gingerjenny
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Aug 16, 2024 1:40:20 GMT
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Post by gingerjenny on Aug 17, 2024 21:28:46 GMT
I'm a long time crafter and stamper. I stopped making cards last year and I'm looking for some motivation or inspiration to get me back in the swing of things. I did make a few cards this week but I was really lost on where to start. I pulled out an old simon says stamp kit that I hadn't touched and that helped.
Any tips on getting back into the hobby? I thought maybe a kit would help but this months simon says stamp kit doesn't really appeal to me. I looked around and discovered the stamp market. Those seem nice but very expensive and it seemed more inking than stamping. Any recommendations on other kits I might not know about? the only other one i've tried is the stamps of life which are cute but sometimes I don't like the style of the papers.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,501
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Aug 18, 2024 0:18:00 GMT
Hi and welcome,
When I need inspiration I usually check out IG pages of stamp companies and makers I like. I follow a bunch of people but a few that come to mind are Jennifer McGuire, Cathy Zielske, Yana Smakula, Kristina Hansen, Kelly Taylor, Nichol Spohr, Jessica Frost-Ballas, and a bunch more.
Besides Simon and The Stamp Market, Hero Arts, Gina K Designs, and My Favorite Things have kits for a good value. The kits are usually only stamps and dies, maybe a stencil.
I'm sure others can chime in with other kits and designer to check out.
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gingerjenny
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Aug 16, 2024 1:40:20 GMT
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Post by gingerjenny on Aug 18, 2024 1:07:06 GMT
Hi and welcome, When I need inspiration I usually check out IG pages of stamp companies and makers I like. I follow a bunch of people but a few that come to mind are Jennifer McGuire, Cathy Zielske, Yana Smakula, Kristina Hansen, Kelly Taylor, Nichol Spohr, Jessica Frost-Ballas, and a bunch more. Besides Simon and The Stamp Market, Hero Arts, Gina K Designs, and My Favorite Things have kits for a good value. The kits are usually only stamps and dies, maybe a stencil. I'm sure others can chime in with other kits and designer to check out. Thank you. I didn’t know some of these companies had kits. I’ll check them out. |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449 
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Post by scrapnnana on Aug 18, 2024 12:49:42 GMT
Simple Stories and Echo Park make kits that can be used for both card making and/or scrapbooking. They have papers and colored die cuts/ephemera. You can find them on Amazon for between $14 to $16 per kit.
I bought some Echo Park kits at Tuesday Morning, back when they sold older and/or discounted scrapbook items. I was looking at a Simple Stories kit from Tuesday Morning days last night. Simple Stories and Echo Park kits are a good starting point, especially if you like their style.
You can buy some generic brand kits on Walmart.com, too. Just type scrapbook kits into the search.
Also, you can buy digital kits from Heartfelt Creations, and you can find digital papers and fully colored die cuts on Creative Fabrica or Etsy. The size paper you can print depends on your printer, but most printers can print digital papers in 8x8 inches. Digital printed papers and embellishments are the option I’ve been doing lately. I have no LSS close by, and there are some delightful digital options now. I don’t use them for digital scrapbooking. I print and cut them and use them like I use the papers and other goodies in my stash. The png files come into my Silhouette Cameo with cutting lines, so I print and cut the ephemera/die cuts. I just print the papers and cut them with my paper trimmer.
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Post by whipea on Aug 18, 2024 13:22:48 GMT
Another suggestion is to visit online retailers such as Altenew. They have examples of cards made with their products. I do not use kits but watch YouTube videos such as Gina K five minute cards and Jennifer McGuire. I am not into floral and the market seems inundated with that theme, but I apply the techniques to my own non-floral style.
What I also find helpful is just playing, experimenting or practicing with my supplies. This often leads to inspiration.
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gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,114
Location: Sacramento, Ca
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Post by gramma on Aug 18, 2024 16:06:29 GMT
I get a lot of my ideas from Pinterest
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Aug 18, 2024 21:08:40 GMT
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Post by Embri on Aug 21, 2024 2:58:53 GMT
Do you need more supplies?
