Posted by Spellbinders Team
on June 02, 2026
Starting cardmaking is exciting, but choosing your first supplies can feel overwhelming. Craft stores are filled with specialized equipment, cutting supplies, adhesives, machines, and accessories. Fortunately, you do not need to purchase everything at once. A carefully chosen group of versatile supplies will help you measure, cut, fold, stamp, die cut, assemble, and finish many different handmade cards.
In this beginner’s guide, you will discover the most useful cardmaking supplies, what each item does, and when you may need it. You will also learn how to choose cutting and stamping equipment, which adhesives work for different applications, and how organizational supplies can make crafting more efficient. Use this guide to build a practical collection of cardmaking essentials, then expand it as you discover the techniques and styles you enjoy most.
Hello, crafters! I’m Lisa Tilson, and I am back with the next installment of the Beginner’s Guide to Cardmaking. Today, we are focusing on supplies - specifically, the essential cardmaking supplies that are helpful for new cardmakers.
Some technique-specific supplies have been covered in previous posts, but there are a few additional essentials that deserve a closer look. Whether you are interested in stamping, die cutting, coloring, foiling, or pressing, these supplies will help you get started.
Cardmaking Supplies Guide Snapshot
| Skill Level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Guide Type | Evergreen cardmaking education |
| Topics Covered | Measuring, scoring, cutting, stamping, die cutting, ink blending, adhering, and organizing |
| Project Type | Cardmaking supplies and workspace setup |
| Occasion | Suitable for all cardmaking occasions |
| Featured Products | Spellbinders cardmaking supplies, cutting machines, adhesives, and storage solutions |
What You’ll Need to Start Making Cards
You do not need every item in this guide before making your first card. Begin with the supplies that support the techniques you plan to try first. A paper trimmer, scoring board, scissors, ruler, adhesive, and a basic stamping or die-cutting setup provide a versatile foundation.
Spellbinders Supplies
- Reverse Tweezers
- Tool ‘n One
- Handy Foam Mat
- Handy Craft Tool Set
- 12" x 12" Scoring Board
- Craft Stax
- Platinum SIX Machine with Universal Plate System
- Platinum Scout Die Cutting Machine
- 4" Detail Scissors
- 9" Pro Shears
- Guillotine Paper Trimmer
- 12" Paper Trimmer and Scorer
- Refillable Tape Runner
- White Foam Squares
- Double-Sided Adhesive Sheets
Other Basic Cardmaking Supplies
- Pencil and eraser
- T-square ruler and metal ruler
- Bone folder
- Anti-static powder bag
- Self-healing cutting mat or glass mat
- Stamp-positioning system or acrylic blocks
- Craft knife and metal snippers
- Low-tack tape
- Liquid adhesive
- Double-sided tape and foam tape
- Masking sheets
- Ink-blending brushes or applicators
Basic Cardmaking Supplies for Every Craft Desk
No craft desk would be complete without a few basic supplies. These multipurpose essentials support many cardmaking techniques, so you will find yourself reaching for them repeatedly.
Supplies for Measuring and Positioning Card Elements
- Pencil: Use a pencil to sketch a layout or mark the placement of evenly spaced elements. Make light marks so they can be erased without damaging the cardstock.
- T-Square Ruler: A T-square helps align sentiments, borders, and panels so they sit straight on the card front.
- Metal Ruler: Pair a metal ruler with a craft knife when you need to cut a straight edge. The metal surface protects the ruler from the blade.
- Bone Folder: Use a bone folder to create crisp folds on card bases and dimensional paper projects. A Teflon bone folder will not leave shiny lines on the paper when used correctly.
- Sand Eraser: A sand eraser is abrasive and can help remove small ink smudges or marks from cardstock. Use light pressure and work gradually to avoid damaging the paper.
Supplies for Preparing and Protecting Your Work Surface
- Anti-Static Powder Bag: Lightly dust cardstock before heat embossing. The powder removes static and surface oils that can attract stray embossing powder, helping you create a cleaner result.
- Self-Healing Cutting Mat: Place this mat beneath cardstock when cutting with a craft knife. Its material closes after being cut, which helps the surface remain smooth while protecting your desk.
- Glass Mat: A glass mat provides a smooth surface for ink blending and mixed-media techniques. Its slick surface is easy to clean after messy projects.
