Stamping 101

I love all the beautiful projects but where do I begin?

I remember the first time I was handed a Stampin’ Up Annual Catalog and being totally overwhelmed. There was just so much! I remember taking the catalog home, pouring over it, loving so many gorgeous projects, and having no idea where to begin.

Kits are a great place to Start

Stampin’ Up! offers several fabulous all inclusive kit options for those just getting started.

Experience how fun and easy creativity can be with the Stampin’ Up! Kit Collection! These crafting kits come with everything you need to create artistically designed handmade projects, including step-by-step instructions, precut pieces, and more. Choose the kit that’s right for you from an assortment of options designed for a variety of occasions and styles. Kit selection based on availability with new kits added regularly. Check out the Kits available now in my Online Store here.

Paper Pumpkin is the Stampin’ Up! $24.50 monthly papercrafting subscription box. Paper Pumpkin kits are all inclusive kits that are designed for anyone who wants to quickly and easily achieve beautiful, handcrafted projects—anytime and anywhere! Each month you get a new project that’s great for all types of crafters. It always includes fun coordinating products – a stamp set, ink spot, and all the consumables to make pre-designed projects but also the kit can unleash your creativity to design your own projects using elements in the kit. You can find out more here and subscribe here.

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What are the Essentials I need to get started?

These are my crafting essentials on my desk and in my go bag ~

Crafting Essentials:

• Paper Snips
• Simply Shammy
• Bone Folder
• Paper Trimmer
• Take Your Pick
• Stampin’ Pierce Mat
• Grid Paper (or scratch paper)
• Silicone Craft Sheet
• Block D
• Memento Black ink
• Adhesive – (Multipurpose Liquid Glue/Stampin’ Dimensionals/Mini Glue Dots/ Tear & Tape/Snail)
• **glue and residue eraser (from Amazon/ Michael’s/ JoAnns)

Tools to gradually add later:

• Clear Blocks (A-J)
• Punches
• Heat Tool
• Die Cutting Machine
• Stamparatus (or Stamping Positioning Tool)
• Simply Scored Scoring Tool
• Stampin’ Scrub / Stampin’ Mist
• Water Painters
• Crop-A-Dile

I want it all but what should I order first?

Jumping into a new hobby can be overwhelming & can quickly become expensive (especially when we want it all) and most of us have to stick to a budget.

First take a look at my Crafting Essentials list above – tools aren’t as sexy as stamp sets and pretty paper but they can make your creating experience easier. I would suggest getting the Simply Shammy (147042 $8.50) and at least one adhesive on your first order. The Simply Shammy makes keeping your stamps clean (ink can quickly get everywhere) and you’ll need adhesive to create your project.

Next look for one stamp set (be aware of what the suggested clear blocks you’ll need) that has a mix of images and sentiments that you love. Does it have a coordinating Punch? Is there one pack of Designer Series Paper that would coordinate with the stamp set you’ve picked? The important thing is to choose something that you can’t wait to create with and you can check out the stamps here, clear blocks here, and Designer Series Paper selection available in my Online Store here.

Then choose 2 or 3 classic ink pads in the same color family or that is listed in the coordinating colors on the Designer Series Paper pack that you’ve picked. The BEST thing about Stampin’ Up! is that their inks, papers, markers, embellishments, and ribbons all match making it easy to color coordinate our projects.

Once you’ve chosen your colors you’ll need some paper. I would suggest getting our smaller sized Basic White Note Card & Envelope pack (159232 $8) for your pre-cut card bases (especially if you don’t have a paper trimmer) or a pack of Basic White 8 1/2″ x 11″ cardstock (159276 $10.50) to create your card bases and Basic White Medium Envelopes (159236 $8.50). Then maybe add a pack of 8 1/2″ x 11″ Assortment cardstock in the color family of your chosen colors. You can find the multicolor cardstock packs available here.

And then don’t forget the bling. Again Stampin’ Up! has color coordinated the ribbons and embellishments. So pick a pack that matches the colors you’ve chosen or choose a pack of Rhinestones or Pearl Basic Jewels that match everything. You can check out the embellishment selection available in my Online Store here.

If you want to recreate a card or sample in the catalogs or that you’ve found on Pinterest I will help you figure out what you need.

Angel Policy –

Stampin’ Up! welcomes artists who would like to use Stampin’ Up! copyrighted images in their own handmade craftwork and other projects that they produce to sell with the Angel Policy – find out how here.

How do I put the stickers on my new stamps?

Stampin’ Up! Inks

Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (Standard)

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What’s a Stamparatus?

*Please note – The Stamparatus is currently retired and no longer available on my Online Store.

**I will be adding videos and tips to the section so be sure to check back!