Card Making For Beginners: Selecting Stamps, Ink, & Paper

​Embarking on the journey of handmade card making is both exciting and fulfilling. To set yourself up for success, it’s important to start by selecting versatile stamps, ink, & paper so you can make beautiful cards for all occasions. This guide will help you choose the right products and provide simple step-by-step instructions to design your first cards. Card making for beginners does not need to be stressful or overwhelming, so follow along and take it one step at a time. Soon, you’ll be creating beautiful handmade cards and enjoying your new hobby.

Selecting the Right Products

Starting with the right supplies is crucial to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and all you need to get started are Stamps, Ink, & Paper. You can create beautiful handmade cards for any occasion with just these three items. Additionally, a few essential tools will enhance your crafting experience.

Four recommended Stampin' Up! stamp sets for card making for beginners to start with.

Step 1 – Select Your Stamps

My recommendation for card making for beginners is to start by choosing one or two stamp sets that appeal to you. You can begin with one stamp set that includes images and sentiments, or select a stamp set with images you like and another versatile greeting stamp set. Whichever you choose, ensure you select stamps that resonate with your style, guaranteeing you’ll love creating with it.

CLICK HERE for my complete guide to stamps for card making, where I share more information on the differences between stamps, how to stamp straight images, how to clean your stamps and more.

CLICK HERE to browse all stamps available and find your perfect set.

The Stampin' Up! Brights Collection ink pads.

Step 2 – Select Your Ink Pads

Ink pads are essential for bringing your stamps to life. First, I recommend you get Memento Black, an all-purpose ink. Next, select 3-5 different colored ink pads. Select colors you are drawn to and complement each other, ensuring they work well with your selected stamp sets.​

CLICK HERE for my complete guide to inks for card making, where I share more information on different ink pads available and the best uses for each one.

CLICK HERE to browse all ink pads available and find your favorite colors.

Note Cards & Envelopes, Basic Black cardstock, the Brights assortment pack of cardstock, and the Brights Designer Series Paper pack. All are Stampin' Up! products and recommend for card making for beginners.

Step 3 – Select Your Paper (Cardstock)

A highly recommended for card making for beginners is to start with Note Cards & Envelopes. These come in a package of 20 and are pre-cut cards ready to create. In addition to the note cards, consider starting with a pack of Basic White and Basic Black cardstock for simple layering. Or, select an assorted pack of colored cardstock or Designer Series Paper for layering with a pop of color.

CLICK HERE for my complete guide to paper for card making, where I share more information about cardstock, and how to cut card bases and sizes for layers.

CLICK HERE to browse all paper available to begin making handmade cards.

Essential Tools Recommendations

In addition to your Stamps, Ink, & Paper, these essential tools will enhance your card making experience. CLICK HERE to learn more about my top card making tools.

  • Clear Blocks: Ensure you have the recommended sizes for your chosen stamp sets. Purchasing a block bundle offers the best value and versatility.
  • Stamp Cleaning Tool: A Simply Shammy makes cleaning your stamps easy and efficient.
  • Paper Trimmer: Essential for precise cutting and scoring of card bases and cutting cardstock layers.
  • Adhesives: Multipurpose Glue and Dimensionals are reliable choices for assembling your cards.​

SIP Projects To Get You Started

To assist you further, here are several blog posts and videos that focus on getting started using the SIP method. They provide guidance on the necessary products and demonstrate how to create multiple cards with those supplies. These resources are excellent for beginners seeking recommendations on stamp sets.​

Quick & Easy Card Templates, Grab Your FREE Tutorial

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