Supplies for Handling Small Die Cuts and Embellishments
- Tweezers: Use tweezers to pick up die cuts and embellishments or remove the liners from foam squares and foam tape. They can also hold cardstock while you add glue, emboss it, or apply sprays.
- Tool ‘n One: The brush removes small paper pieces, often called chads, from intricate dies and die cuts. The piercing tips can release individual pieces, help with paper-piercing projects, or lift adhesive gems from their backing sheets.
Supplies for Intricate Die Cuts
The Handy Foam Mat works with the brush end of the Tool ‘n One. Place an intricate die cut on the foam mat, then roll the brush across it to release the small paper pieces. The discarded pieces remain on the mat, making cleanup easier.
Supplies for Positioning Small Project Elements
The Handy Craft Tool Set includes several useful supplies:
- A Precision Tool for releasing paper pieces and working with small details
- A Nudger for repositioning an inked press plate
- A Pick Up Tool for lifting and placing small embellishments
- Detail tweezers with an angled tip for handling very small items
The set also includes two replacement rubber tips for the Pick Up Tool.
Scoring Supplies for Card Bases and Paper Projects
A scoring board helps you create clean, accurate score lines and folds. It usually includes a bone folder or stylus and features regularly spaced grooves for measuring and scoring cardstock.
Most scoring boards have measurement guides across the top and along the left side. A 12" x 12" Scoring Board provides enough room for standard card bases, envelopes, boxes, and other dimensional projects. The grooves are spaced at ⅛-inch intervals, providing flexibility for projects of different sizes.
How to Score and Fold a Card Base
- Measure the unfolded card base and locate its center point.
- Align the cardstock with the measurement guides on the scoring board.
- Place the scoring tool in the correct groove.
- Draw the scoring tool along the groove using steady, moderate pressure.
- Fold the cardstock along the scored line.
- Run a bone folder along the fold to sharpen the crease.
Designer Tip: Score with enough pressure to create a visible guide, but avoid pressing so firmly that you cut or weaken the cardstock.
Storage and Organization Supplies for Cardmakers
An organized workspace makes cardmaking supplies easier to find while you are creating.
Craft Stax can hold dies, stamps, die cuts, premade sentiments, embellishments, and in-progress projects. The trays are available in medium and large sizes and can be stacked to conserve desk space.
Colorful bands can identify supplies for different projects, while magnetic inserts can hold dies in place. Other storage options include stamp and die pockets, larger boxes, ink tins, transport containers, and locking compartment boxes for small embellishments.
Ink-Blending Supplies
Ink blending will be covered in greater detail later in this series, but it is a technique many cardmakers use frequently. Ink-blending supplies are available in several styles, including blending brushes, pouncers, and round or square applicators with flat or domed foam pads.
Different sizes serve different purposes. A larger blending brush can cover a background efficiently, while a smaller brush provides more control around the edges of a stencil or within a detailed area.
Choosing a Die-Cutting Machine
Even if die cutting is not your primary technique, a die-cutting machine can become a versatile part of your cardmaking supplies. Manual and electronic machines are available in several platform sizes. Your preferred projects, available workspace, and budget will help determine which option is right for you.
Die-cutting machines are covered in greater detail in the Die Cutting for Beginners guide, but here is a quick comparison.
Platinum SIX Machine
The Platinum SIX Machine with Universal Plate System has a platform sized for most dies commonly used in cardmaking. It can also be used with the Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System.
Platinum Machine with 8.5-Inch Platform
The Platinum Machine with Universal Plate System has an 8.5-inch platform. Its wider format is useful for larger dies or for cutting multiple pieces in one pass.
Platinum Scout Machine
The Platinum Scout Die Cutting Machine with Universal Plate System has a compact 3.5-inch platform for smaller dies. Its size makes it convenient to keep on a craft desk or take to workshops.
Stamping Supplies for Beginners
Stamping an image or sentiment is often one of the first techniques a new cardmaker tries. You can begin with acrylic blocks, invest in a stamp-positioning system, or use both for different applications.
Create Repeatable Impressions with a Stamp Positioner
Stamp-positioning systems help align stamps and cardstock. They are especially helpful when an image needs to be stamped more than once to produce a complete impression. Options include the MISTI and StampWheel.
