Just Spend the Money! When it's not worth being frugal!

[@RosyRosie42]

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]

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]

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

[@mumma_of_one8511]

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]

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

[@eileencervi9986]

​@kkrolf2782 yes that is what I do.

[@lynetteconway1850]

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

[@wendybelfry1110]

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.

[@candyclouston1412]

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]

Agree! Love my Tonic!!

[@louisecornwall6870]

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

[@andygranick]

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!

[@KellieMarie33]

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.

[@betteannkelly744]

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]

How do you put your narrow tape in please?

[@betteannkelly744]

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]

​@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]

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

[@amandahodgin9316]

@@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.

[@daynawhitehead7611]

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!

[@seannadoxsee4365]

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

[@dorisp452]

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.

[@elizabethgrillo1913]

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.

[@karenbliss5075]

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]

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

[@maryfiona7641]

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.

[@melissazabower339]

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!

[@Cynshine100]

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

[@patriciariddle2997]

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.

[@claremacdonald3261]

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.

[@maxinebracey9176]

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]

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

[@Taitcreates639]

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

[@angelag6156]

Great video! As a beginner crafter, I recently purchased a Misti and a Swingline guillotine to get cleaner cuts than what a $10 paper trimmer can provide. I use Accent Opaque cardstock, which comes in 65, 80, 100, and 120 lbs, and it works great for me. While most people prefer Neenah cardstock, I find it too expensive. I discovered this brand of cardstock while watching another crafter, and I must say, all of her cards look beautiful. Most people won't be able to tell the difference between 120lb Neenah cardstock and 120lb cardstock from other brands. I bought the Spellbinders Platinum Six manual cutting machine, but I'm considering an electric one and trying to decide which brand to choose. Does anybody have any recommendations?

[@annaromero6312]

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. 🥰💕

[@MegaMiaow]

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

[@Rebeccacell]

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]

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]

⁠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.

[@kimburckhard6271]

I have a big bottle of embossing powder I bought from psx back in the 90’s that still works fine. Wonder if it expired😂😂😂

[@beckyking1975]

What cardstock do you use for hot foiling? In the USA.

[@justinehovey]

Spellbinders mostly

[@barbbrown295]

I have a Cricut. I wish I’d bought a Scan n Cut instead and forgo the dies. If I had, I would have initially spent $100 extra but I have spent maybe $1000 in dies.

[@connienv]

So for foiling what paper would you use

[@gingerpayne7310]

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

[@annedodd1912]

I recently bought the Spellbinders Glimmer machine. You mentioned that Neenah isn't great for foiling. That might explain why I am not having much luck with several of my plates. What do you recommend?

[@carriejones5776]

Hammermill is a pretty good all round paper and good to practice foiling as it is inexpensive. Concord and 9th is pretty good for foiling. Spellbinders cardstock is best results for foiling. Spellbinders also has a specialty glimmer paper that is synthetic and good to have on hand for the plates that you can’t get good results with the other papers. You want very smooth cardstock to foil on. (Which is why Neenah doesn’t foil well-even Neenah super smooth imo)There’s a lot of experimenting with the glimmer and results vary with cardstock, brand of foil plate, shims or no shims, and technique you use.

[@kisserravnsrensen369]

I would NEVER EVER buy a misti. Nelly snellen ,or what ever they are called, are much cheeper and just as good. ❤❤❤

[@Chezcat]

I thought stampin’ up were persona non grata?

[@CouzCat]

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.

[@raemckay]

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.

[@HeatherLam152]

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.

[@kristinevencel2898]

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.

[@angelaf5040]

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]

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

[@jaytee2642]

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]

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]

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.

[@janiew4109]

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.

[@avaDesdemona]

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.

[@notevenalittle8363]

#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.

[@scrappingnetta]

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!

[@stampinwithalohajoyceb9310]

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.

[@irishk.1041]

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 :)

[@ellennieminen9636]

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.

[@steeharbin8150]

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

[@DCANOTXZ]

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

[@BeachComberNoni]

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

[@nicolalederer9517]

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

[@jadeturtledesigns]

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]

Do you have a recommendation by any chance?

[@jadeturtledesigns]

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

[@eileencervi9986]

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]

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

[@cindylovelace9426]

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]

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.

[@kathysueTX]

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.

[@ingelagoransson3560]

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.

[@mpp2498]

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.

[@deniseledbetter6091]

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

[@ediewilson4043]

You’re brilliant. Thank you.

