4.5" Precision Snip Scissors

Start with craft scissors, a ruler, a cutting mat and craft glue or a tape pen. These basics will help you measure, cut and assemble your first handmade cards.

A tape pen gives an instant, mess-free hold for paper and card layers, while tacky glue gives you a little time to adjust your pieces before it sets.

A paper trimmer uses a small blade that slides along a track, while a guillotine has a lever-style blade that you lower to cut. Both help you create neat, straight edges on paper and card.

A scoreboard helps you create straight fold lines in paper and card using a scoring tool. It makes folding easier and more accurate when creating card bases, envelopes and gift boxes. It also prevents cracking on your cardstock.

Foam pads are small pieces of foam with adhesive on both sides. Use them when you want to lift greetings and decorations off the card’s surface for a raised effect, rather than sticking them flat.