Take an inventory of your craft stash, and sit with that question for a while. It's very tempting to buy new things when you're feeling uninspired because of the dopamine rush for "got the new thing!" but it doesn't solve the underlying problem 99/100 times. Are you feeling overwhelmed with the number of options you have? Do you struggle to find good colour schemes or layouts? Is your working space uninviting due to poor lighting, accessibility, or uncomfortable seating? Basically get to the root of what's hobbling your inspiration.
It's almost never fixable by acquiring more things.
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gingerjenny
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Aug 16, 2024 1:40:20 GMT
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Post by gingerjenny on Aug 21, 2024 4:15:54 GMT
Do you need more supplies? Take an inventory of your craft stash, and sit with that question for a while. It's very tempting to buy new things when you're feeling uninspired because of the dopamine rush for "got the new thing!" but it doesn't solve the underlying problem 99/100 times. Are you feeling overwhelmed with the number of options you have? Do you struggle to find good colour schemes or layouts? Is your working space uninviting due to poor lighting, accessibility, or uncomfortable seating? Basically get to the root of what's hobbling your inspiration. It's almost never fixable by acquiring more things. probably not but its fun lol. I often want to use my new things so it at least give me a little motivation. I have a entire room and could probably craft the rest of my life only buying adhesive. |
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Post by Embri on Aug 21, 2024 5:48:02 GMT
probably not but its fun lol. I often want to use my new things so it at least give me a little motivation. I have a entire room and could probably craft the rest of my life only buying adhesive. Okay, so is there a way to capture that "newness" with what you've got? Are you a follow-along-with-instructions person, a prefer-to-choose-from-a-limited-selection person, or a no hold barred, throw me at the stash person? There's a bunch of options for any of those three.
Craft Along -> instagram, youtube, 2peas challenges, sketches, classes/virtual crops Limited
-> pre-make your own card kits, choose a theme and work within it, randomly pick X supplies and figure out how to get them to work together Go Wild -> make a glorious mess, break out something you've never used and just play with it, empty your scrapbin and create with just that, craft bingo or roulette
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,639
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Aug 22, 2024 18:41:10 GMT
probably not but its fun lol. I often want to use my new things so it at least give me a little motivation. I have a entire room and could probably craft the rest of my life only buying adhesive. Okay, so is there a way to capture that "newness" with what you've got? Are you a follow-along-with-instructions person, a prefer-to-choose-from-a-limited-selection person, or a no hold barred, throw me at the stash person? There's a bunch of options for any of those three.
Craft Along -> instagram, youtube, 2peas challenges, sketches, classes/virtual crops Limited
-> pre-make your own card kits, choose a theme and work within it, randomly pick X supplies and figure out how to get them to work together Go Wild -> make a glorious mess, break out something you've never used and just play with it, empty your scrapbin and create with just that, craft bingo or roulette
To tag onto the above, there are paper crafters on YT that create kits from their stash to use for the month. Shimelle does one called “best of both worlds”, Laura Alberts is another. There are lots more. Look for “stash busting” or “using your stash” videos on YT. ETA: oh, sorry. I missed you are asking about card making. |
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Post by karinec on Aug 22, 2024 19:24:50 GMT
Welcome back! Hot foiling and hot foiling + stencils are all the rage it seems. Check out www.pinkfreshstudio.com for inspiration and www.spellbinderspaperarts.com as well. Spellbinders has discontinued their card kits but they have some in the clearance section. MDscrapaholic had a great idea to join a virtual event, you probably have the basics in your stash. I also second following artists and brands on instagram, they're a never ending source of inspiration to me. Have fun! |
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Post by Embri on Aug 23, 2024 0:58:25 GMT
To tag onto the above, there are paper crafters on YT that create kits from their stash to use for the month. Shimelle does one called “best of both worlds”, Laura Alberts is another. There are lots more. Look for “stash busting” or “using your stash” videos on YT. ETA: oh, sorry. I missed you are asking about card making. Card making, scrapbooking or general papercraft, you can apply the concept regardless of your actual niche - definitely worth looking into. I'm sure I've seen videos of folks making their own card crafting kits, just can't remember exactly who or when. |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Aug 23, 2024 9:36:26 GMT
Kristina Werner does some of that sort of thing.
