found the blades of the sliding trimmers very expensive to replace. I’ve settled on a Tonic Studios Comfort trimmer, sharp and handy, and a Fiskars rotary ProCision trimmer for the big stuff. Good brands and sharp blades. Great video, Justine.

I would have never stuck with card making if it hadn't been for the misti. Totally agree, it's a must.

Thank you for your video. I'm a longtime card maker. My suggestion would be a good heat tool for embossing.

One thing ill add is get the tiny detail scissors. I used to hate cutting things by hand, but now i fussy cut almost everything.

I'm a big Fiskars fan. I can't use a Guillotine trimmer. The reason I am a Fiskars fan is because I have had my trimmer for 15+ years. It was the very first trimmer I bought. Last year, the thin metal guide broke. I wrote to Fiskars asking if I could purchase a replacement wire. They wrote back saying they didn't provide replacement wires and they would replace the whole trimmer. I told them that I had had the trimmer for 15 years and it was really old, and that I was happy to purchase a new trimmer. They said the trimmers had a lifetime guarantee and that it would be replaced. Sure enough, a new one arrived a few days later. Fiskars truly stand behind their products. It is by far may favorite trimmer, and I have several different types, but this one is so easy to use, and I get perfect cuts every time.

I buy Michael’s white and black heavy cardstock and I love it. Affordable and easily obtained

Trish here, ( Brian is my hubby) Great info. I would like to know what you think is the best paper for hot foiling. I use Neenah solar crest for my card bases but have noticed that it isn’t the best for foiling. Now that the holidays are over I’m resupplying my craft room and new paper for foiling is a must. 😊

I would have to say i wouldn't be stamping now if i didn't by a Misty when they firts came out. Even here in Australia I got an extremely good deal & it was wonderful. I have had one ir two since then.😊

I don’t agree; it depends on your style & how you create. I wish there were experienced card makers near me to let me try the different supplies before I invested in supplies that influencers pushed because I’m well over my head in debt buying all the things. Nowadays I tend to watch only tutorials & try stay away from those showing the latest release. I said I was buying supplies because when I retire I’ll have my stash, but at this rate I won’t be able to retire because I still have to work to pay for that stash.

Check out the Spellbinders trimmer. It’s like the Stampin up one.

in regard to foiling: I bought the tool that cricut sells to use in the cricut machine. I am just not happy with the results. I finally broke down and ordered a glimmer hot foil machine.

Id recommend white glass mat, I got a black one and wish I’d waited for the white ones to come out. The black reflects ,also you can’t see ink etc on it and I’ve so often ended up with ink in places it was never supposed to go…frustrating. I do love my guillotine, I also have a trimmer and use both regularly.

I have the We R positioner. It works fine and was relatively affordable on sale. I won't give the overpriced positioners my $$$ vote. The Michael's brand embossing powders scorch and the name brands don't, simple as that, in my experience. I've never had a powder go bad. It sometimes clumps a little when it gets older, so periodic shaking of the jars might be good. I don't like the sliding trimmers. I've already spent more on my blades than I did on the trimmer. It's basically the inkjet printer problem in paper trimmers (Oh, my rec if you want an inkjet is an Ecotank!) But if you're going to get a trimmer, get a Fiskars because you'll likely find blades for it for a longer period of time, while the ones for the off brands might go extinct. I'd get a good guillotine trimmer instead, though, even if on the used market. Or a rotary cutter and mat work better than any of them. I am shocked at how rarely I see paper crafters using rotary cutters. Exacto knives don't work nearly as well.

Thanks for the information. Can you kindly tell about small and bigger scissors? I have issues with them and i know so many other people due to their disabilities. I hope you can tell about it.

Love me some Justine Hovey!! ❤

Thank you for confirming my thoughts on the guillotine cutters. Love my Fiskars trimmers

@justinehovey

6 ай бұрын

Many people feel very passionately about the guillotine cutters, but it’s just not my thing I don’t like them unless it’s my very very expensive model. I had about three or four of the tonic version of the guillotine trimmer, and every single one of them cut my paper crooked. Maybe I’m just not strong enough to hold the paper down. Lol.

You should be able to cut on your glass mat as they are tempered for it. Least mine is, it's the xcut brand.

Thanks for the helpful info! One question, what weight of white card stock do you use for your card base?

I have to say I’d always recommend a rotary cutter over any other style. I hate trimmers with the tiny V style blades like the one you showed. They become dull incredibly fast. But I agree totally on stamping tools and embossing powders.

@justinehovey

6 ай бұрын

Absolutely the downside of the standard paper trimmer is that you do need to replace the blades and fairly often I replace mine maybe once every two months. However, I haven’t found a decently priced guillotine trimmer at this point in time that allows me to get straight cuts but that’s just my experience and I maybe I’m just not holding the paper properly down.

@Rebeccacell

6 ай бұрын

⁠I had to replace my blades far more often. I wonder why? I don’t prefer guillotine trimmers either. I like a round rotary blade. Mine is self sharpening. I’m on the same blade for 10+ years. It was a larger outlay of $ but I haven’t had to replace anything all that time! It’s a Cutterpede.

Amazing information- my only problem with my fiskars trimmer like yours- I get a funny edge on my paper and have replaced the blade and it still happens. Not sure what to do

I disagree on the guillotine trimmer. I get much cleaner cuts that with my rotary blade trimmers.