Arts and Craft Tutorial
Tools:
Most of the tools that are listed here are only for the big projects but I have included tools that aren't really necessary but can be used. Just because a tool is listed here doesn't mean that you HAVE to use them when using the tutorial. It's just here to make it easier on yourself
Origami:
Bone Folders:
These are used to make creases when making cards, origami, etc. This tool isn't really necessary seeing as how your finger nails or any other hard object will work just as well. The only reason that I use it sometimes is because my fingernails get sore from making so many creases.
You can probably find these in your local craft store in either the origami section or the card making section.
Paper Cutters:
These are used to cut papers into squares. Unfortunately with this kind of thing you are only able to cut one size of paper. Once again not neccesary to make origami. This is what I would use if got tired of cutting paper the old fasion way.
I doubt that these things are available in your local craft store but you can definetly order them online.
Big Projects/Props
Exacto Knife/Blades:
If you want to make a big project like the paper sword, having a good cutting tool is essential to making it. I am not talking about a pair of good scissors. That will not cut through the paper at all. Not only will it be difficult to cut through it will also dull your blade very quickly. Once again USE AN EXACTO KNIFE. Also while there are many types of blades that can be used the normal one (the blade in the picture) is probably the best one to use in my opinion. But if you buy a blade with the other types of blades go ahead and experiment and see which blade works best for you.
Don't worry if the blades are oily because that is used to prevent rust on the blade. Don't wipe the blade off unless you plan on using it.
These can be bought from your local craft store around the card section. Depending on the brand and type of knife the price can range from $5 to over $15. The ones that I have were around $9 to $12 not including the refills.
Hot Glue Gun:
A hot glue gun is absolutely neccesary for big projects. Not only will it strengthen your build, its just handy to have. There are many brands, sizes and types of glue guns.
There are three different types of glue guns, high temp, low temp, and multi temp. Just like their names explain these these guns all heat up to different temperatures. High temp hot glue guns take high temp glue sticks, low temp glue guns take low temp glue sticks, and multi temp glue guns can take either or.
There are also different sized hot glue guns. The smaller hot glue guns are best for small detailed work while the bigger ones are able to apply more glue. The size doesn't really matter but smaller guns need to be realoaded more often. Think about the thing that you want to make and decide what kind of gun would be best for you.
These can be found at your local craft store in the glue section. Depending on the size and the type of gun their price can range from $3 to $12+.
Ruler or Yard Stick:
If you are one of the people who can't stand it when a line isnt completely straight or one side is bigger than the other, use a ruler. Normally I'd say any kind of ruler would be okay but since we are using them to make big things and using them with exacto knives I'll just say this now. METAL RULERS ONLY!!!
If you use a plastic or wood ruler with an exacto knife, especially a new one I can almost guarantee that you will at one point nick or straight up cut the ruler. Not only will this seriously dull your blade and ruin your ruler, there is a safety hazzard. There is a chance that if it cuts the ruler it will cut your hand thats holding the ruler steady. This is not a joke, a new blade can easily cut through rubber and wood with enough force.
Cutting Mat:
This is just to protect your floor or table from getting marks from the exacto knife. This isn't completely necessary if you dont care about the marks and nicks on your work surface. But other thick materials like cardboard is a cheaper alternative if you don't feel like buying a cutting board.
Dremel/Rotary Tool:
This NOT necessary for big projects. This is only needed for cutting through things like acrylic sheets, pvc, etc. This tool can also be used for beveling material if the exacto knife isnt working. These things arent cheap and can be difficult to use if you aren't familiar with them. I will try to avoid using a dremel tool and try to stick with exacto knives if possible.
Heat Gun:
This is NOT neccesary for big projects. This is only needed for heat treating and shaping foam, or softening or bending pvc, acrylic sheet, etc. These can cost from $20 - $100+ depending on the quality, brand, and type of heat gun. There are multiple different types of heat guns that can attain many different temperatures.
Paint Brushes:
This is only necessary if you want to hand paint your props. Another option would be to spray paint, but to do that you would need a respirator mask and have to do it outside. With paint brushes there are more painting tecniques that you can use but it will take longer to paint and dry. Or you could just not paint it at all.
For my props I have some cheap paint brushes that I got from Ben Franklin that tend to work. I'd recommend getting multiple paint brushes with different types of tips and sizes. Some paint brushes will work better for some things than others. I currently own a couple of different sized round and flat brushes.