Best stamp pads, stamps, paper/cardstock

[berylscraps]

I would like suggestions on the best stamp pads, stamps, paper/cardstock?

[leslierod]

Well, that depends, it's mostly a matter of taste. Here's what I like:

For general stamping and coloring with copics, I like Memento inkpads.
For sponging, I like SEI chalk inks and Versa Magic chalk inks.
For distressing/aging, I like Distress inks.

As far as cardstock, I like using Neenah cardstock for stamping images and copic coloring. For colored cardstock, I like Papertrey Ink and Bazill swiss dot.

Stamps are a bit harder, it just depends on your taste, there's so many stamp companies out there. My favorite rubber stamps are Prickley Pear, Whiff of Joy and Stampin Up. My favorite clear stamps are Papertrey Ink, Verve, and My Favorite Things.

Most likely you will find your own favorites through trial and error...

Good luck!!

[cobby]

as the first responder said; it's mostly a matter of taste...your personal taste.

If you are looking to start this hobby and want a way to get quality product in one place I suggest finding a Stampin' Up demonstrator. SU does sell quality card stock, ink and stamps. Ideally the demo you bought from would be able to show you some techniques and give you guidance on what to order based on whatever project you were thinking about tackling first.

If you've been in the hobby for a while and just want to know what is "the best" of each category; well it kind of depends on what you want to do. Stamp line images and color them in? Or stamp images that need little coloring but be able to create layers and add embellishments that all go together easily?

I can't find quality paper locally. The big craft stores like Michael's or Hobby Lobby or A.C.Moore don't carry good, smooth, heavy base weight card stock in neutrals. So for that I order from SU or other online companies like PaperTrey Ink, or GinaK Designs.

Inks are all over the place depending on whether you use clear or rubber stamps and whether you want to watercolor your image or color with alcohol based markers like Copics.

Somewhere out here is a thread called something like "A to Z Stamp companies"...if you searched forums for that you should find it. There is a huge list of online places to order all those supplies. Good Luck!