Beginner’s Corner

Made for New Crafters

What You’ll Learn

• The 6 tools you actually need (and budget options)

• How stamps, ink, and paper work together

• A simple first project (with measurements!)

• Shopping shortcuts (so you don’t overbuy)

• What to do next: classes, kits, and inspiration

The Essentials (Keep it Simple)

1) Paper

• Card base: Basic Black or Basic White 

• Layers: Basic White + a favorite color card stock or some Designer Series Paper, which we call DSP.2) Ink.

2) Ink

• One quality black ink (sentiments & outlines)

• Add one favorite color ink for pop

3) Stamps

• One all‑occasion photopolymer set (birthday, thank you, hello)

• Clear block (to fit stamps)

4) Adhesive

• Stampin’ Seal or Multipurpose Liquid Glue

5) Cutting/Scoring

• Paper Trimmer (with scoring blade)

• Optional: Bone Folder

6) Extras (Nice to Have)

• Pearls/ribbon embellishments

• Cleaning shammy or scrub

Basic tools Video

Shop Beginner Essentials

Here you will find a link to some of the main essentials. 

Product List 

Now because the other products we mentioned are much more personal, I will add link direclty to their page, to make it easier.

stamps

Designer Series Paper

colored cardtock

Ink pads

Make Your First Card (Step‑by‑Step)

Supplies

• Basic White: 8-½" x 5-½" (score at 4-¼")

• Colored layer: 5-3/8" x 4-1/8"

• White panel: 5-1/4" x 4"

• One image stamp + black ink + one color ink

• Adhesive + optional pearls

1. Base: Score and fold Thick Basic White at 4¼".

2. Stamp Panel: Stamp a simple background with your color ink on the 5-1/4" x 4" panel.

3. Sentiment: Stamp in black.

4. Assemble: Adhere the stamped panel to the colored layer. Then adhere to the base

5. Finish: Add 1–2 pearls/rhinestones.

Tip: Warm up on scrap paper first for clean impressions.

STAMPING 101, Watch Me Make a Beginner Card

Stamping is a very common technique used in card making. Stammpin'Up! has a wide variety of colors, stamp set and other tools needed to stamp. Are you ready to learn the basics?

Smart Shopping for Beginners

Start small, finish projects. Choose one path to begin:

Option A — Minimalist Starter

• 1 stamp set

• Black ink + 1 color ink

• Basic White Thick

• Stampin’ Seal or glue

• Trimmer

Option B — Ready to Learn

• Option A + colored cardstock

• Pearls

• Bone folder

Option C — Class‑Ready

• Option B + simple kit (cards, envelopes, embellishments)

Join a Beginner Class ( Virtual)

Learn alongside me in a friendly, zero‑pressure class! You’ll get pre‑cut pieces (or a supply list), clear step‑by‑step instruction, and confidence to keep creating. Send me an email for class dates.

Free 5‑Card Starter Guide

Grab my printable PDF with:

• 5 beginner‑friendly layouts

• Exact measurements

• A supply checklist you can reuse

Get the Free PDF →

FAQ

Do I need a die‑cutting machine?

No—beautiful results are totally possible with stamps, ink, and paper. 

Photopolymer vs. Cling stamps?

Photopolymer are clear (easy placement). Cling are red rubber (crisp detail). Both are great! 

Will my ink work on any paper?

Use quality cardstock for clean stamping (I recommend Stampin’ Up!’s Basic White). 

I’m overwhelmed—what should I buy first?

One stamp set, black ink, one color ink, Basic White Thick, adhesive, and a trimmer.

Common Beginner Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Feathered ink? Tap lightly—don’t mash the stamp.

• Patchy image? Ink fully, stamp on a firm surface, hold 1–2 seconds.

• Crooked sentiment? Use a block grid, or stamp on a strip and adhere straight.

• Paper cracking? Score first, then fold with a bone folder.

What’s Next?

Kits, the easiest way to make cards

Card kits are the easiest way to start your paper crafting journey because they come with everything you need in one convenient package—pre-cut paper, embellishments, and step-by-step instructions. There’s no need to worry about choosing the right colors, measuring, or having a room full of supplies before you even begin. Whether you’re brand new to card making or simply short on time, kits make it possible to create beautiful, handmade cards quickly and confidently. All you need is some adhesive and a little creativity, and you’ll have stunning finished cards to share with family and friends in no time.

About Me

Hi! I’m Maria, a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator who loves helping crafters make whimsical cards with joy & ease. I teach beginner‑friendly techniques, practical projects, and simple systems you can repeat every week.

Contact Me • Instagram • Pinterest