I’ve just spent the last three days at the Inky Fingers Crafting Weekend retreat. My 16 year-old daughter came with me and we loaded up the back of my Forester with all manner of paper-crafting supplies. When I say loaded up, what I’m really saying is stuffed to the brim. We had to get a baggage cart to bring it all in to the hotel.

Not all crafting events require a trunkful of supplies though. That’s why I’ve created my own On-the-go Tool Box that packs tightly into one of Stampin’ Up’s wide stamp storage cases to use when I attend smaller workshops where most everything else is supplied.

Here’s a picture of what is stored in my tool box:

1. Acrylic stamp block
   I prefer Stampin’ Up’s Clear Block D. It measures 2-7/8″ x 2-11/16″ and doesn’t take up a lot of room in the case. I’ve found that it fits most stamps I use. I also love how the block is grooved on the sides for easy gripping.
2. Double-sided Tape
   Most people prefer a certain type of adhesive: glue, tape runner, glue dots. Some people love tape runners and are very adept at using them. Tape runners will also fit perfectly in your tool box. I, however, use double-sided Scotch tape, mainly because I’m about as coordinated at using a tape runner as I am at tying a bow (you won’t see a lot of bows on the cards I design). Stampin’ Up recently introduced two new tape runners, Stamp ‘n Seal and Stamp ‘n Seal+. I’ve used these a few times now with success, meaning that I didn’t end up with sticky fingers and a roll of unwound tape that I can’t roll back into the applicator. I have to use up my supply of Scotch tape before I fully commit to them though.
3. Glue Dots
   Glue dots are great for sticking down tiny things. Paper Pumpkin kits come with more than enough glue dots to finish the projects you make so I have oodles of sheets of them. You can also order a roll of glue dots from Stampin’ Up or find other versions at your local craft store.
4. Stampin’ Dimensionals and Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals, also known as “foam popper upper thingies”
   The purpose of Dimensionals is to do exactly what is in the name. They give your projects dimension by lifting elements off the card base. You can also find adhesive foam squares at your local craft store.
5. Paper Scissor Snips
   The purpose of scissor snips it to precisely cut out small things. Mine are Cutterbees, but Stampin’ Up also sells a nice pair.
6. Bone Folder
   Bone folders smooth down the creases in your cards; allowing them to lie flatter. In my experience, most bone folders are created equal. You can buy a a bone folder from Stampin’ Up and most local craft stores also sell them.
7. Pen & Sharp Pencil
8. Take Your Pick tool
   The Take Your Pick tool is a paper-crafter’s dream multi-tool. One end has tacky putty end that easily picks up sequins, paper accents, and other small objects. The other end has 2 changeable, double-ended tips; one with a with paper piercer and mini spatula and the other with small stylus, and large stylus.
9. Water color painting pen
   A water color painting pen holds water for easy water color painting. Most of the time when I’m at a workshop where water coloring is required the host usually provides one of these. It is however nice to have your own so you don’t have to wait your turn to use the one provided. Stampin’ Up sells a set of three of these babies with varying brush thicknesses.
10. Tweezers!
    I love these reverse-action tweezers that I found on Amazon! Once you grab something, they hold on to the item even when you stop squeezing.