Getting Started with Stampin' Up! and Leaving Cricut Behind: My New Creative Journey

Are you like me a paper crafter who's been using Cricut for a while but feel ready to explore something new? If so, then Stampin' Up! might be just what you're looking for! Whether you're into cardmaking or scrapbooking, Stampin' Up! offers a unique approach to crafting that can ignite your creativity in exciting new ways. I am jumping in with both feet and for now, leaving my Cricut in the closet!

In this blog post, I will explore why you might consider making the switch (maybe temporary but who knows?) from Cricut to Stampin' Up!, and how to get started on this fresh, fun creative journey.

Why Did I Consider Leaving Cricut Behind?

Cricut is an incredibly versatile tool that has been the center of my crafting, offering endless possibilities for cutting intricate shapes and designs. However, as with any tool, it may not always be the perfect fit for every project or crafting style. Here are a few reasons why you might consider transitioning from Cricut to Stampin' Up!:

1. Focus on Handmade and Stamped Details: Stampin' Up! is all about bringing that handmade touch to your creations. While Cricut is fantastic for cutting out pre-designed shapes or custom cuts, Stampin' Up! allows you to create designs from scratch using rubber stamps, ink pads, and high-quality paper. The emphasis is on artistry, creating a more personalized, hands-on experience.

2. Simplicity and Ease: If you're looking for a crafting experience that doesn’t require a computer, design software, or constant calibration, Stampin' Up! offers a more straightforward, traditional approach to crafting. It’s a refreshing break for those who want to get back to basics with stamping, embossing, and die-cutting. This is one of my main reasons!

3. Sense of Community and Support: Stampin' Up! has a warm community of crafters who can help you learn and grow. Joining my community can give you access to exclusive tutorials, workshops, and events, making your crafting experience more social and engaging.

4. Coordinating Products: One of the things that sets Stampin' Up! apart is its commitment to product coordination. Stampin’ Up! designs their ink pads, stamps, and paper to coordinate perfectly. This means no more wondering if the color of ink will match the cardstock you want to use. Everything is color-coordinated for you, making crafting easier and more polished. Be still my matchy matchy heart!

How to Get Started with Stampin' Up!

If you’ve been crafting with Cricut for some time, you may be wondering how to transition into the world of stamping and paper crafting. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think! Here are some simple steps to get started with Stampin' Up!:

1. Find a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator: Yes ... ME!

Follow along as I get reacquainted with Stampin' Up! and be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel

2. Get Your Hands on the Right Tools

Stampin' Up! has a variety of products that are essential for getting started. Here’s a quick list of must-haves for beginners:

• Stamps: Start with a versatile stamp that you love. There are sets for every occasion, from birthday greetings to florals and holidays.

• Ink Pads: Stampin’ Up! offers a wide range of ink pads in beautiful, coordinating colors. You’ll want to choose a few basic colors to start with, like black (for outlines), and a few bright or neutral shades.

• Cardstock: Stampin’ Up! paper is known for its high quality and durability. You’ll want a pack of basic colors to start, such as Basic White or Very Vanilla. I love the Thick Basic White for my card bases.

• Stampin' Dimensionals: These are foam adhesives that add dimension and depth to your projects. They’re a must-have for cardmakers!

• Clear Block: Clear blocks are needed to hold your stamps while you ink and stamp your designs.

3. Learn the Basics of Stamping

Stamping may seem like a small part of crafting, but it’s a skill that takes practice. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Clean Your Stamps: Always clean your stamps after use to maintain their quality and prevent ink build-up.

• Test Your Ink: Before stamping on your project, always test your ink on a scrap piece of paper. This helps you avoid mistakes and gives you an idea of how the ink will stamp.

• Layering: If you’re using multiple stamps in a design, layer them for depth and interest. You can use different colors for each layer, or heat emboss for a raised, glossy finish (my favorite technique)

4. Explore Coordinating Die-Cuts and Embellishments

One of the fantastic things about Stampin' Up! is the range of coordinating products, such as matching dies, punches, and embellishments. Once you’ve mastered basic stamping, you can experiment with:

• Die-Cutting: Use a die-cutting machine to cut out stamped images and create intricate designs that enhance your projects.

