The Inky Flamingo | Stamp with Jen Vitek

Hi friends!

If you are new to stamping, you may not know what to buy. There are so many fun options in the catalog and online, and it can be a little overwhelming.

Stampin’ Up! is currently running a promotion until tomorrow where you will receive $155 worth of products for only $99. You get to choose all the products! This is a great offer if you’re looking to invest in some products. Yes, you are signing up as a demonstrator, but you absolutely do not have to sell if you don’t want to.

Click here for more information or here to sign up

I’ve pulled together a top 10 list of products I recommend you consider purchasing. This list applies to anyone who is starting out with stamping. If you have no interest in the starter kit, that’s fine! This list can benefit you as well.

1. acrylic block
2. paper trimmer
3. die cutting machine
4. DSP
5. White Cardstock
6. Colored Cardstock
7. Stamp set
8. Dies
9. Ink pads
10. Adhesive

Acrylic Block. This is what you place your stamps on. Stampin’ Up! sells 9 different sizes, but if you’re looking to start with one block, I recommend Clear Block E . It measures 3 7/16″ x 4 7/16″, and will be adequate for the majority of the stamps you buy.

Paper Trimmer. You will want a paper trimmer that has a cutting and a scoring blade. I think the one Stampin’ Up! sells is excellent and highly recommend it.

Die Cutting Machine. This will make your life easier, and give your cards that extra dimension. Stampin’ Up! currently sells three different machines, the Cut & Emboss Machine, and 2 mini versions, one in boho blue, and one in white. For the mini machines, the boho blue is $3 cheaper than the white. If you unsure on what size to get, I review both sizes here.

DSP. This stands for Designer Series Paper, and is what Stampin’ Up! calls their decorative papers. Pick a pack that you love.

White Cardstock. You can use this for card bases, focal points, and inside layers.

Colored Cardstock. Pick a color or colors that match your DSP.

Stamp Set. Pick one you love! Most DSP’s have coordinating stamp sets, but you don’t have to order it if you don’t like it.

Dies. Some stamp sets come with coordinating dies; if you love the dies, you can get a 10% discount if you order them at the same time. If you’re not sure what dies to order, I recommend looking at shapes-based dies, such as Stylish Shapes, Nested Essentials. or Countryside Corners. I use Stylish Shapes for most cards I make; it gives a focal point to your card and allows a greeting to stand out.

Ink Pads. If you want to stick to one color, I recommend the Memento Black ink or Basic Gray – these will coordinate well on any card you make. If you choose rainbow colors, stay away from the pastels or lighter colored inks, as I feel it makes your greetings hard to see.

Adhesive. Stampin’ Up! sells a variety of adhesive and it really is just personal preference on which one to choose. I use Tear & Tape, but the other kinds are just as effective and work well.

I hope this helps you as you make your selections! It can be difficult to decide, I know! Please reach out to me if you have any further questions– I am more than happy to help!

Jen