Showing posts with label Gift Guide. Show all posts

My Desert Island Cardmaking Supplies: The Essential Tools I Can't Live Without

Hey everyone! Today I'm sharing something I get asked about all the time - what are my absolute must-have cardmaking tools and supplies? With so many craft products out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what's actually worth investing in. So I'm cutting through the noise and sharing my true desert island essentials - the ones that if I could only keep a handful of items, these would be it!

What Makes Something a "Desert Island Essential"?

When I started thinking about this project, I realized that my desert island list looks very different from what someone else's might be - and that's exactly how it should be! These aren't just popular products or things everyone says you "need." These are the tools and supplies that have proven their worth in MY studio, based on how I love to create cards.

For instance, my Distress Ink palette leans heavily toward earthy, grungier tones because that's my aesthetic. If you gravitate toward bright colors or pastels, your can't-live-without ink collection would look completely different. And that's the beauty of this approach - it gives you permission to think about YOUR own essentials rather than just copying someone else's list.

I've organized everything by category - from die cutting essentials and stamping must-haves to my carefully curated Distress Ink palette, adhesives that actually work, and workspace game-changers. Whether you're looking for gift ideas for the card maker in your life or building your own cardmaking stash strategically, this video walks you through exactly why each item has earned its permanent spot on my desk.

Watch the Video

Ready to see what made my desert island list and hear why I can't live without each one? Watch the complete video below, or head over to my YouTube channel to check it out!

What Would Make YOUR Desert Island List?

I'd love to hear from you! If you had to pare down your cardmaking supplies to just the essentials, what would make the cut? What's the one tool or supply you reach for constantly? Drop a comment on the YouTube video or send me a message on Instagram - I'm always curious to hear what other card makers can't live without!

My Desert Island Cardmaking Supplies

Below you'll find all the supplies I featured in this video. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

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2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Paper Crafters

Christmas and the Holidays will be here before you know it, so over on my YouTube channel I'm sharing a look at the products I've selected for my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Paper Crafters. Whether you're the crafter yourself or you're looking for a friend or family member, you're sure to find the perfect gift idea!

Juliana Michaels 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Paper Crafters

In the video, I share 12 of my favorite paper crafting products, some of the features of each of the products and what I love about them. Each of these products is a favorite of mine and they get loads of love on a regular basis in my own craft room.


Along with the video I also created a PDF version of my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Paper Crafters that you can download for FREE.


2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Paper Crafters

Below you can find the products that are in my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Paper Crafters. When you shop through the links below, I receive a small commission from Scrapbook.com. These links are at absolutely no cost to you and the commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, which allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

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2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers

Hello friends! Welcome to my 2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers guide. Today I'm sharing the top 13 gifts that every cardmaker needs on their wishlist this holiday season. All of these products are favorites of mine and get loads of love in my own craft room. Whether you're the crafter yourself or you're looking for a friend or family member, you're sure to find the perfect gift idea! If you want to share this guide with a loved one so they know just what to get you, all you need to do is share this link to my 2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers product list. Now let's see what's on my list!

2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers Holiday Gift Guide Juliana Michaels 17turtles

2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers

2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers Juliana Michaels 17turtles.com

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These products hit on many of the trendy techniques that cardmakers are enjoying this year, along with some great basics that can take your card making skills to the next level. Affiliate links to Scrapbook.com are used throughout this post at no extra cost to you and a linked supply list is available at the bottom of this post.

1. Scrapbook.com Ink Blending Tool


Scrapbook.com Ink Blending Tool

If you love ink blending or working with stencils then the Scrapbook.com Ink Blending Tool with Domed Foam Applicators may just become your new favorite tool. It’s everything you love about ink blending, but with the rounded foam of a craft dauber. The rounded shape that will have you saying goodbye to harsh lines or dark inky areas that won’t blend out.

2. Scrapbook.com Medium Envelope Organizer and Medium Envelopes

Scrapbook.com Medium Envelope Organizer and Medium Envelopes


If you have tons of storage envelopes but no place to put them, the Scrapbook.com Medium Envelope Organizer is your answer! This 9.25" x 12.5" storage unit is perfect for storing all of your little envelopes of dies stamps and so much more! And if you have been looking for a way to store your Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Stamps, this is the storage solution for you! You can fit over 40 stamps sets in each organizer!

3. Scrapbook.com Mint Tape

Scrapbook.com Mint Tape

Keeping dies and stencils in place on your paper is easy with Scrapbook.com's Mint Tape. This low-tack, removable tape lets you focus on getting projects perfect every time. It's also great for masking off areas during ink blending or stamping.

4. Scrapbook.com Pops Of Color

Scrapbook.com Pops Of Color

Make adding the finishing touch to your project easier than it's ever been with Scrapbook.com's exclusive Pops Of Color Collection. This bundle of little bottles each contains a vibrant liquid embellishment in a rainbow of pearlescent colors that will leave breathtaking accents on your cards, layouts, handmade gifts, and more.

I love the multiple ways you can use this product, but one of my favorites is using it with stencils. To learn more check out the following blog posts and videos.







5. Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Pencils


The Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Pencils will fast become a favorite new product for your projects. These woodless watercolor pencils can be used on a variety of porous surfaces. They are water-reactive and are perfect not just for watercoloring but also for shading, sketching, and other crafting techniques. These pencils can be used for cards, scrapbook pages, tags, journal and planner pages, and a variety of other paper crafting, mixed media, and home decor projects. One of my favorite things about these is that the colors coordinate with the entire Distress palette of colors.

For ideas and inspiration on how to use these Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Pencils check out either of these videos I created:




6. Scrapbook.com Magic Mat

Scrapbook.com Magic Mat


The Scrapbook.com Magic Mat is the innovative, game-changing product your die cutting has been missing. Swap out one of your plastic cutting pads for this sturdy self-healing pad and you'll be amazed by the cleanest cuts you've ever achieved. Say goodbye to the typical cracking and etching you're used to in standard plastic cutting pads. With the Magic Mat, you won't have to worry about deep plastic cutting pad impressions getting transferred to your new project. Double sided and made of self-healing cutting material it's great for use with intricate thin metal dies. It works great for dry embossing with your dies and it can also be used as a work surface for cutting, slicing, and trimming.


No More Warped Cutting Plates | Why You Need The Magic Mat™ from Scrapbook.com


7. Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Noteworthy Stamp Set

Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Noteworthy Stamp Set


The Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Noteworthy Stamp Set is a cling mounted rubber stamp set that includes 29 sentiments that are perfect for all those noteworthy events or days in your life.



8. Scrapbook.com Project Grip Silicone Craft Mat

Scrapbook.com Project Grip Silicone Craft Mat

Keep all of your projects, inks, stencils and so much more from slipping around on your work station with 
the Scrapbook.com Project Grip Silicone Craft Mat! This versatile mat has double sided grip to help keep projects in place as you blend, stencil, stamp and so much more while crafting. I love the grip part of it for holding paper and stencils in place and how easy it is to clean. It's also heat resistant so you can even heat emboss on it!

You can see it in action as I use it to create this Christmas card using the gorgeous new Tim Holtz Distress Color Lumberjack Plaid.


9. Scrapbook.com Decorative Die Set Sprigs and/or Delicate Leaves

Scrapbook.com Decorative Die Set Sprigs and/or Delicate Leaves


Add the perfect botanical accent to all of your cards, scrapbook pages and traveler's notebook pages with the Scrapbook.com decorative Sprigs or Delicate Leaves dies set. This amazing set of 6 dies will quickly become your go-to for adding a little extra something to any of your paper crafting projects. Combine several of them to create bouquets or place them end to end for a quick & easy border! They are seriously perfect for all your year round crafting!





10. Scrapbook.com Double Sided Adhesive Foam

Scrapbook.com Double Sided Adhesive Foam

Add depth, dimension, and detail to your projects with Scrapbook.com's exclusive Scrapbook.com Double Sided Adhesive Foam shapes! These sticky, dimensional adhesives in TWO sizes of squares lets you get the perfect pop with photos, ephemera, die cuts, and more! The crafting fun will never stop when you add some pop! These are a must have for adding depth and dimension to your projects!

11. Scrapbook.com Decorative Card Maker Essentials Bundle

Scrapbook.com Decorative Card Maker Essentials Bundle

Want to get into card making but don't know where to start? If you said yes, then this Scrapbook.com Decorative Card Maker Essentials Bundle was made for you! It has all of the card making basics you need to get started including a stamp set with everyday sentiments, a paper pad and a Pops of Color for embellishments!

12. Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Botanic Collage Stamp Set

Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Botanic Collage Stamp Set

This four piece cling mounted rubber stamp set features flowers and butterflies with newspaper print behind them. Definitely one of my favorite stamps sets this year! You can see how I used it to create this card. 


Tim Holtz Botanic Collage & Oxidized Stamping Technique Video


13. Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Machine Cherry Blossom or Tim Holtz Black

Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Machine Starter Kit Cherry Blossom or Tim Holtz Black

If you are new to die cutting, looking to up your die cutting game or looking to switch from a manual to an electric machine then the Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Machine Starter Kit Cherry Blossom or Tim Holtz Black then look no further! The Cherry Blossom (pink color) is an Exclusive Collaboration with Scrapbook.com and you can't find this color anywhere else! You will love this Big Shot Switch Plus Machine, the sleek design, and all its other features. If pink isn't your thing, the machine also comes in a Tim Holtz edition that is black with chrome accents or white with chrome accents.

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If you're looking for even more holiday gift ideas, make sure to check out Scrapbook.com's 2022 Holiday Gift Guide too. It's packed with even more amazing products for all your paper crafting needs!


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Thanks so much for stopping by today to check out my 2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers Guide. Make sure to pin the image below and share it with everyone you know! Want to share this with a loved one so they know just what to get you? All you need to do is share this link to my 2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers product list.

Pin Me and Share!

2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers Juliana Michaels 17turtles.com

2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers Guide

You can find the all the products that are in my 2022 Top Gifts for Cardmakers Guide below with compensated affiliate links to Scrapbook.com. These links are at absolutely no cost to you. When you shop through the links below, I receive a small commission from Scrapbook.com. These links are at absolutely no cost to you and the commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, which allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure state

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2021 Top Gifts for Cardmakers

Hello friends! Welcome to my 2021 Top Gifts for Cardmakers guide. Today I'm sharing the top 12 gifts that every cardmaker needs on their wishlist this holiday season. Whether you're the crafter yourself or you're looking for a friend, you're sure to find the perfect gift idea! If you want to share this with a loved one so they know just what to get you, all you need to do is share this link to my Top Gifts for Cardmakers product list.

2021 Top Gifts for Cardmakers #christmasgifts #cardmakers #topgiftsforcardmakers #scrapbookcom

2021 Top Gifts for Cardmakers #christmasgifts #cardmakers #topgiftsforcardmakers #scrapbookcom

These products hit on many of the trendy techniques that cardmakers are enjoying this year, along with some great basics that can take your card making skills to the next level. Whether you're shopping for a newbie card maker or some one who's been making cards for years, you're sure to find something for everyone on your list! Affiliate links to Scrapbook.com are used throughout this post at no extra cost to you.

1. Waffle Flower Crafts Blending Brushes


Blending brushes are a blending tool that allows you to pick ink up onto the bristles and apply it to your project using a gentle swirling motion. You can apply a soft touch of color around the edges of a project, fully color an area, combine multiple colors and blend them together. There are also lots of fun techniques you can do with them. You can also use them with fun techniques. I personally love using these type of brushes with stencils as they allow the ink to get into the corners of the stencil and give you clean crisp edges.

The Waffle Flower Crafts Blending Brushes package includes 10 blending brushes made from high quality, fine bristles and they work well with a variety of mixed media products including liquids and powders. The bristles are white which makes it easier to see how much media is being applied. Excess ink can be wiped off on clean paper or a lint-free cloth in between uses or the brushes can be cleaned with mild soap under running water. 

2. Scor Pal 12x12 Scoring Board


The 12" x 12" Scor-Pal Eighths Measuring and Scoring Board by Scor-Pal is a must have for cardmakers who make their own card bases. It allow you to score lines and create crisp, accurate folds every time with it's 1/8" grooves. I've been using mine for years and use it on every card I create when it comes time to create my card base.

3. Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Bold Sayings Stamp Set


The Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Bold Sayings Stamp Set contains 5 cling mounted rubber stamps and features 5 very Bold Sayings that are perfect for adding simple, yet meaningful, messages to your cards and other projects. These stamps will adhere to acrylic blocks or can be used in a stamp positioning tool such as the MISTI.

Here you can see how I used the Happy Birthday stamp to create a masculine style birthday card. For more details about this card and the other products used you can check it out in my Scrapbook.com Gallery.


4. Ranger Ink Simon Hurley Stamping Foam


The Ranger Ink Simon Hurley Stamping Foam is a simple yet intriguing little tool that is sure to bring you endless hours of crafty card making fun.  To use it, you simply heat it with a heat tool, press it into a textured impression or pattern such as embossing folders, stamps, dies and household item. Next you ink it with your favorite inks and/or mediums and then stamp it for some amazing stamp designs and patterns. Each package contains four pieces of Stamping Foam that measure 3" x 4.25".  They are simple to clean and completely reusable. 

This fun new tool definitely made me look at my craft supplies and items around my house in a whole new way as I looked for fun textures and designs that I could use to create backgrounds and images on my cards!

5. MISTI - Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented


I've had a MISTI for years now and the day I started using it I was hooked. I had always struggled with getting a good stamped image and this tool changed all of that. It actually made me fall in love with stamping and cardmaking!

Everyone wants to stamp perfectly and the New MISTI stamping tool is the Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented for that purpose! This tool provides consistent stamping for beginner, novice or experienced crafters, and it makes stamping easier than ever. This precision stamping tool accommodates both red rubber cling mount stamps, clear acrylic and photopolymer stamps.

You can use the MISTI system for repeated stamp positioning, lining up die cuts and stamps, registration of layered stamps, etc. The included bar magnet help to hold your cardstock or paper in place and the included positioning grid paper makes it easy for you to align your designs before you stamp.

My favorite thing about the MISTI is that you can repeatedly stamp in the exact same location. Which mean that if you stamp a bad image, all you have to do to fix it, is re-ink your stamp and make another impression!  It's that easy and you no longer have to be stressed out about wasting paper or ruining your card. 

6. LDRS Creative Stampendable Stamping Tool


Here's a stamping tool that will take your stamped images to the next level. The LDRS Creative Stampendable Stamping Tool is your new best friend for applying even pressure when using a stamp positioner tool (such as the MISTI) - even for those with limited arm mobility or arthritis! 

As someone who has a bit of arthritis in my hands, this tool is super helpful to decrease the stress on my joints.  Even if you don't have any issues like that, it is also a must have because it can target your stamp's many intricate grooves with just a simple swipe of pressure. It is an absolute must-have for stampers everywhere.

7.  Catherine Pooler Premium Dye Ink Minis Bundle Urban Oasis


When it comes to cardmaking and stamping, having the right ink is a must and Catherine Pooler Designs has created one of the best ink pads out there! They are available in full size ink pads, but these Minis Bundle of premium dye inks are great introduction to these amazing inks. The Catherine Pooler Urban Oasis Mini Ink Bundle includes Pink Champagne, Rouge, Orange Peel, Lemongrass, Sage, Hot Tub, Sangria, and Queen for the Day. These mini pads measures 1 5/8" x 2 3/4" and the ink pad measures 1" x 1 3/4". You will love Catherine Pooler Inks because they are made with foam pads that provide even coverage, they are dye-based and react with water, they blend easily, and they stay wet a bit longer so it's easy to emboss for stunning results. Make sure to check out all the color combos to select your favorite!

