Whether you’re a casual or avid stamper, there are essential tools that every stamper accumulates – a good craft scissors, ruler, various adhesives, paper trimmer, and a die cut/embossing machine, to name a few. We all also have a stash of favorite stamps, cardstock, inks, markers, embellishments, etc.
One tool often overlooked is the “bone folder.” Inexpensive and not very showy, many stampers – especially casual stampers – just take a pass on it. However, it is an invaluable tool!
Did you know that when you use a bone folder to burnish your folds and scoreline creases, it doesn’t leave that ‘shiny’ or dented mark that happens when you use a ruler or your fingernail?
It’s also the best tool for curling cardstock for flower petals, leaves, banners etc. It works on the same principle of using a scissors to curl a length of curling ribbon. Use a scissors on cardstock to do that, and most likely you will rip the cardstock.
Another way I use my bone folder is to spread ink refill on my Stampin’ pads when I have to re-ink them. If you put a few drops of re-inker on your Stampin’ pad without distributing the ink to the entire pad, you will end up with lighter and darker areas of ink on your stamped image. Yes, it does stain your bone folder, but I think of it as being a well-loved tool! Here’s a photo of my often used and well-loved bone folder:
Another overlooked tool is the Simply Shammy. It’s used for cleaning the water based ink off of your stamps.
Some people use baby wipes, but you have to keep buying them, the ink will rub off on your hand, and they can leave lint on your stamp (which will leave your stamped image blotchy). Simply wipe your stamps with the Simply Shammy and you’re done – nothing to throw away, no running to the sink to rinse your stamps or your hands, and no lint on your stamps.
It does need to be damp when you use it, so keep it moist in a plastic ziplock bag or an empty plastic stamp case. If it dries out, just soak it in water for a few minutes. You’ve heard “a ragged Teddy Bear has seen a lot of love” – a stained Shammy is the equivalent. It will get stained by the ink, but it doesn’t come off on your hands or the stamp.
Here’s what a new Simply Shammy looks like and what my well-loved Shammy looks like today:
Do you absolutely need these tools? No, but even if you are just a casual stamper, having them will make your crafting time a little easier and neater.
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