Craft Glossary
Have you ever found yourself asking "What is a …."?
This comprehensive glossary of craft terms should help.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
If there is a term you would like to be added to the glossary please contact us.
Acid free | When acid is used to manufacture products it causes them to deteriorate and discolor over time. Acid free products will last for years without deteriorating or discoloring. |
Acrylic paint | Acrylics
are water-based paints. A watercolor effect can be achieved (by diluting with water) or an oil paint effect (with the help of pastes or gels). Paint brushes can be easily washed with soap and water after use with acrylic paint. The main difference between acrylic and oil paint is the drying time (oil paint takes much longer to dry). This can be an advantage (for certain techniques) but also a disadvantage. In order to slow down the drying process a retarder can be added to the acrylic paint. This is used to achieve certain paint techniques. Another major difference is that oil paints tend to require the addition of a toxic solvent, such as turpentine to thin the paints and clean up tools (though you can get soluble oil paints yet these are not widely used). Tips: Any color can be achieved using blue, red, yellow, white and black. Since acrylics try rapidly use only a little at a time. For the same reason you need to mix colors quickly. |
Anti-static pad | Used to eliminate static and clean small particles. Swipe over the area to be cleaned. |
Art wire | Copper wire available in a variety of colors and thicknesses. |
Archival Ink | Archival ink
is
waterproof, acid-free,
fade-resistant and available in many colors. The advantages of archival inks are that they dry quickly, won't fade and stamp well on all paper types. The disadvantages are that they may leave a stain on stamps and cannot be cleaned with water (you need to use a commercial archival ink stamp cleaner). Batik Batik is a techniques which uses wax-resist dye on various textiles. Melted wax is applied to the fabric which is then dipped into the dye. Various methods are used to do this (for e.g. the liquid wax is poured onto the fabric, applied with a brush, etc). The dye cannot penetrate the areas which have been waxed. Either one of more colored dyes are used depending on the desired effect. When complete and dry a solvent is used to dissolve the wax. |
Brayer |
A brayer
is a soft
rubber roller which can
be used in many ways. 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. Tip: If you do not have a patterned brayer but wish to achieve different patterned effects you can tie various things (such as string, elastic bands, etc) around the brayer before using it. |
Cellophane |
A thin transparent material used as a moisture proof wrapping. |
Craft knife | A sharp knife with replaceable blades use to cut precisely. |
Crop | Crop a photo by removing unnecessary sections. |
Cutting mat | A self-healing mat used when cutting to protect the work surface. |
Decorative tape | This is similar to regular cellotape but has been decorated (with various colors and shapes). |
Die cutter | A computer die-cutter allows you to load your favorite picture or font, insert your card stock and it will cut it out for you. You can also emboss and engrave the images. Some die-cutters also allow you to cut out chipboard, craft foam and thick cardstock. |
Dye-based ink | Dye-based
ink pads
are available in many
different shapes, sizes and colors (single or multiple). Some are even
scented. The advantages are that they dry quickly and can be cleaned with water. The disadvantages of dye-based inks are that they can fade and are not recommended on absorbent paper as they create a blurred image. |
Double Boiler | A double boiler is used in the kitchen and made up of two fitted saucepans. The smaller saucepan (pot) is place in the larger saucepan which is partially filled with water. The water is brought to a simmer and as a result heats the smaller saucepan which is inside the larger saucepan. The double boiler can be used to melt chocolate, heat wax to make candles and for many other uses in the kitchen. If you do not have a double boiler you can improvise and place a bowl in a large pot. |
Embossing powder | A fine powder that adheres to wet inks and tacky surfaces. When heated the powder melts and forms a hard, raised, glossy finish. See how to emboss. |
| Embossing ink pad | A slow drying ink used for heat embossing. See how to emboss. |
Eyelet | Eyelets
are small metal circles used for cardmaking and scrapbooks to decorate
pages and to thread ribbons or laces through the holes. Eyelets come in
many different colors and shapes and are easily applied. |
Food Coloring | Various
colored dye used to tint
foods such as candy and frostings. Food Coloring comes in various forms
depending on the required use (such as liquid, paste, gel).
