With so many tools and gadgets on the market, I understand it’s easy for new stampers to be overwhelmed by an abundance of choices. To help you get the most out of your crafting dollars (and to ease some of the overwhelm) I’ve created this handy list of must-haves for someone just getting started with rubber stamping.
You don’t need all of these things, of course, but the the right tools on hand will will make crafting easy and grumble-free. Click here for that list.
THE TOOLS
Stampin’ Trimmer. You can’t cut your card stock if you don’t have a good paper trimmer!  Stampin’ Up!’s trimmer has both a cutting and a scoring blade as well as an extension arm for measuring those larger pieces of paper.
Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Mist:Â These two products are essential for keeping your stamps clean and perfectly flexible.
The Stampin’ Scrub is washable and has plush fiber scrub pads.
The Stampin’ Mist cleans the ink from the stamps.
Stampin’ Mist, Item #102394, $4.50
Adhesive Remover: If you happen to get some SNAIL double-sided adhesive where you don’t want it (and, trust me, you will!), this trusty little 2″ x 2″ adhesive remover will simply erase the excess. It works like a charm. It’s one of my favorite tools!
PAPER SNIPS: A good pair of sharp scissors for precise cutting of ribbon or making small cuts in intricate projects is a must! I have a few pairs of these in my studio and use them frequently. Price: Item #103579, $10.00
BIG SHOT DIE CUT MACHINE: The Big Shot, the only bigger-ticket item on my list, is a versatile workhorse that you will use over and over again. I seem to pull it out for nearly every card or project. You can run dies, framelite, thinlits and folders through it to cut precision shapes or dry emboss your card stock.
THE SUPPLIES
Card Stock: Start by choosing your favorite color collection. Stampin’ Up!’s card stock comes in 2 sizes: 8-1/2″ x 11″ and 12″ x 12″. It is dyed all the way through and is acid and lignin free (great for scrapbooking). It comes in 4 basic color groups as well an In Color Collection of 5 colors that are available for 2 year periods. These colors are more trendy than the permanent color collections.
WHISPER WHITE: Stampers, you can never have too much Whisper White card stock! It’s great for all of your layering and punching.
Whisper White 8.5″ x 11″, Item #1100730. $8.50
WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2″ X 11″ THICK CARD STOCK:Â This thick 100 lb. weight card stock is perfect for card bases.
ENVELOPES: Envelopes are essential if you want to send out your awesome finished cards. And Stampin’ Up!’s envelopes are lovely to hold, nice and silky. They come in Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Clear!
Ink: Stampin’ Up!’s Classic Ink Pads, as all of the accessory products (ribbons, buttons, sequins) coordinate with the card stock. Stampin’ Pads can be purchased individually or in color collection sets.
Markers: Markers also coordinate with the colors of the card stocks and stampin’ pads. With a few exceptions they can only be purchased in sets of their color collection.
In Color Groups:Â These In Colors grouping are available in 2 year segments; there are always 10 In Colors available, but one group leaves every year and another group become available.
- 2015-2017
Adhesive:Â
- SNAIL ADHESIVE is a double-sided adhesive for holding the layers of your cards together. It is an instant bond. Refills are available.
- Dimensionals:Â These are great double-sided foam dots that add depth and dimension to your projects.
- Glue Dots:Â Instant little dots of adhesive; they hold heavier embellishments.
- Multipurpose Liquid Glue: This glue adheres glitter, little tiny words (with little tiny dots of the glue) and more. It’s a strong bond and dries clear.
And finally, don’t forget an Annual Stampin’ Up! Catalog and seasonal catalogs! Ask me what’s current and I’ll get one or all into your hands a.s.a.p.
Current Catalogs:Â Click on the images in the sidebar to see each of the catalogs/brochure
2015-2016 Annual Catalog, retires May 31, 2016
2016 Occasions Catalog, retires May 31, 2016
Sale-a-Bration 2016 Brochure, retires March 31, 2016
