#6 – Inks

There are SO many inks to choose from and just as many companies that have them. I recommend buying 1 or 2 based on the color that you like…and then find the ones that you like and work best for you.

Let's start with the different type of ink pads.

There are basically 2 types of ink pads – felt ink pads and foam ink pads.

Felt ink pads have a firm surface – so sometimes you need to ink your stamp multiple times in order to get good coverage.

Foam pads have a ‘squishy' surface and typically offer complete coverage after 1 stamping. If you have a heavy stamping hand it might take you a bit go get used to how to use a foam pad.

Some companies also offer mini ink cubes – which helps with storage and has a lower price point.

You can also buy re-inkers for every color.

And now to the inks. SO many different companies. The list is endless (almost).

• Simon Says Stamp – Their Saturated Inks are new on the market. So many yummy colors. There are sets of 3 that co-ordinate with each other for easy blending.
• Concord & 9th – This is a foam pad and I have every single color. I love them.
• Lawn Fawn – This is a felt ink pad with TONs of colors. Co-ordinating cardstock too!
• Gina K Designs – This is a felt ink pad with TONS of colors.
• Pink Fresh Studios – This is a felt ink pad and I love the colors!
• Hero Arts – HA has their core inks and inks that react to water! So much to choose from

Simon Says Stamp | Concord & 9th | Lawn Fawn

Gina K Designs | Pink Fresh Studios | Hero Arts

And then you have specialty inks. With these inks you can stamp, add water, and change the look of the ink. I use Tim Holtz Distress Ink and Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks. Both do different things. If you would like to know the difference Tim Holtz has a great video showing the difference.

#7 – Stamp Sets

There are different types of stamps. Clear and cling (rubber). My personal fave is clear because I can see through them…but the rubber stamps beautifully.

Different companies tend to have a different ‘design'. Some focus on flowers. Others are into single designs. Others companies have little critters and animals.

Here are my fave companies:

• Simon Says Stamp
• Altenew
• Gina K Designs
• Spellbinders
• MFT Stamps
• Hero Arts

I could go on and on. Check 'em out for sure.

#8 – Dies

There are different types of dies. The 2 most popular are Framelits and Thinlits.

Thinlits are used to cut out an element to add to a card that is a stand alone – no coordinating stamp set needed. Framelits are used for easy cutting out a shape that frames a stamped image or creating a window.

The same companies that carry stamps also carry dies. Not all stamp sets have co-ordinating dies available. I try to buy them whenever I can.

#10 – Misc Tools (bone folder), eraser, scissors

There many little tools that I could not do without. Here are a few for you.

• Bone folder – In order to get a good crease in your cardstock when folded you need a bone folder that does not leave a mark or a shiny area.
• Eraser – The Mono Sand Eraser is great for erasing inky booboos. A good adhesive eraser is necessary for getting the odd adhesive off of your project.

Bone Folder | Mono Sand Eraser | Adhesive Eraser

• Scissors – A good pair (or 2) of scissors is absolutely necessary. Teflon scissors are great because your sticky projects will not stick to them. A pair of fine detail scissors and a pair of regular use scissors will round out your crafting essentials.

Teflon Scissors | SSS Fine Detail Scissors | Tonic Craft Shears

And that's all folks. The 10 Paper Crafting Essentials….just for you.

Check out Part 2 right here where I will go over #'s 6-10. Inks Pads, Stamp Sets, Dies, Embossing Tools and a few random tools that I love.

In the meantime – go on and grab this FREE ‘Craft Room Supply Storage Ideas' PDF. It is normally included in my Joyful Living Toolbox. Today it's FREE!