Wedding Blog

I’d have labeled myself a “DIY novice” before we got engaged. I’d always been interested in creative things, but I never really invested any time or energy into paper creativity before discovering Weddingbee. So, there were a TON of things that I had to buy to get going on my paper projects. Some tools were frivolous, but others, I couldn’t live without, and I wanted to share with you the tools that I bought (or, should have bought) and have gotten my money’s worth out of, 10 times over.

1. Paper cutter - If you know you’re gonna DIY your paper materials then this is the best buy, hands down. I already owned a paper cutter, the kind with the rotary blade (you suck I hate you), and I regret not buying a new one with a big chopping blade. A few months back, Mrs. Daffodil raved about her X-Acto 12″ Laser Paper Trimmer, and I think if I ever take on a big new paper project, I’m going to run out and buy one immediately.

2. Xyron 510 ATP (mine from Save-On-Crafts, $39.99) - Many swear by their Tombows, Zots, and more, but for full-page adhesion, I really liked Xyron. The anal side of me liked how none of the corners would lift after you adhered things with Xyron; this would have been virtually impossible with a roll-on adhesive. I liked switching between permanent and repositionable adhesive as well. I used both frequently, and it was a huge time saver. It’s definitely the pricier option as far as adhesives go, but buying refill cartridges online, versus buying them at Michaels, helped lessen the blow.

3. Gocco (mine from Northwood Studios, $185 for PG-5 starter kit) - This needs little explanation as to why it was essential to my paper printing endeavors, but if you’re looking to get a layered color print, or to print light ink on dark paper, look no further than the Gocco. My first venture out into the wide world of the wedding web was in search of a home method of printing white ink on grey paper, which lead me to Mrs. Lemon, who lead me to Gocco, and soon after, Weddingbee. You could say it changed our entire wedding! Had I not found it, I surely would have ordered my invitations.  Gocco gave our invitations a look that I felt was worlds better than inkjet/laser printing.

A Gocco Haiku:
Gocco warms my heart
Flash! Smells like death, burns my eyes
Printing Princess Peng

4. Corner rounder - I have this one:

Evil dagger eyes… all the pain you’ve caused me, shame on you!

I DO NOT recommend it. I’ve gotten painful blisters using it. Keep in mind, you’ll be rounding hundreds of corners if you choose to go this route, and a slightly bigger investment (we’re talking $5-10 more) will save you from a world of pain. If I had to buy another, I’d buy a sturdier model, such as this Fiskars Squeeze Punch Corner Rounder ($9.19 from createforless.com) where you use the leverage of your whole hand, rather than just your thumb, to make your punch. Just to note: I bought the punch that I own for $6. The better model is only $3 more!

Despite the pain, the corner rounder was a worthy investment. Corner rounding is a nice way to turn a simple homemade paper project into something a little more special.

5. Paper Source Envelope Template Kit (Paper Source, $15) - I bought these on a whim, not realizing that I’d never buy another envelope for a gift again. There are so many cool things you can make envelopes out of - recycled newspaper, wrapping paper, left over colored cardstock, old posters, magazines, and more. I consider it the wedding purchase I’ll use most now that the wedding is over!

What is the best tool you own and use for your wedding DIY endeavors that you can’t live without?

*Edit - the more I look at that X-acto laser paper trimmer, the more I turn green with envy that I don’t have one.  I’m gonna get one right now!