Getting Started/Basic Supplies

If you are just new to stamping or cardmaking this is the page for you.

It can be a bit overwhelming when you discover a new enjoyable hobby, but don't know where to get started.

Here are some tips so that you can confidently create your own handmade cards to send to those special people in your life.

Basic Tool Kit

Here's my suggestions for some essential items to get started. Below the descriptions you can find pics with shopping links if you need them and a video to give a few more details on each of these items and how to use them.

Paper Trimmer - You can cut your cardstock with the cutting blade and you can also score fold lines or decorative lines with the scoring blade. Fold the arm out for larger pieces. This is such a great trimmer. I love mine and use it all the time. Replacement blades are available.

Simply Shammy - This is to clean your stamps. Simply wet it then wring it out and dab your stamp to clean off the ink. I like to store mine in an empty DVD case.

Clear Block D - We have a large range of clear acrylic blocks to pop your stamp onto. This is one that I use a lot - it is a very versatile size.

Paper Snips - If you've got scissors already you won't need this but if your household scissors are a bit blunt grab yourself a pair of paper snips - super sharp and great for papercrafting. Hide them from everyone else - wink!

Adhesives - We've got a bunch to pick from. I've listed our liquid glue - great for sticking down cardstock layers as it gives you a few seconds of wiggle room if you happen to pop a layer down a little crooked. I've also listed our foam hexagons - Stampin' Dimensionals. Trust me - you NEED these. I can't make a card without them. If you love them we also have packs of mini ones and some in black.

Memento Black Ink - Black is a handy colour for stamping images and greetings. I think all stampers need a black ink in their stash.

Basic White Thick Cardstock A4 - I love this cardstock. It is a little thicker and works beautifully for card bases. I'm a huge fan of white cards. You can also use it for layers and can stamp on it.

Product List: 8 Essential Tools

Paper Trimmer [152392] $44.00	Simply Shammy [147042] $14.00	Clear Block D [118485] $14.00	Paper Snips [103579] $17.00
Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755] $7.00	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $6.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $10.00	Basic White A4 Thick Cardstock [159230] $14.25

Here's a video I put together for you to show a few snippets about these items and how to use them in your cardmaking. (Since I made this video there's a name change from Whisper White to Basic White.)

Stamp A Greeting

Next up for very handy essentials - greeting time! I'd recommend choosing one greeting stamp set and one coordinating punch.

Here's some punches from our current range that work well for greetings. Which is your favourite shape? Or choose one that works for the greeting stamps you have.

Product List: Label Punches

Labeled With Love Punch

[163569]

$41.00

Heartfelt Hexagon Punch

[162888]

$41.00

Modern Oval Punch

[162234]

$41.00

To The Point Label Punch

[164568]

$41.00

There are lots of great greeting sets in our range, and other stamp sets that have images plus a nice couple of greetings so browse through and see which ones you think you'd use most often. If you need advice on which punch would fit your chosen set - please get in touch and I'd be happy to help.

Here are a few of our current stamp sets that include a range of greetings. There are heaps more in our range so browse through the online store or through your catalogue.

Product List

With You In Mind Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[164747]

$35.00

Everyday Greetings Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[165084]

$37.00

Unbounded Love Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[163378]

$44.00

Simply Said Mix & Match Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[163756]

$30.00

I've got another video here showing you a bunch of cards you can make using some of these essential tools plus a greeting set and punch. I've also added a pack of patterned paper and two ink pads. This one is from a while back so some of the products featured are not currently available, but it is easy to adapt the ideas to one of our current punches, greetings or papers.