Tip: Always use small quantities and add only if necessary. |
Flax | Flax
is a seed (from which oil is also made). It contains omega-3 fatty
acids which
promote good health (for e.g. it is said to reduce the chance of heart
disease). |
Foil | Attached to a plastic film. When rubbed over a sticky surface the foil adheres leaving a shiny foil finish. |
Gesso |
Acrylic gesso can be used as a primer for acrylics and oil painting. |
Glitter | Shiny fragments available in different sizes, shapes and colors. |
Glitter glue | Colored glitter suspended in glue. Available in applicator or pen form. |
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. Tip: Be careful not to touch the nozzle or the glue as it tends to get very hot. |
Gold leaf | Gold flakes that adhere to sticky surfaces creating a gold metallic finish. |
Guillotine | A guillotine is a cutting machine 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. |
Heat gun | A tool that heats embossing powder (with hot air). |
Ink |
Dye-based
ink pads are available in
many different shapes,
sizes and colors (single or multiple). Some are even scented.
Permanent or archival inks are also waterproof, acid-free, fade-resistant and available in many colors. Pigment ink is an archival, water-based ink which is slow drying (which enables it to be used with embossing powder). Versamark ink is a clear ink which creates a translucent effect. Can also be used as embossing ink. Jac paper A double-sided glued paper. Liquid appliqué An applicator containing paint which 'puffs' when heated. |
Journaling | Journaling is writing in your scrapbook desribing the who, what, where, when of the recorded event. |
Lamination | Laminate paper by coating it with a thin, translucent plastic using a laminator. |
Liquid pearls | A pearlescent 3D paint. |
Lumieres | A permanent opaque pigment paint |
Magnetic Paint | This is a water based acrilic paint that makes any surface magnetic. |
Masking tape | Masking
tape
can be used to achieve straight lines when painting. Mask off areas
which
should not be painted. Paint the area which has been masked up to (and
including) the edge of the masking tape.
When slightly dry pull off the
masking tape and you
will have created a straight line. Tip: If you put the masking tape on your clothes before placing on the wall (or other painted surface) then the chances of the masking tape peeling off the paint on the wall when removed is decreased. Metal shim A thin sheet of metal which can be cut with a scissors or shaping tool.Mounting tape Used to stick and mount and raise an image to create a three-dimensional effect. |
Oil paint | Oil paint
is a slow
drying oil-based
paint. The main difference between acrylic and oil paint is the drying time (oil paint takes much longer to dry). This can be an advantage (for certain techniques) but also a disadvantage. In order to slow down the drying process a retarder can be added to the acrylic paint. This is used to achieve certain paint techniques. Another major difference is that oil paints tend to require the addition of a toxic solvent, such as turpentine, to thin the paints and clean up tools (though you can get soluble oil paints yet these are not widely used). Tip: If you are left with paint residue on your hands use baby oil or olive oil. |
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. Tip: Before starting difficult origami projects familiarize yourself with the basic folds. The Nippon Origami Association developed specific symbols to explain folding procedures. Most explanations for producing models use these accepted folding explanations. |
Paint brush | Paintbrushes
are used for applying paint or ink. Paint brushes are available in many
shapes
and sizes. Bristles may be natural or synthetic. Natural bristles are
preferred
for oil-based paints while synthetic brushes are better for water-based
paints. Tip: A brush with natural bristles should not be used in different mediums (such as oil paints and acrylics). Once it is used in one medium a different brush should be utilized when using another medium. This does not apply to brushes with synthetic hair. Paintbrushes should be thoroughly cleaned immediately after use. Do not leave brushes in solvent for prolonged periods. This will destroy the bristles. |
Paper Doll | Die cut in the shape of a doll. Once cut out the doll may be dressed with paper clothes that "fit" the doll. See our paper doll section. |
Paper tagger | A paper tagger can be used to attach anything to paper (tags, beads, charms, etc). |
