scrappilyeverafter

alisonrasmussen
independentmanager#879

As any seasoned stamper will tell you, it's hard to stick to your craft budget! Here are a few lists that will help you decide what you need. Before you get started, sit down and make a list of how many money you'd like to spend. Consider unmounted images if you would like to invest in many stamps and your budget is limited. You should also check into my direct sales opportunity through The Angel Company™ for even greater discounts on your supplies!

The Basics

1. Stamps. Start with a few images that appeal to you. Consider the seasonal use of the images for different themes, if you're going to be making cards. You'll want small images, large focal images, and possibly background images to start.
2. Mounting System. Decide on mounted or unmounted stamps, depending on your storage space availability and budget. You are of course welcome to buy both mounted and unmounted stamps, but if you choose one, your organizational system will flow more smoothly.
3. Ink. Depending on the type of work you plan to do--your stamping materials, primarily--choose ink that is right for you. Here is a brief list:

black ink
Brilliance Pearlescent Beige ink
silver and/or gold metallic ink
white ink
embossing ink or VersaMark
gray ink

4. Stampable items. Cardstock, paper for scrapbook, paper and plastic bags, gift wrap, plastic ware or paper products... You can stamp many items. Decide what you want to start with!
5. Stamp cleaner. You might consider a stamp scrubber to save time--cleaners will condition your stamps as well as clean them. I know stampers who use baby wipes to clean, but this works better with dye ink than pigment or metallic.
6. Trimmers. If you're stamping with paper crafts, you'll want a good paper trimmer. If you're on a budget or like to take your crafts with you, I recommend a Fiskars paper trimmer. For a higher end model, try the Carl Rotary Trimmer. If you're using stamps that require assembly, be sure to have a pair of sharp scissors on hand. Kai are great for trimming rubber!
7. Adhesive. Your choice--and depending on the stampable items you're making.

Getting Creative

1. Embossing powder and heat tool. This is a fun addition to the basics, and should be one of the first techniques you try. For colors, I recommend basic black, silver and gold to start. If you have many different colors of ink or markers, I'd also recommend clear. Check out the embossing page for more info.
2. Precious jewels. An easy and inexpensive way to add dimension to your work is to add artificial gemstones (self-adhesive, beads, or flat-backed items) to your work. Use liquid adhesive for best results.
3. Metal embellishments. Brads, eyelets and charms add lots of fun and dimension as well. Brads and eyelets require a hammer and setting tool (eyelets only) as well as a hole punch and self-healing mat to start. You may have some interesting "charms" in your junk piles at home!
4. Textured paper. Using papers of different textures and weight add a layered look to your artwork. Mulberry and vellum are my favorites. You can also buy a paper corrugator or brayer to make your own textures and patterns. Also consider newspaper or magazine clippings, tissue paper and doilies when your work doesn't need to be archival-quality.
5. Adding color. Don't forget the colored ink pads, chalks, markers and pencils. Colored ink pads are and easy way to get more use from your stamps. See the ink page for recommendations. Using chalks (or pastels) is a wonderful way to add color. I recommend dual-tipped brush and fine point water-based markers for applying both directly to stamps and highlighting images stamped in black. Prismacolor pencils are my favorite pencils. Shading techniques can be time-consuming, but are very relaxing and versatile. If you stamp with a waterproof ink, trying watercolor pencils is a fun way to snazz up your work.
6. All that glitters. Adding glitter to your work is a wonderful way to add spunk and style. Glitter and adhesive require an easy work surface--Tidy Trays are great for getting the most out of your glitter and embossing powder. If you want less mess, try Stickles. These amazing steady-flow tipped bottles of acid-free glitter glue are easy to use and inexpensive!

Developing Style(s)

1. Fibers. I love the look of textured fibers, embroidery floss, raffia, ribbon, and natural hemp cord in cards. Don't forget to include a flat hole punch,southwest corner punch for easy application, or use a paper needle.
2. Krystal Kraft. Take a class to discover the wonders of this fantastic tool. Stamp on the reverse side of the plastic piece, decorate with markers and glitter, and you've got a unique, one-of-a-kind charm.
3. UTEE. Ultra thick embossing enamel and a Suze Weinberg Melting Pot create art in themselves that can add pizzazz to your work. Create charms and more with this tool. See my UTEE page (coming soon) for more.
4. Shrink plastic. Whether you punch it, stamp it or color it, you can get a lot of use out of this fun product. I've always been a fan of Shrinky Dinks, and this product brings out the youth in my work. You'll need an over, heat tool or melting pot to shrink it.
5. Paints. Using Lumiere paints and Pearl Ex color pigments to create colorful image and amazing unique backgrounds for your work is an investment of time that will pay off. Take a class or purchase a book or video for more information.
6. Applicators. Using sponges, stipple brushes or paint brushes with your ink pads will give you a different look for only a little cost.
7. Branching out. Try out different products, like Creative Paperclay and Crystal Lacquer to see what effects you can get. Take classes, look through stamping magazines and catalogs for more ideas.

 

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