Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Are you NEW to stamping and paper crafting but not sure where to start? I can suggest five essential tools from the Stampin’ Up catalog that new crafters or stampers may find helpful:

1. Stamp Set: A stamp set is the most essential tool for stampers. It typically includes a variety of designs and sentiments that you can use to create beautiful cards, scrapbook pages, or other paper crafts. Choose a versatile set that has multiple sentiments and images for all occasions.
2. Ink Pad: An ink pad is used to transfer ink to the stamp so that you can make an impression on your paper. Stampin’ Up offers a wide range of ink colors, including classic ink pads, dye-based ink pads, and pigment-based ink pads. My favorite “black” is the Memento Ink.
3. Cardstock: Cardstock is the foundation for most paper crafts. It is a sturdy paper that comes in a variety of colors and textures, making it perfect for creating card bases, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts. I suggest starting with white then adding a “multi” colored pack for a wider variety of color.
4. Adhesive: Adhesive is used to glue your paper and embellishments together. Stampin’ Up offers a variety of adhesives, including tape runners, liquid glue, and dimensionals, which are foam dots that give your projects a 3D effect.
5. Paper Trimmer: A paper trimmer is a tool that cuts paper to the desired size and shape. It is a must-have tool for any paper crafter. The Stampin’ Up paper trimmer includes a cutting blade, a scoring blade, and a ruler to help you make accurate cuts every time.

These five tools can help you get started on your paper crafting journey. Stampin’ Up also offers many additional tools and supplies, such as punches, dies, and markers, which can be added to your collection as your skills and interests grow.

IF YOU ARE ON A BUDGET …. Starting with just a few basic supplies is a great way to dip your toe into paper crafting without breaking the bank. Here’s a bit more detail on each of the supplies you mentioned:

1. Notecards and envelopes: Notecards and envelopes are a great choice for beginners because they come pre-cut and scored, making it easy to create a professional-looking card. Stampin’ Up offers a variety of notecards in different sizes and colors, so you can find the perfect base for your project.
2. Stamp set and ink pad: A stamp set and ink pad are essential tools for papercrafters. The stamp set will give you a variety of designs and sentiments to work with, while the ink pad will allow you to transfer the designs onto your paper. Stampin’ Up offers a wide range of stamp sets and ink colors, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style.
3. Watercolor pencils: Watercolor pencils are a great way to add a pop of color to your projects without investing in expensive paints or markers. Simply color your design with the pencils, then use a wet brush or Blender Pen to blend and spread the color. Stampin’ Up offers a set of watercolor pencils that coordinate with their ink colors, making it easy to create a cohesive look.

With these three basic supplies, you’ll have everything you need to create beautiful handmade cards and other papercraft projects. As your skills and interests grow, you can always add more supplies to your collection, such as additional stamp sets, embellishments, and tools.

Plus, I’m always here for you to help you with your stamping … you may contact me with your questions, come to a class or join a club! I too have many options for your stamping experience.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!