Paper Crafting

Tools & Supplies

Cutting tools:   scissors, utility knives, precision knives, hole punches 

Adhesives:  hot glue, craft glue, glue sticks, masking tape, duct tape, velcro

Fasteners: staples, paper clips, round head fasteners

Modeling:  non-hardening clay (colors), molding clay (brown), pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, toothpicks

Marking: thick and thin Sharpies, water-based markers, grease pencils, chalk

Drawing: fine drawing pencils (lead and colored)

Materials:  drafting paper, printer paper, drawing paper, scrap fabric

Access

All the resources on the Paper & Clay bench are available for use in Design Lab 1 during open hours.  

Cutting Tips

Please consider using protective gloves whenever you use a knife or cutter.  You'll find them on the pegboard above the knives.

Always use a cutting mat.

To protect work surfaces for yourself and others, please use a mat whenever you use a knife or cutter. You'll find many sizes available on the benches and work tables in DL1.  

Choose the best knife for your project

• Foldable utility knife:  for cardboard, foam, foam board, leather and thicker fabrics

• Precision knife:  for card stock, graph paper, fine paper, and thinner fabric

• Adjustable circle cutter: for paper, cardstock, cloth, acetate or thin leather 

• Rotary knife:  for fabric only

Cut away from you

Always point the blade away from yourself and check that the path you intend to cut is clear. 

Hold guides and materials with care

Develop a habit of checking the obvious before you begin any cut.  Make sure that the material is held fast, and that your fingers are not in the path of the blade. Watch the blade as you’re cutting at all times.

Handle knives and blades safely when not cutting

• Never attempt to catch a falling knife. Instead, move out of the way and let it fall to the ground.

• When sharing a knife, always hand it to your partner handle first. 

• Return knives to their appropriate bins when you're finished with them.  Check that retractable or folding blades are fully closed and locked.  

• Deposit used blades in the sharps container, located on the bench next to the utility knives. 

If an accident happens

• Alert a staff member.  If no one is in the room, press the call button on the consultant's desk.  A DMC staff person will come to DL1 as quickly as possible. 

• The First Aid kit on the pegboard above the knives contains sanitary wipes, bandaids and bandages.

More Tips

How to Cut Foam Board for a Clean Finish

• Easy-to-follow instructions for a successful cut

Rotary Cutter Safety

• Simple tips from an experienced user

Use the Button Maker's adjustable circle cutter for 

• paper, cardstock, cloth, acetate or thin leather 

• use pre-set stops for five popular button sizes: 1", 1-1/2", 2-1/4", 3", 3-1/2"

• easily adjust the cutter to any special size for custom cuts

• see instructions on our Button Maker knowledge base page