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New here.. Going to SU party tomorrow what do you start with?
I am new to this and I was wondering what do you suggest I start with. I am new to SU. I have a set of christmas stamps and that is it... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Choose a set or two you really like (sonce it is SAB you could earn at least one FREE! )
Think about cards you usually buy and choose set that you can use to make those type of cards.
If you are drawn to solid stampes (filled in stamps where you do not need to color them in)
Pick 2 or 3 of your favorite colors from the color families and buy some stamp pads
or
If you are drawn to line images (where you would most likely stamp in black and color in:
choose a black pad
choose a way to color them in (watercolor pencils, watercolor crayons, markers, etc.)
for either
Pick a pack of matching assorted paper
Pick a pack of neutral paper
hope that is a reasonable start!
__________________ I want people to be afraid of how much they love me-M. Scott
I would suggest the variety pack of paper, chose a color family that you like and maybe invest in classic ink stamp spots in the same color family as the paper. You might want to get a regular size black ink pad in Classic for your images. With SAB being on you can earn a free item from the SAB mini for every $50 (I think in the US, it is $60 in Canada) you spend. This is a fun and creative craft and once you get hooked you will be spending alot. Have fun at the party and take notes, or hopfully the demo gives instruction sheets out, my demo usually does.
When I started I bought the variety pack of paper for one of the color families and then the Stamping Spots to match. I also picked out a stamp set that was a bit more universal that you could mix and match for many occasions.
I got an alphabet(for scrapping) and then a versatile set, like Fun and Fast Notes or Pun Fun, a package of paper and a package of neutral paper, a black ink pad. That was my first order! It was during Sale-a-bration, so I got two, I think free sets as well. Then at my party, which was the following month(can you say addicted quickly), I stocked up on more paper and pencils and stamp pads!
If you're going to purchase a black stamp pad, I'd suggest getting a Staz-On pad. There's no reason you can't use it for regular stamping, it dries quickly, you can use it on shiny surfaces, and it doesn't bleed when you do your watercolors or color it with markers. However, it doesn't really need to come from SU! You can get them at Michael's or your local store.
Other than that, I guess it depends on whether you're wanting to do scrapbooks or cards. I mostly do cards, so for that, I'd suggest a set of images that you like and a set of multi-purpose verses/sentiments. I like the "Curvy Verses" set and use it a lot. SU! cardstock is also fantastic!!!
Welcome to our addiction! Enjoy the ride. ;)
Angela
__________________ Just twist my rubber arm... ;o)
It really is going to depend on how much you want to spend, and what other supplies you already have. If you already have paper and ink to use, then I would concentrate on getting an all occasion set and maybe some tools for coloring. If price isn't too much of a consideration, I would also get a pack of neurtal (white or ivory) cardstock, matching envelopes, a pack of one color family cardstock assortment and the coordinating ink spots.
My suggestions are to buy the color family variety packs. These really help you try the various color groups and learn what you like to use for colors. I do not recommend buying plain (Whisper) white card stock or standard (A2 or "invitation" sized envelopes because you can get them more cost effectively at Staples or somewhere and have more money to spend on colors and stamps!
Ink: If you order an ink pad in a color you know you'll use, order the reinker at the same time. They are inexpensive and if the color is discontinued, you will be able to use your pad for a long time. Also, reinkers can be used for watercoloring and some other cool techniques.
Tools to look at: Bone folder, paper trimmer, and PUNCHES! (I love punches).
As far as coloring, if you have never watercolored, you may want to wait on that and although the SU supplies are very high quality, you could try some cheaper ones from a store to see if you enjoy using watercolor crayons or pencils.
MONEY, and LOTS of it!!!!!!!!!!! Actually, depending on how much you have to spend, i started with 1 color family, and bought the assorted pack of CS, and the stampin spots, then if you are able, pick a stamp set, otherwise, to save some money, i bought a couple of stamps from a craft store at 40% off and used those until i could then afford to buy the SU stamp sets. Then add another color family of paper and spots. I then would replace the paper and the spot with the full size of that color when it ran out. Good luck!
If I had to do it all over again, I would buy a Stamp-a-ma-jig right off the bat. It doesn't have to be from SU. They sell the same thing at Michael's and you can use a coupon. I use mine all the time, now. I don't know what I did without it. (Have your demo show you how to use it).
I also agree with buying a color family pack or two that you like. When you see what colors you are drawn to, then you can buy packs of that color.
Get a good black ink. Stazon is a good general purpose waterproof ink, but keep in mind you will also need to get the Stazon cleaner. Memento is also a good black ink that you can with alcohol based markers (Copics).
I would also get matching markers for the cardstock colors you buy. You can always color your stamps with the markers, so no need to buy the ink pads right away.
It can be an overwhelming decision to make. I hope we have helped you. Welcome to our addiction!!
