It’s time for the Baker’s Dozen Studio Challenge. This is a monthly opportunity for us to share what makes our stamping studios hum. Each month we have a fun, crafty question so we can share our favorites, some tips and tricks, stamping advice and more.

The question for January is:

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!

My friend is relatively new to stamping and has a handful of supplies, a few sets of Nestabilities, some card stock, stamps, and a handful of Copics. She was given $100 for Christmas and wants to get some stamps and supplies to add to her stash.

I would recommend Oh What A Day simply because it covers a nice variety of occasions and is too cute to boot! I’d also recommend getting a background stamp, in this case, Circles Background, to change up the look of your cards and because it’s a pretty stamp on its own.

I’d also recommend the Scalloped Notecard die. The 3×3 size is adorable and perfect for quick notecards or gift sets. I used it in my graduation card as a pocket to put money in for the graduate.

Here is a graduation card that uses the Circles Background and the Scalloped Notecard die. It is easy to copy and reproduce without needing a lot of supplies. She can customize the hat and card stock to the colors of the school and add some cash or a gift card.

The Scalloped Notecard die is also perfect for creating mini card sets, either for yourself or to give away and perfect for adding to a gift at the last minute.

And finally, since she already has a set of Nestabilities (in this case, the circle set), it’s easy to make fun, interactive, cards using Wobble Springs.

Here’s a shot of it in motion. Isn’t it fun?

My advice to anyone who’s new to stamping is to keep it simple. It can be overwhelming when you see all the beautiful creations and choices that are available…which makes it hard to know where to start. Start out with a stamp you want to use or a card sketch you want to try and build from there. Not all beautiful creations have to be loaded with embellishments or layers. If you decide that’s your style, by all means, go for it! However, if you’re still trying to figure out your style or how to fit everything together, start out simple. You can always add as you go!

Here are the supplies I used. These supplies add up to $90.20 with a little left over. My friend could buy embellishments or a pad of patterned paper if she wanted…or save it for the next shopping spree!

See what other recommendations the rest of the Baker’s Dozen has!

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Jen Shults
• Kerri Michaud
• Lynnette Kauffman
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Tammie Edgerton
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess

Thanks for stopping by!

Posted by Shelly in Uncategorized