Stamp Quick Images with Acrylic Blocks
Acrylic blocks are useful for quickly stamping a sentiment or small image. Attach the clear stamp to the block, apply ink, and press the stamp onto the cardstock. Because the block can be moved freely, it also works well for repeated patterns that do not require exact mechanical positioning.
Designer Tip: A stamp-positioning system is useful when precision or repeated impressions matter. Keep an acrylic block nearby for quick sentiments and simple images.
Cutting Supplies for Cardmaking
Accurate cutting helps card bases, mats, backgrounds, and decorative elements fit together cleanly. Different cutting supplies are suited to different materials and tasks.
Choose Scissors for the Material and Task
Detail scissors have fine, pointed blades for fussy cutting and reaching small areas. Larger scissors are better suited to heavier materials and bigger projects.
The 4" Detail Scissors and 9" Pro Shears can be used with a variety of materials, including foil. Their non-stick coating is helpful when cutting double-sided adhesive or foam tape.
Cut Cardstock with a Paper Trimmer
Paper trimmers include measurement guides and may have extendable arms for cutting 12-inch cardstock. Some models also include a scoring function.
- Guillotine Paper Trimmer: This style has a lever blade mounted along one side of the cutting base. Its slicing action can cut several sheets of paper at once.
- Rotary Paper Trimmer: The blade sits inside a carriage that moves along a track. It is useful for cutting individual sheets, and replacement blades are available for many models.
Make Precision Cuts with a Craft Knife
A craft knife has a small blade for detailed or precision cutting. Use it with a metal ruler and self-healing cutting mat, and retract or cover the blade when it is not in use.
Separate Connected Dies with Metal Snippers
Metal snippers are designed to separate connected metal dies and remove the small tabs that remain. Their fine points can reach narrow areas between die shapes.
Adhesive Supplies for Assembling Handmade Cards
Adhesives are essential cardmaking supplies for assembling projects and creating dimension. Keeping more than one type nearby allows you to choose an adhesive based on the size, material, and desired finish of each element.
Hold Materials Temporarily with Low-Tack Tape
Low-tack tape can secure dies before cutting, hold cardstock on a work surface, or assist with masking and ink-blending techniques. Test it on delicate cardstock before placing it on a finished piece.
Allow Repositioning Time with Liquid Adhesive
Liquid adhesive gives you a little time to reposition an element. A precision tip makes it easier to apply glue to small or intricate areas. Bearly Art Glue dries to a matte finish, helping excess adhesive appear less noticeable.
Attach Panels with a Tape Runner
A permanent adhesive tape runner applies double-sided adhesive strips and is useful for attaching panels to card bases. Refillable models allow the applicator to be reused.
A removable tape runner provides temporary adhesion. Use it to test the placement of project elements, move them until the composition feels balanced, and then secure them with permanent adhesive.
Use Double-Sided Tape for Flat Layers
Double-sided tape provides an alternative to liquid glue. Apply it to the back of the cardstock, remove the release liner, and press the panel into place.
Add Dimension with Foam Adhesive
Adhesive Foam Squares are available in different sizes, thicknesses, and colors. They lift sentiments, images, and embellishments away from the card surface to create dimension.
Double-sided foam tape works in a similar way but is sold on a roll. Cut it to fit larger panels or use narrow pieces behind long sentiments.
Create Masks with Adhesive-Backed Sheets
Masking sheets are thin, low-tack, adhesive-backed sheets used for stamping and ink-blending techniques. They are designed to lift without leaving a sticky residue or tearing the project. Depending on their condition after removal, individual masks may be reusable.
Adhere Intricate Die Cuts with Adhesive Sheets
Double-sided adhesive sheets are useful for detailed die cuts, word dies, and glitter techniques. Apply the adhesive sheet to the back of the cardstock before die cutting. After cutting, remove the release liner and attach the die cut to the project.
Which Cardmaking Supplies Should a Beginner Buy First?
Your first purchases should support the type of cards you want to make. For a versatile collection of beginner cardmaking supplies, consider starting with:
- A paper trimmer for cutting card bases and panels
- A scoring board or scoring tool for creating accurate folds
- A bone folder for sharpening creases
- A ruler and pencil for measuring and positioning
- Detail scissors for trimming small images
- Liquid adhesive and a tape runner for general assembly
- Foam squares for adding dimension
- Tweezers for handling small pieces
- An acrylic block or stamp-positioning system if you plan to stamp
- A die-cutting machine if you plan to use metal dies or embossing folders
You can add ink-blending brushes, specialty adhesives, storage systems, and technique-specific supplies as your cardmaking style develops.
