A few simple tools can open up all sorts of opportunities for green crafts. Rubber stamps, paper punches, decorative edged scissors and other basic items can be used in a wide variety of green craft projects. These tools are readily available at craft stores and can sometime be found second hand. Make handmade cards, accessories, gift wrap, embellishments and many other things using these basic craft tools.
Paper Punch
Kate Pullen
A paper punch is a useful tool to use in many green crafts. Paper punches are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including basic shapes through to ornate designs. This is a great way to recycle pieces of paper. Use a paper punch to punch shapes from pieces of gift wrap or other patterned paper and use this to embellish other projects. Remember to shop around and compare prices to find the best deals on paper punches.
Tip:Keep odds and ends of paper and craft stock from other craft projects and punch shapes from these to make unique embellishments.
Tip:Keep odds and ends of paper and craft stock from other craft projects and punch shapes from these to make unique embellishments.
Craft Scissors
Craft scissors are essential for many green projects. A good pair of paper scissors are useful for cutting up pieces of paper or cardstock. Other scissors that may be useful include fabric scissors for cutting pieces of discarded fabric for adding to rubber stamping projects. Note: Never use fabric scissors to cut paper, this can dull the scissors and reduce the quality of the cut.Shopping Tip: Keep a look out for good quality scissors that may be sold in garage sales or thrift stores. Good quality scissors can be resharpened and this can be a good way to own a reliable pair of scissors for a low cost.
Decorative Edge Scissors
Kate Pullen
Instead of cutting with a straight edge like standard scissors, decorative edge scissors cut with a patterned edge. This leaves a decorative edge on cut paper and this is ideal for adding a little decorative flair to a piece of paper. Use decorative edge scissors to cut shapes from paper or cut long strips and use as ribbon or braid.
Tip: Strips of newspaper or other printed materials can look great when cut with decorative edge scissors. These make an interesting addition to many stamping projects.
Tip: Strips of newspaper or other printed materials can look great when cut with decorative edge scissors. These make an interesting addition to many stamping projects.
Rubber Stamps
Kate Pullen
Rubber stamps are useful in a variety of green crafts. A rubber stamp can be used to stamp a design onto paper or cardstock for making greeting cards, gift wrap and more. Rubber stamps can also be used as a template for projects such as recycling a glass jar into a candle holder using glass painting techniques. A rubber stamp with a bold image is also perfect for using as an outline for embroidery projects. This is ideal for using up odds and ends of fabric.
Folding Bone or Paper Scorer
Pieces of used cardstock and thick paper are simple to recycle into greeting cards. While it is possible to take a piece of discarded cardstock and simply trim it and fold it in half, a folding bone or paper scorer is useful to get a crisp and even fold. This will help to give the card a feel of quality. Scoring paper or cardstock before folding is also useful in other projects. Cardstock or used greeting cards can be recycled into gift boxes and scoring the cardstock before folding will give an even and professional looking finish to the project.Tip: Although specially designed folding bones or paper scorers are available, other items such as a butter knife or even an empty ball point pen can also be used.
