[diannecp]

I've been having fun with the Hybrid Card swap, but at the same time I've been struggling a bit (first time for something like this). I realized that part of my frustration is simply not having many of the tools and supplies for these kind of projects. I can be a little on the cheap, do-it-yourself side, which is sometimes results in a huge waste of time AND stuff that doesn't work out - LOL!

So I thought I'd start a thread and see what everyone else who does hybrid cards, etc. finds indispensable. Here are the few things I've accumulated so far:

• distressed inks - by far this has to be my best investment so far (thanks, Shannon!) great for toning down those glaring white edges of cutout items
• curvy scissors - (and pinking shears) i have a few pairs of these with different patterns
• the bone folder thing (thanks again, Shannon and i forget what it's called) great for scoring, folding and creasing
• Mod podge - makes everything look better
• glue squares - the little styrofoam things that
• punch tool - just bought a cheapo one of these that I have to use a hammer with but hey, it's much better than spearing myself with scissors
• paper trimmer - the rotary type, not the swing arm one. i seem to go through a lot of blades but they're pretty cheap

I'd love to see other what everyone else considers indispensable. I can't see me investing a ton of money in the more expensive type items but I'm sure a few key items would go a long way towards my enjoyment of the craft!

[teecee]

That's a great list Dianne! In addition to some of the items you mentioned, I don't think I could get by without these:

1/4 inch wide super sticky double sided tape
Stickles glitter glue - I think I have every color they make
Cutter Bee precision tip scissors
Fiskars non-stick blades scissors (these are great - they have some kind of coating, Teflon or something, which keeps the blades from getting all icky sticky when cutting things like double sided tape)

[ArizonaAngel]

Oh man, I have way too much stuff! But then I started with card making. You have a great start with all the basics. I love to use ribbon or twine on my cards, not a tool but more of a staple for me. I love to use shape punches, especially for labels that I can stamp a sentiment on to add to my card. Oh yes, buttons. I love to add buttons to my cards!

[Bride]

Great idea for a thread, Dianne! I'm going to state an obvious here - a good glue runner permanent adhesive (these are refillable dispensers) and a good wet glue such as tacky glue. I also find my cheap plastic clear see through T ruler indispensable! I also like to keep a variety of brads and eyelets on hand - they give just a little pizzaz, are fairly inexpensive and come in a variety of color packs. The ones I like best are the brass/copper/gold/silver combo packs. Oh and Zots - those little gel glue dots that are great for holding odd ball bling (usually med and small is what I use).

[diannecp]

Bride, on 04 November 2011 - 02:51 AM, said:

Great idea for a thread, Dianne! I'm going to state an obvious here - a good glue runner permanent adhesive (these are refillable dispensers) and a good wet glue such as tacky glue. I also find my cheap plastic clear see through T ruler indispensable! I also like to keep a variety of brads and eyelets on hand - they give just a little pizzaz, are fairly inexpensive and come in a variety of color packs. The ones I like best are the brass/copper/gold/silver combo packs. Oh and Zots - those little gel glue dots that are great for holding odd ball bling (usually med and small is what I use).

oooh and I guess with my new super-dee-duper punch, brads would be easy to add. hmmm. probably easier than cutting wee tiny embellishments out of heavy paper, eh?

keep the ideas coming, folks!

[Sara Arell]

This is a great thread, Dianne!

I couldn't do without my cutter bee scissors - in fact I now have two sets of them for some reason.

My dining room table is literally covered with my hybrid supplies right now - trying to sort through everything and organize it all back into the office.

I bought a new paper cutter awhile back that I can not imagine why I didn't have before! It's the rotatry type - I had been using an old one with the pull down handle and it was terrible!

And glue? Well, thanks to Lei, I learned about glue runner - I was all fingers before that and sticky ones at that. I'll have to admit I still have my assortment of glues that I like to use once in awhile and love all of the glue dots, etc.......but I can't imagine hybrid without my glue runner now.

Thanks for starting this, Dianne!

[Sara Arell]

Oh, and yes, I love my distressed inks too, Dianne! My edges are sometimes just not so good and the inks have really helped me hide all of my mistakes!

[MariJ]

Wow, great list and thread, Dianne - thanks so much for starting it!
I'm beginning my first try at hybrids also so will keep watching this for more great ideas.
Thanks again for you and all for sharing your great tips...

[lorac]

I just use stickers on my cards. You gals are way ahead of me. I'll have to catch up with some of these items. And now that I have my own room again, I can set up a card table over in the corner and close the door to keep the kitties out and off the table. You know how nosy they can be......

[tinkerbell11]

I am with Lei, you need a great adhesive and I have all different kinds depending on what I am sticking

Glue Glider Pro for paper

Diamond Glaze to add demension

Pop dots to add depth

A sanding block or distressor is fun !

If I think I of more stuff I will be back LOL!

[MLLatscrapgirls]

I love the list so far!

I am trying to think of the tools I refused to give up when I switched to digital lol. My deckle edged scissors for sure - my printers are not always as even as I would like, and the bone folder to get a nice edge on cards. All of my paper trimmers which I also use to trim layouts to put in albums. My assortment of Xyron machines and applyers - I have all of them from the little 2 inch one that lets you make your own stickers (or get adhesive on something too awkward for tape) to the big one, although lately I only use the little one. Okay, here in list form:

paper trimmer
deckle edged scissors (comes in different sizes)
bone folder
double sided tape
Xyron 2" sticker maker
rubber stamps and inks (I still stamp)

Also, the next time you go to a hardware store, look around you with a card makers eye. You can find all kinds of little things to add to a project. (And if your dh is the type who likes to go to hardware stores for fun and you aren't, lol, now you have something to do there with him.)

[Smiles]

I love the stick on "crystals" you find in the dollar bins (or what used to be dollar bins)

[AnnBK]

I am SO far behind in this! I find myself just struggling with each project trying to find some bits and pieces to add some glitz and glamor. I looked for the Stickles glitter things yesterday and came up empty. So my cards will continue to be hit and miss....but I'm happy with them!

[diannecp]

MLLatscrapgirls, on 04 November 2011 - 10:00 AM, said:

Also, the next time you go to a hardware store, look around you with a card makers eye. You can find all kinds of little things to add to a project. (And if your dh is the type who likes to go to hardware stores for fun and you aren't, lol, now you have something to do there with him.)

True confession: I am as big a fan of hardware stores as DH is, possibly more. I think he tries to keep me out of them. They're dangerous for me!! Weird but true.