Video: Some Favoite Tools + TWO Giveaways

Hello!

I get a ton of questions about my favorite tools, so I thought I would share a video and links.  Please note that these are products I have found and LOVE.  No company is paying me to promote these.  It is just me sharing with you all the products that make me happy.  Also, for each product I link to a few online stores that I love dearly, trust and respect so you can buy them easily.  So, yes, this is enabling at it's best. :)

Be sure to watch the video and then read the points for each.  I share a lot of my reasons for loving them each.

Craft Premium Portable Paper Trimmer from Fiskars...

• I have been looking for a trimmer forEVER.  FINALLY, I found my soul mate.  I love this trimmer.
• The base is wider than most trimmers - 6.25".  This is great for scrapbookers (who cut 6" wide often) and cardmarkers (who cut 5.5" wide often)... no need to swing out the arm all the time.
• Has a cut-line indicator - a wire that shows exactly where the blade will cut.  LOVE this.  Great for when you are cutting strips of journaling apart or matting something.  You can see it perfectly.
• There is a finish over the trimmer, preventing the grid and measurements from wearing off.
• Triple track system - cuts straight for me.
• Arm swings out to over 15".
• Cuts multiple sheets at once.
• Uses I-Blade replacement blades.
• As Fiskars says, "Built in paper clamp and photo smudge protector on the cutting rail."  In other words, easy to hold as you cut. :)

If you are interested in buying this trimmer, click HERE.

Tim Holtz Tonic Scissors...

• I use these scissors for EVERYTHING. Truly.  Even the garden. Get a few pairs.  You will thank me when all of your family steals them.  (My husband, son and mom are guilty.)
• They are self-sharpening so they don't dull.  I cut wire with these, and ribbon.  No need to have separate pairs.  Really.  Believe it.  It is true.  As Tim says, "cuts wire, craft metal, shanks of buttons, chipboard, grungepaper, paper, fabric, and ribbon."
• Non-stick - no more yuck building up on them.
• Kushgrip handles are easy on the hands.  For both lefties and righties.
• Micro serrated edges keep them sharp.
• Protective cap.

If you are interested in buying these scissors, you can go HERE or HERE or HERE.

Tim Holtz Retractable Craft Knife...

 

• Retractable blade - no more accidents when shuffling through stuff.  (Yes, experience talking.)
• Comes with two replacement blades and you can buy extras.  But, honestly, I haven't changed mine yet.  Stays sharp.

If you want to get this craft knife, go HERE or HERE or HERE.

Tim Holtz Retractable Craft Pick...

• High quality piercer. 
• I got rid of all my others because this one retracts (see reason above) and extends to a long 1 1/4".  Perfection.

You can get the pick HERE or HERE or HERE.

Tim Holtz Paper Distresser...

• Safe - can't cut yourself on it.  (Again, a good thing.)
• Just run along the edge of the paper for distressing like no other.  Great texture.  Doesn't have to be just for a "distressed" look, but rather anywhere you want a bit of texture.

You can get the distresser HERE or HERE or HERE.

Craft Sheets from Ranger...

• This big guy (15"x18", but it does come in a smaller size) is a reusable, protective sheet that you can do any craft on.
• Non-porous, withstands high heat, cleans easily.  You can just peel, wipe or scrape things off.
• Get this: If you use a dot adhesive roller, this craft sheet is a must.  When you go to put adhesive on something thin, the adhesive doesn't stick to this surface, so your workspace won't get sticky.  So cool.
• The only thing you can't do on this?  Cut with a knife. It will cut through.
• I have one of these for whenever my son does crafts - PERFECT surface for that.
• It doesn't distort.

You must get this craft sheet.  Try HERE or HERE or HERE.

Ink Blending Tool from Ranger...

• This dude applies ink to projects better than anything.
• The foam soaks up the color and holds it - love that - so I like to get extra foam and have a foam per color.
• You want to use FOAM for ink blending.  However, you can get felt and use it with this tool for use with alcohol inks, which is a different ball game. :)

This must-have inking tool can be found HERE or HERE or HERE.  You can find refills HERE or HERE or HERE.  And the spin rack to hold them is HERE.

