Simple, sturdy, and still part of my workflow today.
When I started SVGCuts back in 2009, I didn’t have a ton of fancy tools, just a few trusty basics that helped me get things done. All these years later, there are still three humble tools I reach for all the time.
If you’re a paper crafter or just getting started, these might already be in your stash, or they might be worth adding.
3. Guillotine Paper Cutter
You might remember these from the school library or office. The kind with the big lever and satisfying chonk. Mine’s just 12x12” and still comes in handy when I want to trim down a sheet of cardstock before I cut, especially if I’m only using a small piece. It helps protect my mat’s stickiness over time.
I also use it to tidy up and square off my scraps before storing them. I like having one with a fairly heavy base.
I’m actually on my second one since unfortunately, I don’t believe the blades can be sharpened. I got a good 10+ years out of my first one (a Swingline). I was intent on getting another Swingline brand guillotine cutter, but it's been lackluster.
2. Precision Scissors
Sometimes regular scissors just don’t cut it. (Literally.) Perfect for snipping ribbon, trimming off a fuzzy edge, or doing a little cleanup when something doesn’t cut quite right. Mine come to a super sharp point, which makes all the difference.
1. Bone Folder
Yes, it sounds a little medieval, but nowadays they’re plastic. When you want a nice clean fold that lays flat, this does the trick. I don’t use it on every project, but when I do, it’s the perfect tool. Sometimes I even use it to softly curve shapes.
Related: The Ink Pad Set I Recommend Most
This post contains affiliate links, but I only recommend products I personally use and love.
Note: The guillotine paper cutter I’ve linked here isn’t the exact one I use (mine’s fine, just a little clunky and has a part that won't stay on). The one I've recommended instead gets great reviews and looks like a solid upgrade.
Let me know if you use any of these too, or if you've got a favorite I ought to know about!
– Mary
SVGCuts