Angela's Must Have Craft Tools for 2019

Happy New Year Crafters!

As I was cleaning my craft room today, I was thinking about the tools that are most important to the kind of crafting I do.  So I thought I would share with you my "Must Have Craft Tools for 2019":

A Cutting Machine:  My personal favorite is the Silhouette Cameo because the software is really, really good.

Self-Healing Cutting Mat:  I use the Olfa 24x36 mat  and even bought my 13 year-old daughter one for Christmas.

Rotary Cutter:  I use the Fiskars Comfort Loop Rotary Cutter.  It's an absolute must for cutting fabric, deco mesh and ribbon!

Cutting Ruler: I use an Omnigrip Acrylic Ruler in conjunction with my self-healing mat and rotary cutter.  It really is a great tool for cutting fabric and vinyl!

Permanent Adhesive Vinyl: My preferred choice is Oracal 651.  I try to purchase in 10 yard rolls.  I find it is more economical.  My go-to vendor is Sign Warehouse.

Heat Transfer Vinyl:  Glitter and smooth.  I typically use Siser Easy Weed vinyl.  I purchase this in various places.  I do have a local vinyl store that I frequent, but I have recently ordered from Vinyl Spectrum and was very pleased. I am also pleased to see that Michael's has started selling Siser heat transfer vinyl as well!

Pliers/Wire Cutters:  I bought these Southwire Pliers over a year ago, and they are AMAZING.  They snip all kinds of wire with incredible ease!  If I ever lose these, they will promptly be replaced!

Deco Mesh Holder:  I have two different versions of this tool, The Susie's Original Single Mesh Roller Holder and the Ultimate Mesh Roller.  They take a couple of weeks to receive as they are made by the Etsy Seller, SusiesWreathShop, but they are definitely worth the wait.  I use them for holding ribbon as well as deco mesh.

Steelpix Professional Stemming Machine: Now this stemming machine is a serious investment.  It's definitely not cheap. I was able to use my Hobby Lobby Coupon for this purchase; however, that doesn't always seem to be the case.  I have to say that this machine is really helpful in any kind of wreath, centerpiece or other floral design.

Bow Maker: I have used several over the years, but my favorite is the Pro Bow The Hand.  It's simply genius. I have the large as well as the deluxe.

I encourage you to check out these amazing craft tools.  Let me know what you think.  What's on your "must have" list?  I'm always interested in new craft tools!

Thanks for visiting!

Angela Davis

Episode 138: A Super Simple Bow

I was doing a little bit of retail therapy in between shuttling kids.  Do you have those weekends...soccer, softball, birthday parties...oh my!  Seems like all my weekends are like that...a sincere reason why I have grown to love Mondays.  Anyway, I saw some beautiful bows on a Christmas tree, then I chocked at the price.  I don't buy bows anyway, but I was curious what the price was...um, $28 EACH!!!  What????  I thought to myself, as I often do, "You've GOT to be kidding!  That's just highway robbery!  They should be ashamed."  But again, I thought that....on the inside.  Then I examined the bow.  The ribbon was high quality, no doubt, but the structure honestly didn't seem intricate at all.  Simple, but effective.  I was intrigued.  I decided to try and replicate the bow for my Halloween tree.  I'm so glad I did.  I LOVE this technique!  Check out the finished bow:

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

3 Different Kinds of Ribbon--

Green Ribbon is d. Stevens and was purchased at a local retailer ($19, but was 20% off, 10 yd)

Chevron and Orange ribbon are from Sam's this 2014 season ($8, 50 yd each)

Floral Wire (any gauge)

Wire Snips

Sharp Scissors

Pro Bow the Hand bow maker, not necessary, but that's what I used

To make the same bow as the one pictured above, you will need 66 inches of the green ribbon, 12 inches of the black and white chevron ribbon, and 10 inches of the orange polka dot ribbon per bow.

For the detailed instructions, please check out this video:

Thanks for stopping by!

Take time to "Prettify Your Life"!!!