I received this question this week:
"You could spend thousands of dollars trying to buy everything, what are the essential items you need to get started?"
I get this question, and versions of it often and thought it would be a great topic to write about. There are many ways I can answer this, so I think I'll break it down into different lists and spread it out over a few weeks.
I've mentioned my concept of a "craft pantry" before and think it relates very well to this question, National Craft Month and tomorrow's Free Shipping offer.
You know how when you watch cooking shows (they are on all the time in my house) they mention how you should have a well stocked pantry? There are certain essentials you should have on hand to create amazing dishes with whatever you find in your fridge - garlic, diced tomatoes, olive oil, spices, pasta, beans......(my well stocked pantry comprises of flour, chocolate chips, brown sugar......).
The same applies to our crafting "pantry". There are certain things we should have to make any project. When you run out, your crafting comes to a stop. This pantry list comprises of consumables (things that can run out), not tools or stamps.
My 10 recommendations of a well-stocked Craft Pantry (individual item numbers listed below the list for convenience):
1. Adhesives. My top three are: Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Dimensionals (either size) and Mini Glue Dots.
2. Envelopes. If you use more white bases & layers, then you'll want white envelopes. If you tend to use vanilla bases & layers, then you'll want vanilla envelopes - we need to match, right? Or, get both! I also highly recommend getting clear envelopes. I love to mail cards in a clear envelope - you get a glimpse of what's inside straight out of your mailbox, and the mail carrier
gets a peek too. You can also use clear envelopes for so much more than just an envelope. A link to the easiest shaker card I've ever made (the secret is the clear envelope) is at the end of this email.
3. Rhinestones AND Pearls. I like to have both on hand. Rhinestones add instant sparkles and pearls add elegance. Did you know you can color both with Blends Markers (sharpies too) to add color to match your project?
4. Basic White and Thick Basic White card stock. This is the color I use the most of and I always keep an extra of each on hand.
5. Notecards & Envelopes (either Basic White or Very Vanilla). This pack is the best deal in the catalog. You get 20 pre-scored notecards & envelopes for only $7. No cutting or scoring needed when you need to make a quick card - I hardly ever put layers on these notecards, just pure stamping.
6. Extra cutting blades. I love my Stampin' Up! Paper Trimmer and use it a lot. I try to preserve the blades by keeping the cutting track clean of paper dust and cut aluminum foil occasionally to keep the blade sharp. But, there comes a time when the cuts aren't clean and the blade needs to be replaced. You'll be amazed at the difference when you replace your dull blade.
7. Re-inkers of my favorite ink colors. Ink pads last a long time and can last forever if you keep re-inking them. I find that my favorite colors need to be re-inked to keep their color vibrant.
8. Linen Thread. I love string more than ribbon and was very sad when the white baker's twine retired last year (I still have some because I bought so much). I find Linen Thread matches so many of my projects. It's subtle, but adds so much.
9. Extra Cutting Plates. Almost every project of mine uses my Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine, which means my cutting plates get heavy use. I make them last a long time by rotating and flipping them, but they are not made to last forever. I like to have an extra set on hand for when my current plates stop performing well.
10. 6" x 8" Cellophane Bags. These bags are a great multi-use bag. I use them to give cards away - both as a protective cover for individual cards but also to pack several cards inside and seal with a topper - this pack of cards make a great gift. Don't forget to use the bags for little gifts and chocolate & cookie treats too (they are food safe).
Look around your craft area and see if any of your well-loved and well-used supplies are running low. Now is a great time (with tomorrow's free shipping) to stock up (and maybe treat yourself to something new too!!!!!!)
Next week I will write about supplies/tools that are good to have for each level crafter.