Compact Stamp Press from Fiskars...

• You can use this instead of an acrylic mount.  I find myself reaching for this over anything else now.
• Has little foam feet that let you perfectly line up your inked stamp before pressing it down to stamp.  SO good for lining things up.
• FABULOUS when stamping on acetate/transparency - keeps you from shifting and messing up.
• You can squeeze a big cling stamp on here even... or put lots of smaller images.
• Has a tiny bit of "give" to it, which is a good thing.  You can press at the center and be sure all the ink transfers.
• I use this one a bit more than the bigger one, but it is up to your personal preference.

If you are interested in buying this stamp press, click HERE.  If you want the bigger one, which is shown in the video too, click HERE.

Tim Holtz / Sizzix Alteration Dies...

• These are VERY high quality dies that can be used on your Sizzix or Cuttlebug machines. 
• They can cut through many layers of cardstock, grungeboard, etc.
• There are many great and fancy things you can do with these dies that you can't do with others.  Tim shows this all in his videos HERE.
• If you aren't into a grungy-look, no worries.  These dies give perfect, smooth cuts - can be used for any style.
• THIS die fits nicely on the center of a card.  Delightful.
• The edge dies are perfect for cards.  Just sayin'.

Looking for the Alterations Dies?  Try HERE and HERE and HERE.

Neenah White Cardstock...

• This is the white cardstock I use for EVERYTHING.  It is 8.5x11, super smooth, crisp white.  PERFECT for stamping. 
• The price is good, so it is all I use.  Even for matting.
• Perfect for use with Copic Markers and Distress Inks.
• 80 lb. cardstock, which is a great weight.

To purchase Neenah White Paper 250 sheet packs, go HERE.  For 25 sheets, go HERE.

OK... I think that is enough enabling for today.  So, how about TWO giveaways?

Just leave a comment on this post telling me if you have tried any of these goodies.  Do so by Sunday, May 9 at 11:59pmEST for your chance to win either a Compact Fiskars Stamp Press or the big Fiskars Stamp Press...

(When I emailed Fiskars telling them how much I loved their stamp presses, they sent me extras to give away here!  Thanks, Fiskars.)

Have a great day.  Come back tomorrow for another giveaway.  (And a much shorter post. :)

Comments

[[email protected]]

I bought the Tim Holtz sissors and stamp map after taking a couple of your classes in Columbus, OH. LOVE them both!! They are now a "must have" part of the tool kit. I am moving on next to the retractable piercer and knife!! Thanks for sharing your favorites. There are so many products to choose from that is sometimes hard to know what to pick :) Also, thanks for sharing all of your wonderful and beautiful ideas!! Have a Blessed Day, Lisa

[Ayana Posadas]

I use the craft mat EVERY single time I craft!!! I love it!!! :) And I've been wanting to get the Tim Holtz scissors! Thanks for the great ideas!

[Spardha]

wow!!.. thanks soo much for the video..
well, actually i havent used any of those products.. m in india and the availability of these brands here is quite limited.. so no :)
bt thanks for a chance to win! :D

[Kara]

I have the big fiskars stamp press. The only reason I don't use it more is that I don't have a crafting space - or kitchen table to use it on. I'm usually crafting on the floor or using a tote as my table. But, when we move I'll be able to actually craft on a table - what a concept!! I'm so excited to pull it out again.

[lindsey]

I want the Tim Holtz scissors still... hopefully soon but i had a fiskars stamp press but the foam on the bottom got wrecked:( wouldn't mind a new one so thanks for the chance to win:)

[Dana H]

I just bought the blending tool and used Tim's die cuts. Wish I could own a couple! Would love the craft sheet too. Too many things I want but not enough money... Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions!

