Craft Test Dummies

Today I want to give you a little introduction to a craft company that might be new to you: docrafts! I first saw products in the UK-based docrafts Creativity magazine, which I purchase at Barnes and Noble. Then, when I visited the UK over the past couple of years I saw some of their fun [...]

Stamp pads are a wonderful, marvelous thing. Every paper crafter needs to have at least FOUR different stamp pads in their crafty toolbox. But there is always a question so which stamp pad works best for which jobs. So today, we’re taking a closer look at VersaFine Stamp Pads by Tsukineko!     From the [...]

Mod Podge One-Step Crackle Medium I am so excited to be giving you my very first review here on CTD and I’m elated to be a part of this amazing team. Hi everyone, Erika Taylor here today with a review of the Mod Podge one-Step Crackle Medium. Being a medium junkie, when I received this [...]

It took me 33 years to make a paper crane without crying. Succeeding at origami requires both patience and precision, two skills that are not my forte. It also requires clear instruction, something that can be rare in the origami world. Ever try to use one of the patterns on the paper package? Inscrutable! Frustrating. [...]

Some of you may remember back at Winter CHA 2013 I picked Basic Grey’s new chipboard albums as one of my top product picks.  (Go take a look!)  I even mentioned that Knee Highs & Bow Ties are two of my favorite paper lines that debuted.  Both collections are very similar but Knee Highs is [...]

Do you avoid hand-writing or lettering in your journals or scrapbook pages because your writing goes up- or downhill? I do. And I’ve recently learned that while I “eyeball” alot, my eyes don’t seem to be on the level either! So I really enjoyed testing out the SliderWriter, a laser-level tool for calligraphers, paper crafters, [...]

I love resist techniques, and usually I use clear stamping ink and embossing powder to create a resist on my papercrafting projects. But I was really lazy pressed for time the other day in the studio and wondered if Mod Podge Gloss formula would give me the same effect. Wanna see the video? {{Spoiler- YES [...]

I’ve already had a wonderful time review Helmar’s 450 Quick Dry Adhesive as well as their Acid Free Glue; reviewing their Zapdots and Scrap Dots was no exception.  I always have my eye out for good adhesives and Helmar proves itself time and again. Zapdots are 3D double-sided adhesive squares that are acid-free.  They come [...]

I love paper crafting.  That should not be a secret around here by now.  I was thrilled to be sent the Perfect Pearls Mists by Ranger to test drive.  Lets start with what the website has to say about this product: The palette of Perfect Pearls Powders is now available in a fine mist spray! [...]

  From the website: Roll out long patterns to create elegant and festive borders. Use multiple rows to create backgrounds for scrapbook pages and cards. Even make your own gift wrapping paper. The self-inking stamp cartridge allows you to apply the pattern without having to stop and use a blotter. Just roll it on! The pattern cartridge [...]

Paper trimmers are an essential tool for any cardmaker, memory keeper or mixed-media artist. And a sturdy, reliable trimmer that handles both delicate papers and thick substraits with precision is at the top of my wish-list, at least. Enter the ProCision Rotary Bypass Paper Trimmer by Fiskars: a semi-pro tool that can handle a variety [...]

Sometimes a new crafting tool hits the market and it dazzles us with it’s smart design. The new Envelope Punch Board from We R Memory Keepers is one such tool. Even before it’s official debut at CHA Winter 2013, it was generating quite a buzz! While at the trade show, I taped this quick demo. [...]

Glue sticks are glue sticks are glue sticks, right? Not if we’re talking about the Xyron Glue Stick for Corners. A better design makes this glue stick the bee’s knees!   Here’s how it’s described on the website: This unique, patent pending Glue Stick is designed specifically for corners and to work great anywhere you [...]

Ever wonder just what Dreamweaver embossing paste is for? Ever hope that there were different  products to use with the same result? Ever want to see a demo in real time and get some good tips? Well, this is the post for you! I have created this 10-minute mini masterclass to get you started!   [...]

Hello and Happy Holidays crafters! I know we’re all rushing to finish those last minute handmade gifts and cards!  (I know I am!)  What perfect timing for a quick-dry adhesive review by the fabulous people over at Helmar!  Adhesive is one of those main staples that every crafter needs.  I was so impressed with their [...]

