Because many of my favorite items for cardmaking, scrapbooking, and other, similar crafty hobbies come from a handful of different sources, I wanted to kind of round them all up in one place for you.  (There are affiliate links on this page.)  I’m also rounding up some of my own cardmaking tips, templates, and posts.

Quick & Easy Cutting

I don’t know about you, but I don’t find calculations fun, so I’m not a fan of having to figure out all the sizes when I’m making cards.  Of course, cards can be made in innumerable sizes and configurations, so sometimes you just have to do the math, but how about a cheat sheet for the most common card sizes, with a couple of matting layers?

Enter your name and email address below, and I’ll send you a handy one-page printable with some of the most common measurements.  (I printed mine on ivory cardstock — ivory so it wouldn’t get lost easily among my more common white crafting cardstock — and laminated it.) 

This will also add you to my newsletter for only cardmaking & similar crafty updates.  You can unsubscribe at any time.

Scrapbook.com

Scrapbook.com is probably my single favorite dedicated-purpose source for cardmaking, scrapbooking, and other papercrafting supplies.  The majority of my basics come from here.  They carry products from a lot of the major brands (including Ranger and Spellbinders, also mentioned below), and they also have a lot of their own exclusives that are really cost-effective versions of basic crafting products.  And they run regular sales.

I think you can shop all my favorites at this link, or keep reading below to see them on this page.

Spellbinders – Platinum 6 – Tool N One BundleScrapbook.com – Magic Mat – Standard – Cutting PadScrapbook.com – Premium Hybrid Ink Pad – BlackScrapbook.com – Premium Hybrid Reinker – BlackScrapbook.com – Premium Pigment Ink Pad and Reinker – Pure WhiteTsukineko – VersaMark Watermark Ink Stamp PadVersaMarker – Watermark Ink RefillRanger Ink – Simon Hurley – Dye Ink Pad – Bundle OneRanger Ink – Simon Hurley – Dye Ink Pad – Bundle TwoRanger Ink – Tim Holtz – Distress Oxides Ink Pad Kit – Bundle OneRanger Ink – Tim Holtz – Distress Oxides Ink Pad Kit – Bundle TwoScrapbook.com – Clear Double Sided Adhesive Roll – 1/4 InchScrapbook.com – Clear Double Sided Adhesive Roll – 6 InchesScrapbook.com – Double Sided Adhesive Foam AssortmentTherm O Web – Mounting SquaresScrapbook.com – Mint Tape Bundle – Low TackSizzix – Making Essentials Collection – Maker’s TapeTherm O Web – iCraft – Adhesive RemoverScrapbook.com – Pops of Color – Gloss – Basics BundleScrapbook.com – Ink Blending Tool with Domed Foam ApplicatorsScrapbook.com – Fine-Tip – Ergonomic Reverse Grip – Craft TweezersKuretake – ZIG – Memory System – Wink of Stella II – ClearAvery Elle – Stamp and Die Storage Pockets – Extra LargeAvery Elle – Stamp and Die Storage Pockets – LargeAvery Elle – Stamp and Die Storage Pockets – SmallNuvo – Deluxe AdhesiveRanger Ink – Multi Medium – Matte

(In the interest of full disclosure, those last two are not actually the liquid glue I typically use.  The one I usually use, Scrapbook.com doesn’t sell, so I’ve included the two I would use if I were buying everything from here, since it’s otherwise pretty close to a one-stop-shop.)

CraftStash

Among my favorite dedicated-purpose shops, CraftStash probably comes in second.  This is a UK-based store, so they tend to carry a very different balance of brands than Scrapbook.com does.  I find them a particularly good source for WOW! embossing powders and for certain brands of craft tools that are made in the UK.

They have some really fun crafty magazines, too.

Crafts Too Press to Impress Stamping PlatformThe ScroreMaster Score BoardWOW! Embossing Powder Starter KitWOW! Rose Gold Embossing Powder

Amazon

For some tools and basics, you just can’t beat Amazon.  They do sometimes carry major brands — whether or not they have the best price varies — and are an excellent source for things like cardstock and label paper.  Amazon is also a good place to look for “substitute” tools, like when you want to use cosmetic brushes in place of ink blending brushes.  (I look for acid-free, but I’m otherwise not particular about my colored cardstock.  As for white…I’m probably not as picky as I should be.)

Silicone Placemats, Non-Slip Heat Resistant (2/Pack) ClearMakeup brush set, 3 PCS Silicone face Mask Brush,Soft Silicone Mask Beauty Tool Facial Mud Mask Applicator Brush for skincare Hairless Body Lotion Applicator Tools (1*black header remover, 2*brush)Mini Heat Gun Dual-Temperature 392℉ & 662℉ Hot Air Gun Multi-Purpose Electric Heating Tools Shrink Pen for Crafts, Shrinking PVC, DIY, Embossing, Stripping PaintHeat It Craft Tool-120v FabricJudikins Micro Glaze, 1-OunceGel Press Gel Printing Plate 5Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Mica Spray Set 3-piece, 1 OunceBearly Art Precision Craft Glue – The Original – 4fl oz – Tip Kit Included – Dries Clear – Metal Tip – Wrinkle Resistant – Flexible and Crack Resistant – Strong Hold Adhesive – Made in USA108 Sets 18 Colors A2 Invitation Envelopes Peel & Press Self Seal 4 3/8 x 5 3/4 Envelopes with Blank A2 Folded CardsHamilco White Cardstock Thick Paper Blank Place Tent Folded A2 Cards – Greeting Invitations Stationary – 4 1/4 x 5 1/2Neenah Exact Vellum Bristol, 8.5Neenah Exact 30% Recycled Extra-Heavyweight Index Card Stock, 8 1/2in. x 11in, 110 Lb, White, pk of 250 SheetsAccent Opaque White 8.5” x 11” Cardstock Paper, 120 Lb, 325 GSM – 150 Sheets (1 Ream)Paper Accents 72pc 65 Cardstock Variety Pack 8.5×11 EssentialSticker Paper, 100 Sheets, White Matte, 8.5 x 11 Full Sheet Label, Inkjet or Laser Printer, Online LabelsREMOVABLE Sticker Paper, White Matte, 100 Sheets, 8.5 x 11 Full Sheet Label, Inkjet or Laser Printer, Online Labels