[Melinda]

I have a mat. I use when using heat and it works great

[Debbie McIntyre]

Thanks for taking the time to do the video. I totally agree with all the tool selections, but haven't tried the stamp press from Fiskars, so that's now on my product wish list. Thanks for the chance to win one!

[Bonnie Rabon]

Oh man, I could really use that stamp press. I've been meaning to get one for some time now. I love stamping but never seem to get things to come out right, lol. But hey, I'm not giving up. Maybe I'll win one of these. :) Thanks so much. Take care.

[lindsey]

I want the Tim Holtz scissors still... hopefully soon but i had a fiskars stamp press but the foam on the bottom got wrecked:( wouldn't mind a new one so thanks for the chance to win:)

[lindsey]

I want the Tim Holtz scissors still... hopefully soon but i had a fiskars stamp press but the foam on the bottom got wrecked:( wouldn't mind a new one so thanks for the chance to win:)

[NancyK]

...now why didn't I think of using velcro to keep the foam attached to the distress ink....brilliant idea, thanks so much for sharing all your tips!
I love the Tonic scissors they are perfect for those of us with arthritis. I ordered the Neenah paper from Ellen Hutson, Inc the last time you posted about it, and it is really wonderful paper, thanks for the suggestion.

[Robin]

The fiskars trimmer is such a great tool - it's much easier for me to now cut evenly whether it's paper, card stock or photos. You are the queen of enabling and I so appreciate it. I have never seen the fiskars stamp presses before - that would really help with stamping the larger clear and cling stamps. Thanks as always Jennifer for great ideas. Happy Early Mother's Day!

[willireb]

The craft mat and the tonic scissors! They are both integral to my stamp crafting. That craft mat has handled so much abuse in the form of ink, acrylic paint, and heat. The scissors are now my "good " scissors for paper crafting. I've never tried a stamp press--looks pretty impressive. Maybe I'll be lucky--it could happen. Thanks for the chance. WRE

[Stephanie Gruss]

I have the Fiskars rotary trimmer but I like the one you showed, the guidewire is what sells it for me. I also have the large stamp press from Fiskars and I LOVE IT! But I'd like a little one too. It'd make it easier to take along for crops etc! :)

[allison]

So many good things in one post! I have the blending tool (and need more foam to accommodate each ink pad!), craft mat, and Neenah paper. I love and use these all of the time (influenced by you, of course!)

I am so glad you posted about the trimmer, tonic scissors, craft pick, and stamp press. I have been wanting and looking at these items for some time now. I had bought a stamp-a-ma-jig not too long ago, but now that I read your post, I’m thinking I should’ve gotten the Fiskars stamp press instead!

[Connie Petertonjes]

I have a couple of those craft mats! They are great.

I also own a pair of the Tim Holtz scissors...they cut through anything! I love them.

I am intrigued by the stamp press. I might have to try one before I buy to make sure I like it. Sounds cool, though.

I am super tempted to buy some of that cardstock...I haven't found any that I love for my copics, so I am tempted to give this brand a try.

Thanks for the list of favorites! I love reading reviews of products from people I trust to be honest about stuff!

Connie Petertonjes

[Kimberly]

I have used the Tim Holtz/Tonic Paper Distresser, and the ink blending tool.
I have a Fiskars trimmer, but it's smaller. I like the stamp press, and often thought about getting one!

Thanks for the awesome video, and the giveaway!!

[Barb M.]

I have the craft mat, ink blending tool (on your recommendation), and the Tonic tools that you showcased in this post. I love them all and use them every time I play with paper. My son swiped my scissors the other day. He won't be making that mistake again!

[Kelly]

I have the distresser tools and love them, have lots of fun using them. Thanks for the chance to win! and the video!

[Scrapycandy]

I have the ink blending tool and I'm hoping it will be the answer I've been looking for. I don't have the rest...but I am glad to hear a review. Thanks so much!

[lauren]

i have used many of those products! love my tim holtz scissors, paper distresser, and ink blending tool. i don't think i can do a project without using them all. and of course how can i do anything without my craft sheet? i've been looking for the sizzix dies but can't find them anywhere around here which i hate because i don't have the patience to buy online. i've never even thought about the stamp press so that would be exciting to win it and stamp away!

[craftygal]

thanks for showing all the wonderful stuff... now I need to go and get all these to try... I think they will take me to the next level in crafting....

[Carrie]

Okay, the tip about putting the blending pads on the bottom of the ink was BRILLIANT. I also use and love the Neenah Paper - just what you said, so reliable and a great all around white. Thanks for the video - as usual always learn from you.

[Bronwyn]

well, first let me say, that since I have discovered you, i have bought copics! thanks for that (and I'm sure ellen hutson thanks you too!).
and to go with that, i have tried the cardstock that you love (bought the ream)...it is as fabulous as you say...but sadly, from that list, that is the only thing i have tried. So i would love a chance to play with one of the fiskars stamp blocks....want that trimmer too!
thanks for the chance to win and for having such a great, informative blog!

[Sheila]

Thanks for the tips. I haven't tried any of the products from these companies you have described, but I do have similar products. I bought my craft sheet from the kitchen department at a local DIY-store (non-stick sheet) as the Tim Holtz one is about five (!) times more expensive here in Norway than the non-stick sheets. As for the scissors, I use one that has the similar qualities but are made by Fiskars. Love them both. Thanx for sharing the video, have missed your videos.

[[email protected]]

I love anything Tim Holtz...... Love the craft sheets. They make clean up a breeze. Thanks for sharing your goodies with us.

[Ellie Augustin]

I too have been for a LONNNGG time looking for the perfect paper trimmer. My hubby jokes about me having so many I am gonna become an expert! lol.. I have all colors and sizes and still can't get one that makes me completely happy.. HMMM I might just have to invest in this Fiskers one HUH :)

[Latrice]

Thanks for the link to the Neenah paper. I'm buying the ream! Love ya!

[Diana Borghuis]

I really like the tim Holz products too. After your thinking inking class I got a lot of distress inks, alchol inks, blending tools and the craft sheet. I found refills for the inkpads, but I still have no need to put them to use. And I use the inks a lot. Thanks for sharing your favorite products.

[Noor Nahdi]

Never used it...

Thanks for the giveaway...

[Holly]

I don't have any of them.
I've had the stamp press in my hands many times but always wondered if I would use it! Good to know how much you love it!
I've never seen that craft pick before that is going on my MUST HAVE list!

[Carolyn]

I have the craft sheet and its wonderful! Also I bought a ream of Neenah cardstock (thanks to you!) and I LOVE using it on all my projects. And the paper distressor works great. No more using the side of scissors. Tim Holtz scissors look like the next item I must have!! Also hadnt seen the stamp press before. Now thats impressive! Thanks for your informative video!

[SuZeQ]

Ummmmmm - yep! Of course. Anybody that does any paper crafting has certainly used t!m Holtz products. All of them rock - big time. I've not used some of the other products you've demonstrated, but they are on my list, when funds are available. Thank you so much for this great inspiration and giveaway.

[Maeghan M.]

I haven't tried these yet, but I have heard nothing but good things about them!

[Tina Blevins]

I have the distresser and blending tool, both rock.I have to say I thought the craft mat was hokey when I saw it in stores and then I took one of your classes...SOLD! I went out and bought one and are giving some as gifts! I have my eyes on the scissors but am still not sold on the stamp press. I'll have to try it I suppose, all of your suggestions are always spot on! Thanks for all of the tips!

[Tonya Dirk]

Jennifer McGuire = Enabler :)

I thinK I need the things you listed that I don't have! Have the scissors, the distressing tool, the blending foam, and the craft sheet. MUST get the paper trimmer, craft pick, and the stamp press thing!!!!! These companies should be paying you some big $$$$! Have a great day and thanks for the chance to win!

[Lindsay A.]

