Cutting Tools for Cardmaking - Cardmaking 101 Back to Basics Series - Video
Today I am sharing the next video in my new Cardmaking 101 - Back to the Basics Series on my blog: Each week we will discuss a new item that you will need for card making. If you need a refresher or just starting out this video series is for you.

This week we are talking Cutting Tools! There are a lot of items that you can use to cut your cardstock and papers.
Trimmers:
One of the first things you need is a good trimmer. A good Trimmer is key to your paper crafting success. A Paper Trimmer will allow you to cut paper and score paper for card making, scrapbooking, and other paper crafts. You want one that's durable, and portable like the Stampin' Up! Paper Trimmer.

The Stampin' Up! Paper Trimmer has an extra-wide 7-3/4" (19.7 cm) cutting base and extendable 17" (43 cm) ruler accommodate large paper projects. The base of the paper trimmer includes both imperial and metric measurements, and the base has a midpoint ruler for small paper projects. The ruler and paper restraint snap into place for easy transport. A durable plastic cover protects the ruler and grid so measurements won’t wear off. It comes with 1 paper cutting blade and 1 paper scoring blade. You will want replacement blades on hand because they do need to be replaced after so long. They come in a pack of four in my online store.
Paper Snips:

Paper Snips are a staple tool for expert cutting even in small areas. The precision-ground stainless steel tips cut cleanly all the way to the end of the blades.
Punches:

There are a lot of different punches out there. There's builder punches, label punches, shape punches, and so many more. Which one you want will be based on what you like. I always suggest starting out with basic shapes, and a few label punches since you can use them for so many different things.

Dies & Die Cutting Machines:

Dies are the same they come in a lot of different shapes, sizes, styles, and purposes. These will all be dependent on what you like. Again I would suggest when you are ready to move into die cutting that you get a set that has basic shapes like the Stylish Shapes Dies above. This set contains circles, banners, and squares that you can use on many types of projects.

For a die cutting machine that's going to depend on your space and your abilities. I love both of my Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machines and I have even named them. They are my babies in the craft studio. So, why wouldn't I name them. But if you have limited space I would probably go with the Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine. You can get dies and embossing folders that are designed to fit this mini workhorse. Now I will tell you that all the dies, and folders that fit the Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine will fit into the larger one as well, but it's not the same for the larger dies, and folders most will not fit in the larger machine. So, that's something to take into consideration.

Video Tutorial:
Thanks for dropping by today I hope you are finding this series helpful. Have a great day and happy Stampin'

Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins