Absorbency:

The capacity a material has to take in water or other fluid

Acetate:

Transparent plastic film with a variety of uses, e. g behind apertures, either for shaker cards or to make embellishments appear to hang unsupported; for stamping or mounting outline stickers, so they can then be painted with glitter glues and glass paints.

Acid Free:

A term important to scrapbooking and other crafts which require material to last for a considerable number of years. Refers to products that are manufactured free of acid, thus preventing deterioration and discolouration of papers and photographs, for example, lasts four times as long as paper sized with acid, which is at risk of breaking down in 40 or 50 years.

Acid Migration:

This is the transfer of acid from an acidic material to either a less acidic or pH neutral material. Acid will always transfer to neutral and not the other way around. Migration will only occur when materials are in close contact with each other

Acrylic Block:

Clear block of acrylic which clear (polymer) self clinging rubber stamps are temporarily mounted on when stamping. The clear block allows you to see where you are stamping more easily.See our Stamping section for examples of product

Acrylic Paint:

A water based paint in which the binder contains acrylic resins.

Acrylic Ruler:

Clear acrylic with 2-color grid for precision measuring and detail cutting.

Adhesive:

Anything that sticks one material to another. Several common types of adhesive are photo stickers, Hermafix, glue dots or glue sticks, and unwanted relatives. See our Tools and essentials section for examples of product

Adirondack:

Water based dye ink from Ranger. Acid Free

Airbrush:

A compressed air tool that dispenses a fine mist of paint, ink or dye. Shaped like a pen. Used in illustration and re-touching photos, as well as in Crafts, to achieve a graduated tone effect.

Air Mail Paper:

Paper made in the lightest substance while still ensuring reasonable strength and a good surface, for reasons of postage costs. Generally produced in white, off-white or a pale blue, and usually below 40 grams per square metre. Some non-airmail lightweight bonds are still often known as airmail papers, also.

Alcohol Ink:

Alcohol Inks are permanent, fast drying, transparent, acid free dye inks specially formulated to create vibrant, polished stone look.  Can be used on glossy paper, dominoes, metal, foil, shrink plastic, glass and other slick surfaces and are particularly useful in the creation of Altered Art designs.

Altered Art:

Collaging, stamping, embellishing, and otherwise altering a found book to reflect an artistic idea or narrative.

Angel Company:

An angel company is one that will let you use their images (rubber stamps or graphics usually) to make a product that you intend to sell. They grant a limited license to sell things made with their images. Different companies usually have different rules for using their images so make sure you take the time to read all the rules!

Angel Hair:

Material made from the fusing of fine fibres. Used mainly as a backing material. Normally sold in sheets.

Antique Embossing:

Antique Embossing is a technique of creating an aged surface using rubber stamping materials.

Antiquing:

A more involved form of Distressing (qv) in which the Crafter works to create an antique appearance, such as using historical ink or paint colours and faux finishes. May require many steps.

Antistatic Pad:

Used to eliminate static and clean small particles. Swipe over the area to be cleaned.

Aperture Card:

Aperture card blanks were mainly used for cross stitch. Now they are widely used for Iris folding and many other techniques. pertures can be in all shapes & sizes.See our Card and paper section for examples of product

Appliqué:

A cut-out, or cut-outs, attached to a background to add an extra dimension or texture to a design. Appliqué images can be motifs, designs, ornaments, decorations, trimmings, carvings or similar, made separately, cut out then glued, sewn, embellished or otherwise fixed to the surface of another item or medium, such as fabric or jewellery (Appliqué is the French word for "applied").

Archival Ink:

As it's name suggests, this ink is perfect for archival projects due to it being acid free and fade resistant. This ink is also waterproof, quick drying and won't bleed and, because it's acid free, it won't damage papers and photographs

Archival Paper:

A paper with long-standing qualities, acid-free, lignin free and usually with good colour retention.

Archival quality:

This is a term used to indicate materials which have undergone laboratory analysis to determine their acidic and buffered content is within safe levels. In the case of printed items and hotographs, the ability of the images to retain their colour or blackness over long periods of time. In the case of paper, it is made with the intent of having an extended lifespan without discoloration or deterioration. Anything labelled archival should be acid free.

Artistamp:

An element of Mail Art: artificial postage used to decorate, made with rubber stamps or similar. Sometimes perforated to resemble postage stamps.

Artist's Book:

Usually a book made by an artist or Crafter to relay a message and/or define the individual’s work at that point in their life or career.

Artists’ Linen:

An un-pressed linen which serves as a background in embroidery and painting. Can also be used to mount and frame finished projects.

Assemblage:

Like a collage in 3-D: a sculpture or design formed with a variety of materials, sometimes also adding painting, drawing or photography.

ATC / Artist's Trading Card:

A mini project 2.5"x3.5" in size (the same as a playing card), created by artists and crafters to demonstrate their skills.  ATCs cannot be bought or sold, but must be swapped with other artists and crafters, preferably in face-to-face meetings.  ATCs can be flat or 3D, and can be originals or duplicates from a series - the artist should write their name, the date, and whether the work is a one-off on the back.

Basketry or Basketwork:

Making of baskets and other objects by weaving thin pliable strips of wood or another material.

Batik:

A method of dyeing a fabric by which the parts of the fabric not intended to be dyed are covered with removable wax, or a design created using this method. After the wax has been removed, the design appears in the original colour against the newly coloured background. Repeated waxing and dyeing results in colourful patterns. Lines typically found in batik are produced by cracking the hardened wax before applying the dye. Originated in Java, Indonesia and Malaya.

Beads:

Glass, wood, plastic, clay or ceramic 3 dimensional shapes with a hole through the centreSee our Needlecraft section for examples of product

Bible Paper (also known as India Paper):

Very thin printing papers, originally made specifically for bibles and prayer books but now also used for other commercial purposes where many pages are required with an overall low volume.

Blending:

A soft, gradual transition from one colour or tone to another.

Blockprint and Blockprinting:

Relief prints made from wood blocks. Oldest of all the relief processes, this was the universal means of illustrating books and magazines in the 19th century. See also Woodcut.

Blowpipe:

Used in glassblowing and other crafts, e.g. to move ink about on the surface of a liquid before transferring to cloth or paper.

Bone Folder:

A flat piece of bone or plastic, round at one end, pointed at the other. Used for scoring and folding paper.

Bookbinding:

The craft, skill and occupation of fastening loose leaves together to make a book.

Bradawl:

Tool used to punch or skewer holes into objects or materials.

Brads:

Brads are paper fasteners with two prongs at the back. They are available in a range of sizes, colours and shapes. See our Embellishments section for examples of product

Brayer:

A brayer is a soft rubber roller which is used to create backgrounds. For example, to achieve various stamping techniques, to roll over two pieces of paper to glue them together while smoothing out any air bubbles, to spread inks and paints on paper or stamps. The handle allows leverage and increased pressure. Tip: If you do not have a patterned brayer but wish to achieve different patterned effects you can tie various items (such as string, elastic bands, etc) around the brayer before using it.

Bristol:

A paper with a weight of 90 to 120 gsm, generally not as heavy as cardstock.

Brush Marker:

Water-based marking pen with a long, broad tip, for colouring in stamp images, or for colouring directly on to the stamp.

Brushless Watercolour:

The art of making watercolour pictures without using brushes. A rubber stamp is coloured (with ink or pens) and then the stamp is lightly spritzed with water before the image is stamped.

Buffered Paper:

During manufacturing, a buffering agent such as calcium carbonate or magnesium bicarbonate can be added to paper to neutralize acid contaminants. Such papers have a pH of 8.5.

Bugle Bead:

A tubular glass or plastic bead sewn onto clothing for decoration, used for trimming and card making.

Burnish:

To enhance a finish, and making it glossy, by polishing.

Button:

Come in many different shapes, styles and colours. There are also many buttons that are made specifically for scrapbooking. They are thin, flat and can be attached with fibers, thread or glue. See our Embellishments section for examples of product.

Calligraphy:

The art of producing beautiful or elegant handwriting. Artists devote years to refine their skills and utilize specialty nibs and inks to achieve the various styles of calligraphy. From the Greek calli (beauty) and graphos (writing). Nowadays, can be done by hand or machine.

Card:

Thick, stiff paper or thin cardboard.See our Card and paper section for examples of product

Card Making:

Creating greetings cards by hand: this is now a popular hobby among those who seek to be creative and achieve a worthwhile result without this necessarily proving too demanding in terms of heavy workload, outlay or artistic skill (although cardmaking accommodates these highly creative people, also); and who wish to produce something a little different for a special occasion, to express affection for another; or work to their own advantage in planning a wedding, for example (hand-crafting their own invitations, favours and the rest as part of a complete stationery set). Some cardmakers form their own small businesses, making a sometimes-modest return on their creative efforts privately, at craft fairs and similar. More formal businesspeople supply the component parts – materials, tools and accessories – or produce books, magazines, CDs and more on the topic; while some high street stores now devote floor space to handmade cards.

Cardstock:

A thick, sturdy paper that is available in a variety of weights; commonly used in scrapbooking and paper crafts. This paper is the thickness of most index cards and comes in many colours and textures.See our Card and paper section for examples of product

Cello Bags:

Bags made from thin transparent material used to protect & display handmade cards.

Cellophane:

A thin transparent material used as a moisture proof wrapping.

Ceramics:

Refers to all forms of clay, although modern usage allows other non-metallic materials. Uses include making jewellery and ornaments.

Chalk:

Acid-free chalk that is usually applied with an eye shadow-type applicator or cotton swab to add dimension to die cuts, torn edges, cards, etc.

Chapbook:

Any small book.

Chemical Stability:

Materials which are chemically stable are not easily decomposed or otherwise modified chemically which is desirable for use in preservation as it resists chemical degradation over time. Also known as archival quality.

Chipboard:

Chipboard is one hot trend that differs from many others in a few key ways. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s fast. You can either purchase pre-coloured shapes & stickers from brands such as K & Co or Maya Road, or make your own!See our Embellishments section for examples of product

Clay:

A natural earthy material consisting essentially of hydrated silicates of aluminium, used for beads or potting.

Clear Rubber Stamps:

Clear Rubber Stamps are supplied on a clear carrier sheet. This makes storing your stamps easy and lets you see the designs more clearly. The clear stamps cling to an acrylic block (supplied separately), so you can position them to your own taste. Spelling out words & phrases is easy using the alphabet sets, so you can really personalise your greetings when card making. Clear stamps are made from photopolymer which is hardened through exposure to UV light. You may find your stamps yellow if exposed to light over a period of time. This is natural reaction and will not affect the quality of the stamp. See our Stamping section for examples of product

Clip Art:

Art purchased in book or software form with pictures that can be applied when making cards and scrapbook pages.

Collage:

An artistic composition achieved by pasting images from individual sources (artwork, photographs, etc.) on to a background (paper, cloth, wood, etc.) to form an overall design.

Corner Punch:

Craft Punch for cutting corner shapes.See our Punches and dies section for examples of product

Coiling:

The process of rolling clay into strands, which are then wound into a variety of shapes.

Cold Pressed:

A paper surface with a slight texture (produced by pressing sheets between cold cylinders at the factory).

Concertina:

Paper, card or other material repeatedly folded one way, then the other, to produce a zig-zag result resembling the musical instrument of the same name. Concertina Book: a continuous run of pages between covers, with concertina-like folding formats including pasting folded pages back-to-back.

Confetti:

A multitude of small pieces of paper or plastic which (usually thrown at celebrations like weddings) but with craft purposes when glued on to decorate cards or crafts.

Conservation:

Protection and wise use of natural resources to ensure long-term benefit and continuing availability to future generations. In craft, this is reflected by the use of recycled papers and similar resources.

Corner Rounder:

Craft Punch for rounding off corners.See our Punches and dies section

Corrugated:

Thick, wavy cardstock available in many colours.

Crackling:

A painting technique in which water-based and oil-based paints are layered, one on another to result in multiple, randomly placed cracks and breaks in the paint (due to the difference in drying times).

Craft Knife:

A craft knife is a sharp pointed knife which usually has replaceable blades ideal for precision cutting.See our Tools and essentials section

Crafters Companion:

A brand of crafting products ranging from stamps to essential crafting tools.

Create and Craft:

Create and Craft is the only TV channel in the word dedicated to crafting. Showing 24 hours a day, it is complimented by our web-based Create and Craft Club and our range of Create and Craft merchandise, which we wholesale to independent retailers

Create and Craft Club:

Offering a community for all like-minded crafters, the Club offers its members 10% discount on all items bought on the Create & Craft website, an interactive bi-monthly magazine, along with video projects, hints, tips, and VIP access at selected Craft events and TV audience shows. Membership to the club starts from as little as £20 for the year.Click here for more information about the club

Crimper:

A tool that operates much like a mangle or clothes wringer, that wrinkles paper into a corrugated texture.

Crochet:

Needlework made by looping thread with a hooked needle, usually for ornaments, appliqués and fringes.

Cropping:

Crop can have 2 meanings. The first is simply to trim down a photograph to a size suitable for your layout. The second meaning of crop is a gathering of scrappers who get together to work on their personal projects.

Cross-stitch:

Used in embroidery. Designs are created by counting squares in the fabric, and filling the spaces with small "x"s that cover each square.

Cut-running Pliers:

Used primarily in glass cutting, this is an implement with curved jaws to ensure even pressure when achieving a curved edge to cut glass.

Cutting Mat:

Self healing cutting mats are used when using a craft knife to protect the surface you're working on. They can also be used to tape stencils etc down onto to stop them from moving about while in use. See our Tools and essentials section

Dauber:

A round miniature stamp pad which can be dabbed onto a stamp to apply ink.

Deckle:

Deckle edges are the untrimmed "feathered edge" feature on a sheet of paper, technically the edge which is the result of sheets being torn when wet. Deckle-edged Scissors deliberately produce a fancy cut to edge items like invitations or announcements.

Decorative-edge Scissors:

Scissors with patterned blades for cutting paper or fabric. Many designs are available, from somewhat random deckle-edges to scallops and zig-zags.

Decoupage:

The technique of decorating a surface with cutouts, as of paper, or a creation produced by this technique.See our Decoupage section

Debossing:

The opposite of embossing; the design is indented into the paper or material.

Demonstrators:

We have a variety of craft demonstrators on Ideal World and Create and Craft all specialising in a broad range of crafts. Demonstrators include Debbie Williams, Wendy Stenton, Sara Davies, Joanna Sheen, Jayne Nestorenko, Michelle Marsden, Hina Modha, Nancy Watt, Gwynth Windsor, Michele Clifton, Amanda Bateman and Babs and Kathy(Glitter Girls).

Die:

The common name for the rubber image on the stamp.

Die Cut:

A process for cutting out any special shapes by using a metal form which is called a die. Also used to refer to the cut out shape. Can be used with fabric or paper. Common die cutting systems are Sissix and Quickutz.

Die Cut Decoupage:

Die cut decoupage sheets are precisely cut ready for you to simply push out each image, giving instant accurate results in no time at all. See our Decoupage section

Die Cuts with a View:

A brand name for high quality scrapbook and craft products.

Dimensional Paint:

High quality, "puffy" paint that usually comes in a squeeze bottle for ease of use. It is traditionally used as fabric paint but sticks well to most surfaces. Available in a large selection of colours and styles.

Direct Inking Method:

This method is when ink is applied directly to paper using the surface of the inkpad.

Distressing:

The activity of making an item appear older and more worn, this has become a popular design style giving a rustic, one-off, vintage look. Can be applied to a variety of surfaces such as wood, glass, metal, plastic and paint. There are a number of methods, by which the finish is intentionally destroyed or manipulated to look less than perfect, such as sanding, crumpling, inking, tearing and so on.

Doodling:

A method of embellishing by using pens or brushes to create swirls and decorative shapes similar to 'doodling' whilst on the telephone.Traditionally done in freehand but templates and stencils are increasingly becoming available to assist those less certain of their artistic abilities! Particularly popular within the scrapbooking community

Double Sided Tape:

Double sided tape can either come flat like normal sticky tape or as foam for 3D work. They are used to secure papers and non-adhesive embellishments down to your chosen surface.See our Tools and essentials section

Dough Craft:

The art of sculpting ornaments and other models from dough, allowing these to dry and harden.

Dovecraft:

A UK based craft brand.

Dry Brushing:

Applying chalk or paint to a brush or sponge and removing most of it by wiping/dabbing it on a piece of paper or rag before using it. This prevents the paint from bleeding under the edges of a stencil, and chalk from looking to dark.

Dry Embossing:

Dry embossing, also called relief embossing, is done by tracing a stencil with a special tool, called a stylus. The result is a stunning, raised pattern on the object you are embossing. Also known as relief embossing.

Dufex:

Hand engraved designs or patterns are embossed on to foil sheets to create the distinctive Dufex quality of depth and movement through the diffraction of light on the image surface. To create the picture prints and stickers, images are first printed on to the metallic foil using transparent inks, which allow the reflective quality of the foil to be retained. Specialist engravers are then able to pick out the details of each image by hand to bring it to life on the finished print!

Dye Ink:

Water based ink found in basic ink pads.

Edge Punch:

Device for applying an attractive edge to card or paper by repetitive punching of a uniform decorative pattern.See our Punches and dies section

Embedding:

A process whereby an object is placed inside another. Used in soap-making, candle-making and others.

Embellishment:

Addition to decorate a handmade card or scrapbook page, e.g. toppers, jewels, buttons, or just about anything small and decorative. See our Embellishments section for examples of product.

Embossed Paper:

Paper on which a raised or depressed design has been produced by pressure, generally from an engraved or otherwise patterned image.

Embossing:

Embossing is a technique used in stamping to create a shiny raised image using embossing ink pads, powders and pastes .

Embossing Ink:

A thick, slow-drying ink used for heat embossing, such as Versamark. It can be either clear or have a light pastel tint.

Embossing Pad:

Embossing pads can be used for both embossing and chalking techniques in stamping. Being slightly tinted so you can see where you're stamping, these pads allow for you to add colour of your choice over the top.

Embossing Paste:

A paste used in conjunction with brass stencils to create a 3D image of the stencil design. Can be coloured when dry or alternatively irresdescent powders or acylics may be mixed with the wet paste to produce unusual and beautiful effects.

Embossing Powder:

A powder which is applied to wet ink of an image and then heated to create a raised edge. Used in rubber stamping to provide a raised glossy effect on a stamped image. It is a fine powder that adheres to wet inks and tacky surfaces like embossing pads. When heated the powder melts leaving the glossy effect.See our Stamping section

Embossing Tinsel:

Embossing powder which contains metallic tinsel type confetti or particles.

Encaustic:

Painting by means of wax with which the colours are combined, and which is afterwards fused with hot irons, thus fixing the colours.

Engraving:

The practice of incising a design on to a surface, by cutting grooves into it.

Ephemera:

Ephemera is an item that is momentary in time such as tickets, packaging, leaflets, posters etc which is used as an embellishment on a project.

Epoxy:

Two resins that, when mixed together, harden to form a strong bond.

Epoxy Sticker:

Embellishment sticker with a hard clear coating.

Eyelets:

These are fasteners with holes in the middle that, once attached to paper, card or fabric can have threads etc passed through the middle. They need to be secured to your chosen surface with an eyelet setting tool, such as an Eyelet Punch or Eyelet Setter, or other similar metals tools for applying eyelets.See our Embellishments section

Fabric Ink:

Permanent ink made specifically for stamping on fabrics.

Fabric Markers:

Similar to regular markers, you can use these markers to make designs on fabric. Once heat set, it makes a permanent design and is machine washable.

Fabric Paint:

Permanent paint made specifically for painting on fabric.

Faux:

Describes something made to resemble something else. For example, faux leather means imitation leather; faux marble is a marble-like surface painted on to walls or other surfaces. This is the French word for “false”, often used in fashion.

Feather Art:

Using colourful birds’ feathers to decorate arts and crafts by cutting and gluing.

Felt:

A heavy, non-fraying, fabric generally made from wool with other manufactured fibers. The fibers are locked together in a process utilizing heat, moisture, and pressure to form a compact material.

Fibre:

A natural or synthetic filament, as of cotton or nylon, capable of being spun into yarn or trim.

Findings:

A term that originates from jewellery making to describe the pieces of metal – such as headpins, clasps and connectors - used to complete items such as necklaces or bracelets. Findings can also be used with card making, for example as an alternative way of fixing charms.

Finish:

The way a paper is surfaced. Paper ranges from a rough to a smooth finish. Some common finishes are: wove, vellum, linen and laid.

First Generation Stamping:

The first impression made with a stamp after inking.

Fixative:

A sealer sprayed over pictures and projects to protect the surface from smudging, smearing, and running. It is often used over pastels, charcoal, and even to seal water-based paint and chalk.

Substance that makes work permanent and prevents fading.

Flat-nosed Pliers:

Pliers with flat, tapered jaws to make twisting and curling easy, particularly wire. Also available with smooth jaws to avoid marking the wire.

Floral Arts / Flowercraft:

The art of producing decorative designs and displays by arranging flowers and related items.

Flower Pressing:

Collect your flowers, stems, seed pods etc, place them in the flower press and soon you have your pressed flower ready to make all sorts of things such as pictures, decorating cards and writing paper.

Flush Cutters:

Sharp wire cutters that leave a clean cut, requiring no filing.

Foam:

Foam is normally supplied in sheets, but can also be bought in pre-cut shapes. Foam can be glued, punched, cut & decorated. Tip: Try heating foam gently with a heat gun, then rubber stamp an image into it.

Foil (also known as Metal Sheet):

Typically used for embossing, foil is available in many different colours, although the most popular are gold, silver & copper.

Foil (Transfer):

Transfer foil is used with glue, double sided tape of glue shapes such as Magic Motifs. It adheres to the glue leaving a foiled shape behind.See our Card and paper section

Foil Stamp:

Foil made of metal or similar available in various colours, sometimes embossed; (2) method of printing that releases foil from its backing when stamped with a heated die. Also known as hot foil stamp or block print.

Fun Flock:

Fun Flock can be sprinkled over any adhesive surface. Try with double sided tape, glue pens and rubber stamped images using a glue pad. You can stamp into Fun Flock and then use a heat gun to set the image. Fun Flock can also be used in the same way as embossing powder.

Fusible Hem Tape:

An iron-on tack that hold cloth edges (e.g., hems) easily and without sewing. Also known as fusible webbing.

Fusible Fibres:

Fusible Fibres can be used to make a variety of wearable art and fabric embellishments as well as card toppers.

Gauge:

In wire or sheet metal, the measurement of its thickness. In fabric, the number of stitches and rows per square inch.

Gel Pen:

Gel pens are gel inked ballpoint pens. They come in many different sizes and in a huge variety of colours. They are primarily used for thin patterns or writing, but can be used for colouring small areas in a specific colour.See our Pens and paints section

Gesso:

An opaque chalk-like base used to prepare surfaces for painting, lettering, gilding, etc.