Oh my word that distresser is the greatest! It is easy to hold and cuts great. I really want to get the scissors because I can't seem to get ones that work right. Thanks for showing us all the products you love!

[Regina]

Thanks for sharing your favorites!! .. I totally agree with the Tim Holtz scissors, I too owned a couple, they're "The" Perfect scissors for all things.
I haven't tried the other tools that you've shown, and will have to put them on my "must-have" list :)) Thank you so much for all the inspiration and ideas, I love watching all your videos and learning new tips and tricks from you :)

[Kathy Chen]

Hi, I haven't tried any of the goodies you mention, but have been wanting to get the craft scissors! Thanks for the recommendations

[bernadette]

Hi Jennifer! i have the paper distresser, craft pick, craft sheet, and I have several blending tools & distress inks! i love using of these products but I particularly love love to use the craft sheet especially when stamping because not only it protects my desk but also I can make a mess as much as I can without worries, and cleaning is a breeze :)

[~Tonya]

Hi Jennifer, Love how you use your experience with the products and pass it on! I love the blending tool!! I also love Tim's dies. I only have 3, would have them all, but I have to find a "money tree" to shake first. LOL

I still want a Tim scissor ;) I have never tried the Fiskars stamps press, but would love to own one! I love gadgets...they make life so much easier. I will have to find one of those paper cutters too, makes sense boosting up the size, so you don't have to pull the arm out all the time. Thank you for the chance to win.

~Tonya

[Chrissie Rodgers]

I love my craft sheet, it's definitely a must have and I have the pick, the distresser, all the inks and a couple applicators. I think I need those scissors tho. It's funny that you mention your long search for a trimmer. It's such a hard thing because you really do have to use it in a couple different ways/locations to know if it's going to work for ya. I can't tell you how many i've tried and returned (thank goodness for amazon!!). I was sold on the tonic trimmer, but you may have swayed me!. Thanks for all the fantastic enabling, er I mean advice!

[[email protected]]

Thank you for all the wonderful things you share. I have the Tim Holtz Tonic Scissors, the Paper Distresser, the Blending Tool, with resplacement pads, bunches of inks and the revolving holder. They are great and I'm excited to try more wonderful things in my cardmaking. Thank you again!!!

[michelle]

Hi,
Wish I could say that I do have something that was featured but I dont:-(
However I would love to get the edge distresser and the craft mat, would be great for my inking and crafting. Hope Two Peas has it, and thanks fo rthe demo.

Hugs.

[Kim R]

I'm so glad YouTube finally let you post! Thanks for the great tip about storing the blending foams underneath the ink pad -- never would have thought of that. I bought the scissors and love them. Definitely want the paper distresser, but haven't found it locally yet. Glad to hear about that cutter, too. I'm in the market for a new one and that looks great.

[Kelley]

My husband is going to ban your blog from my laptop one of these days! I bought the ream after your last post. I printed out the Copic marker hand color chart on it and from your list of colors, started buying and coloring. I have the large craft sheet, blending tool, scissors and distresser. I have been looking for the Sizzix dies and now I'll be looking for the craft knife (retractable is very attractive!). The stamp press had not been tempting me, but now I'll have to look into that as well. My husband is going to ban you! Thank you for the video. :)

[Christina Wofford]

I am ordering the trimmer as we speak!! I so need a good trimmer, after going through 8+ and not loving any. The rest of the things, I own, and agree with you 100%. Tim holtz and fiskars have some great things. The only thing I do not have is the stamp press. I used one once at a convention, and even won a couple compatible ink pads as door prizes. So, I would love a stamp press, plus it would make a great early birthday present!!

Thanks for the oppurtunity!

[Debby]

I've never seen the stamp press--would love to try it. I just purchased the paper trimmer--finally, a decent trimmer.

[Donna]

Have never used clear stamps all mine are wood mounted, but I was just at my LSS this morning drooling over the clear sets and saw the Fiskars press and was wondering how to use it. Thanks a bunch. Your tool suggestions always cost me! hee hee