It's time once again for the Baker's Dozen Studio Challenge! This is a monthly opportunity for the Baker's Dozen to share what makes our stamping studios hum. Each month Taylor and Jami give us a fun, crafty question so we can share our favorite products, some tips and tricks, stamping advice and more.
The question for January is:
Helping out a newbie stamper! It's so exciting when a friend discovers the joys of stamping. But do you remember how overwhelming it was to decide what to get when you were new to the craft?
You have a friend who started stamping less than a year ago and she is loving it! She has some Christmas money burning a hole in her pocket, and she has seen the fabulous TE creations, so she is asking for your advice on what stamping supplies to purchase. So let's hear your sage advice!
Well…I think this is just an excellent topic! I get emails fairly often from newbie stampers asking what should they buy, and how to get started. It's hard for me to remember when I started…since it was so long ago! LOL. I've almost been stamping for 20 years now! In all honesty, I remember when I started stamping it was completely overwhelming – and there wasn't even close to as much cool stuff back then! Our hobby can be costly, so it's important to build your collection to be versatile and to get enough items so that you can feel that wonderful sense of accomplishment from mailing out a handmade card…
I think that sometimes we get so carried away with all the layers and embellishments and techniques that we forget how hard that would be if you are a new stamper. I think if there were blogs around when I was new, I would have given up!
With the above in mind…I chose some products for my friend that would be enough of a good assortment to make all kinds of cards! She has $100 to spend so I picked her out a two big stamp sets, some beautiful dies, a pretty paper pad and some ink. She can use whatever markers or pencils she already has on hand to color these cute images!
Some of the reasons I chose the items I did are: The images and paper are versatile – can be used for either masculine or feminine cards, the sentiments are separate from the images so you can stamp the saying wherever you like, and they give you an image for every occasion and holiday!
I used the same supplies to make three different card layouts – each one looks a little different, and all are quick and easy, yet look polished and finished! Perfect for newbie stampers! Lemme tell ya, my first cards did not look anything like these! I wish I had some advice back then! LOL. My very first card was white glossy paper, with black embossed sunflowers on it, colored with Marvy Markers! No paper, no layers, nothing!
Maybe the one key piece of advice I can give a newbie stamper is to just relax and have fun! Stamping shouldn't be stressful! Enjoy yourself, and give yourself a break. I think we all tend to be so critical of ourselves, and that's not what this is about! Everyone started out somewhere and if you love stamping, your confidence and your crafty mojo will come in time….
You really could make a bazillion cards from just these supplies! The two stamp sets are perfect basics for any stamper's collection, and the dies will be used for so many different things.
Here is my full supply list for today's challenge:
Oh What a Day Stamp Set
Oh What a Holiday Stamp Set
TE Small Scallop Border Die
TE Medium Scallop Border Die
TE Label Stacklets 2 Dies
Simple Stories Snap Color Vibe Paper
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Here's your linky list for today's Studio Challenge! Have Fun! I know I can't wait to see what advice everyone else came up with! ๐
