Leo's Go-To Paper Crafting Tools
These are some of the essential supplies I use to create my paper crafts. You truly don’t need much, and you certainly don’t need every item on this list to make something beautiful. But if you’re looking for the exact tools and materials I reference in my videos, this is where you’ll find them. Simple, reliable basics that help bring every project to life.
Click on any of the sections below to open it. Inside, you’ll find the item, more information about it, and links to purchase.
Basics
Cardstock
As of September 2023, I officially transitioned to using Encore cardstock by 12×12 Cardstock Shop for all of my paper crafting projects. Encore offers beautifully consistent colors, sturdy weight, and excellent cut performance, making it my go-to choice for high-quality results.
To help you match colors with ease, we’ve also created a handy PDF guide (Click Here For The Guide) that shows the Encore equivalents to popular American Crafts colors. This makes it simple to follow along with older projects or coordinate with your existing paper stash.
Printable Cardstock
For all of my print-then-cut elements, I use Epson printable paper, and it has quickly become my absolute favorite. The colors come out incredibly bright, crisp, and true to life, hands down the best printable paper I’ve found for high-quality print-then-cut projects.
A huge thank you to Fahi for introducing me to this fantastic paper! Your tip has truly elevated the final look of my designs.
Vellum
12×12 Cardstock Shop now carries vellum! FYI, if you don’t get it from them note that we typically use 27LB Vellum.
Printable Vellum
We occasionally use printable vellum when we want elements of a project to glow softly while still displaying a printed design, just like the charming elves featured in our Santa’s Workshop project. Vellum adds a beautiful, translucent effect that lets light shine through without sacrificing detail.
Be sure to choose the correct type for your printer, either laser or inkjet, to ensure clean, smudge-free results.
Glue
I’ve tried a variety of glues, and everyone has their favorites. This is mine. I prefer the smaller bottle (2oz) as it is easier to handle. There are also all sorts of optional nozzle attachments and bottles available (third-party). I tried them, and I don’t care for them. You might find them beneficial, and that is totally okay, whatever works for you! The glue bottle is just like any artist’s tools; you just have to get the feel for it.
Brayer
A brayer is one of those simple tools that makes a big difference in your crafting workflow. I especially love using it on vellum, since vellum can snag more easily, especially on an older mat. A quick roll with the brayer helps press your paper smoothly and securely onto your mat, ensuring cleaner cuts and fewer mishaps.
Hot Glue Gun
This is the cordless hot glue gun I rely on for quick, precise crafting. It heats up while seated in its charging carriage, and once you lift it off, it stays hot long enough to get your gluing done without feeling rushed. When you need a little more heat, just pop it back into the holster for a quick warm-up.
I love that it’s petite with a fine-tip nozzle, making detailed, accurate application incredibly easy. It also uses mini glue sticks, which keeps it lightweight and comfortable to handle, perfect for delicate paper crafting projects.
Self Healing Mat
A self-healing mat is a must-have in any craft space, and I love using this one because it protects my desk while giving me a reliable surface for cutting and assembly. It also cleans up easily, so stray glue, paper bits, and craft dust don’t linger. Durable, smooth, and long-lasting, it’s an essential part of my workspace.
Craft Paints
When I need to paint non-paper elements to match my paper projects, I turn to acrylic craft paint. It’s perfect for giving items like brads on jointed figures a seamless, color-coordinated look. With just a quick coat, you can make those little hardware pieces blend right into the rest of your design. It’s a simple trick that keeps everything looking polished and cohesive.
Foam Squares
Foam Tape
A self-healing mat is a must-have in any craft space, and I love using this one because it protects my desk while giving me a reliable surface for cutting and assembly. It also cleans up easily, so stray glue, paper bits, and craft dust don’t linger. Durable, smooth, and long-lasting, it’s an essential part of my workspace.
Hot Foam Cutter
A hot wire foam cutter is my go-to tool whenever I need smooth, precise cuts in foam. I use it not only for shaping foam elements in various projects, but also for creating the custom foam bases that support many of my paper houses. It glides through foam cleanly and effortlessly, giving you crisp edges and professional results without the mess of traditional cutting methods.
Rhinestones
Velcro Dots
Shadow Box Frame
Gold Brads
Mini Brads
Bow Maker
Inking
Blending Brushes
Ink Applicator Pad
I use these pads for inking on card stock and patterned papers. I love it because it gives me great control in tight places and I can really control how much or how little ink ends up on the project. These don’t work very well on glitter papers because the glitter grabs on to the actual material (I still use it on glitter), but it’s perfect for paper!
Memento Inks
These are my go-to inks for distressing and inking edges on my projects. I like the thickness of the pad and that it doesn’t oversaturate whatever applicator I’m using. They come in a variety of colors, and I don’t really use ALL of them, so be sure to pick ones that you’ll use regularly, as some of mine have sat for quite some time. Some of the most common colors we use are as follows: Potter’s Clay, Bamboo Leaves, Rhubarb Stalk, Tangelo, Lady Bug, Cottage Ivy, and Turquoise.
Floral Supplies
Floral Stems
Floral Tape
When working with paper flowers or leafy stems, you’ll want to choose floral tape that closely matches the color of the cardstock you’re using for your leaves. This helps everything blend seamlessly and gives your finished piece a more natural, polished look. Use the link provided to pick the shade that best complements your project.
Cutting Machine Supplies
Cutting Mats
I use the standard grip mats for all of my cutting. These mats also work with my Siser Juliet (my go-to machine), even though it’s designed for the Cricut. They seem to be much more affordable than the Siser brand.
Pens
Blades
This 50-pack of cutting blades is an absolute steal, and honestly, they’ve worked perfectly for me. Don’t fall for the overpriced blade scam. I’ve never noticed a meaningful difference between brand-name blades and these affordable ones. There’s no reason to pay $5 for a single blade when you can get 50 blades for under $10.
The pack includes 30°, 45°, and 60° blades:
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45° blades are my go-to for most cardstock cutting—great balance of sharpness and precision.
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60° blades handle thicker or more detailed cardstock cuts, thanks to the steeper angle giving you better penetration and cleaner corners.
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30° blades work beautifully for vinyl, where you need a shallower angle to glide through the material without cutting too deep.