8. Scrapbook.com Handmade Essentials Stamp Set


The Scrapbook.com Handmade Essentials Stamp Set is a must have in any cardmakers stamp stash! it contains a great mix of sentiments that are perfect for a wide variety of occasions including birthdays, thinking of you cards, and you can even use them to decorate your envelope! This set contains nine clear photopolymer stamps and comes on a 3” x 4” storage sheet. The stamps range in size from approximately 1" x .5" to 2.5" x .75" 

9. Scrapbook.com Smooth A2 Cardstock Paper Pad Bundle


Every cardmaker needs paper and I've got you covered with these Scrapbook.com Smooth Cardstock A2 Paper Pads! Each paper pad comes in a variety of must-have color schemes. There are 8 fabulous coordinating colors - 5 of each color for a total of 40 double sided sheets per paper pad. The color combinations are made with layered mats and die cuts in mind! This set contains 8 paper pads to give you a wide range of color options for your next card making project. These paper pads are also available as a single paper pad in other sizes such as 6x8" and Slimline (3.5 x 8.5").

Here's a fun birthday card I created using these Scrapbook.com Smooth Cardstock Paper Pads and more details can be found on my Bring on the Brights Paper Pad blog post.


10.  Scrapbook.com Honeycomb Stencil


Along with stamps and dies, stencils are a great tool for cardmakers and they have endless possibilities when it comes to adding patterns and textures to your cards. Scrapbook.com has a huge selection of designs perfect for creating one-of-a-kind projects with ease. The Scrapbook.com Honeycomb Stencil is made from sturdy, high quality semi-transparent Mylar polyester film. The big 6” x 8” surface area was designed so that you can use it vertically, horizontally, or diagonally...basically ANY way you choose! They can be used with a wide range of mediums including Inks, Paint, Chalks, Gels, Markers, Pastes, Mists or Sprays, Gesso, Liquid adhesive, Glitter glue, Mousse, and Crayons.  And the best part is that it can be wiped clean and reused over and over again!

Here's a look at a card I created using this Honeycomb Stencil combined with Scrapbook.com Pops of Color. Even more details on how I created this card can be found by checking out my 3 Ways to Used Scrapbook.com Pops of Color with Stencils blog post.


11. Lawn Fawn Zipper Pouch - Happiness Is A Pouch Full Of Stamps 


What cardmaker doesn't need this adorable Happiness is a Pouch Full Of Stamps Zipper Pouch from Lawn Fawn?! You can certainly fill it with stamps or you can use it to keep your other craft supplies organized and at your fingertips. Use it with stamping blocks, dies, markers, colored pencils, crayons, and other supplies, but it isn't only for the craft room. You can also use if for makeup, small toys, planner supplies, and more. You can even purchase it as a gift for your crafting friends and fill it with various stamps! This pouch is made from 10 ounce cotton canvas and measures 11" x 8 3/4".


All of your masking projects will be 100% easier with the Scrapbook.com 4" Mint Tape. This is a larger version of the original 1" Mint tape, but in a size that is designed to be just perfect for masking. Each roll is 4" wide and 11 yards long. This low-tack, removable super wide paper tape easily covers the area you don't want to get inky, and effortlessly lifts to give you a clean crisp line and beautiful end result. Just like our 1" mint tape, it can be used to hold stencils in place as you use your blending brushes to apply ink.  You can also use it to hold dies in place while die cutting or foil when hot foiling. This larger size also makes it easy to fussy cut for intricate masking projects and can easily be removed without damaging your project.

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Thanks so much for stopping by today to check out my 2021 Top Gifts for Cardmakers Guide. Make sure to pin the image below and share it with everyone you know! Want to share this with a loved one so they know just what to get you? All you need to do is share this link to my Top Gifts for Cardmakers product list.

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If you are in the holiday shopping mood, make sure to visit Scrapbook.com each day and add their latest freebie to your cart. Currently the freebie is this gorgeous 49th & Market Vintage Peace and Joy Flower Embellishments. 



Pin Me and Share!

2021 Top Gifts for Cardmakers #christmasgifts #cardmakers #topgiftsforcardmakers #scrapbookcom

2021 Top Gifts for Cardmakers Guide

You can find the all the products that are in my 2021 Top Gifts for Cardmakers Guide below. Each item is connected to a compensated affiliate link to Scrapbook.com. These links are at absolutely no extra cost to you. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. And as always, I appreciate your support when you click through!
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