[@amandamarlowe3983]

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?

[@ghlmk5931]

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!

[@bevstroud7748]

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]

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]

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.

[@gojazzkdr]

I could not disagree more with your suggestion for trimmers. Having been in the papercrafting industry for almost 25 years, Fiskars has THE WORST trimmers you can buy, Even if they were giving them away free, I would not take one. That said, my Tim Holtz guillotine trimmer is magical. For the straight blade trimmer, I love my Dress My craft trimmer. I also really love the Cricut trimmer, but don't like that it only goes to 4" without having to pull out the arm.

[@deballen7031]

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.😊

[@elizabethnovak4951]

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.

[@PaintSplash5]

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.

[@kkrolf2782]

I realize Fiskars warrants their products for life - H U G E KUDOS to them for that!! - but, of any of you who have one, has anyone ever had an issue with those protruding nubs catching on clothing, etc.?

[@jillrager2066]

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.

[@chrisrn44]

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

[@RafterQ]

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.

[@patriciarobertson3648]

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.

[@lltpgh2012]

Looking for the follow up video. Please advise. Thanks

[@lltpgh2012]

Is the video you are mentioning from 2 yrs ago? Or, is it more recent. Please advise. Thanks.

[@naturewoman1274]

Fiscars paper trimmer is horrible in my opinion, you need to replace the blade way to often, tim holtz guillotine is smooth and cuts accurately

[@marthagaluszka8888]

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.

[@heartofhopedesigns5105]

Good tips, Justine, thanks!

[@scrappingranny]

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

[@docrob5320]

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

[@blancaalves8250]

Excellent video! Thank you😊

[@margaritanavarro-rivera4126]

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

[@dianehollisdesigns]

I have the Fiskars trimmer-I get fuzzies on the edge where I cut. Anyone know why? I have switched out my blade. I get this on all cardstock...accent opaque, neenah, etc

[@justinehovey]

Have you cleaned the blade track?

[@dianehollisdesigns]

@@justinehovey hmm, I will try that. Thanks!

[@jennifermaddock4382]

I agree with everything. Paper makes a huge difference.

[@laurabush9812]

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.

[@melindamorgan1736]

Thanks for this video. I’m passing it to my DIL who is getting started in stamping. We have a question - do you have a recommendation for heat tools?

[@justinehovey]

I loved my Wagner tool when I lived in Canada. I bought the Wow embossing tool now that I'm in Europe. Different plugs :) Both are good, I think Wagner will have more longevity though, since I believe it's a general tool and not made just for crafting and seems to be a bit more sturdy

[@beverlystotz5652]

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.

[@patriciawilson4135]

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.

[@annettee7627]

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]

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.

[@laurasutton1551]

No to the fiskers trimmer tye guillotine trimmer is actually better but buy one from the office store & I do not suggest rotary trimmers they always dull I don't care what they say about them being self sharping

[@justinehovey]

I agree that when it comes to the blades, the guillotine trimmer is better than the standard paper trimmer. Absolutely. However, I always find using a cheaper version of a guillotine trimmer. My card stock always slips, and I get crooked cuts. That’s just my opinion and that’s just my experience. However, I do have one like I mentioned in the video from an office supply store, that was expensive and very sturdy, and I absolutely love it, but for the little cuts here and there or to be able to place it on the screen while filming. I prefer my fisher normal trimmer even though I do have to replace the blades.

[@monicaduncan3979]

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.

[@wendymcdonald7351]

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!

[@SWTME0626]

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

[@ingekoster5794]

I find it difficult to find good quality paper in the Netherlands. A lot of papers have grains on them or has linen structure. What do you use without buying from the States?

[@justinehovey]

I hate A4 paper. I purchased Neenah card stock from card nouveau and Amazon. When I visit home, I also tried to bring back a ream with me.

[@ingekoster5794]

@@justinehovey thank you. I just bought Neenah from Doe@ding but also saw that card nouveau sells it. Will try it for the first time 👍😃

[@debratylus9426]

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]

Could you use the expired embossing powder in shakers?

[@2busygal]

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.

[@Ninjamom4]

❤️❤️❤️

[@RoseAngella]

🧡

[@mpbailey18]

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!

[@TraciBrennan]

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!

[@MsSuperklutz]

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

[@terrymcgreevy939]

I really enjoy your educational videos. Thank you.

[@bronwyn117]

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

[@donnam5891]

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.😊

[@wendy8184]

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.

[@angelalittlewood3039]

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.