Inkredible Stamping

Q: I have a friend who would like to start stamping with me and I’d like to give her a gift to get her started. What are the best things for a beginner stamper to have?

A: Sharing the fun of stamping with a friend is one of the things that Stampin’ Up! is all about. There is nothing like the joy of seeing the sense of accomplishment and joy that a new stamper feels when she first discovers the art of stamping. What a great thing for you to experience with your friend! Some of the basic supplies a new stamper needs are stamps, ink, card stock, and tools.

Stamps
As much as we may want it all, we have to start somewhere! For new stampers, I suggest a versatile set, like the Easy Events (#116958 wood-mount, #123225 clear-mount) stamp set. It includes images and greetings for a variety of occasions. Plus, the Easy Events stamp set is ideal for your friend to test out simple techniques like coloring, or stepped-up techniques like watercoloring.

Ink
New stampers don’t need the full spectrum of colors in order to get started. A couple of ink pads in versatile colors or favorite colors are a great place to start. One of the ink pads I recommend most is Jet Black StazOn (#101406). The quick-drying, permanent black ink is versatile for many images and perfect for a variety of techniques that new stampers will want to try. Another great ink pad to consider is the VersaMark pad (#102283). Since VersaMark is a clear ink, it creates a slightly darker watermark-type effect when stamped on most any color of card stock. A Color Collection of Stampin’ Spots is another budget-friendly option for beginning stampers who like a lot of color options. Each Stampin' Spot Color Collection includes anywhere from 8 to 11 ink pads that are 1” square in size.

Card Stock
Not all paper is created equal! Most of us have learned by trial and error that there is a difference. Help your new stamping friend avoid the frustration and expense of poor-quality card stock. She’ll appreciate the crisp images she can achieve with our ultra-smooth Whisper White (#100730) or Very Vanilla (#101650) card stock. Pair the Whisper White or Very Vanilla card stock with an assorted pack of card stock from one of the Color Collections and the Neutrals Collection, and your friend will have the basis for many beautiful creations!

Tools
It seems obvious, but it is important not to forget the basics like a Paper Cutter (#104152) and a SNAIL adhesive (#104332) along with a couple of refills (#104331). Once you have those basics, consider fun and functional tools like our great punches. A couple of circles that can be layered together are a great place to start because circles are a very pleasing and versatile shape that you can't cut by hand without making yourself crazy! (You know what I mean if you’ve tried it!)

Got to have it all?!
Do you know the best-kept secret deal in the Stampin’ Up! catalog? It’s the Starter Kit. Yep – with stamps, ink, card stock, and basic tools, the Starter Kit is valued at $345, but only costs $175, making it a steal-of-a-deal and an ideal way for new stampers to get all the basics in one affordable bundle. Plus, when new stampers join Stampin’ Up!, they’ll have a whole host of great online resources, including an amazing online community of demonstrators for training, ideas, and support. Talk about having it all! Contact me today to find out more about the Starter Kit, including the limited-time extras and discounts available only to new team members who join during Sale-A-Bration!