Card maker's necessities.

Hi, Loves. 

How are you? I hope you are well. Today, I want to discuss card making necessities. I thought you said 'you are a newbie'?! I am. However, I'm also a snob. 

I've walked by card making accessories for years until I watched a YT video on embossing powders in fine art. Hmmm... Intertesting. I checked into the embossing powders and inks. All varieties. They made my head spin. 

I am not into throwing a wad of cash at supplies for only one art form. I knew if I dived into the scrapbooking and card making supplies that I had better have more uses than one. 

So I bought black, white and gold embossing powders. I bought the ink pads in clear, white and black. I set out on a journey that I didn't intend to enjoy. 

Over the years, I found myself spending more and more time in the card making section. I always research the products before purchasing as I needed to make sure I could use them in other ways. I know its a redundant conversation. 

This 'hobby' can be expensive. I am not calling this a 'hobby' but more a way of life. If I can stamp something in seconds, push it down on a piece of scrap paper and color. I'm good. I learned how to shade through stamping.

So what are the necessities you absolutely need for card making, Theresa?! Its only my opinion and you can just take it like a grain of salt. You can even join me in the crazy world of yummies...not for the tummy yummies. 

I recently received some cutting dies and stamps from GLOBELAND. I sat with them for a while as my brain looked and looked but saw boring. This person did that and that person did this. Yikes! I stomped on Negative Nelly's foot and shut her up. 

I die cut the shapes, pulled out my embossing ink pad and embossing powders. I then pulled out my Arteza's Real Brush Pens and Spectrum Noir's Glitter Pens. I set about making them rock! Yes, I said "Rock!" 

I neglect to admit that I bought more and more embossing powders. I put them in a drawer along with my mica powders and closed the drawer. I'd only reach in when I was using mica powders on clay. I'd rarely use those embossing powders. They looked so lonely. 

GLOBELAND gave me the opportunity to truly understand embossing powders and pretty pretty markers. 

I'm telling you, Loves, that I may not ever return to my blah ways. I can make things uniquely dark or surprisingly bright all from a little shaker bottle. 

So here's what I find to be a card maker's necessesity: 

1. Ink 

I use Staz On for glass, fabric, metal and wood. I even use it for paper. Who knew?! I have a variety of permanent and non-permanent inks. Tim Holtz and Ranger Inks. I have storebrands and generic brands. Its all for learning and I suggest one permanent ink for the complete beginners. 

2. Embossing Pens Ranger has a black and white that I used on these cards. The ink stays wet longer and that's perfect for adding embossing powders. Not to mention, perfect pearls. 

3. Your thought process If you sit and study something, it can truly confuse your muse. I think you should break the rules here and use your style. You may be pleasantly surprised like I am. 

4. Embossing Powders I bought the rainbow of colors and I still find myself wanting more. Why? I have an embossing powder called Glitz. It looks all innocent in the jar until you use it. BAM! A rainbow happens and it so lovely! Ya sick, T? Naw, just excited to use things in my way and have it turn out. 

5. Perfect Pearls Oh these are delightful mica powders that actually stick to your project. I highly recommend if you just want a splish and a splash there. You can make you own elegant papers like I attempted. 

That's it, Loves. I'm sure you all have stamps and cutting dies. Its all in the products you throw at them. I will have a video up tomorrow to show you and pictures in the next post. You won't believe any of it came from me. 

It did! Surprise. Oh calm it down, T. I know. I know. Its just shiny is so pretty pretty. Bling bling.

I don't have anything more to say other than...Blessed may you be in your life, blessed may you be on your journey and thank you for blessing me with your presence. 

Love Always, 

Theresa (T, Sassy T)