Pearl-ex |
A pearescent pigment powder. |
Permanent ink | Permanent
ink is
waterproof, acid-free,
fade-resistant and available in many colors. The advantages are that they dry quickly, won't fade and stamp well on all paper types. The disadvantages are that they may leave a stain on stamps and cannot be cleaned with water (you need to use a commercial archival ink stamp cleaner). Photo cornersThese are used to stick photos on to the required surface. You can place them on each corner of the photo and then remove the adhesive protector and they will keep the photo in place without destroying it. |
Pigment ink | Pigment ink is an archival, water-based ink which is slow drying (which enables it to be used with embossing powder). |
Puncher | Craft punchers are ideal to punch out perfect shapes. They are available in various shapes and sizes. |
Quilling paper | Thin strips of paper which are rolled and shaped to form an image. |
R.F.M. | R.F.M is a very sweet dough usually made from sugar and glucose. It can be used to cover cakes, mold features, create decorations for cakes and many other uses. It is sold in white and colors. If you buy the plain white version it can be easily colored with gel food colorings. Nearly every color can be reached in this manner. See instructions on how to make and use R.F.M. |
Royal icing | Royal
Icing is made with fresh egg whites and icing sugar (powdered sugar).
For each
egg white add 250 gr of icing sugar. Some people add a few drops of
lemon juice
for extra shine. Beat the mixture on slow until the sugar is
incorporated then
turn the speed up to high and beat until white in color and peaks are
formed. Add
food coloring if desired. The royal icing can be applied with a piping
bag,
squeezable plastic bottle or paint brush (depending on the required
effect). If
not used immediately then it can be stored in an airtight container in
the
refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tip: If you want different colors of royal icing then divide it into batches before adding the color. Add a different color to each batch. Scoring tool A tool used to score card (i.e. to break the card allowing precise folding without buckles). |
Rubber Stamp | A craft rubber stamp comes in many shapes and sizes and with hundreds of different pictures. The stamp can be used with various types of ink and imbossing powders. Take care to wash it with warm water and soap after use. |
Shrink plastic | A plastic sheet which can be painted and then heated. Once heated it shrinks, hardens and thickens. |
Skewer stick | Wooden skewer sticks are used primarily in the kitchen although they have many uses in various crafts. They can be purchased in supermarkets. |
Stamp positioner | A tool used to ensure that the image is stamped exactly in the desired position. |
Stencil | A stencil
is a
template used to draw or
paint shapes, pictures or characters. Stencils templates can be bought ready or made from any material which will hold its form (such as transparencies or cardboard, etc). Tip: The stencil can be stuck to the area with masking tape in order to hold it in place. |
Stipple brush | Used to achieve a stipple effect. Apply a light layer of ink to the brush by lightly tapping it onto the stamp pad. Then apply the ink to the paper in the same manner. |
Sponge |
Natural sea sponges are softly textured and often used in crafts to achieve a textured sponge paint effect. Synthetic sponges can also be used for different effects. |
Sugar Dough | R.F.M is a very sweet dough usually made from sugar and glucose. It can be used to cover cakes, mold features, create decorations for cakes and many other uses. It is sold in white and colors. If you buy the plain white version it can be easily colored with gel food colorings. Nearly every color can be reached in this manner. See instructions on how to make and use sugar dough. |
Turpentine |
Turpentine
is a toxic
solvent used for
thinning oil-based paints and for cleaning utensils used with oil
paints. Tip: Genuine turpentine has a strong odor. Substitute products essentially perform the same function yet have less noxious vapors. When using turpentine work in a well-ventilated room and wear appropriate protective gear on all exposed body parts. Ultra thick embossing enamel (UTEE) A large-grain powder that adheres to wet inks and tacky surfaces. When heated the powder melts and forms a bumpy texture. |
Versamark ink | A clear ink which creates a translucent effect. Can also be used as embossing ink. |
