13 BEST Card Making Supplies: You'll WISH You Got Sooner!

Written by: Dalia Abdalla

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Time to read 10 min

Our Top Picks For The Best Card Making Supplies


Hey there, fellow card-making enthusiasts! As someone who's spent countless hours experimenting, crafting, and occasionally making a mess (oops!), I know that the right card-making supplies can be a game-changer. Having the right tools at your disposal can turn your creative visions into tangible, heartfelt cards. So, from one DIY card lover to another, let's chat about some of the best card making supplies that have been tried, tested, and proven to take your card-making journey to the next level.

1. Die-Cutting Machine


If there's one tool that's been an absolute essential in my card-making journey, it's the trusty die-cutting machine. I can't even begin to count the times it's saved me from hand-cutting intricate shapes or designs. Whether it's creating beautiful frames, adding intricate details, or just giving your cards that professional finish, a die-cutting machine is like the card maker's secret weapon. It's not just a time-saver; it's a creativity booster, and I wouldn't want to craft without it.

  • Dimensions: 14 x 8 x 6.5 inches
  • Operation Mode: Automatic
  • Material Compatibility: Vinyl, Paper, Plastic, Metal
  • Special Features: Extra pressure, pause, and reverse options for precise cuts

  • Included Accessories: Clear Cutting Platform x 2, Metal Cutting Platform, Magnetic Shim, Plastic Shim, Rubber Embossing Mat, 1 x 3D Embossing Folder, 1 x Multi Media Metal Die, 3 x Papercraft Metal Dies
  • Suitable for: Scrapbooking, Card Making, Crafting
  • Weight: Approximately 19 pounds 

2. Paper Trimmer


Let's talk about a card-making hero – the paper trimmer. It might not be the flashiest tool in the craft room, but trust me, it's an absolute must-have. From getting those clean, precise edges to ensuring your cards are perfectly sized, this little guy has been my go-to for as long as I can remember. No more wonky cuts or uneven cards – a good paper trimmer keeps things neat and simple.

  • Blade Length: 15 inches
  • Maximum Paper Capacity: 10 sheets of 20-pound paper
  • Blade Type: Guillotine-style self-sharpening steel blade

  • Weight: 2.9 pounds
  • Additional Features: Guardrail to keep fingers safe, secure trimmer arm when not in use
  • Material: Durable plastic base with gridlines and ruler markings (inches and cm)
  • Dimensions: 23.5 x 13.5 x 2.5 inches

3. Hot Foil Stamping Machine


Now, I'll admit, it's not something every beginner dives into right away, but once you get the hang of it, there's no turning back. I remember when I first started using one; it felt like adding a touch of magic to my cards. The ability to effortlessly imprint shiny, metallic designs and text onto paper is a game-changer. 

  • Easy to Use: The system comes with clear instructions, making it user-friendly even for beginners. Simply heat the platform, place the chosen foil plate, and run it through your die-cutting machine.

  • Wide Compatibility: While it's designed for Spellbinders machines, it's also compatible with other die-cutting machines, such as Sizzix, Tim Holtz Vagabond, and more, that have at least a 6" wide platform and accept steel-rule dies.

  • Variety of Foil Colors: You can choose from a wide range of foil colors, allowing you to customize your projects with different shades and effects.

  • Included Accessories: The package includes essential accessories like a Magnetic Pick-up Tool, Heat Resistant Acrylic Spacer Pad, Acrylic Plate, Silicone Cooling Pad, and two Starter Foil Rolls in Gold and Rainbow colors. 

4. Blending Brushes


You know, there's this unsung hero I've come to rely on – blending brushes. They may not grab the spotlight, but they sure make a difference. Back when I started crafting, achieving those seamless, smooth ink blends felt like a puzzle. That's where blending brushes entered the scene. With a bit of practice, they've helped me create those beautiful gradients and shading that elevate my cards.

  • High-Quality Bristles: The brushes are made with high-quality, fine bristles that hold their shape, ensuring durability and long-lasting use.

  • Smooth and Even Applications: The ultra-fine tapered tips of the brushes ensure smooth and even applications of various media, including liquids and powders.

  • Versatile Usage: These brushes have manmade bristles that can be used with a variety of media, making them versatile tools for different crafting and art projects. 

5. Clear Stamps


Something you'll often find on my crafting table are clear stamps. They're a real workhorse. They've been my go-to for adding crisp, precise images and messages to my cards. They've been a reliable part of my card-making toolkit, simplifying the process and helping me create cards that speak straight from the heart. So, if you're looking for an essential ally in your card-making journey, clear stamps are a must-have.