Gilding Glass Cutters / Glass Nippers:

Used with mosaics or stained glass work, this tool cuts glass with a single-edged steel wheel.

Glassine:

A smooth, semi-transparent paper.

Glitter:

Glitter are tiny metal fragments available in a huge array of colours and thicknesses to add sine and sparkle to crafting projects.See our Embellishments section

Glitter Glue:

A wet glue that comes pre-mixed with glitter particles, and can be directly applied to add highlights to projects, or painted onto card, acetate or funky foam to make it glittery. Glitter glue is available in lots of different colours, and in two types: standard glitter glue contains identifiable pieces of glitter; pearlescent glue contains very fine particles that give it a shimmery finish.

Gloss:

A reflective, shiny, surface. In crafting, it can be achieved through the choice of materials or the addition of glossy coatings such as varnish.

Glue Dots:

Extremely sticky round dots of glue used to hold on embellishments such as buttons or heavy metal pieces. Also very useful in sticking things to papers and materials that are normally stick-resistant. See our Tools and essentials section

Glue Pens:

Ball point pens with smooth-flowing, acid-free and archival quality gel ink. See our Tools and essentials section

Glue Stick:

A round stick of solid glue which is used to adhere embellishments to scrapbook pages, cards, tags, etc.

Glue Gun:

A glue gun is a very handy electrical appliance for those who wish to apply embellishments. You need to insert glue sticks which the glue gun heats. You can then apply the glue in intricate places. To use the gun, you just push a glue stick into the glue stick feeder and squeeze the trigger. As you squeeze, the glue stick will travel down the barrel where it will melt and flow out of the nozzle.See our Tools and essentials section

Tip: Be careful not to touch the nozzle or the glue as it tends to get very hot.

Gold Leaf:

This is gold flakes that can either come loose or on a sheet that adheres to tacky surfaces.

Grammage:

The term used to denote the weight of paper or board; the measurement used is the weight of a single sheet of one square meter, expressed in grams per square meter (g/m2).

Grommet:

Another name for eyelet or washer: a metal ring used to reinforce a hole.

Grout:

Cement-type material used between tiles on mosaics (and other projects) to strengthen the hold, increasing the permanence of the finished product. Available in a variety of colors. Grout Sealer: a transparent liquid applied to a finished mosaic to protect it.

Grozing Pliers:

Pliers with rough, arched jaws, used to cut and trim glass.

Guillotine:

A guillotine is a cutter used to cut the edge of paper in a straight line or decorative design. It enables you to cut large areas precisely and in seconds.

Gutting:

Gutting is a scrapbooking term for removing to save the unseen piece of card or paper covered by another part of the layout.

Halo and Loop:

A method of mounting stamps using velcro instead of wood.

Hand milling:

The process of creating a harder soap by taking a bar of handmade soap and grating, melting and remolding it.

Hand-building:

A term to identify any type of manual manipulation of clay. Coil and slab techniques are among the most common.

Handmade Paper:

Paper made by hand using a mould (a frame covered with a flat, rigid screen or flexible screen). In both cases the mould is covered by a flat frame called a deckle, to contain the run-off of wet pulp, dipped into a vat of wet pulp, shaken to distribute the fibers evenly and drained of its excess water. The wet mat of fibers remaining in the newly formed sheet is then dried against blankets and may be hot pressed, cold pressed, or air dried.

Heat Embossing:

An embossing technique using a stamp, embossing or pigment ink pad, embossing powder, and a heat source.

Heat Gun:

A heat gun is a tool that produces intense hot air allowing for projects to be heated. Mainly known for use with embossing techniques.See our Tools and essentials section

Hemp Cord:

Used primarily for macramé, this cord (created from hemp) resists fraying and holds knots well.

Highlight:

To use a lighter shade of paint in a particular area.

Holographic:

The pattern produced on a photosensitive medium that has been exposed by holography and then photographically developed. Holographic card is widely used in crafts.See our Card and paper section

Hot Pressed:

A paper surface that is smooth, produced by pressing a finished sheet through hot cylinders.

Huffing:

Blowing on an inked stamp to keep it moist before stamping. This process can extend the ink to allow a second impression without re-inking.

Index:

The image that is on top of a stamp.

Ink:

An ink is a liquid containing various pigments and/or dyes used for coloring a surface to produce an image, text, or design. Ink is used for drawing and/or writing with a pen, brush or quill. Thicker inks, in paste form, are used extensively in letterpress and lithographic printing.

Ink is a complex medium, comprising solvents, pigments, dyes, resins, lubricants, solubilizers, surfactants, particulate matter, fluorescers, and other materials. The components of inks serve many purposes; the ink’s carrier, colourants, and other additives are used to control flow, thickness, and appearance of the ink when dry.See our Stamping section

Instant Setter Back to Top:

A tool used for setting eyelets. Originally a setting tool and a hammer were used to 'close' the back of an eyelet but this tool enables you to do the same thing but quicker (and quieter!)

Intaglio:

Sunken-relief, otherwise known as intaglio or sometimes hollow-relief, is a method of sculpting which entails carving or etching an image into the surface of a flat piece of stone, metal, glass or wood. This method creates a relief which is effectively a negative of the usual bas-relief type. This method can be achieved with rubber stamps by stamping into a soft surface such a polymer clay, UTEE or gently heated foam.

Iridescant:

Varying in colour when seen in different lights or from different angles.

Iris Folding:

Iris Folding is the card making technique using folded strips of paper to fill an aperture in an overlapping spiral. It it is called iris folding because the center of the design resembles the iris of a camera or eye. Strips of paper are folded & laid over a pattern.

Joanna Sheen:

A brand of crafting products from Joanna Sheen.

Journal (Journaling):

This is writing on a scrapbooking layout describing the subject of the page, for instance the people or events in the photographs on the page. It can also be thoughts and sentiments about the layout.

