Cardmaking Basics

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Todays post is a bit different, I feel a bit like it is the twilight zone, don’t adjust your sets :)

After a large number of awful mistakes culminating in me droping a glass bottle on the floor I decided to film a different video than I was trying to film (it was awful, glue every except where it was supposed to go and ink dropped on cards.)

So I decided to film a new to stamping video.

My favourite item to recommend to a new stamper is a kit. I love the all inclusive kits as they contain all you need. They have card bases, envelopes, stamps, inks, dimensionals and also the embellishments. Another bonus is they have a block so if you are new to stamping you don’t have to buy a block. The only other things that I recommend is glue and also scissors.

If you know stamping is for you, I then recommend note cards, they come with envelopes - no cutting (whcih i think is a bonus,) You can add ink and punch pieces for quick simple cards. I also use the stamps from previous kits I have to make super cute cards (everyone loves a handmade card!) I would recommend getting one ink collection, my first collection was the subtles, but the in-colours come in 5’s rather than 10’s so can be good to play with at a more reasonable price.

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I think that any stamp set with a punch is perfect. I am in love with the dragonflies, for birthdays I recommend the Sweet Ice Cream bundle for birthdays and the Snowman Seasons for Christmas.

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What do you think are the essentials for crafting? Have I missed something?

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Where to Start? Part 2

Yesterday we covered tools, today I will look at what Stampin Up do best, ink, paper and stamps! Yipppeee! There are so many! I would recommend for a new stamper to buy. There are a number of cards which I make regularly, Happy Birthday, Happy anniversary and Thank You.

I love Balloon Builder, it makes the most gorgeous cards and balloon animals and includes a few sentiments that will cover you for Valentines day too!

Stampin up! shows off its potential on of their catalogue pages I love the Bear and the Elephant! That doesn't mean that you cant just use the stamps as balloons, but that you can be as imaginative as you like.

One of my favourite combos for the balloons is the 2015-2017 In Colours. These work amazingly together and give a good indication of the quality of the ink and paper. I would also recommend choosing one of the other collections. I personally use the Subtles more than the others, but have also expanded into the Neutrals. Slightly addicted to Pool Party!

I am off to play with Balloons...