Recommended Supplies for Cutting Machine Crafts, Paper Flowers & Paper Cutting

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I'm often asked about the products used in making the paper flowers and other cutting machine crafts seen on this site and on the @esppaper Instagram feed. Check out my curated Amazon shopping list featuring the tools and supplies I use. And here are a few of my favorite things with source links in case you'd like to give them a try.

Scotch Quick-Drying Tacky Glue - This glue works as promised and drys quick! Just a small dab will hold small pieces together and dry in just a few minutes. I also like to apply this to the back of rolled flower centers to keep the roll in place. Just spread a layer over the entire back. This type of application takes longer to dry, but holds strong.

PanPastel Soft Pastels - These are very soft pastels that come in a flat tub — similar to blush. And it turns out that cosmetic sponges are a really great way to apply the color. They blend well and can be worked to fade the color and create a gradient — a nice way to create color that starts at the base of petals and fades to the edge. PanPastels work well on both crepe paper and card stock.

Ranger Alcohol Ink - Alcohol ink is a brightly pigmented dye that can be used with crepe paper and card stock. It's also a great way to dye white cloth-wrapped floral wire to create custom stem colors. Learn more about using alcohol ink. Browse alcohol ink on Blick.

Silhouette Cameo - My first cutting machine is from Silhouette America. I used this machine 8 years before upgrade! And I've cut A LOT with it. The new machines are a little fancier and cut larger paper, depending on the version you get. Although I love my Silhouette, my most recent upgrade is a Cricut Maker since so many of my customers use a Cricut machine.

Burnishing Tool Set - Each double-ended stylus has a round metal tip that can be used to emboss lines and add other textures to paper projects. This inexpensive, 5-piece set provides a nice variety of point sizes. Buy on Amazon

Quilling Tool Set - Although these simple tools are not a must-have, they make it much easier to start small rolled flower centers. Plus, you can try your hand at a little paper quilling, too! This purple 5-piece set is the exact one that I use. These are the quilling tools you'll see in Especially Paper videos and photos. Buy on Amazon

Bone Folder - A tool traditionally used in book binding, a bone folder works great for curling paper and scoring folds. I have multiple in my studio, but this one from Books by Hand is my newest.