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There are several threads floating around here where we discuss all the stupid crafty things we've bought over the years. I LOVE those threads. They make me laugh uncontrollably and make me realize there are a lot of crafters out there that fall victim to the trends like I do. (Never stop buying stupid things, ladies, never stop!)
However, I'd like to do the opposite with this thread and discuss our favorites from 2023. Whether it was a tool or stamp set or idea book or whatever. It was that item that was totally worth your $$$ and time and that you think others might enjoy as well. My favorite (and recommended) items are below:
1. Rolling storage cart. I know these have been out for a while, but I finall splurged and purchased one. OMG! Having all my tools so handy is a game changer for me. LOVE! This is the one I have: 4-tier Rolling Storage Cart I like that I can adjust the trays and the posts come in sections, so it breaks down easily-ish to take with me to crops.
2. GinaK Wreath builder. I'm still playing with this and there's a learning curve, but I'm having fun. And it's affordable. Wreath builder
3. Blending brushes. They are trendy and expensive, but I use the heck out of them. I have this set: Blending brushes
4. Magnetic Tray. I have really gotten into dies this year and this tray is a life saver for all those little pieces that like to hide amongst my paper. You can pick it up at most hardware or autoparts stores. I got mine at Lowes: Magnetic Tray Bonus: It sticks to the side of my rolling cartwhen I'm not using it.
5. You Tube. Not a purchase (other than I pay for internet), but I've found some great channels this year that have inspired me to get my mojo back. Some of my favs are: Cathy Zielske, GinaK Designs, Scrapbooking Quebec, Maymay Made It, Annette Green, Victoria Marie Designs and Elizabeth Craft Designs.
So what did you fall in love with in 2023 that I should add to my Must Have List for 2024.
__________________ Beth
Hang on. Let me overthink this.
The following 6 users liked this post by NerdyBeth:
I am still in love with my die cuts despite having the Scan and Cut. I just cannot for the life of me figure it out and its a pain to get out, hook it up, etc. so I really should just sell it. I also love magnet sheets I found at Home Depot which are actually vent covers.
I also love blending brushes and have found them many different places.
I am in love with Concord & 9th , The Greetery, Avery Elle and The Stamp Market are my fave stamp companies and I continue to support them!
Even though I do not own a Misti I bought a Turnabout Guide from Concord & 9th - and I am using it. It has a sticky surface that is washable, and I use it to hold my cardstock in place. My old SAMJ is still in service but at times it slides the paper between aligning and stamping. The turnabout solved this problem.
__________________ Do or do not - there is no try! (Yoda) / SCS Featured Stamper FS730 / Dirty Dozen Alumni
Last edited by gaylestamps; 12-31-2023 at 05:01 PM..
Reason: Spelling
The following 5 users liked this post by gaylestamps:
I just love my Waffle Flower grip mats. They make using my Misti even more easy. No need for snapping magnets that can be in the way. Bought the largest one to stencil with, no need for tape. https://waffleflower.com/collections/grip-mats
for me the game changer tool is this glue press from My Sweet Petunia, I have been using one since about a week after they went live on Lydia's blog and I am thinking this will be the gift I give to paper crafty people on my list this year. I totally forgot to put the cap on before Ieft on vacation in December and when I got home the lid has a tiny needle inside the cap I put that through the tip of the bottle and YAY it totally works just fine like I never left it.
I finally decided to give Mica sprays a try and I'm really enjoying learning to use them. Spatter/splatter and spraying... so fun and shiny
A waffle flower mat is on my list for this year. I know they're good for all sorts of things but my main reason is to keep my paper in place in my Misti. I want to be able to re-stamp after i color and the current products I use don't always stay in place well enough.
You all are convincing me I need a Waffle Flower mat! I rarely use my Misti and it's because the paper shifts, mainly due to the clear stamps sticking to it. Also, the magnets require cutting a larger piece of paper than I need. Sounds like a Waffle Flower mat would also make it easier to use a Misti in my library cardmaking classes.
__________________ Nicole
The following 3 users liked this post by cnsteele:
I am still in love with my die cuts despite having the Scan and Cut. I just cannot for the life of me figure it out and its a pain to get out, hook it up, etc. so I really should just sell it. I also love magnet sheets I found at Home Depot which are actually vent covers.
I also love blending brushes and have found them many different places.
I am in love with Concord & 9th , The Greetery, Avery Elle and The Stamp Market are my fave stamp companies and I continue to support them!
I agree with you completely on the Scan n' Cut - what an expensive regret (and I need to get rid of it.)
I'm enjoying using my scan n cut, but yeah - expensive and space hogging tool to have if you don't use it! I felt that way about my silhouette years ago. It was such a relief to sell it. Although I use the SNC for cutting out stamped images, it gets the most use for scrapbooking (cut files and titles). If it were just my card making, I probably wouldn't use/want it as much.
Another thing I use a lot after years hiding in my stash is a large clear block. Not for stamping, but to weigh things down so they adhere or flatten out! lol So glad I didn't get rid of it!
I'm enjoying using my scan n cut, but yeah - expensive and space hogging tool to have if you don't use it! I felt that way about my silhouette years ago. It was such a relief to sell it. Although I use the SNC for cutting out stamped images, it gets the most use for scrapbooking (cut files and titles). If it were just my card making, I probably wouldn't use/want it as much.
Another thing I use a lot after years hiding in my stash is a large clear block. Not for stamping, but to weigh things down so they adhere or flatten out! lol So glad I didn't get rid of it!
If you didn't already know, Scrapbook and Cards Today magazine has free cut files on their site. Here's another page on their site with free cut files and printables for scrapbooks.
Maybe it is just me but I cant get the rolling cart to open. I have not heard of a "travelling" one before.
I have been using the vent covers for years now for my die storage. You can cut them with regular scissors to any size. Far more economical than pre cut piece of mag from the companies.
Hmmm I may be another one for getting waffle mats....
__________________ Margot
I am a proud fan club member
You all are convincing me I need a Waffle Flower mat! I rarely use my Misti and it's because the paper shifts, mainly due to the clear stamps sticking to it. Also, the magnets require cutting a larger piece of paper than I need. Sounds like a Waffle Flower mat would also make it easier to use a Misti in my library cardmaking classes.
All those problems are solved by the grip mat from Waffle Flower
I am still in love with my die cuts despite having the Scan and Cut. I just cannot for the life of me figure it out and its a pain to get out, hook it up, etc. so I really should just sell it. I also love magnet sheets I found at Home Depot which are actually vent covers.
I also love blending brushes and have found them many different places.
I am in love with Concord & 9th , The Greetery, Avery Elle and The Stamp Market are my fave stamp companies and I continue to support them!
Check out Papered Chef to learn everything Scan n Cut (YouTube). She has a bunch of videos using different functions, including cutting stamped images.
Your Favorites from 2023 (Long post)