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gingerjenny
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Aug 16, 2024 1:40:20 GMT
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Post by gingerjenny on Aug 25, 2024 0:26:26 GMT
I'm still considering a kit and probably the perfect one doesn't exist.
I've really been considering what I need and want.
I love that the stamp market comes with a class. I love that simon says stamps has great quality stamps that i usually like and a large following. I like the community part of it probably the most. Seeing what other people did with the same supplies gets me inspired and motivated. I'll see a card that i have the supplies for and go in with the idea of copying it. It never turns out the same as it takes a creative turn at some point. My guess is simon says stamp has the biggest subscription base.
I think the biggest appeal to me is crafting along with others and sharing with each other. The community of it.
I think i'll want to sign up for my first virtual event next time i see one listed. Seems like there is a lot of time between signing up and the class.
Thanks for listening to me ramble.
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Post by Embri on Aug 25, 2024 5:03:33 GMT
Sounds like you figured out what inspires you; that's great!
If it's community you're after then I'd agree classes (in person or virtual) and challenges are your best bet. That or finding a local scrap buddy, but that's often easier said than done.
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Aug 25, 2024 11:57:52 GMT
gingerjenny , the next one I know of is the Crop & Create one-day event, which is going to be in February. We don't know the theme of it yet, or the exact date. Rest assured, though, the Peas will let you know! 
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Post by craftmepink on Aug 25, 2024 13:10:41 GMT
Crop and Create is the best value if you want a wide variety of styles and companies. I believe they are bringing back their spring event too. If you like a particular company's style, there are a couple upcoming events. But yes, we usually have to sign up months in advance. Pinfresh is having their holiday event in October. I believe they opened up enrollment again but will close again soon. There's also sneak peak in our Pinkfresh thread. Hero arts has a stamp along in October. You can buy the bundle or just use the supplies you have. Usually it's not my style but it gets me out of my comfort zone. And I really enjoyed the last three stamp alongs I did. They really encourage you to use your own supplies. But you can buy their bundle too that their instructor uses. Here's the link: heroarts.com/products/holiday-2024-stamp-alongConcord and 9th is also having a virtual retreat in February. Scrapbook.com is also putting on a virtual event in September for 2 days. They are free to watch and you can also buy the bundles for each class if they aren't sold out. Or you can use your own supplies. Link: www.scrapbook.com/articles/sbcfest |
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Post by marg on Aug 26, 2024 1:01:28 GMT
SBCFest may be a good virtual event for you to start with, gingerjenny. Like craftmepink said, it's free to watch and takes place over two days. You don't have to buy any supplies, you can use your own, or you can buy the products they use in bundles or individually, before or after the classes air. They still have bundles for sale from 2022's SBCFest, for instance. Watching the classes live is fun because you can live chat with everyone watching - its a nice sense of community. It's on Friday & Saturday, September 13 & 14. You can go back and watch later, too. It's all on YouTube, so easy to access. And if you don't like it - well, it didn't cost a penny!! There's usually a thread on here the day of, too. |
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gingerjenny
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Aug 16, 2024 1:40:20 GMT
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Post by gingerjenny on Aug 26, 2024 3:43:55 GMT
SBCFest may be a good virtual event for you to start with, gingerjenny. Like craftmepink said, it's free to watch and takes place over two days. You don't have to buy any supplies, you can use your own, or you can buy the products they use in bundles or individually, before or after the classes air. They still have bundles for sale from 2022's SBCFest, for instance. Watching the classes live is fun because you can live chat with everyone watching - its a nice sense of community. It's on Friday & Saturday, September 13 & 14. You can go back and watch later, too. It's all on YouTube, so easy to access. And if you don't like it - well, it didn't cost a penny!! There's usually a thread on here the day of, too. |
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hockeyspaz62
Full Member
Posts: 127
Sept 26, 2023 1:01:24 GMT
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Post by hockeyspaz62 on Aug 26, 2024 7:27:40 GMT
A Creative Muse aka Suzanne Hue is a really good creator to watch. Also Honeybee Stamps & Dies have their lovely layers dies that are easy to put together to make beautiful cards without a ton of work.
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