Michael’s/Hobby Lobby/JoAnn

I honestly don’t get much from Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or JoAnn for papercrafting, as a matter of course, although they are worth keeping an eye on for when these particular products go on sale.  But I do often find them to be good places to look for colored cardstock and ink.  (Also keep an eye on what they’re discontinuing, as they sometimes clearance otherwise-pricey products.)

AliExpress

AliExpress is an online marketplace.  It’s Asia-based, so expect shipping to take a while. (I think most of what I’ve ordered has come from Korea.)  Also expect some items to be hit-or-miss.  I get a lot of stamps, cutting dies, and stencils here, but keep in mind these are often the cheap versions.

The stamps are going to be the cheaper silicone, not photopolymer.  I’ve still always found them plenty serviceable.  Watch for typos, though, in word dies, because they aren’t all designed by English-language speakers.  Die quality is hit-or-miss, so bear that in mind.  Pay attention to measurements and to shipping costs.

I’ve also gotten some great basic tools and supplies through AliExpress: blending brushes, glitter, papers, washi tape, spray bottles and glue bottles, acrylic blocks for stamps, etc.  I’m going to link to a handful of things, but bear in mind that because it’s a marketplace, there’s more ebb and flow to what’s available here, so if a product is no longer available from that seller, you might have to search for something similar.  (Because of the location, I always have trouble trying to use my debit card there — it’s a bank thing — and have to use a credit card.  But I’ve never had any trouble with my actual orders.)

10pcs/set Smooth Blending BrushesBlending Tools and/or Flat Foam Refills4-Set Cutting Dies A2 Rectangle Plain Scalloped Stitch & Torn edgeDiamond Piercing Plate (See this store for other background dies)Cake Die (See this store for additional cutting dies)Lychee Life 1pc Plastic Embossing Folder (See this store for more embossing folders)Sequin Mixes100-500pcs Simulation dewdrop water drop Transparent Half Sphere Ball Cabochon

Spellbinders

Spellbinders is especially known for dies, although they also sell stamps, embossing folders, and other papercrafting supplies.  I use their Platinum 6 manual die-cutting machine (although I bought it from Scrapbook.com), which also has a hot foiling “attachment” available.  (I don’t have the foiling platform…yet.)

I personally think this is kind of a pricey source for “everyday”-type shopping, but they have some amazing monthly club kits, and some really fun exclusive die designs.  Keep an eye out for sales.

Platinum 6 Die Cutting and Embossing Machine – 6″ PlatformBearly Art Mini 2 fl oz Precision Craft Glue + Tip KitArt Studio BotanicalsKaleidoscope Trio Strips and BordersSmall Die of the Month ClubLarge Die of the Month ClubCard Kit of the MonthClear Stamp of the MonthValue Club: Die & Stamp AddictValue Club: The Total Package

Ranger Ink

I rarely shop directly at Ranger, because pretty much their whole product line is available through other retailers.  But I love everything I’ve ever seen from Tim Holtz’s distress line, and Simon Hurley is a favorite, as well.  (Simon Hurley has some pretty nifty background stamps that have pieces that pop out so you can use them individually, too, for coordinating elements.)  I have a handful of “Letter It” stamp sets from Ranger that are helpful basic card sentiments.  Ranger is a good place to check out if you’re really into a variety of mixed-media techniques, because they do a lot with things like collage, alcohol inks, etc.

Other

Individual brands are also “out there” that have their own lines of stamps and/or dies, sometimes rounded out with matching supplies like cardstocks and/or inks.  A few I really like include:

• Lawn Fawn (I don’t usually do a lot of “cute,” but they’re the exact right kind of cute for me.)
• Tonic Studios (Look, especially, for/at Nuvo Drops and Glimmer Paste.)
• Papertrey Ink

I haven’t yet had the privilege of buying from them, but Altenew and Kitchen Sink are particularly known for their layering stamps, and Concord and 9th for their “Turnabout” stamps, which are really cleverly-designed background stamps.

And don’t overlook the dollar store for certain things.  Useful items I’ve found at the Dollar Tree include:

• drawer organizers (for storage)
• small plastic baskets (for storage)
• over-the-showerhead organizer (for storage — I use mine laid flat)
• baby powder (for homemade embossing bags, texture powder, etc.)
• cosmetic brushes
• cosmetic spatulas
• posterboard (some people use this with alcohol inks)
• narrow rubber spatula
• small rubber-tipped tongs
• Tacky Glue
• foam tape/squares
• sometimes supplies like stamps, acrylic blocks, paper, stickers
• holographic bulletin board borders (I use these for cutting small die cuts from)
• rubbing alcohol and/or alcohol-based hand sanitizer