Hello Crafters!! Okay, so maybe you're new to stamping and it could be a bit daunting trying to figure out how to get started with just the essentials. What ARE the essentials anyway? What are things that I can get multiple uses out of so I DON'T have to empty my wallet? Yeah, I've been there. I'm a broke college student, so I wanted to make every dollar count. These are the top ten (or so) items that I feel are necessary for your toolkit.
1. Get the app to your local craft store!
Whether it's Joann or Michael's or Hobby Lobby, GET their app on your phone! This is probably the BEST tool in your toolkit I can mention. I've gotten so much for 40% off with coupons on these apps, it's ridiculous. Also, if you sign up for their emails you can be aware of deals going on online or in the store. On rare occasions, I've even been able to score 60% off certain items. Also, finding little treasures in the clearance section is like winning the lotto... the crafty lotto! Don't overlook that section!
Now onto the actual products...
2. Scissors
Now I'm assuming you already have a pair of scissors at home, and I'm sure those will be fine for starters. So yay for you! You already have something checked off the list! (Although if you plan on cutting intricate pieces out or want to use ribbon/cloth in your projects you should probably get a separate pair for each.)
3. Paper
O kay, buying a pack of pre-folded cards with envelopes might be what you're looking for, but in the long run it really isn't your best bet. You want to get sturdy and smooth paper; it will make your projects that much better. I've heard that Michael's heavyweight cardstock is nice, but I haven't tried it yet myself. My personal favorite is Neenah solar white 110 lb. cardstock.
4. Paper Trimmer
You'll need a paper trimmer to just make your life easier. Mine is by Fiskars and has measuring lines on it. It has replacement blades (get the Titanium ones) sold separately, which help it last SOOO much longer!
5. and 6. Ink pads and a coloring method
I say these things together because, well, they go hand in hand. There are two main types of ink that I suggest as the main ink you'll need.
7. Ink Pad Sets
There are a few different ink companies (like Hero Arts, Memento, and even Distress Ink) that have come up with mini sized versions of ink pads that come in sets. Well worth the money for someone just starting out, and they're cute too!
8. Adhesive
There are so many types of adhesives out there: wet adhesives (try Tombow Mono), runner adhesives (here's my favorite), or even glue sticks. Whatever works for you. Wet adhesive gives more "wiggle" time, and dry/runner adhesives make for a quicker assembly.
9. Patterned Paper
I'd say get a 6x6 paper pad or two that you really like and that will get you far. I just love love love My Mind's Eye paper pads (and are often on sale at Michael's). Paper pads make everything easy to coordinate and they help you pick out coordinating colors.
And last, but not least...
10. STAMPS!!
I suggest you find a stamp set that you like. Clear stamp sets give a great bang for your buck and don't take up as much space as wood-mounted stamps. Just be sure to get an acrylic block (or something else smooth and flat) that the clear stamps could stick to.
11. Embellishments (optional)
* These are things that I will follow up on with other posts. So much in this post already. I hope you find it helpful!
1. Get the app to your local craft store!
Whether it's Joann or Michael's or Hobby Lobby, GET their app on your phone! This is probably the BEST tool in your toolkit I can mention. I've gotten so much for 40% off with coupons on these apps, it's ridiculous. Also, if you sign up for their emails you can be aware of deals going on online or in the store. On rare occasions, I've even been able to score 60% off certain items. Also, finding little treasures in the clearance section is like winning the lotto... the crafty lotto! Don't overlook that section!
Now onto the actual products...
2. Scissors
Now I'm assuming you already have a pair of scissors at home, and I'm sure those will be fine for starters. So yay for you! You already have something checked off the list! (Although if you plan on cutting intricate pieces out or want to use ribbon/cloth in your projects you should probably get a separate pair for each.)
3. Paper
O kay, buying a pack of pre-folded cards with envelopes might be what you're looking for, but in the long run it really isn't your best bet. You want to get sturdy and smooth paper; it will make your projects that much better. I've heard that Michael's heavyweight cardstock is nice, but I haven't tried it yet myself. My personal favorite is Neenah solar white 110 lb. cardstock.
4. Paper Trimmer
You'll need a paper trimmer to just make your life easier. Mine is by Fiskars and has measuring lines on it. It has replacement blades (get the Titanium ones) sold separately, which help it last SOOO much longer!
5. and 6. Ink pads and a coloring method
I say these things together because, well, they go hand in hand. There are two main types of ink that I suggest as the main ink you'll need.
- Memento (Tuxedo Black) Ink is a dye ink that is fast drying and works great with alcohol based markers , like Bic markers* or Sharpies, for example. You can also use dye ink with (like Prismacolor) and Gamsol* (to blend it out).
- If you would like to color with more wet media, such as watercolors* it's best to use MY personal favorite ink pad: Versafine Onyx Black, a pigment ink.
7. Ink Pad Sets
There are a few different ink companies (like Hero Arts, Memento, and even Distress Ink) that have come up with mini sized versions of ink pads that come in sets. Well worth the money for someone just starting out, and they're cute too!
8. Adhesive
There are so many types of adhesives out there: wet adhesives (try Tombow Mono), runner adhesives (here's my favorite), or even glue sticks. Whatever works for you. Wet adhesive gives more "wiggle" time, and dry/runner adhesives make for a quicker assembly.
9. Patterned Paper
I'd say get a 6x6 paper pad or two that you really like and that will get you far. I just love love love My Mind's Eye paper pads (and are often on sale at Michael's). Paper pads make everything easy to coordinate and they help you pick out coordinating colors.
And last, but not least...
10. STAMPS!!
I suggest you find a stamp set that you like. Clear stamp sets give a great bang for your buck and don't take up as much space as wood-mounted stamps. Just be sure to get an acrylic block (or something else smooth and flat) that the clear stamps could stick to.
11. Embellishments (optional)
- Glossy Accents: This stuff is awesome. I've had one bottle and it has lasted me for so long! It can be used as an adhesive AND as an embellishment. Two purposes with one product? Sign me up!
- White Gel Pen: This is great for when you want to add dashed lines around a project to finish it off or just add sparkle to eyes.
* These are things that I will follow up on with other posts. So much in this post already. I hope you find it helpful!