Q & A - General
Just starting with your stamping hobby? Here are six suggestions to help you get started. Whether you are into card making or scrapbooking, these suggestions will help you get going without (hopefully) breaking the budget.
1. Use what you have
Clean out your drawers and cupboards. Gather craft supplies from other hobbies to be reused, like string, beads and wire. Ribbon and buttons from your sewing box make great embellishments.
2. Organise what you have
Stampin’ Up! have some great products for storing supplies (see page 163 of the Idea Book & Catalogue). However when you are starting out it is better to invest in good quality crafting supplies rather than storage solutions. Perhaps you may want to invest in some inexpensive plastic drawers and containers for this purpose. You will need a few smaller containers with dividers for buttons and embellishments. As your hobby grows you may have to decide on some better storage options.
3. Store and use your supplies correctly
Looking after your supplies will make them last longer and make the investment in them worthwhile.
- Stamps will last forever if you take care of them. Stamps should be cleaned as soon as possible after use. Never clean mounted rubber stamps under running water. If you are using wet wipes to clean your stamps then ensure that it is not alcohol-based. Better yet, invest in a good stamp cleaner like the Stampin’ Mist (see page 148 of the Idea Book & Catalogue).
- Stamp pads should be stored turned upside down so the ink is on the surface of the pad, ready for stampin. The Classic Stampin’ Pad from Stampin' Up! turn themselves over automatically when you close them, so store these the right-way up!
- Most ink markers and gel pens should be stored lying flat.
- Paper and card should be stored flat.
- Reserve a pair of scissors just for cutting ribbon and don't use them on paper so they stay sharp.
- Read and follow any instructions or suggestions listed on the products you purchase.
4. Conserve what you have
Make sure your paper is stored correctly so you don’t loose any to creases and wrinkles. Always cut only what you need and not from the middle; this applies to paper, card and ribbon. Keep all your scraps. It is more convenient to store larger scraps of card or paper by colour. I use a clear-file folder, but I have also seen concertina files and filing drawers used. Those smaller scraps of paper and card come in handy for punching and embellishing. Re-roll any unused ribbon onto some stiff card or a peg. Make sure your working space is free from anything that may mark or spoil your supplies and projects, like drink and food.
5. Buy quality products
There are cheaper stamps and stamping products on the market than those purchased through Stampin’ Up!, but I have learned from first-hand experience that not all stamping products are alike in quality. Stampin’ Up! stamps are good quality and, if you look after them, they will last for as long as you need them. Also, they always stamp well because the images are deeply etched. Stampin’ Up! paper and card stock is dyed with exclusive colours and all the way through, that way if you tear the card you won’t see any white. Think of your supplies as an investment and choose wisely.
6. Take advantage of specials and cheaper items
Stampin’ Up! always have some sort of special or promotion happening, so take advantage of these. Also, the catalogue has many embellishments and accessories that are $20 or under. There are also a number of versatile stamp sets that are under $45. Stampin’ Around Standard Wheels are great as they are only $14.50 each.