I am totally opposite of most. I own very little SU paper. When I started out I couldn't afford the stamps, ink and paper so I went with stamps. Go with what you are drawn to and if it is stamps you want to spend your money on, I would go with what you think you would use the most of. Whether that be birthday (one that can be for all ages) or thinking of you/thank you type cards then you could go with floral or an image that can be used for whatever.
Good luck! Starting out can be fun and expensive!!!!!
I would suggest the variety pack of paper, chose a color family that you like and maybe invest in classic ink stamp spots in the same color family as the paper. You might want to get a regular size black ink pad in Classic for your images. With SAB being on you can earn a free item from the SAB mini for every $50 (I think in the US, it is $60 in Canada) you spend. This is a fun and creative craft and once you get hooked you will be spending alot. Have fun at the party and take notes, or hopfully the demo gives instruction sheets out, my demo usually does.
I think this is great advice to get some classic stamp spots to coordinate with the assorted pack of paper you choose. Don't forget the neutral paper pack or just a pack of whisper white paper. I would look in the catalog for the sets you like and then look up that set in SCS. Then you can see the ideas others have made with that set to help make your final decision. One set I have used alot is Pocket Silhouettes but I'm more of a no frills stamper. Hope you have alot of fun
When I first started, I picked out a card that I liked and bought all the "ingredients" to make it. I don't remember for sure what I spent, but I remember thinking "I need more!" right away...because I was hooked from the start!
When I started I got a 2 step set of flowers. I could color it in if I wanted or use a solid flower. It was good for all occasions. I got markers in 3 colors, black stamp pad and a stamp and scrub. That way I could color the stamps and not really be commited to the hobby if I didn't like it.
__________________ Be who you are and say what you feel~ Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind~
OK, I'd say...
Colors...Black, Choc. Chip, and three others that you choose.
Stamps...a generic set like something natural or with generic shapes
OR
A roller that you can color like Doodle and handle...very versatile. You can punch out different colors of rolled images and mount them on a larger punch of solid coordinating color and block them...decorate each one with a different embel. like color a flower on one, add a brad, add glitter on one. Very cute. If you get a roller, you'll need pads, not markers.
...Or both...depends on budget
A package of white or very vanilla cardstock, you'll go through it, and a variety pack of a color family of your choice.
Stamp n Scrub
Anything generic like good scissors or adhesive, I'd say get from a craft store with coupon, like AC Moore or Michaels.
You'll see that you'll want more, but get the basics first.
You've gotten some great advice so far. If you really think you want to do this as a hobby, this is a great time to get started. I second getting a set of Stampin spots and a multi pack of matching paper. You can get white cs at Walmart and I would get a black stazon pad(use a coupon from Hobby Lobby or Michaels) instead of the basic black stamp pad from SU (too purple). Then pick out a stamp set you like, preferably one with images and sentiments. Pick out your free SAB stuff, spend endless hours in the gallery and on the boards here and you're good to go ;).
I agree with the lady who mentioned a stampin' scrub. When I had my first set of stamps (Pick A Petal), I loved to play with it, but didn't have a good way to clean them, which really annoyed me. I didn't like the thought of dirty stamps being stored in my desk. When I finally got cleaning supplies, I started buying more and more stamps.
I would say
neutral cardstock
pack of 1 color family cardstock
3-4 inkpads
stamp set
those would be the basic supplies.
then you can add coloring medium, embellishments, more pads, more paper
My first purchase from SU! was 2 stamp sets
2nd was pack of variety cardstock ( earth elements) and watercolor pencils
3rd was a punch and chocolate chip cs
4th was a pack of soft subtle cs, eyelets, stamp set
5th I got the starter kit and now I am addicted
__________________ Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni visit my blog
I love SU stamps, but what I REALLY love is that the paper, ink, ribbon, etc, all match. I'd buy a color family variety pack of paper, a matching set of stampin spots, and some ribbon. Then I'd spend whatever is left in the hobby budget on stamps and neutral paper.
Have fun! You're going to love this!
If your are looking for a good coloring mediun to start with, the Stampin Pastels are great for two reasons:
1- affordable
2- includes all colors
You should also get the blender pens as they work almost like a marker when used with the chalks, BUT...only dab your blender pen tip in the CORNER of your chalks as the solution in the pen will ruin the area and it leaves the main part dry for your chalk applicators. I use no name cotton swabs for regular chalk application.
Yep..........lovely as a tree.........you can't go wrong with it. Look in the gallery..........this one probably has the most samples.
Love Curvy Verses and Gods Blessings. Love all their punches. Priceless seems to be a fav of many people.
these I put on another thread. Their papers are awesome. Can't go wrong there..........some of my fav cs are: choc chip, certainly celery, real red, night of navy, of course whisper white, bashful blue, and my list could go on forever because I have most of the cs. I love their markers too. All of SU stuff coordinates so it's all great. With markers and chalks you don't need a lot of ink pads. JMO
__________________ Carol "Poota" in IN Proud Fan Club Member A Kota's Kid
I would add that you should get a versamark pad. Every stamper needs black, brown and versamark! I keep these three on my desk and they never get put away.