Stamping on a budget

Some people consider stamping an expensive hobby.  While any hobby is bound to have some start-up costs, this post will go into how to stamp on a budget.  I have more information on what you need to get started, an introduction to stamping, and ink types available on my techniques page.

• Limit your rubber stamp collection. (As if any of my customers want to take this advice!)  I recommend my customers have a greetings set that includes a variety of sentiments, and then a few sets of their choice in a style they like.  The stamps can be in any style or subject--as long as you like them.  You can often turn a general image into a variety of seasonal themes using color, ink, and accessories.  For example, a favorite set of mine is Diva Dresses. You can use these images for thank you and birthday cards, plus use them on a red and green palette to create a Christmas image, red for Valentine's day and so forth.
  
• Limit your ink (at least when you're starting).  Every stamper needs basic black. You can always color in your stamp (or stamped image) with markers.  I also recommend a nice neutral metallic.  My current favorite is Starlight Silver Brilliance.  This ink will stamp beautifully on dark and light cardstock, plus it's a juicy pigment ink for crisper images on textured cardstock.  I'd also recommend you have a nice medium gray or light blue on hand.  You would use these to stamp your image a second time, as a shadow or halo image.  TAC™ carries a single gray Tombow marker that also works well.  Use the brush end to trace the outside of your stamped image for extra dimension and shadows.  I confess I love stamping with colored ink.  I recommend the Palette Hybrid ink spots or VersaMagic and Brilliance Dew Drop packs. You get a four coordinating colors in each set, and it really saves you money.
• Use techniques that require few tools.  A few I can recommend are paper tearing, paper piecing, crumpling, and retiform stamping.  The idea is to use basic tools for many different techniques.  Paper piecing can be fun with stamps.  Here's a sample.  You'll stamp once on your background paper, and the same image on at least one printed background.  Cut out the image (or items from the image) from the printed paper, staying right on the stamped line, and then layer them over your background image for instant pop.  Outline the image in gray to blend any white edges, and you're done!
• Use tools from other hobbies to help you with your cards.  If you sew, use your sewing machine, fabric or buttons and thread.  If you draw or paint, use those supplies.  Needle crafts are great for fibers and yarn.  If you do floral arranging, use pressed or silk flowers in your stamping.  If you bake or cook, use cookie cutters or other items from your kitchen.  The great thing about stamping is that you can use just about anything. You don't need to worry about your supplies being acid-free.
• Use your budget for smaller ticket purchases.  A few great deals I can recommend are Stickles glitter glue, brads, and printed paper packs.  Also, chalk is a minimal investment that lasts a long time and is very versatile.
• Share your supplies or trade at stamp camps.  Often you will have supplies that you don't need, and you can swap them with other stamping buddies.
• Host a FunShop, either online or in person.  You can earn lots of great supplies for free and half price, plus you'll learn fun techniques to make the most out of what you have.

The idea here is to use what you have, or what you can easily afford, and work it your art.  In the words of one of my idols, Tim Gunn, "Make it work!"