  • Ease of Use: These clear stamps are easy to use. Just apply ink to the stamp and then press it onto paper or cardstock. Wait a few minutes for it to air-dry.

  • Transparent Design: Each small stamp is transparent, allowing you to see exactly where you're placing it on your project.

  • Versatile: These stamps are suitable for various crafting projects, including card making, decoration, and scrapbooking.

  • Holiday and Gift Tag Use: Perfect for creating holiday cards and gift tags with a wide array of designs and themes. 

6. Ink Pad Sets


Ink pad sets are an absolute essential for anyone into card making, and I say this from personal experience. These sets have become a staple in my crafting toolbox. They offer a wide range of colors, making it effortless to find just the right shade for your project. The ink quality is superb, ensuring your designs come out crisp and vibrant. So, if you're eager to enhance your card making skills, make sure to have a collection of high-quality ink pad sets on hand.

  • Vibrant Colors: The ink pads come in multiple colors, including Red, Black, Dark blue, Purple, Dark green, Light green, Light blue, Gold, Silver, Yellow, Pink, and Orange. These vibrant colors allow you to add life and vibrancy to your creations.

  • Waterproof: Once the ink is dry on paper, it becomes waterproof, ensuring that your designs and artwork remain intact even if they come in contact with moisture.

  • Verified Quality: Each item is verified by transparency and comes with a unique code that is verified before shipping, ensuring quality assurance.

  • Cost-Effective: Buying these ink pads in a pack of 15 provides cost savings compared to purchasing them individually. 

7. Alphabet Letter Stickers


Alphabet Stickers simplify the process of adding personalized text to your cards, saving you time and effort. With a variety of fonts and sizes available, you can easily match the style of your message to your card's design.

  • Each package includes 800 pieces of letter stickers across 10 sheets.
  • It contains 260 pieces of capital letters, 260 pieces of lowercase letters, 100 numbers, and 180 signs.

  1. Proper Size: Each sheet measures approximately 20.5 x 22 cm (8.25 x 8.75 inches), and the individual letters, numbers, and signs have suitable heights ranging from 0.59 to 0.98 inches. This versatility allows you to use them for various purposes.

  2. Glitter Design: The stickers feature a glitter design with various styles, including capital and lowercase letters, numbers, stars, signs, hearts, and more. This variety allows for creative and eye-catching decoration. 

8. Hot Foil Plate


Hot foil plates are a card maker's secret weapon that I've come to rely on in my own crafting journey. These handy tools add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your cards effortlessly. With a simple process, you can achieve stunning metallic foiled designs that instantly elevate your creations. Whether you're making greeting cards for loved ones or special occasions, hot foil plates make it easy to add that extra flair. 

  • Versatile Foiling: This hot foil plate is versatile and can be used for various foiling techniques. It can be used to foil the negative spaces of leftover foil from previous projects, add hot foil to die-cut pieces, or create custom hot foil cardstock.

  • High-Quality Foiling: The plate is designed for high-quality foiling results, ensuring that your foiled projects turn out beautifully. 

  • Size Compatibility: The plate measures 4.5 x 5.75 inches, making it suitable for accommodating hot foil plates up to A2 size (A2 size measures 4.25 x 5.5 inches). This size compatibility ensures you can work with a range of foiling projects.

9. Die Cuts + Layering Stencils


Die cuts and stencils are fundamental for adding decorative shapes and patterns to your scrapbook layouts. They offer versatility and creativity, allowing you to use them for backgrounds, borders, and embellishments, ultimately enhancing the visual appeal of your pages.

  • Detailed and Realistic: The stamps have been designed with great attention to detail, allowing you to create realistic and 3D effect flowers with ease.

  • Layering Effect: The bundle is designed for layering, where you can first stamp the flower outline, add color using the coordinating coloring stencil, and then use the dies to cut out the flower shape, resulting in beautifully layered designs.

  • Wide Range of DIY Uses: This set is versatile and can be used for various DIY projects, including card making, album crafting, postcards, letters, and other delicate art and crafts projects. It's also suitable for decorating theme cards to be attached to gifts. 

10. Patterned Paper


Patterned paper is a staple in scrapbooking as it adds visual interest and thematic elements to your pages. It serves as a fundamental element for creating appealing designs and setting the tone for your scrapbook's overall theme and style.