Kaleidacolor Ink Pads:

There’s a rainbow for every season with Kaleidacolor Stamp Pads from Tsukineko. Twenty striking rainbow combinations mean you’ll never run out of ideas. The patented sliding palette means that your rainbow pads will stay vibrant and clean project after project. Simply slide the palette together to stamp and slide it apart to store. It’s that easy!

Kinetic Cards:

The name applied to any three-dimensional or movable card, which covers pop-up cards, and cards with, flaps, pull-tabs, pop-outs, pull-downs, and more, each of which performs in a different manner.

Kneading:

Manipulating clay with the hand resulting in a uniform texture.

Kraft Paper:

Paper made from a type of chemical wood pulp; it may be bleached or unbleached and produces a strong paper which is used for wrapping and packaging. The term comes from the German word for strong.

Layering:

Also known as matting, this is when you place either card or paper of increasing sizes around an image to create a frame.

Layout:

A layout is a completed scrapbook page.

Lignin:

Lignin is the natural bonding element which holds wood fibers together. When manufacturing scrapbooking papers the lignin is removed during processing so that the papers become safe.

Light Box:

Back-lit frame with a translucent face of plastic or glass used to transmit light through an image for the purpose of tracing and also slide viewing. Used with embossing to view the stencil lines under the sheet of paper.

Liquid Pearls:

A pearlescent 3D paint.

Malachiteis:

A green banded mineral that is usually cut into cabochons and beads as it is a fairly soft mineral measuring 3.5 – 4 on the Mohs scale. It can be found worldwide but is mainly mined in the Urals and Israel.

Magic Motif:

Double sided glue motifs for use with glitter or transfer foil.

Marbling:

Paper marbling is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to marble or other stone, hence the name. The patterns are the result of color floated on either plain water or a viscous solution known as size, and then carefully transferred to a sheet of paper (or other surfaces such as fabric). This decorative material has been used to cover a variety of surfaces for several centuries. It is often employed as a writing surface for calligraphy, and especially book covers and endpapers in bookbinding and stationery. Part of its appeal is that each print is a unique monoprint.

Marker:

A marker is a kind of writing instrument similar to a pen but never having an external ink-source; the tip is typically made of felt and when this is true it can also be called a felt-tipped pen.

Mask:

A paper cut-out of either a stamped image or a template stuck temporarily down to a project surface to hide the image behind, letting you carry on with your work without touching this image. The mask is then removed again at the end.

Masking Fluid:

A latex liquid with added pigmentation for masking areas of work needing protection when colour/ink is applied.

Masking Tape:

Masking tape is a type of adhesive tape made of easy-to-tear paper that is backed with a relatively weak adhesive. It is used often in painting, to mask off areas that shouldn't be painted. The weak adhesive allows the tape to be removed easily.

Matting:

Also known as layering, this is when you place either card or paper of increasing sizes around an image to create a frame. It visually separates the image from the background and is good for using colours to compliment the image.

Mod-Roc Plaster Bandage:

A plaster and resin based, hard and lightweight plaster bandage which smoothes well - ideal for body casting, 3D work and scenery - after priming will take acrylic paints well for subsequent decoration.

Motif:

A distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, appliqué, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on clothing.

Mounting:

Create dimension to your card by making several impressions of your image, saving the first impression as your base and cutting apart subsequent impressions for areas of the design you want to build up. Mounting or "layering" pieces can be done with double sided foam tape or hot glue. If you want to mount a piece without giving it dimension use regular double sided tape.

Mulberry Paper:

Japanese Paper made from Kozo which is the fibres of the Mulberry Tree. The paper can be torn to create a feathered-effect edge.

Nap:

A soft or fuzzy textured surface on fabric or paper.

Nib:

The tapered or sharpened writing tip of a pen or quill.

Origami:

Origami is the art of paper folding. It originated in China and became popular in Japan and Europe. The Japanese Government introduced origami to the preschool education syllabus as a tool to develop coordination. Today, origami is popular all over the world..

Page Protector:

These are clear pockets or sleeves for use in scrapbooking albums to protect your finished layouts.

Paper:

Paper is thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon or packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets.

The earliest recorded forms of paper were in use in Egypt in around 3500 BC, made from the papyrus plant. True paper is believed to have originated in China in approximately the 2nd century AD, although there is some evidence for it being used before this date. The use of paper spread from China through the Islamic world, and entered production in Europe in the early 12th century. Mechanised production of paper in the early 19th century caused significant cultural changes worldwide, allowing for relatively cheap exchange of information in the form of letters, newspapers and books for the first time.

Paper is a versatile material with many uses for crafting and comes in many differnt styles, finishes and weights.

Check out our great range of cards, papers, vellums and parchments by clicking here, alternatively Read our guide to paper sizes and weight.

Paper Piercer:

This is a long thin tool used to pierce a small hole through paper and card. Ideal for creating holes for brads.

Papier-mâché:

(French for 'chewed-up paper' because of its appearance), paper-maché is a construction material that consists of pieces of paper, sometimes reinforced with textiles, stuck together using a wet paste (e.g., glue, starch, or wallpaper adhesive). The crafted object becomes solid when the paste dries.

Parchment:

This was originally a writing surface made from animal skins; today parchment is made from cellulose fiber paper by treating it with sulfuric acid. Parchment paper is characterized by a hard, smooth surface, it is stronger than regular paper, and resistance to grease and dirt.See our Card and paper section

Pearlised / Pearlescent:

Having a pearlescent finish. Available to crafters in paper, card and envelope form in an array of colours. Of particular use when dry embossing as the embossed image is more apparent upon a pearlised background. Popular with wedding and special occasions cards.

