The Ultimate Stapler for Rosette Making: Bostitch Office B8 Heavy Duty All Metal 45 Sheet Plier Stapler

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When it comes to rosette making, having the right stapler is just as important as the right glue gun. When I first started in this business, a very kind person took me under their wing and gave me some essential advice: get a good stapler. Excited, I went out right away and bought Heavy duty stapler in metallic purple.  Proud of my purchase, I sent her a picture. She told me I was crazy.

That little stapler was not up to the task—and she was right. It broke in a day. Pretty doesn’t mean practical. What I really needed was the industry standard: the Bostitch Office B8 Heavy Duty All Metal 45 Sheet Plier Stapler.

Why the Bostitch Office B8 is the Best Stapler for Rosette Making

The Bostitch Office B8 Heavy Duty All Metal 45 Sheet Plier Stapler is the gold standard for rosette making. Unlike standard office staplers, this model is designed for heavy use, making it a reliable choice for securing layers of ribbon without jamming or breaking under pressure. Its all-metal construction ensures durability, and its 45-sheet capacity means it can handle multiple layers with ease. The ergonomic plier-style grip also allows for better control and precision, which is essential when working with delicate ribbon materials.

Oh, and if you're part of the Vivid Create-It Academy on Facebook @create-itacademy, you already know that this stapler is practically an initiation tool. If you don’t have one yet, consider this your sign to get with the program!

The #1 Mistake: Buying the Wrong Staples

The biggest issue you can run into with this stapler is using the wrong size staples. Always buy 1/4" staples—and only 1/4" staples. If you accidentally purchase 3/8" staples, you’ll quickly regret it. The longer staples tend to go straight through your project and into your fingers, which is both painful and completely unnecessary.

(Trust me, impaling yourself with staples does not make you a more committed rosette maker.)

Sharp Edges Can Damage Ribbon

Another lesser-known issue with the Bostitch Office B8 is that it can have rough edges that chew up ribbon. This can be frustrating, especially when working with delicate materials. To fix this, keep a Dremel tool on hand to smooth out any sharp or rough areas on your stapler. It’s just another essential tool you’ll want in your rosette-making kit to ensure clean and professional results.

Because nothing says "I’m a professional" like making minor power tool modifications to your office supplies. You could probably get away with a little hand sandpaper, but who has time for that? Just don’t forget the safety glasses.

These Staplers Break—Keep Spares!

Unfortunately, even the best tools can fail, and the Bostitch Office B8 is no exception. These staplers randomly break, sometimes at the worst possible moment. The last thing you need as a rosette artist is to be stuck without your favorite stapler when you’re in the middle of a big project. Always keep at least one spare, brand new in the box, so you're never caught off guard. Ideally, have more than one backup—because when you need it, you really need it.

(And let's be honest, the universe knows when you're low on staplers and will make sure one breaks when you need it most.)

Staple Removers: A Must-Have Tool

When working with rosettes, mistakes happen, and sometimes you’ll need to remove a misplaced staple without damaging your ribbon. A good staple remover is essential. I prefer flat staple removers over jaw-style (or scissor-style) ones because they are gentler and less likely to damage delicate ribbon. Flat removers also come in handy for other applications, which we cover in our advanced tutorials in the Vivid Create-It Academy. Having one (or a few) in your toolkit ensures that any necessary staple adjustments can be made quickly and cleanly.

(And let’s face it, it’s always a little satisfying to yank out a staple that dared to go rogue.)

Final Thoughts

The Bostitch Office B8 Heavy Duty All Metal 45 Sheet Plier Stapler is the best stapler for rosette making, but only if you know how to use it properly. Stick to 1/4" staples, smooth out any rough edges with a Dremel tool, and always have a spare on hand. With these tips, you'll be able to staple your ribbons flawlessly and keep your rosette-making workflow smooth and efficient.

And if you want even more insider tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out the Vivid Create-It Academy—where we turn staplers, glue guns, and ribbon into pure magic.