  • Versatility Meets Elegance: This scrapbook paper pad is versatile and elegant, featuring 24 double-sided 12x12" sheets with 24 unique designs. It's perfect for scrapbooking, card making, and other paper crafts.

  • Premium Quality: The cardstock is acid and lignin-free, ensuring the longevity and preservation of your creations. With a weight of 170gsm / 65lb (cover), it provides durability and a high-quality feel to your projects.

  • A Sea of Possibilities: You can use this floral-themed paper stack for a wide range of creative projects, including albums, journals, greeting cards, tags, scrapbook layouts, DIY boxes, and mixed media projects. The variety of designs allows for endless creativity. 

11. Craft Knife and Cutting Mat


The craft knife and cutting mat are your dynamic duo for precision cutting in the world of scrapbooking. The craft knife, equipped with a sharp, replaceable blade, allows you to make intricate cuts, trim photos, and create delicate paper art with utmost accuracy. The accompanying cutting mat serves as both a protective surface for your work area and a precise cutting guide. It not only ensures safety by preventing cuts to your tabletop but also extends the life of your craft knife blades. Together, these tools empower you to cut paper, cardstock, and other materials with finesse, making them indispensable for achieving detailed and professional-looking scrapbook layouts. 

  • Contents: Includes a 45mm rotary cutter, 5 extra blades, A2 self-healing cutting mat, 4 x 18 inch quilting ruler, #11 craft knife, 10 replacement blades, and 20 sewing clips.

  • Rotary Cutter Features: Ergonomic design, safety button, suitable for both right and left-handed users, high-quality SKS-7 steel blades.

  • Self-Healing Cutting Mat: A2 size (22" x 16"), 3mm thickness, grid print on both sides (Imperial and Metric), protects tabletops.

  • Craft Knife: Slim, angled edge, comes with 10 replacement blades.

  • Quilting Ruler: Clear with pink marker lines, ideal for quilting, sewing, and crafting. 

12. Embellishments


Buttons, ribbons, stickers, and charms to add flair to your pages. Embellishments are the jewels of your scrapbook, transforming ordinary pages into captivating works of art. Whether you want to evoke nostalgia with vintage buttons, add a touch of elegance with ribbons, or inject whimsy with colorful stickers, embellishments elevate your layouts. They allow you to tailor your designs to suit your memories, making every page a unique reflection of your creativity and sentiment 

Get Inspired! These Scrapbooker's Used their Embellishments to Create Beautiful Cards

13. Embossing Tools

 

Add texture and dimension to your pages. Embossing tools are your secret weapon for elevating your scrapbook pages from ordinary to extraordinary. They allow you to add texture and dimension, creating raised patterns and designs that beg to be touched. Whether you want to replicate the feel of intricate lace or add a tactile element to your pages, embossing tools give your layouts a sensory quality that makes them truly unique.

What is the best material for making cards?

Cardstock is a popular choice for making cards due to its sturdiness and versatility.

What should I use to make a homemade card?

You can use cardstock, decorative paper, embellishments, adhesives, and other craft supplies to make homemade cards.

What cardstock is best for card making?

The best cardstock for card making depends on your project, but 80-110 lb (216-300 gsm) cardstock is a common choice for standard cards.

What materials are needed for cardmaking?

Common materials include cardstock, decorative paper, adhesives, cutting tools, embellishments, stamps, ink, markers, and envelopes.

Are handmade cards better?

Handmade cards offer a personal and customized touch, making them special for recipients. They can be considered better for conveying personal sentiments.

What is the best thickness for card making?

Standard cardstock thickness is 80-110 lb (216-300 gsm), but thicker cardstock can be used for more substantial cards.

What is the best paper for homemade greeting cards?

The best paper for homemade greeting cards depends on your design and style. Cardstock, specialty papers, and decorative patterned paper are common choices.

What is the best paper for card making?

Cardstock is a commonly used paper for card making due to its durability and range of finishes. Specialty papers and decorative paper can also be great choices for adding texture and visual interest to cards.

Modern Pink Paper Author - Dalia Abdalla

Dalia Abdalla

Owner & Head Designer, Modern Pink Paper

Dalia is the creative force behind Modern Pink Paper. With a keen eye for detail and a love for all things stationery, she embarked on this journey to provide personalized stationery solutions. When she's not crafting beautiful paper creations, Dalia is sharing her insights and inspirations on this blog, ensuring that her readers always have a touch of beauty and creativity in their lives.