I really enjoy adding texture and patterns to my mixed-media projects- and Melt Art Texture Treads from Ranger Industries does just that. While they were designed to be used with UTEE (ultra thick embossing enamels,) they can be used on so much more. Let’s take a look! Here’s how they are described on the Ranger [...]

A few weeks ago the Martha Stewart Circle Edge Punch went live on HSN, and almost immediately I started getting questions about where folks could find the pattern for the paper angel embellishment that was shown on a gift bag. I searched, but couldn’t find a pattern. So I made my own to share with [...]

I was sent the Husking Hoops and Loops kit from Quilled Creations to review.  I will tell you all right now that I am a husking and quilled paper novice.  But I have wanted to try my hand at it for so long.  I eagerly jumped right into my kit. The Quilled Creations website states: [...]

American Crafts has been a staple in the paper crafting industry for years.  I always look forward to their new paper releases in bright colors and versatile patterns.  They have the cutest matching embellishments and fantastic booths at CHA. I’ve also been a fan of their broad range of markers and writing tools over the [...]

I really love Mod Podge Dimensional Magic and use it frequently to add a glossy top coat to my projects. How excited was I to find out that there are now new formulations that have gold an silver glitter in the bottle? (Yes, I know you can just add it, but why not use it [...]

One of the products at CHA Summer that really made me happy was the Plus Decoration Touch n Slide Pens. If rub-ons and adhesive tape runners had a baby, this would be it. Fun designs on a clear background with an easy-peasy pen dispenser. Let’s get started! Description: With Plus Decoration Touch n Slide Pens it’s fun [...]

Every crafter has their “idols.”  You all know of my undying love for all things Tim Holtz.  And in my creative Bible, if Tim is God, then Heidi Swapp is definitely my crafty Jesus. (Jennifer McGuire is my Holy Spirit of inspiration.)   I have always enjoyed seeing Heidi’s clean, happy and identifiable style.  I’ve also [...]

Next up in our testing of the new Mod Podge formulas is Brushstroke Mod Podge.  The Plaid website indicates that: Mod Podge ® Brushstroke creates a highly textured finish that resembles hand painting. Apply over posters, prints or to decoupaged canvas projects for an artistic look that’s an affordable alternative to genuine painted wall art. [...]

I was super excited when Jenny took me to the Helmar booth at Summer CHA in July.  I had followed their design team‘s amazing creativity and inspiration over the years and was ecstatic to test some of their many, many adhesive products!  Today I’m trying out Helmar Acid Free Glue.   Helmar describes this as, [...]

The original Mod Podge formula may very well be the king of crafting adhesives.  I personally reach for it first when I need an adhesive.  The folks at Plaid have been coming out with new and exciting formulas.  Let’s put the new Antique Matte version to the test. The Plaid website simply states “Give your [...]

Just when you think there are no more innovations to manual die cut machines (Bigger sizes? Check. Electric Motors? Check.) Fiskars comes out with the Fuse Creativity System- which is able to die cut and letterpress in one pass. WHOA, NELLY! So there is a LOT of ground to cover here- and I warn ya, [...]

In an effort to make cards and other papercrafts even more interactive, now there is a way to add scent to your embossing with Scentz by Color Box of Clearsnap. I picked these up at my local scrapbooking store and couldn’t wait to try them out and see how they smelled! First, though, here’s how [...]

If you like to journal or scrapbook, having a great white gel pen is really handy to have. A nice white line on a dark background can have a LOT of impact and “pop!” But which white gel pen really delivers?? I was on a quest to find out and today I’m sharing my results [...]

I love stamping, and have quite the collection of both wood-mount and clear stamps. But after a while, you kind of get tired looking at the same images and get bored with them. But this new system – Stamping Gear by Inkadinkado from EK Success- will breath new life into your stamping. It’s got my [...]

Adhesives are one of a crafter’s best friends- we need glues for everything from paper to fabric and everything in between! Liquid Fusion from Aleene’s claims to be 2 ounces of “pure muscle” by the description on their site.  Let’s put that claim to the test. The description straight from their site is as follows: [...]