So you want to get started in rubber stamping? The first thing you want to know is “What should I purchase?” If you budget your purchases wisely, you will be able to get the most bang for your buck and have supplies that are versatile and easy to use.

1. A Black Ink Pad – A black dye ink pad is the one of the best purchases you can make. Stamping in black allows you to color in the image if you wish. It should be waterproof ink so that you can use blender pens or a water brush and not have the stamped image bleed.


2. An All Purpose Stamp Set – Choose a stamp set that will give you versatility – one that can be used with a number of different greetings.


3. Dye and Pigment Ink – If you intend to create mostly cards, then dye ink is the best choice because it dries quickly. Pigment ink is good for embossing (when used with clear embossing powder you now have numerous embossing colors) and for scrapbooking. Choose a few good basic colors that you can use over and over again.


4. Paper – There are many different papers to choose from. Check out your local scrapbook store or craft store and see the paper up close, or ask to see samples from a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. Stampin’ Up! carries 48 colors of paper plus a number of neutral colors all of which are excellent quality. When buying paper, make sure you purchase neutral colors (white, off white, beige) plus various other colors.


5. Adhesives – Good quality adhesive is a must or your cards and projects will be falling apart. I personally do not like glue sticks and instead prefer Permanent Mono-Adhesive made by Tombow.


6. Greeting Stamp Set – Purchase a stamp set that has multiple greetings included. Stampin’ Up! offers a number of sets that are reasonably priced and include a variety of greetings.


7. Pastels or Watercolor Pencils – both are great for coloring in stamped images. Good quality pastels are a must - look for artist quality soft chalk. Pastels can be applied with the common cotton swab. Watercolor pencils can be used with blender pens to create a softer watercolor look.


8. Paper Cutter and Scissors – A good paper cutter is a must. Make sure you get a 12” cutter. Fiskars makes some reasonably priced cutters. Buy extra blades as they can dull quickly. A sharp pair of scissors is needed for cutting out small items. Also, look into buying a good pair of rubber scissors if you buy rubber stamps that need to be trimmed and mounted. Kai 6” scissors are the best for trimming rubber stamps.


9. Versamark Pad – The Versamark Ink Pad is a watermark ink pad. It is clear when applied, but leaves a watermark behind which results in a nice tone on tone look. The Versamark Ink Pad can also be used for embossing.


10. An embossing heat tool and embossing powders – Embossing is an easy way to add a wow factor to your stamped items. An embossing heat tool is probably one of the pricier items you will buy, but it is worth every penny! Embossing powders come in all colors. Clear embossing powder works well with pigment inks but not with dye inks. Silver and gold embossing powders are good choices, and white is also a good accent color.


You should be able to purchase all the above items at a good scrapbook or stamp store or from a direct sales stamp demonstrator. These purchases will start you on the road to rubber stamping creativity!

You can purchase all the above supplies from Sarilyn Crafts