As I have been typing out Supply Lists for all the project I have been making, I decided that maybe I should give you a list of my Favorite Things to use while Stamping.
Basics. Stamps and Card Stock-pages 174-181:
Stamps: I have mostly used Stampin’ Up stamps since I started stamping in the early 1990’s. I would occasionally get stamps from other companies, mostly sentiments. I still occasionally use them. I never tried the totally clear stamps because I was afraid of losing them! I misplace enough stamps as it is when working on multiple projects at one time.
Wood vs. Clear Mount Stamps: Both are made of the exact same rubber, so the stamp quality is the same. The clear mount stamps are rubber so I am not worried about losing them-hee hee! The clear mount stamp containers take up a lot less storage space. The wood mount stamps are better, in my opinion, if there are a lot of small pieces or if I am going to share them with my grandchildren. My 3 year-old grandson can use the clear mount stamps, but it is just too tempting and fun to peel the stamps off the blocks!
I have found that it does make a big difference with the clear mount stamps in how you put the stickers on. Work on a flat surface. I now leave the rubber all together (after peeling the backing off the stamp I am working on). I peel off the sticker and remove half the backing, then align the sticker with the backing part still on with the stamp. When I am happy with the placement, I smooth down the sticky part of the sticker, flip up the part with the backing on, peel it off and stick it on. Before I started doing it this way, my stamps didn’t stick to the clear mount blocks very well-especially the smaller ones. I would use Dotto on them to help them stick. Washing the blocks also helps the stamps to stick better. If you look closely at the picture above, I have marked the Clear Block Letter by each stamp image on the cover. I also include a list of punches that will work with each stamp set inside. The Circle Circus wood mount set has the punch size written on each block.
Card Stock: I also used the card stock I could get at WalMart. Once I started attending regular Stamp Classes, I realized how much more sturdy Stampin’ Up!s card stock was compared to the kind I was using from WalMart. I started buying assorted packages of Stampin’ Up card stock. I still have a lot of the other stuff that I give away for Church activities or let the children use (if I remember-which I usually don’t). I now usually buy Card Stock twice a year-once during Sale-a-Bration (might as well earn some free things!) and once in the Fall. If I am going through a color more quickly than that I will buy it as needed.
Inks and Markers (also page 202): Since cost is always a factor in what we buy, I have slowly gotten the ink pads and reinkers. As you may have noticed, I also like coloring on the stamps with Markers. I do enjoy my Markers! You can also get Color Collections of Stampin’ Spots which are 1″ ink pads. There is a Getting Started Collection of 12 colors that go well together to help you get started. Or do as I did and just start with a few of your favorites. I started getting 1-2 ink pads and the matching reinker(s) every month along with a stamp set or two.
Stamp Cleaning: I used baby wipes for years, but they really just spread the ink onto my fingers. I still use baby wipes when I use Whisper White Craft ink on a large stamp. I really like the Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Mist (page 207) for cleaning my stamps! I dilute my Stampin’ Mist: 1 part Stampin’ Mist to 1 part water. If the stamp gets really stained, I use the StazOn Cleaner.
Adhesives-page 207: I started out using scotch double-sided tape, which did work pretty well, but it was expensive. I tried some of the “wannabe” snails, but wasn’t happy with their sticking ability. Then I moved to removable glue stick. I did like that until I made 100 cards for a Regional Swap and felt like I had glue stick on my fingers for days! Up until then I had only sparingly used my Snail. After that I decided it was worth using Snail. It stuck paper together really well unless I had put hardware on it or made it into a box or something. I learned to use Sticky Strip for those items. I am a latecomer to using the Multipurpose Glue (Tombow) that Stampin’ Up! sells. I do enjoy using glue on pieces that really need to be in exactly the right place, but are harder to position-usually smaller pieces. I have also enjoyed the Adhesive Remover for removing pieces of Snail or glue that stick out where I don’t want them. I also use Dimensionals, mini glue dots, and Sticky Strip depending on the project.
Basic Tools-pages 207-208:
Paper Cutter/Trimmer: I call this my “Laptop Paper Trimmer” because I usually hold it on my lap when trimming. You do need something to cut paper with, since we very seldom use a whole sheet as is. Scissors cut great, but I am not always very good at cutting straight lines with them. You can sharpen the blades with foil a few times before you really need to replace them. I have had a Tabletop paper cutter I got at an office supply store for $12 about 15 years ago. I am getting closer to making the jump to Stampin’ Up’s Tabletop Paper Cutter.
Mat Pack and Piercing Tool: I really enjoy these and use them all the time. I have occasionally had to file the tip with a metal nail file, but it only takes a minute to sharpen it up.
Stamp-a-ma-jig: This tool is great for getting images in the exact place you want them. I don’t remember how many times I use to have to either add layers or start over because I stamped the sentiment on (the finishing item) and it was crooked. This little tool is worth it’s weight in gold, because you save so much time and card stock.
Bone Folder: This is great for folding your cards and projects. You can also use it to score your paper with your Paper Cutter by scoring down the black groove where the cutting blade moves.
Fun Tools:
Punches (pages 209-213): I do LOVE my punches! Punch them with foil and wax paper if they aren’t cutting well. The new flat-style punches may occasionally need a squirt of WD-40 in the hinges. I can’t tell you which is my favorite, because it is just too hard. I do love using the Word Window and Modern Label punches with the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. A quick solution to adding a variety of sentiments to your card.
Big Shot (pages 214-225): I LOVE my Big Shot as much as my punches! I seem to use both of them a lot! I enjoy the Textured Impressions embossing folders, the Letterpress plates, and Texturz Plates (when I remember to use them) to take my card from plain to really nice in just one easy step. Embosslits also add a quick touch that adds to your project.
I really enjoy all the Treat containers I can make with the Bigz dies. The ones I use the most are the Matchbox, Box #2, Candy Wrapper, and Mini Milk Carton. I do like the Petal cone, but haven’t used it as much. The Blossom Box is beautiful, but time intensive. The others are quick and easy to put together something that looks nice for your treat.
I also like the Mover and Shapers Punch Windows to make layers that fit nicely with the punches. I use the Modern Label and Scalloped Oval the most. There is a way to use them without the big die, but I have to figure it out each time. I guess I need to write it down and update my Big Shot Sandwiches paper.
Hostess Plan:
I LOVE the new Hostess Plan! You can earn some products for free when you place an individual customer order or a workshop order for $150 or more you earn “Hostess Dollars.” You can spend your “Hostess Dollars” on the Hostess merchandise and/or anything in the catalog. If your order is $400 or more, you get a full-priced item at 50% off! That means you can get a Big Shot at 50% off (if you want)!! I tested it out and got a XL Bigz die (The Petite Pocket die $42.95) for half price! I was pretty excited!!
So if you would like to get something for free, get a few friends together for a Workshop. I will provide a couple of cards or projects to make, you can provide the friends and some refreshments. We can have a fun time. Or you can have a “Catalog Party” where I loan you some catalogs so you and your friends can place orders.
