Stamping On A Budget: Stampin'Up!

First, use what you have.
Clean out your drawers and closets and see what you have. Got ribbon, buttons, embellishments? Those will all come in handy for your card and stamping hobby.

Organize what you have.
You may not need all of the high fangled storage equipment that is on the market for crafters today, but there are items you will need so that you keep your paper and supplies from being ruined. Perhaps you may want to invest in some inexpensive plastic drawers and containers for this purpose. You will need a few smaller containers with dividers for buttons and embellishments. If your hobby grows, then you may eventually have to decide on some better storage options.

Store and use your supplies correctly.
Most stamp pads should be turned upside down, however; the classic stamp pads from Stampin' Up! turn themselves over automatically in the lid, so you don't have to worry about those. Most ink markers and gel pens should be stored lying flat. Reserve a pair of shears just for cutting ribbon and don't use them on paper. Read and follow any instructions or suggestions on the products you purchase.

Conserve Your Investment of Supplies. --Don't be a waster:)
Your paper and ribbon will last if you make a conscious effort. Make sure your paper is lying flat and stored correctly so you don't loose any paper to creases and wrinkles. Make sure you don't have coffee and drinks too close to your projects while working on them to avoid accidents. Also take the time to put away those scraps. I keep larger paper scraps in a file tote and file the scraps by color shades. I throw away the tiny stuff, but if it's too small to do much with but yet big enough to use a craft punch on, I go ahead and punch out scallops and circles,hearts, whatever I can get out of the smaller scraps and I keep all those in a handy little divider container. When I need a punch cut out, I check there first for the color I need before I cut into another piece of paper. For ribbon scraps, I roll them up on round clothespins and put them in a container.

Buy quality products.
I'm sure you realize that there are cheaper stamps on the market other than Stampin Up!, but one thing I have learned is that the Stampin' Up! stamp sets are a good quality, the images stamp well, and they will last and hold up for you. The images are deeply etched on their stamps so that what you stamp comes out clear. Also their paper and card stock is of quality as well. The card stock is dyed with exclusive colors and all the way through. When it's torn, you won't see any white which will keep your projects looking professional. Think of your supplies as an investment and choose quality.

Take advantage of specials.
There is always some sort of promotion or special going on with Stampin Up! Click here to go to the current specials.

Take advantage of the $10.00 and under stamps.
These stamps can be a fun way to add to your collection or to just begin your stamping hobby.
See the $10.00 and Under Page

Check out the other stamp ranges Stampin' Up! has to offer.
Did you know that there are over 85 stamps in the current (2009-10) Stampin' Up! Idea and Catalog that are under $20 besides those on the $10.00 and under page? This number does not even include the Stamp Around wheel stamps which are all under $10.00. These $20 and under stamps are spread out over all the stamp categories that Stampin' Up! has to offer so there's a big chance you will find something in the category that you want.
Stampin' Up' has made it easy for you to view products just within your price range.

Just go to my Online Stampin' Up! Store, click the "Shop Now" button, and look in the categories for the "Product Price Guide"

Start with the basics.
Just starting with your stamping hobby? As you are learning to stamp, you don't need all the bells and whistles. Order some things that will help you learn the basic stamping techniques.

Click here to view my suggestions for stampers who are just starting out their hobby.