by Kathy Cano Murillo - May. 5, 2007 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Soldering irons. Electric sanders. Drills, heat guns and hot knives.

What were once manly gadgets in our dad's garage are now must-have supplies in our craft caddies. No matter what your hobby, there is a clever gizmo on the market to streamline your production - if you can get past the fear factor.

Many crafters like Kristin Shears can't.

"I'm afraid of glue guns or anything with a cord," the 39-year-old Phoenix painter says. "When I was 7, I tried to use my grandma's industrial glue gun and ended up burning the skin off my finger. It scarred me for life. Ever since then, I can't even use a drill to hang my curtains. I have tape-on drapes."

Shears embraces paintbrushes, scissors and adhesives - but shivers at anything beyond a schoolroom paper trimmer. With the craft industry ringing up more than $30 billion a year, industry professionals realize there are many artistic shoppers like Shears who are hesitant to plug in.

Walnut Hollow is just one of the companies to step up. Its recently debuted Designed for Her Tools is a female-friendly collection that includes an electric drill, screwdriver, soldering iron, sander and wood burner. The line won the Award of Excellence for innovation at the Craft and Hobby Winter Convention and Trade Show earlier this year.

"(Some women) might not understand that electric tools can be easy and safe to use," says Chris Wallace, marketing communications director for the company. "We provide the instructions and information; they will fit well in their hands and are safer to use with the non-slip grip. The Designed for Her Tools are not made to build a house, but to help crafters with their projects."

Michele Beschen, 37, creator and host of DIY Network's B. Original, uses everything from a benchtop drill press to a handheld rotary tool, and she uses her TV show to encourage others to do so as well. She not only feels empowered every time she flips the switch, but feels a rush of excitement with the finished project. Although she embraces many tools, she suggests newbies start with a variable-speed Dremel tool because of its versatility (the rotary tool has attachments for cutting, sanding, drilling and buffing).

"The more tools and new things I can introduce to people, the better," she says. "People just need to take the time to learn, ask questions of someone they know who is familiar with that tool, and have a go at it. Investing in tools can open so many creative doors for people. The key is to take your time, be safe and don't be afraid."

Chris Wass, 33, of Scottsdale has been wielding torches, soldering irons and Dremels for years to make her jewelry and lamp-work beads. But even she admits to waving the white flag now and then.

"I once took glassblowing to make goblets and larger items, and I was frustrated because I couldn't conquer it," she says. "I had a hard time keeping the heat even. When I'm ready, I'll try again. People should know that's OK if (a tool) doesn't work out, just move on to something you feel comfortable with."

Shears understands that. She acknowledges that her fear limits her creativity. She has always had a curiosity for soldering and welding, and she is considering taking a workshop someday.

"I'd never just buy an electric tool off the shelf for fear of ending up in the emergency room," she says with a laugh. "But I think if I took a class with a skilled instructor, and everything was perfectly laid out for me, maybe if the tools were cordless so I wouldn't knock anything over . . . I think maybe it would be doable."

More on this topic

Thinking about expanding your crafty universe? Check out these tools that will make your life easier and add a new dimension to your creative options. These products are for beginners, but higher-grade models are available as well. It's best to read a book or take a class on the topic, and to exercise safety precautions at all times.



Dremel cordless rotary tool (starts at $40): A must-have for all general crafters. This is a multipurpose tool that has a spinning jaw at the top. Attachments are available for drilling, engraving, sanding, buffing and more. Comes with a rechargeable battery. Tip: Visit www.dremel.com to see video of how it works. Available at home improvement stores.


Beginners sewing machine (about $100): You have to start somewhere, so why not right here? Basic machines such as the Bernina Bernette 55 or the Brother XL2600i will get you on your way. Simple functions make it easy to use for fabric collage, mending and clothing construction. Also, pick up a copy of Teach Yourself Visually Sewing, by Debbie Colgrove (Visual, 2006, $24.99 spiral bound).


Walnut Hollow Designed for Her Creative HotKnife ($19.90): Slices easily through foam core, cardboard, plastic foam and thick paper objects. Comes with two knives, a stand and a non-slip grip. Visit www.walnuthollow.com for other Designed for Her tools, such as a rotary tool, electric screwdriver, drill, sander and mini vac.


Walnut Hollow Creative Craft & Home Tool Kit ($39.99): Perfect for the all-around crafter because this toolbox is loaded with helpful items such as staple gun, screwdrivers, cutter, pliers, hammer, scissors, level, measuring tape, hangers, nails, screws, brads and wire. www.walnuthollow.com.


Creative Woodburner pen ($13): Works just like a pencil except it is heated and indents into soft wood. Great for creating embellished clocks, boxes, even wood purses. Available at local craft stores.


The Simply Solder Art Kit ($49.99): Soldering is the process of melting metal to join metallic surfaces. In the craft world, soldering is used to create picture jewelry and other art pieces. Lisa Bluhm and Melissa Wood are pros on the topic, and they have a new kit that has everything you need to get started: a solder iron, glass, flux, copper tape, lead-free solder wire, clamps, two tips and more. They even have a book to go with it, Simple Soldered Jewelry & Accessories: A Crafter's Guide to Fashioning Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & More (Lark/Chapelle, 2007, $24.95 paperback). www.simplyswank.net.


Electric Bead Reamer ($44.95): Comes with a diamond tip and is used to smooth and enlarge the holes in beads. Available at www.thebeadfactory.com or local bead shops.


Not ready to plug it in? Here are electric-free options:


Cutterfly Utility Tool ($19.99): This pocket-size gem contains several tools that fit neatly within a hot pink plastic casing. Perfect for on-the-go crafters. Features spring-action scissors, rotary blade, distress tool (can be used as a rub-on tool and screwdriver), paper piercer, needle-nose pliers, retracting 13-inch ruler, tweezers, embossing stylus and key chain. www.eksuccess.com.


1-2-3D Paper Crafting System ($39.99): This DVD and paper tool set allow you to whip up boxes, envelopes and pop-up cards in a variety of shapes and sizes. www.eksuccess.com.


Craft hand drill ($19.25): No power needed! Works for small projects such as paper crafting or light woodworking. www.fiskars.com.


Dremel Multi-Vise ($34.99): If and when you decide to go electric, this vice tool serves as a holder and clamp for your projects. Use it to secure your piece, enabling your hands to concentrate on the craftwork. www.dremel.com.

Bind-It-All ($59.99): Bind your own hardback books, journals, scrapbooks and photo albums with this nifty contraption. www.binditall.com.

Precision Paper Trimmer ($49.99): A professional 12- by 12-inch paper trimmer that folds up for on-the-go crafting. www.makingmemories.com.

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Labels: crafty advice