Tips for Choosing and Using Cardmaking Supplies
- Begin with multipurpose supplies. Prioritize items you can use across stamping, die cutting, and general card assembly.
- Match supplies to your preferred techniques. A stamp-positioning system may be an early priority for a stamper, while a die-cutting machine may be more important for someone who enjoys layered paper designs.
- Consider your available space. Check the dimensions of machines, scoring boards, and trimmers before purchasing them.
- Keep frequently used supplies nearby. Store scissors, tweezers, a ruler, pencil, bone folder, and adhesives within easy reach.
- Use the correct cutting surface. Place a self-healing mat beneath craft-knife work and use a metal ruler when cutting straight lines.
- Test adhesives on scraps. This allows you to check drying time, strength, and visibility before working on the finished card.
- Clean supplies after messy techniques. Remove adhesive residue, ink, and mixed-media products according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
- Expand your collection gradually. Time spent creating will reveal which additional supplies best suit your workflow.
Ways to Customize Your Collection of Cardmaking Supplies
- Choose a compact trimmer or Platinum Scout if your craft space is limited.
- Select a larger scoring board if you plan to make envelopes, boxes, or scrapbook projects.
- Keep several sizes of blending brushes for backgrounds, stencils, and detailed areas.
- Use magnetic storage panels if you work with many metal dies.
- Choose non-stick scissors if you frequently cut adhesive sheets or foam tape.
- Add both flat and dimensional adhesives so you can vary the depth of your designs.
- Use labeled or color-coded trays to separate supplies for different projects.
- Build a portable collection of essential supplies if you attend classes, workshops, or crafting events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardmaking Supplies
What are the most essential cardmaking supplies for a beginner?
A practical collection of beginner cardmaking supplies includes a paper trimmer, scoring board, bone folder, ruler, pencil, scissors, adhesive, and tweezers. Add stamping or die-cutting supplies according to the techniques you want to explore. You do not need to buy every specialized product before creating your first card.
Do I need a die-cutting machine to make cards?
No. You can create cards using cardstock, a paper trimmer, stamps, ink, and embellishments. A die-cutting machine expands the techniques available to you by allowing you to use metal dies and compatible embossing folders.
Should I buy a guillotine or rotary paper trimmer?
A guillotine trimmer uses a lever blade and can cut several sheets at once. A rotary trimmer uses a blade enclosed in a sliding carriage and works well for cutting individual sheets. Your preferred cutting style, available space, and project types will help determine which option suits you.
Which adhesive supplies should I use for handmade cards?
Use liquid adhesive when you need time to reposition an element, a tape runner or double-sided tape for flat panels, and foam squares or foam tape when you want to add dimension. Adhesive sheets are particularly helpful for intricate die cuts.
Do I need both a scoring board and a bone folder?
The supplies serve different purposes. A scoring board helps position and create an accurate score line, while a bone folder sharpens the folded crease. Some scoring boards include a scoring tool, but a separate bone folder may still be useful when finishing card bases and dimensional projects.
More Beginner Cardmaking Resources from Spellbinders
- Learn the Basics of Die Cutting for Cardmaking
- Explore Die-Cutting Machines and Accessories
- Compare Ink-Blending Brushes
- Discover Craft Stax Storage Options
- Find Adhesive Supplies for Handmade Cards
Build a Collection of Cardmaking Supplies That Works for You
The best collection of beginner cardmaking supplies is not necessarily the largest one. Start with dependable supplies for measuring, cutting, folding, and adhering, then add equipment that supports the techniques you enjoy. As you make more cards, you will naturally learn which supplies make your process easier and which ones deserve a permanent place on your desk.
That brings us to the end of this guide. I hope it helps you decide which essential supplies to add to your cardmaking collection. Next in the Beginner’s Guide to Cardmaking series, we will look at simple design procedures for creating a handmade card. I hope you will join us!
About the Author
Lisa Tilson is a cardmaker and contributor to the Spellbinders Beginner’s Guide to Cardmaking series. In this guide, she shares practical information to help new cardmakers understand the supplies used for cutting, stamping, die cutting, scoring, assembling, and organizing handmade card projects.
