About two years ago, I decided that I wanted to add stamping to my scrapbooking layouts. I was inspired by the beautiful designs in Memory Makers' Scrapbooking and Stamping special issue. It's a great resource for those who are just getting started in stamping.
One question I had was "What kind of stamp images should I get?" The most important thing I found was to get images that you know you'll use over and over again. You'll need to think about the kind of layouts or cards you'll make and choose stamps that will get a lot of mileage.
I have wooden, unmounted and clear stamps. I am most comfortable with clear stamps because I can see through to where I'm stamping. Watch my demo on how to use clear stamps.
Must-Have Stamps
Here's my list of what I think are must-have stamps to start your collection. (And yes, they are from Close to My Heart!)
1) Letters – If you don't feel like using die-cut letters (even Cricut's), get an alphabet set for a different kind of look. I like the letters to be at least 1" high so I can cut them out easily and apply to my page.
My favorites include:
- Chocolate (E1010)
- Building Block (E1009)
- Boutique (E1003)
2) Accents – Swirls, paisleys and doodles. These designs are all the rage these days. My favs are:
- Playful Flourishes which also includes sentiments (D1212)
- Western Flourishes (C1307)
3) Words or Phrases – This is a big one if you're into cardmaking.
I always reach for:
- Say It In Style (D1283)
- Friendship Word Puzzle (D1258)
- For Every Occasion (D1187)
4) Flowers – You can't go wrong with flowers. They always add a nice touch to any layout or card. If you don't like flowers, well, then what's wrong with you?! Alright, I'll admit I'm not that flowery either, but I do like:
- Cottage Floral (B1306)
- With Love (D1284) which comes with interchangeable stems, flowers, vases and sentiments
5) Wild Card – These are stamps you get when you don't really know how you're going to use them, but they're just too darn cute to pass up. I like:
- June Word Puzzle (D1288) because June is my birthday month (they have them for every month)
- Confidential for those who like the office supply look (D1237)
- Cupcake Sprinkles (D1336). I haven't gotten Cupcake yet, but like I said, it's too darn cute to pass up.
There are countless more stamps that are quite nice to have in your collection and you can view them all here. Don't forget that you need to mount clear stamps to acrylic blocks in order to stamp your images.
What are your must-have stamps?
June Special: Buy a stamp, get free goodies!
This is a great time to start your stamp collection! Through June 30, with the purchase of a My Acrylix® stamp set (size A, B, C, D, or E; excludes K-size and Stamp of the Month), you can get a Great Goodies box priced 50% or more below retail and popular products for free PLUS irresistible shipping discounts. Check my online store every day June 1–30 for that day's deal and add to your scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies while saving a bundle. Remember, each special is good only for that day, only while supplies last.