Peel Offs:

Peel Off Stickers are outline stickers supplied on sheets. These can be any picture or design, including text. Peel Off Stickers are a popular choice for adding greetings when card making. Peel Off Stickers can be applied to card, paper, metal, acetate, etc. Peel Off Stickers can be coloured using Peel Off Pens, so that they can be exactly matched to your project. Fill in your outline Peel Off Stickers with pens, paints, stickles glitter glue, liquid pearls, chalks, etc. For a Stained Glass Effect, use Peel Off Stickers on acetate & colour in with permanent pens.See our Embellishments section

Petroleum Jelly:

Can be used as a release agent, similar to Vaseline, which can be thinned with white spirit for easier application – works well between silicone moulds and plaster.

pH Factor:

A pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. It runs from 1 to 14, pH neutral being 7. Acid-free products have a pH factor of 7 or above. Special pH tester pens are available to help you determine the acidity of products.

pH Neutral:

Similar to acid free but pH neutral is more definitive as an acid free product could be extremely alkaline and this can be equally as bad. A pH neutral product is therefore more desirable.

Photo safe:

This is a term similar to archival quality but more specific to materials used with photographs. Acid-free is the determining factor for a product to be labelled photo-safe.

Pick of the Day:

Pick of the Day (POD) is a great offer brought to you from Ideal Word or Create and Craft at 9pm every night of the week.A particular product will be offered at a sensational price for 24 hours only. The POD offer is also broadcast at 11pm the same evening and then again at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm the next day. Create and Craft Club Members are occasionally given advance notice of PODs just in case we think it will be a sell out on the night.

Pick of the Week:

Pick of the Week (POW) is a great crafting brought to you from Create and Craft at 6pm on Fridays .A particular product will be offered at a sensational price for 7 days. The POW is also broadcast through the week on TV and is available on the Create and Craft website for the whole week. As with certain PODs, Create and Craft Club Members are sometimes given advance notice of POWs just in case we think it will be a sell out.

Pigment Ink:

Pigment Ink is like a water based version of archival ink except that is slow drying and thicker so that embossing powder can stick to it. This type of ink won't dry on glossy paper.

Preservation:

Preservation is activities that are associated with maintaining archival materials for use either in their original form or some other format .

Punches:

Punches are tools used to cut out shapes on card and paper. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.See our Punches and dies section

PVA:

Polyvinylacetate; an archival white glue, it is stronger than gel medium. It mixes well with gloss medium. Transparent even after many coats, it will always remain water soluble. Mixed with gel, it becomes water resistant.

Pyrography:

The art of 'drawing with fire' is an ancient craft that is practised worldwide. Mainly used to burn decorative marks onto wooden items, the technique can be applied to leather, cork, velvet and other suitable materials.

Quadrille Paper:

Quadrille or graph paper is paper that is printed with fine lines making up a grid. It is great for not only making patterns and design layouts, it is also great for drawing colourful, geometric designs.

Quilling:

Thin strips of paper which are rolled and shaped to form an image.

Relief Embossing:

Relief embossing, also called dry embossing, is done by tracing a stencil with a special tool, called a stylus. The result is a stunning, raised pattern on the object you are embossing.

Ribbon:

A ribbon is a thin band of flexible material, typically cloth but also plastic or sometimes metal, used primarily for binding and tying. Can be self adhesive.See our Embellishments section

Rub Ons:

Rub Ons are permanent transfers that are applied by rubbing on using a lolly stick. Great for both card making and scrapbooks, rub ons come in all shapes, sizes & themes!

Round Nose Pliers:

Round nose pliers have two round shaped jaws which are used for making loops, mostly on earring wires, head pins etc for jewellery making. Round nose pliers are an essential tool for wire workers.

Rubber Stamping:

Rubber stamping, also called stamping, is a craft in which some type of ink made of dye or pigment is applied to an image or pattern that has been carved, molded, or vulcanized, onto a sheet of rubber. The rubber is often mounted onto a more stable object such as a wood or an acrylic block. The ink coated rubberstamp is then pressed onto any type of medium to transfer the design to the medium.See our Stamping section

Scoring:

This is a technique used to create a clean fold down a card by using a scoring tool and a ruler to prevent creases. You can also buy scoring boards to give a more accurate result.

Scrapbook:

A book with blank pages used for the mounting and preserving of pictures, clippings, or other mementos. Can be 6" x 6", 8" x 8" or 12" x 12".See our Card and paper section

Scrapbooking:

The hobby of creating compilations in scrapbook albums, such as keepsakes, pictures, periodical articles, etc.

Scraplifting:

Copying the layout of someone else's scrapbook page, either in whole or in part, for one of your own layouts.

Self Adhesive:

Supplied with a method to fix to a surface. i.e. Glue backed.

Setter:

A hand tool for attaching eyelets. Can normally punch through paper, card, plastic, metal & leather.

Sepia:

A brown tint (originally squid ink) added to photos to give them an old-fashioned appearance.

Shaker Card:

A card created by putting small punched pieces, glitter or other small, flat objects between a layer of material and transparency film. Usually used on handmade cards or scrapbook pages.

Shrink Plastic:

This is a plastic sheet that you can stamp on and cut with scissors and punches before heating. Heating the plastic will cause it to shrink and thicken.

Skeleton Leaf:

Popular craft embellishment produced when the fleshy part of the leaf is stripped away. Normally purchased ready made and available in different sizes & colours.

Spattering:

Decorating a surface by flicking droplets of paint over it.

Spirelli:

Spirelli is the art of making patterns by wrapping threads around a shaped template. Usually, metallic threads are used, and the effect is similar to that created by the old Spiragraph toy (those that remember it). A picture is usually placed in the centre, so that the wound threads act like a patterned frame for it.

Sponging:

A decorative effect for using ink on paper. Apply a little ink to a sponge or Dauber. Test it on scrap paper. Gently wipe the edges of your card to create a feathered effect. You can also sponge through stencils with or without debossing a pattern in the paper.

Stamping:

Stamping is when you print an image from a range of different stamps like rubber and foam on to a surface using an ink pad.

