The TOOLS I use as a textile plant artist.
Below is a list of what I am currently using and why I love it.
CLICK ON THE PRODUCT NAME for image, pricing, and further info.
GLUE GUNS:
SUREBONDER MINI GLUE GUN
Why do I love it? It has a fine tip for detail work (the glue doesn't come out too fast), a long cord for plugging in behind a table, an on and off switch, a reliable stand, and it fits comfortable in my hand. NOTE: There is a new "cordless" version of this glue gun but I have not tried it yet.
SUREBONDER GLUE STICKS
Why do I love it? These glue sticks are the same brand as the glue gun I use, and while there are off brands you can buy to save a little money I prefer these. They are consistent and never give me issues. They have no odor, heat up quickly, and dry clear with no yellow-ish color.
SCISSORS:
GINGHER DRESS MAKER 7" SCISSORS
Why do I love it? High quality, sturdy, and cut like a dream. They also are not the full size of a large scissor and are easier to control becasue of that. They don't feel too heavy or get in the way. They also last FOREVER, so it's worth the initial investment.
OLFA 5" STRAIGHT EDGE SCISSORS
Why do I love it? These are great for when I need a smaller pair of scissors but they can also do the job of larger scissors. I find myself switching to these when my hands need a break or when I don't want to use the scissors below.
FISKARS MICRO-TIP PRECISION SCISSORS
Why do I love it? These are a MUST for tight, small, tricky, and intricate cutting. They are also very comfortable. I don't use them all of the time, only when my other scissors can't get the job done.
QUICK NOTE ABOUT SCISSORS: The above scissors have been my go-to for years, but there might be better options. I haven't taken the time to try other brands, styles, etc. THIS WILL BE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT (and most used) TOOL... so be selective and do some research if you need to.
PINKING SHEARS with COMFORT GRIPS
Why do I love it? These are not the exact pinking shears I use, in fact I have no idea where I got mine. I only use them occasionally. But when I do they are exactly what I need, I use them for creating a detailed edge to leaves or tiny flowers.
SCALLOPED EDGE PINKING SHEARS (3mm)
Why do I love it? These are a new buy for me this year (2025) and I love them. They have 4-5 different sizes and I went with 3mm. A 5mm size would be closer to traditional pinking shear size; as in the scallop being similar in size to the zig zag. I use them for the same reasons as my regular pinking shears.
ROTARY CUTTERS, MATS, & RULERS:
OLFA DELUXE ROTARY CUTTER 45mm
FISKARS SELF HEALING CUTTING MAT
OMNIGRIP NON SLIP RULER (2.5 x 18 inch)
Why do I love it? The three tools above all work together. The rotary cutter allows me to cut up large pieces of felt fabric quickly and precisely. The cutting mat protects my work area and also provides measurement guides. The ruler provides measurements as well and gives the rotary blade a straight edge to cut against. Together these tools provide a system that helps me streamline the process of preparing my felt fabric for hand cutting, die cutting, or laser cutting.
OTHER HELPFUL TOOLS:
MINI SEWING CLIPS
Why do I love it? These clips are inexpensive and very helpful. Anytime I need to glue, fold, and then HOLD a felt leaf or petal these do that for me. It saves me time and effort.
SEWING MACHINE TWEEZERS
Why do I love it? I use these for re-shaping the centers of felt flowers and pulling off annoying glue strings. If I can't reach or grab it with my fingers these does the trick.
WIRE CUTTERS AND PLIERS
Why do I love it? These are only necessary when I attach felt flowers and plants to wire. The cutters easily trim floral wires to the size I need and the pliers allow me to manipulate the wire. These are "jewelry" tools so they are made smaller than other pliers and cutters and I like that.
GYPSY QUILTER FREEZER PAPER
Why do I love it? I use several approaches for cutting out my felt shapes; die cutting, laser cutting, and cutting by hand with scissors only. This tool or rather material is for hand cutting. I use it with SVG file templates that I've drawn in Adobe Illustrator. It allows me to stick with my hand cutting approach but gives me a guide for more intricate shapes, or shapes I want to get precise.
HEAT TOOLS:
CLOVER MINI IRON II - The Adapter Set
Why do I love it? This is another new tool for me this year in 2025. I've used it a few times and see a lot of potential. It uses heat similar to a traditional iron or curling iron and allows for adding folds, creases, curves, ets. to fabric. This requires a bit of further instruction and I don't yet have a tutorial for that. In the meantime checkout this awesome youtube video.
WAVYTALK 3/10" SMALL FLAT IRON
Why do I love it? This super skinny flat iron is another excellent heat tool. The way I use this is similar to how I would if I used it for my hair. I curl, straighten, smooth out, etc. my felt fabric and it works like a charm. I've used wider flat irons in the past and they are great as well but they don't have the ability to get into small areas for more detailed work.
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