Taylored Expressions January Studio Challenge

Hey everyone! It’s time for another Studio Challenge at Taylored Expressions with the Baker’s Dozen.

Jen_StudioChallengeJan_1

For this month’s challenge we are helping out a new stamper!

Helpin’ out a newbie!  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 {hypothetical} 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 your fabulous TE creations, so  she is asking for your advice on what stamping supplies to purchase. So let’s hear your sage advice!

Ooh, goodness. Do I ever remember how difficult and overwhelming it was to pick out supplies to buy when I first started and honestly it’s taken me a long time to cull my supplies back to the things I really use but I think I’ve pretty well got it down now. 🙂

Alright, I’m going to assume my friend has a few things already – basic cardstock (i.e. white, cream and kraft cardstock because honestly you can go pretty far with just that), a few patterned paper pads, a die cutting machine of some type with circle dies, basic glues and foam dots/tape, basic ink colors – black and brown, and scissors.

From there I would get started with a few additional basics that I think would get her going starting with:

  • Embrace Beauty stamp set: this stamp set is perfect for a beginner as it doesn’t require coloring unless you want to, the sentiments included cover a lot of basic card making needs and I love the bold graphic nature of the elegant images.
  • Banner Stacklets dies: These dies are an absolute must have, I think. I use banners on almost every card I make, whether it’s for a sentiment, creating a background or for the main focal panel. They are so versatile and really hot right now so I would have to include these in my list.
  • Vintage Photo Distress Ink: I know, I already mentioned brown ink up above in my givens BUT Vintage Photo Distress Ink stands alone. It can dress up or dress down a card, it can grunge it up or give it a vintage feel. It’s not just brown ink, it’s an accessory that can’t be lumped into the “ink” category. 😉
  • Natural Burlap Twine Thread: This stuff is magic. I haven’t met a card I couldn’t add it too. 😉
  • Optional extra: Layering Doily Dies. I adore this die set because they quickly dress up a card and are so flexible. They are perfect for a beginner wanting expand their die collection.

Jen_StudioChallengeJan_2
A few bits of stamping advice for new stamper… hmm. Here goes:

  • Don’t sweat the layout. There are a ton of great sketches out there to get you started so use those as a jumping off point. I used Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 176 for my second card.
  • It’s really easy to get caught up in the supplies you don’t have. Don’t let that get you down – focus on what you do have and be creative with it!
  • Don’t let coloring bog you down. There are TONS of great stamps that don’t involve any coloring that can be used to make AMAZING cards. 🙂
  • Add dimension. Pop dots and foam tape are a FANTASTIC and super easy way to add drama to a card. 🙂

Jen_StudioChallengeJan_3

So there you have it! A few tips from me on getting started. Be sure to check out what the rest the Baker’s Dozen has for you today!



Comments are closed.