I got an email today (hey Sandi!) asking me what are my top 5 things to buy for a crafter eager to step up their card making skills. After mulling it over, I realized that nearly all of the things on my "top 5" were tools of some sort. So, let's talk tools. :)

When I was in college working on my graphic design degree there was an aspect to every project that always had to be perfect: craftsmanship. Craftsman is defined as "one who creates or performs with skill or dexterity especially in the manual arts." In my design courses, craftsmanship meant making sure that all our presentation boards were cut neatly, that there was no glue or adhesive showing... basically that everything looked neat and tidy.

In relation to card making and scrapbooking, craftsmanship is so important! I can't stress this enough! And one of the major things that will either help or hurt you is your craftsmanship.

Are your scissors sharp? Do you carefully cut your ribbon so there is no fraying? Does your card stock crack when you fold it? Are your cuts straight? Are there pop dots or dimensionals showing? Is your card stock adhered straight?

Some styles of paper crafting allow for a slightly less strict craftsmanship (shabby chic, distressed, etc). However, simple cards (which I assume you like since you're here at my blog reading this) should be simple and clean. When your creation has such a straight forward approach, your craftsmanship has to be impeccable. It's simply more noticeable.

A lot of this comes down to the tools you are using (or not using). Here are my top five tools to always have out in your crafting space. No hiding these things in drawers!

1. Sharp scissors - I actually have 5 sets of scissors on my desk. Granted, two of them are the same scissors (I should really throw out the gummed up and neglected pair). Anyway, get yourself some awesome scissors. Sharp, precise scissors are a ribbon lover's best friend. Try Stampin' Up!'s Craft and Paper Scissors. They are awesome.

Also, designate which scissors are for ribbon and which are for card stock and paper. Paper and card stock is very hard on scissors and can dull them quickly, but you need super sharp scissors to make great cuts in ribbon. Try tying a piece of ribbon around your scissors' handle to remind you they are only for either card stock or ribbon.

2. Bone folder - A bone folder is multipurpose. You can either score your card stock with a ruler and bone folder, and you can use it to flatten the crease after folding it over. Seriously, a nice fold is the first sign of an experienced crafter.

3. Sharp paper trimmer - Find a paper trimmer you absolutely love and can depend on. Nothing screams a sloppy card like uneven edges and none perpendicular corners. I love my Tabletop Paper Cutter from Stampin' Up! Tonic also makes a similar model. One of my co-workers, Lauren aka X-acto, uses an x-acto knife for all her cutting. Not for the faint of heart, but she's in total control of getting a straight cut.

4. Various adhesives - Always have the following three adhesives on hand: tape runner of some sort (think Tombow Mono or SNAIL), liquid glue (I love Tombow Mono Multi Glue... That's the Tombow Multipurpose Glue for all you SU! demos out there), and a three-dimensional foam adhesive (I use Stampin' Up!'s Stampin' Dimensionals or Scotch Foam Mounting Tape).

5. Grid paper - I'm not sure if other companies out there have a similar product, but Stampin' Up!'s grid paper is awesome! It's both scratch paper and ruler. I keep my pad of grid paper right on top of my cutting mat and that's my permanent workspace. It's the white grid you see on all my videos.

Anyhow, I hope that was helpful. It's always a good idea to check up on your craftsmanship and make sure you're doing your best... in other words, let your perfectionist side show a bit. ;)

What are your top 5 essentials?

Flower - Friend By Definition background stamp, Flower Fusion felt flowers, clear button, Purely Pomegranate card stock and ink: Stampin' Up!; patterned paper: Scenic Route; staples and embroidery floss.