Are You Just Starting...?
If you’re new to crafting using stamps and other materials or Stampin’ Up! products, it can be overwhelming. My aim is to provide a go-to page to help you get started. Please keep in mind that this is my opinion. We all have different abilities, needs, and desired outcomes, as well as different financial levels.
My goal is to arm you with information as you begin your journey using Stampin’ Up! products. If the whole trip is a new experience for you, I hope to make it less daunting. I’ll share the early process of my journey, which may resonate with some of you. As you may already know, I am in a wheelchair and on a limited income. I understand that the products can be pricey, but I also know they are of good quality.
When starting, we all ask ourselves these questions:
– Where do I start?
– How do I get the right items?
– But I am on a budget.
– It’s so expensive!
I have asked myself all of these questions and made statements like these. They are valued and essential to each of us in their way. I don’t aim to undervalue them. So, let’s be honest. These are some of the things I have done or am doing to start my crafting journey.
Let’s address the concern of being on a budget and the expense. For a while, I went to workshops where I paid a fee, and a kit was provided. The steps were walked through, and the ink, cardstock, and other items were delivered. The only tools I was asked to provide were:
– a pencil and eraser
– a scalpel and scissors
– an A3 Cutting mat
– tape or glue
Tracey Harrison provided the kit, and it was a brilliant option for me.




If you’re new to crafting or just starting out, there’s an excellent source that I highly recommend: Stampin’ Up! Kits and suites. These kits come with helpful instructions and most of the crafting supplies you need to create beautiful projects. Some kits even come with a stamp set included, although not all do. However, if you’re looking to really step up your game, I’d highly recommend checking out the suites. These suites not only include a stamp set but also coordinating dies, paper, and embellishments. Having all of these coordinating products in one place makes creating stunning projects a breeze! The only downside is that the suites don’t come with instructions, but don’t worry – with a little creativity, you’ll have no trouble coming up with your own unique designs. To check out the many kits and suites available, simply click on the Kits or Suites and explore all the amazing options available to you!
Do you enjoy making things with your hands? Are you interested in tools but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! I can help you! Let me give you some tips on how to begin.
My first suggestion is to start with some Card and Designer Paper. You can find them in different colours, patterns and sizes. If you don’t feel like buying a kit, you can also get Cardstock and Designer Series Paper. You can find them in different sizes like A4, 12×12 or 6×6. With these things, you can create your own amazing pieces. It’s a really good starting point for your tool collection. You can make personalized and unique things for your friends and family. The possibilities are endless!




You will need to purchase some ink for your crafting experience, and Stampin’ Up! has a wide variety of options available from which you can choose. You can either purchase individual ink or save 10% by buying ink bundles.
Aside from individual ink, Stampin’ Up! also has several ink collections available to suit your needs. Check out the 2022-2024 In Color Classic Stampin’ Pads, 2021-2023 In Color Classic Stampin’ Pads, Classic Stampin’ Spots Assortment, Subtles Collection Classic Stampin’ Pads, Regals Collection Classic Stampin’ Pads, Brights Collection Classic Stampin’ Pads, and Neutrals Classic Stampin’ Pads. You’re sure to find one that you’ll love!
But don’t just stop at ink; Stampin’ Up! also has other items available for coloring such as Markers, Blends, Reinkers and much more which you can find by clicking here.
If you’re planning on making some beautiful crafts or sending out some greeting cards, you’ll definitely need some stamps! There are a variety of stamps available through Stampin’ Up! to choose from and many ways to get them. One way is when Stampin’ Up! have their Sale-a- bration is a great time to get free stamps, especially when you purchase items of higher value. Additionally, clearance sales can give you access to some amazing stamps at discounted prices. You’ll definitely want to check out all the different types of stamps available to you. Remember there are two main types of stamps that Stampin’ Up! talk about and offer, cling red rubber stamps, which allow you to create images with intricate details, and photopolymer clear stamps, which make aligning multiple images on one project easy. All stamps are unmounted, so it’s important to have clear stamp blocks to use them effectively.
The range of stamps on offer is vast, and there are different styles, occasions, and themes to fit every need. You can find stamps for various occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon messages, religious greetings, and even for when you want to let someone know that you are thinking of them, with the miscellaneous stamps. Other categories like masculine or father’s day, children’s and babies ‘, Mother’s Day, and thank-you’s are also available. You can find all of these amazing stamps at the links provided. Don’t limit your creativity and start exploring the world of stamps today!
When engaging in crafting, it is important to have all of the necessary tools and items to make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Some tools are essential and should definitely be included in your collection, while others are just helpful aids in keeping your work clean and smudge-free. For example, the grid paper is great for precise placement and protecting your work while you do it.
In terms of adhesives, it is recommended that you try a few different types to see which works best for you. The Glue and Mini Dots are highly recommended, and having tape and Dimensionals , Mini Demensionals, and
Black Dimensionals on hand is always a smart idea.
Other tools that can be incredibly useful include the Stampin’ Pierce Mat, which provides even pressure and maximizes ink coverage, as well as scissors, a trimmer along with spare blades , and a bone folder.
When it comes to specialty tools like the Stamparatus (unfortunately no longer available but you may be luckily enough to find one being offered on the internet) and the Simply Scored Scoring Tool also with a Metric plate option available, these are not as essential but can still prove quite useful depending on the types of projects you plan on undertaking.




You got this! Here are some additional tools you should definitely consider adding to your collection:
- STAMPIN’ MIST: Use this product with the Stamp and Scrub to condition your stamp after each use.
- SIMPLY SHAMMY: Wipe your stamp with the wipe between images before final cleaning with the stamp scrub for optimal results.
- STAMPIN’ SCRUB: Keep your stamps clean and in top shape with this tool.
- TAKE YOUR PICK: A must-have tool for transferring embellishments and dimensionals. Take your pick putty refill Take your pick die brush tip Take your pick crafter tip
- HEAT TOOL SP: Perfect for heat embossing projects.
- EMBOSSING ADDITIONS TOOL KIT: Take your projects to the next level with this essential toolkit.
- BLENDING BRUSHES & SMALL BLENDING BRUSHES & Sponge daubers Achieve a smooth, blended look with these high-quality brushes and dauber.
I purchased the clear block bundle and love it! It saves you 10% and comes with all block sizes. If you prefer, you can also purchase clear blocks individually. These reusable acrylic blocks are grooved for easy gripping and come in a bundle that includes all block sizes so you will always have the block you need. Plus, the storage caddy is a convenient way to keep them organized.
Regardless of which option you choose, these blocks are sure to elevate your crafting game!
Ultimately, there are many different tools and products to choose from, so it is always a good idea to visit Stampin’ Up to explore all of the options and find the ones that work best for you. Please Contact me if you would like a copy of the catalogues currently available.