Tissue paper is great for wrapping presents or as filler inside a gift bag. To punch confetti from tissue paper, stack three sheets with a sheet of plain paper, which acts as a stiffener, and punch through all four layers. It's also good for making paper flowers and pom-poms.
Tissue paper by Martha Stewart Crafts is available at Michaels stores.
Sturdy and stretchy but lightweight, crepe paper can be sewn or ironed with a dry iron. Sold in solid-color sheets (called folds), it's great for making flowers, paper costumes, and party accessories. Double-sided (different colors on either side) is also available, but less common.
Crepe paper by Martha Stewart Crafts is available at Michaels stores.
Designate one pair for paper and another for fabric and ribbon. Don't use your paper scissors, which will eventually become dull, to cut fabric; they can create pulls.
All-purpose scissors by Martha Stewart Crafts are available in our shop.
Popular among scrapbooking enthusiasts, this tool punches a variety of shapes (animals, leaves, letters) in a wide array of sizes. Corner punches shape corners and add decorative patterns, and sometimes embossing, to stationery and more; border punches do the same for the edges of paper.
Decorative paper punches are available at marthastewart.com/shop and marthastewartcrafts.com.
Also known as a Japanese punch or a bookbinding punch, this tool can punch holes anywhere (regular hole punches only work near edges), and comes with several attachments for making holes in different sizes. Hold it perpendicular to paper and press down to punch over a cutting mat.
Learn How to Use a Screw Punch
Make These Crafts Using the Screw Punch:
Mechanical Dog Cards
Stenciled Pillows
Paper-Cutout Night-Lights
Screw punches are available at marthastewart.com/shop.
Also known as a utility knife, this is an essential tool that cuts clean, precise edges. Excellent for cutting heavier papers, cardboard, and foam core. Not recommended for tissue paper or flimsy fabric, which will tear. Always make sure you're using a sharp blade, and work very carefully.
Craft knives are available at marthastewart.com/shop.
The best way, besides a craft punch, to cut a clean circle; much easier than scissors or a craft knife. One tool will cut circles in many sizes -- the one shown here cuts circles from 1 inch to 5 7/8 inches in diameter.
Make These Crafts Using the Circle Cutter:
Shimmering Party Streamers
Holiday Gift Tags
Circle cutters by Martha Stewart Crafts can be purchased online at marthastewart.com/shop or at Michaels stores.
This bookbinding instrument -- which is sometimes made of actual bone -- is the best tool for scoring paper before you fold it. It's also good for smoothing edges.
Bone folders are available at marthastewart.com/shop.
An easy way to protect your work surface from cuts and scratches. One made from a "self-healing" material will resist wear and tear when you're scoring paper.
Cutting mats by Martha Stewart Crafts are available in our shop.
These rulers were initially designed for cutting quilt squares. Paired with a cutting mat, it's the best way to cut paper, since the grid allows you to double check your paper's alignment. Look for one that's coated on the back to keep paper from slipping.
Clear quilting rulers by Martha Stewart Crafts are available in our shop.
Compatible with most craft materials, including paper, cardboard, fabric, felt, burlap, and even glitter, when evenly spread. Diluted glue stops fabric edges from fraying. The drying time is about 10 minutes.
White craft glue is available at marthastewart.com/shop.
Pruners are a wreath-making essential. Use them to cut branches from trees, or to clip smaller pieces from a bundle. Remove sap after every use so the blades don't jam.
Pruners by Martha Stewart Living are available at Home Depot.
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Martha Stewart is even my home page.. Thanks again Lilaha Bolen