What to buy?

Guests at my workshops who look at our very large, very complex catalog often look quite bewildered and the most common question I get is, "Where do I START???"

There's no simple answer, because everyone's plans for stamping are different, but here's a basic list to try. Read all the way to the end for a surprise fact!

Paper: Of course, cards are made of paper. We usually use a combination of colored cardstock and plain white or vanilla paper, so your best bet is to buy one package of assorted cardstock from one of our color families and one package of either white or vanilla. Cost: $14.45

Ink: There's two ways to start out. You can either purchase a color family of our Stampin' Spots (twelve colors of miniature ink pads) or four full sized pads from one color family - one green, one blue, one red, and one yellow. The reason for purchasing within a color family is that these colors are designed to go together beautifully. Next, you need to purchase a solid dark pad for outlines. If you want to do a lot of watercoloring, you'll need a StaZon pad, or you can use Basic Black, Brown, or Gray for techniques that don't involve a lot of water. Cost: maximum of $31.75, depending on which options you pick.

Envelopes: With your paper, you'll be able to make at least 100 cards, so you want enough envelopes(3 pkgs)for all of them. Cost:$19.50

Blender Pens: These allow you to do so many techniques that they are a MUST HAVE, especially with Stampin' Spots! Cost: $9.95

Now, add those up and include s/h and tax. You'll get a total ($90.12) that might seem kind of high, but think about it this way - if you make 100 cards with that, your cards are only costing you 90 cents!! I didn't count stamp sets in the total, because those can be used over and over. Plus, if you purchase these materials during Sale-a-Bration you would get a free stamp set!

During these tough economic times, it makes sense to have a craft which is so versatile. You can make amazing gifts for such a small amount of money! I have given all kinds of card sets, in interesting containers (some found at garage sales and thrift shops). I've made calendars and scrapbooks, candy holders, decorated pens and personalized address labels, candle holders, jewelry - the list is endless.

See my website (http://inkingofyou.stampinup.net) for a list of upcoming classes where you can explore this fascinating craft!