Stamps can be either 'mounted' or 'unmounted'. Mounted stamps come attached to either a wooden or acrylic block - the clear acrylic blocks are used to help with positioning the stamp more accurately as the user can see through the clear block. Unmounted stamps come as sheets of rubber, or durable synthetic material that are then attached to blocks with double-sided tape or other adhesives.

Check out our great range of stamps and stamping accessories.

Stampboard:

Clay coated wood for stamping on. Stampboard can be stamped, etched and sanded. It takes ink very well.

Stamp Cleaner:

Used to clean ink from stamps.

Stamp Positioner:

A tool used to ensure that the image is stamped exactly in the desired position.

StazOn:

StazOn Ink, manufactured by Tsukineko, is appropriate for all surfaces. Designed especially for use on plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, polymer clay and glossy cardstock.See our Stamping section

StazOn Cleaner:

Solvent cleaner for cleaning rubber stamps after using StazOn Ink.

Stephanie Weightman:

One of our top craft presenters and demonstrators and a very well respected personality in the crafting industry. Stephanie has her own band of crafting products which can be seen on Ideal World and Create and Craft. For more information about Stephanie Weightman click here

Stipple:

This is a technique that creates a light uneven paint effect on paper. By applying a thin layer of paint or ink onto a special stipple brush which is flat ended like a stencil brush and tapping it onto paper you create this effect.

Stencil:

A template made by cutting a design into a stiff paper, plastic, cardboard, or metal. A method of applying a design by brushing ink or paint through the cut out areas of a template so that the pattern will be reproduced on the surface placed below. Stencils can also be placed below the item to be stenciled to make a relief print, also called relief embossing.See our Stencils and templates section

Stickles:

Fine glitter particles in a clear glue base. Each bottle has a fine nozzle allowing the glue to be brushed, piped or dotted, with precision, on to paper or card.

Stylus:

A pen-like instrument used to make dots of paint, emboss, or transfer a design. It is usually used in embossing or to make lines and script on parchment or vellum.

Tape Pen:

Applicator for glue which will produce a line like double sided tape. Easy to use. Available in permanent & repositionable.See our Tools and essentials section

Tea Bag Folding:

Tea bag folding originated in Holland. Credit for its origin is given to a woman named Tiny van der Plaas. Sitting at her table, worrying about a birthday card for her sister that she had forgotten to pick up, Tiny van der Plaas began folding her fruit tea bag envelope. This gave her an idea and, also, gave birth to tea bag folding.

Tearing:

Tearing paper exposes a feathered edge. If using coloured paper with a white core, this edge can be coloured with chalks, paints & pens.

Template:

A sheet, usually of soft or hard plastic, with cut-out shapes that you can use to trace or cut identical shapes from paper or other materials. See our Stencils and templates section

Topper:

A topper is usually a self adhesive embellishment for making quick & easy handmade cards.See our Embellishments section

Transfer Foil:

Transfer foil is used with glue, double sided tape of glue shapes such as Magic Motifs. It adheres to the glue leaving a foiled shape behind.

Transfer Glaze:

A water based glaze which binds pictures (printed inks) into a plastic film which can then be put on a new surface. Can be used to transfer photocopied photographs, text and images to most fabrics including canvas making it of great use to altered art enthusiasts.

Trimmer:

A Paper trimmer allows you to cut paper and card straight and to certain lengths. Most trimmers have built in rulers so you measure out and cut exactly the length you need.

Triple Embossing:

Achieved when a rubber stamp is pressed into hot UTEE to leave a debossed image (so called because it normally takes at least 3 layers of UTEE to get a nice thickness to stamp into).

Twill:

A medium weight, ribbed fabric usually made from cotton and polyester. Can be decorated with rubber stamping or printed on via a P.C. to create personalised messages.

UTEE:

Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel and is a large grain embossing powder. When this powder is melted a bumpy texture is created. You can keep adding layers and heat each layer as you go which will smooth out this bumpy look and give the effect of a glazed surface.

Vellum:

Real vellum is made from the skin of young livestock, but the kind usually referred to in crafts and scrapbooking is paper that is specially treated so it has some translucency.See our Card and paper section

Versamark:

A clear ink which creates a translucent effect. Can also be used as embossing ink.

Waterbrush:

Artist size paintbrushes with a built in water reservoir enabling the user to create watercolour effects easily and mess free. Suitable for use with watercolour pencils, aqua crayons, H2Os and ink pads. Several sizes available to cover background painting and more detailed designs.

Watercolour Paper:

A 100-percent cotton rag-quality paper. Comes in light, medium, and heavy weights and surface textures such as hot-pressed (smooth) and cold-pressed (rough).

Watercolour Pencils:

Watercolour medium in pencil form. Can be used as a an ordinary coloured pencil or mixed with water to create watercolour paint.Used to colour in stamped images, create backgrounds or general watercolour effects.See our Pens and paints section

Wire:

Flexible copper wire available in a variety of colours and thicknesses.

Wizard:

The Wizard Embossing & Die Cutting System is a versatile, user-friendly crafter’s tool. It’s designed to cut and emboss with Spellbinders Style Dies, but it can also cut with all other consumer dies, emboss with brass stencils, replicate charms, perform image transfers, set eyelets, smash bottlecaps and so much more!

Xyron:

A machine that applies adhesive to pages and can also laminate.

Xyron Personal Cutter (XPC):

An electric machine that cuts shapes (similar to a die cutter, but more versatile).

Xerographic Paper:

Paper made to reproduce well in copy machines and laser printers.

Yixing:

Pronounced ee-shing, a purple pottery clay named after a city in Jiangsu province, eastern China.

Yuzen:

Colourful Japanese hand-dyeing technique where each pattern is drawn by hand, often creating unique designs or very limited series.

Zerkall Paper:

A brand of moulded paper for watercolour painting.