• Embossing: Use embossing folders and powders to add texture and shine to your creations. Heat embossing is especially fun and creates a professional finish.

• Accessories: Add extra flair with ribbons, pearls, sequins, and other embellishments that can elevate your cards and scrapbook pages.

5. Join the Stampin' Up! Community

As you get more comfortable with your new crafting tools, don't forget to tap into our Stampin’ Up! community. There are plenty of resources, including online tutorials, blogs, and my Facebook group. You can even host your own stamping party or join an online event to connect with other enthusiasts.

Additionally, if you find that you’re falling in love with Stampin' Up! and want to deepen your involvement, you can become a demonstrator yourself! This opens up opportunities to earn discounts, host parties, and even build a business if you choose.

Conclusion: A Fresh Creative Start

Leaving Cricut behind doesn’t mean abandoning your love for crafting—far from it! It simply means you’re opening yourself up to a whole new world of creative possibilities with Stampin' Up! Whether you’re stamping, die-cutting, or embossing, this shift allows you to enjoy a more hands-on, tactile crafting experience. Plus, with the gorgeous coordinated products and support from the Stampin' Up! community, you'll find endless inspiration and joy in your crafting journey.

So, if you’re ready to join me in a new way of crafting, dive in! Stampin' Up! might just be the perfect creative outlet you’ve been looking for. Happy crafting!

If you came here for Cricut stuff

only to hear me say I am leaving my Cricut in the closet so I can spend more time with simple cards and paper stamps and ink... you might be disappointed. It's ok I get it. I was an all Cricut paper crafter. I thought using dies was not as good as what a Cricut could do. I didn't really get it. But once I gave it a try I saw what everyone was talking about. The dies made your images so much more dynamic with the rounded edges and more. But you may have noticed I have been here before and I always fall back on my tried and true SVG designing and Cricut.

Why? it was business decision not a love of crafting decision. As I explained my business was a treadmill of finding the new big idea and my Cricut classes and classroom was where I thought would help my business bottom line but I have come to realize it was time to do what I loved not what I thought my business plan said. Oh so so much happier! Yes it was time to make cards the way I wanted with paper, stamps and ink and COLORING!

So where do you start? Don't go out and buy a ton of products. Watch a few videos, follow along here where I share the behind the scene thoughts and see if you might want to give this a try with me. It is a lot like when I helped you get started with Design Space and Cricut. If you tried to Cricut with too thin paper and the wrong mat and svgs you found in a free Facebook group that have never been tested by a Cricut Paper Crafter (yup those make me crazy!) you would not have success either. Just a few tiny tweeks can make all the difference.

Ink and stamps from the Dollar Store are really really different than Stampin' Up! stamps, inks and papers. But you really don't need everything in the catalog (although that is a fun shopping experience!) Let's go slow and see what you like and what you will use. I heard some great advice "make sure you will use the stamp set for at least 3 projects" I love that!

Nope, I don't think Cricut people are the same as stampin' people!

Of course you can use any tools you want and as a Cricut lover, Stampin' Up paper is awesome.

But, hear me out. I have been a Cricut teacher for almost 20 years back when it was cartridges and keypad overlays. Those Cricuts were designed for paper crafters for sure. As Cricut has evolved and Design Space is the standard now, vinyl is way more popular in the Cricut world. Yes yes yes paper crafters can use Design Space and I have taught many many classes showing you how :)

But what I have found is this: As a Cricut user, I am ready to do it myself. I want to choose the font, choose the saying, choose the size ...design my own from the bottom up.

As a stamper leaving my Cricut in the closet, I love the feel of paper, stamps and ink and the simplicity of the no tech involved crafting. Really two different trains of thought! Yes you CAN do both but I have found for me, I am a happier stamper if I leave my Cricut out of it. How about you?