When you begin stamping you don't need all the bells and whistles. Start with the basics that will help you learn simple card-making and stamping techniques, then invest in products as you learn new techniques and as it fits your budget. Here are some suggestions of Stampin' Up! products to get you started in making cards and gifts for your friends and family.

You can start creating with only five basic products - stamps, ink, paper, cutting tool and adhesive. There is an optional sixth product - embellishments. Note, this list and information below is not exhaustive and is based on my personal stamping experiences.

1. Stamps

Choose a versatile stamp or stamp set that will suit multiple occasions and can be used for feminine and masculine cards. If you have a small budget, there are some single stamps in the Annual Catalogue and a number of versatile stamp sets under $45.

• Click HERE to see more information about choosing a versatile stamp set.

2. Ink

A Basic Black Archival Stampin' Pad is a really good place to start, plus it is water-proof so won't run if you are using techniques like water-colouring. Other good neutral colour choices are Basic Gray, Early Espresso and Chocolate Chip. As you grow in your hobby, you can purchase more stamp pads to compliment the colours of your card stock and Designer Series Paper.

3. Paper

Select a pack of card stock or Designer Series Paper (patterned paper) in a colour or design that you like. Getting a pack of assorted card stock will give you a range of colours that compliment each other.

4. Cutting Tool

You will always need a good pair of scissors, like the Paper Snips, for cutting your paper, card and ribbon. If you use ribbon, reserve a pair of scissors for this and don't use them on paper as it may dull the blades. For a professional look to your projects, you will want to invest in a good table top paper cutter, like the Stampin' Trimmer, it's a must for cutting out your basic card shapes and matting.

Punches are also a fantastic alternative cutting tool. These are great for punching out stamped images and words. And a number of Stampin' Up! punches co-ordinate and nest inside each other, like the Pretty Label Punch and 1-1/2" Circle Punch.

5. Adhesive

You will need some type of adhesive. I mostly use SNAIL^® Adhesive, Fast Fuse Adhesive and Tear and Tape Adhesive (double-sided tape). Wet glues like Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue are also good, just be aware you will need to allow drying-time. If you are adding embellishments or want some type of dimension on your projects, you will want to have on hand some Glue Dots and Stampin' Dimensionals - double-sided foam dots.

Not sure what adhesive to use with your project? Download this quick guide to Stampin' Up! adhesives, then print it and keep it handy in your crafting space.

6. Embellishments

Embellishments add the wow-factor to your projects. Rhinestones, pearls, enamel accents, ribbon and washi tape can make a plain card pop. Neutral-coloured ribbon, or ribbon in a few favourite colours, is a great asset. You may already have some ribbon and accents on hand that you can use, however the benefit of using Stampin' Up! embellishments is that they will coordinate with your other Stampin' Up! supplies. Choose embellishments that you like using and purchase more as you can afford to, or perhaps for that special-occasion card or project.

These are just some suggestions to get you started. You now need to decide what type of projects you enjoy creating and compliment that with the products you like using. A hobby should be something you enjoy and is fun, not something you stress about the cost of. Order what your budget allows you to over time.