5 Must-Have Altenew Innovations That Make Crafting Easier!

Last Updated: February 19, 2025

The crafting world is constantly evolving, with new tools and techniques designed to make creativity effortless, enjoyable, and more innovative than ever. Ranging from stamping tools to inks and crafting systems, this is your chance to elevate your crafting experience!

A video thumbnail featuring Altenew's different crafting systems

Today, we’re diving into five Altenew game-changers that every crafter should experience using, along with project inspiration that crafters of all skill levels can accomplish! It’s also perfect for intermediate crafters with experience using innovative crafting tools. 

Why Is Innovation Important Among Crafters?

To craft is to be creative, and to be creative is constantly learning new ways to better yourself and your projects! It’s hard to remain stagnant with your skills, and if there are supplies out there meant to make your crafting experience better, then you should definitely dive in! 

Innovation in crafting opens a world of possibilities, from making your process more efficient to making crafting more enjoyable! That’s why it’s so important to remain open-minded to new techniques and supplies, even if you feel a bit skeptical at first. 

From Idea to Innovation: Here Are the Altenew Supplies Changing the Game

Without even realizing it, there may be supplies out there that could potentially change your crafting experience forever. Here’s a rundown of trailblazing Altenew products you absolutely need to have in your craft room:

Stampwheel 2.0 

If you love playing around with different stamping techniques, then the Stampwheel 2.0 is a must-have in your craft room. It’s the upgraded version of the original Stampwheel with nothing else like it on the market. 

A staged image of the Stampwheel 2.0 featuring a large project on florals and a "bloom where you are planted" sentiment

Why It’s a Game-Changer

  • Wreath and Repetitive Stamping Made Easy: With its rotating acrylic plate, you can effortlessly create symmetrical wreaths, repeated patterns, and layered designs.

  • Multi-Use Functionality: Beyond stamping, use the Stampwheel 2.0 for ink blending, stenciling, and embossing​.

  • No More Smudging: The sticky mat keeps your cardstock in place, ensuring crisp and flawless stamped images.

“The industry has seen a shift toward tools that increase accuracy while maintaining ease of use, and the Stampwheel 2.0 exemplifies this trend.” - Bridget Casey 

Altenew Crafting Systems

Making the creative process easier is music to any crafter’s ears. Altenew’s Crafting Systems are meant to help you achieve it, from experiencing sustainable crafting to creating batches of dies in one go! Some of these systems are: 

Zero Waste

Ever felt like you’re wasting too much paper while crafting? You can be a more eco-conscious crafter with the Zero Waste system, which is exactly as it sounds. This die series lets you use both positive and negative sides of your die for use as backgrounds, focal points, accents, and so much more! You can even set some pieces aside for future projects, with zero waste involved!

A memory-keeping scrapbook layout featuring a pink background, some photos and a negative side die-cut from the zero waste collection

Key-Hole

The dies in this set include keyholes, arrows, and isosceles triangles meant as a guide for easy layering. That way, you can make the most beautiful layered images that might look difficult to achieve but are actually a breeze with the key-hole system. This revolutionizes crafting for layered die-cutting enthusiasts!

A staged photo of a handmade card with different-colored florals from Altenew's key-hole system collection

Ultra Sticky Mat

We get it, you only have two hands and it can be hard to keep things in place while crafting sometimes. With the Ultra Sticky Mat, you won’t have to worry about your cardstock or stencils moving around while you’re adding embellishments or blending ink. It sits on your crafting table perfectly and is the perfect stage for a precise, gloriously sticky crafting experience.

A staged photo featuring an ink blending brush applying ink on a stencil while the cardstock is placed on the ultra sticky mat from Altenew

“This is in my desert island bag. It’s one of those tools you didn’t know you needed until you get it! It saves me on masking tape and keeps everything in place” - Lydia Evans

What Makes It Special?

  • Strong Hold, No Residue: Keeps your paper and stencils in place without damaging them when removed.

  • Perfect for Ink Blending & Stenciling: Ensures smooth ink application by preventing accidental movement.

  • Reusable & Washable: A long-lasting addition to your crafting arsenal​.

Signature Ink Color Families

Altenew has a vast collection of crafting inks, all belonging to specific color families for precise blending. You can get them individually or in their standard groups of 4, or even in larger bundles! Not to mention you can also choose from mini cubes or the larger round ink pads along with reinkers to make sure you never run out of your favorite shades.

A staged image of a handmade card with different colors and a "follow what feels good" sentiment placed on top of a variety of Altenew inks

Why You’ll Love These Inks

  • Perfect Gradient Blending: Each set includes a thoughtfully curated range of shades that blend seamlessly.

  • No More Guesswork: Coordinating colors eliminates the hassle of choosing the right ink shades.

  • High-Quality Formula: Smooth application, quick drying, and long-lasting vibrancy​.

Mini Ink Blending Brush

The mini ink blending brushes from Altenew are must-haves for anyone obsessed with color blending! These come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of ink-blending techniques, even for projects where you have to get into the tiniest nooks and crannies.

A staged photo of Altenew's mini ink blending brushes

How It Elevates Your Crafting

  • Perfect for Small Areas: Gets into detailed stencil designs and intricate die-cut shapes.

  • Ergonomic and Comfortable: Allows for smooth and effortless blending without hand fatigue.

  • High-Density Bristles: Ensures even application for soft, seamless ink transitions​.

Elevate Your Projects with These Innovative Crafting Supplies from Altenew!

Ready to level up your crafting game? If you haven’t already experienced working with these supplies from Altenew, you’re in for a treat! Experience fun, accessible, and efficient crafting with these must-have supplies. If you’ve already worked with some of these supplies, feel free to let us know which ones are your favorite!

For more guides and inspiration on all things paper crafting, don’t forget to pay us a visit In the Craft Room!


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