Creative Tools

Tools dictate how a project will come together in the end. Of course, it depends on what project you are working on but here are some tools that I personally love to use for almost all of my projects.

• Adobe Photoshop

• Adobe Illustrator

• X-Acto knives

• Double sided tape

There are so many design tricks that can be done in the Adobe programs. Don’t let the tools intimidate you. If crafting, you will only need to get familiar with the basic tools, (which I will go into detail on a later date). Most of the Adobe software programs use the same tools across programs. Whether or not you are a novice designer or a top-notch designer, these programs have so much to offer. I suggest that if you are to be doing any crafting or designing, to get a copy of these two programs or join Adobe CC. Don’t worry about not having experience on the programs just yet. Luckily, we now live in an age where knowledge is abundant on the internet. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube and plenty of design sites and magazines that are willing to walk you through steps of the basic tools of the programs.

X-Acto knives! I cannot survive without them. From cutting paper and photos the correct dimensions, to scoring folds and even opening hard-to-open packages, these things will save the day. Just make sure to buy plenty of blades to replace when dull.

I cannot stress enough the importance of a good double-sided tape. I found that my favorite is the Hobby Lobby branded Sticky Thumb tape. It is amazingly strong and durable. Double sided tape allows you to glue a multitude of

projects together without the unsightly globs of glue and mess. As a rule of thumb, I try not to use much glue or otherwise wet adhesives as they tend to leave behind residues and can quickly make a project look unprofessional.

What tools and software do you use? Have a favorite glue or adhesive? Have a question regarding Photoshop or Illustrator? Leave a comment, I’d like to help if possible.