You want to make cards for your friends and loved ones. But your first glance at the Stampin’ Up! catalog can be a bit overwhelming. Especially if you have never stamped before. So many wonderful things!! Where should you start? Let’s dive in and take a look.
1. All-Inclusive Kits can be your best friends.
Paper crafting kits from Stampin’ Up! come with everything you need to create handmade projects. In the kit you’ll find step-by-step instructions, precut pieces, stamps, ink, and more! All you’ll need to have on hand is adhesive (like a double sided tape) and scissors. Kits are available for a variety of occasions. New kits are added regularly.
2. Sign up for Paper Pumpkin – a Monthly Kit Subscription
Get your creative “me-time” delivered right to your door every month! You’ll get all the stamps, ink, and paper you need to create fun projects. Each month is different and may contain projects like cards, treat packaging, tags, and more. Everything comes precut and with full color, step-by-step instructions, you can just open and go!
You can cancel or suspend your subscription at any time.
3. Be Brave – Take a SIP!
By now, you’ve perused the catalog more than once. You’ve seen some things that have piqued your interest. Use them as a guide to your first purchases.
There is an acronym used in the stamping world called SIP. It stands for stamps, ink, paper. These make up the base of everything you’ll do.
STAMPS:
Stampin’ Up! sells 2 types – cling mount and photopolymer. Cling mount stamps are etched red rubber. Photopolymer stamps are made of a completely see-through material. Both types need to be attached to acrylic blocks for use. Choose a set or two that speak to you! I’d recommend something with a combination of images and phrases.
INK:
Stampin’ Up! has 50 exclusive colors. They’re broken down into “families” – tones of colors that go nicely together. You can select just a few to get started or select an entire family. I’d also recommend purchasing a black ink pad.
PAPER:
You’ll find cardstock colors to match all 50 ink colors as well as white, vanilla, and black. Choose a few that match the ink(s) you chose, plus white or vanilla.
When you’re ready for a step further, Stampin’ Up! offers BEAUTIFUL double-sided, patterned papers they call Designer Series Papers – or DSP.
4. Tools of the Trade
No matter what you decide to start with, there are a few tools you’ll need to make your projects come together.
Adhesive: The most common adhesives used are either a double-sided tape runner (Stampin’ Seal) or a liquid glue. You’ll find both in the Stampin’ Up! catalog.
Paper Snips: You’ll find these scissors easy to use for large or fine cuts. They’ll work for both right or left handed crafters.
Acrylic Blocks: No matter which type of stamps you choose, you’ll need to attach them to these clear blocks. There are a variety of sizes. Each stamp set indicates which blocks are recommended for use.
Stampin’ Shammy: Once you’re done using your stamp, you’ll need to clean off the extra ink. Simply wet the shammy and scrub. The shammy can be used over and over again.
No matter how you start, your finished creation is bound to make you smile! And the lucky person who receives it? They’ll be smiling too.