New to paper crafting? You’re in the right place!
You don’t need a craft room full of supplies to start creating beautiful cards. I’ll help you learn the basics, choose the tools you’ll use most, and build your confidence one project at a time.
Start simple. Have fun. And remember—you don’t have to be an artist to create!
A Simple Way to Start
Before you start filling your cart, here’s how I recommend building your first collection. Start with the basics, make a few choices based on what you like, and then use the recommendations below to find what you need.
1. Start with the Basics
Begin with white cardstock, white envelopes and a black ink pad. These give you a simple foundation that works with just about anything.
2. Choose an Occasion
Birthday is a great place to start, or choose a versatile sentiment set with greetings for several occasions. That gives you more ways to use the supplies you already have.
3. Choose Your Style
Pick a stamp set with images that fit the kind of cards you want to make—flowers, nature, whimsical, clean and simple… whatever inspires you.
4. Add Some Color
Choose about three coordinating colors you love. You can add coordinating cardstock and ink without feeling like you need every color in the catalog. New ink pads will last a long time so you can worry about refills later.
Ready? Below you’ll find the tools and supplies I recommend to help you get started.
If you were sitting at my craft table and asked me what you needed to get started, these are the things I’d recommend. Nothing fancy and nothing you won’t use—just a few good basics that will help you start creating and enjoying the process right away.
A Good Paper Trimmer
A good paper trimmer is one of the first tools I recommend. You’ll use it on almost every project to cut cardstock and paper accurately. Straight, consistent cuts make everything else easier—and a lot less frustrating!
Must-have Adhesives
You don’t need every adhesive to get started! I recommend Multipurpose Liquid Glue for everyday card making and Stampin’ Dimensionals when you want to add a little depth. Those two will handle most of what you’ll need as you’re getting started, and you can add other adhesives later as you discover what you like.
Basic Black Ink Pad
A black ink pad is the perfect place to start. You’ll use it for sentiments and outline images, and it works with just about any colors you choose.
Basic White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock
Basic White cardstock is the perfect place to start. Use it for your card bases, stamping, and layering with the colors and designs you choose. Cut one sheet in half and you’ll have two card bases that fold to 4¼” × 5½”.
Basic White Medium Envelopes
These envelopes are the perfect fit for the standard 4¼” × 5½” cards you’ll make with your Basic White cardstock. Start with white and they’ll coordinate with just about any card you create.
Stamps
This can be the tough part—there are so many to choose from! Start with something you love. A sentiment set with a variety of sayings gives you lots of flexibility, or choose an occasion like birthdays and build from there. Then pick images that fit your style and make you excited to create.
Color
Color can be tough too, but remember—even a card made with just one color can be beautiful! To start, choose about three colors that coordinate. Pick up cardstock and an ink pad in those colors, and you’ve already opened up lots of possibilities.
You can stamp with the ink pads, or use them with water and a brush to add color. As you learn, you’ll discover so many techniques you can do with just a few basic supplies.
Want More for Your Crafting Budget?
If you’re looking at several of these starter items and thinking, “I want all of that!”—there’s another option you should know about.
For $99, you can choose $125 in Stampin’ Up! products, plus you’ll receive a welcome kit with some great starter items. You’ll also receive a discount on your future orders.
And here’s the important part: you don’t have to make it a business. You can simply enjoy the products, the savings, and being part of a creative community.