Don't Cut Costs On These Card Making Supplies

Welcome friends! I’m in the middle of a series of posts to help introduce new card makers to this hobby, and today’s topic is ‘don’t cut costs on these card making supplies!’ We all want to save a buck whenever possible, but I do NOT recommend going cheap on the items I will mention below. Let’s talk about it!

Don’t Cut Costs On These Card Making Supplies Video

Watch along here, and make sure to stick around for an encouraging message at the end! Or keep reading for more details!

When Cheap Isn’t Best

I am totally in favor of saving money when possible, but at times, the best price is not what we’re looking for, right? When we are purchasing tools that will be in our craft collections for years to come, we want to choose good quality items that will last. In addition, cheap tools often are not easy to use and lead to a lot of frustration. Save the frustration, and save yourself from having to repurchase items in the future because they break or simply don’t work well.

So let’s get started talking about items you want to choose for quality, not price!

Don’t Cut Costs On These Card Making Supplies

Ink Pads

Ink pads can be ok, or they can be awesome! I absolutely love our ink pads for a lot of reasons, and you can find out more about them here. One thing to consider as you’re purchasing ink pads is, are they refillable? You don’t want to throw those pads away when you run out of ink because you can’t find the color to refill them. Purchase refillable ink pads and keep using them for a long, long time!

Don't cut costs on these card making supplies! Save money where you can, but the items on this list are ones you'll be able to use for years to come if you purchase good quality ones to begin with.

Punches

Just like ink pads, punches can be ok, or they can be awesome! In my experience, they can also be terrible! If you purchase good punches, they will cost more up front, but they will work for years to come.

I’ve had my circle punches for over 10 years. They’ve done a lot of crafting with me, and they’ve been through a lot of paper crafting classes with my crafting friends. They have punched A LOT of circles. You know what? They work as well as the day I got them. They do occasionally need a little sharpening and lubrication, but that’s easy to do with some aluminum foil and wax paper. Learn more here.

Die Cutting and Embossing Machine

Never purchase a die cutting machine because it’s a great price…unless you absolutely know it is a good machine! Do your research to learn if people have been happy with the machine you’re looking at, before you buy it. Also make sure to check what type of warranty it comes with.

I LOVE the Stampin Up Die Cutting & Embossing Machine. Prior to having this machine, I used to have a Big Shot, and I found that it didn’t cut or emboss quite right in a few spots. I learned all the tricks to get it to cut, but it took extra time and effort. I’ve had my Stampin Up Machine for several years and it works awesome! I almost never have to run anything through more than one time because it works so well. After I had my machine for a couple of years, one day the handle broke. I was devastated! I called Stampin Up, and you know what? They sent me a new one. I had no idea it had a 3 year warranty. This is why I suggest checking warranty information before purchasing a machine.

Paper

I still have the first card bases I ever purchased. Why you ask? Because they were terrible quality. They’re so thin, I wouldn’t even use them on projects. It would have been a little bit like sending a handmade card that I made using toilet paper as the base.

When we crafters put time and love into making a card and sharing it with someone, they will often display it on a kitchen counter, shelf, or desk. Poor quality paper will sag and these cards won’t be able to stand up for display. Choose good paper!

Trimmer

I’ve heard so many bad trimmer stories. It seems like a trimmer should be able to line paper up straight and cut paper without tearing it. It seems like you should be able to purchase replacement blades. Apparently these things are often not true. Choose a good trimmer!

Scissors

As you’re getting started, you can absolutely use whatever scissors are in your house. As you get more experience, you’re going to want a good pair of scissors that cuts paper well, as well as ribbon. These scissors are awesome and inexpensive.

What We Are Supporting

We need to remember that when we spend money, we are voting. When we spend money, we are supporting the who and the what behind the product and store where we shop. Was it made in the USA? China? Somewhere else? We are supporting the country who made it. The vast majority of Stampin Up products are made in the USA. The majority of our stamps, inks, and papers are made in the USA and I’m so proud to support this company.

Stampin Up Stands Behind Our Products

As a side note, when you have problems with something you order, it’s really nice when someone cares enough to fix the problem, right? Stampin Up stands behind our products. We sell awesome, high quality products, and if something is wrong, Stampin Up will make it right. We have a wonderful customer service line of cheerful associates who are easy to understand, and I’m here as well if you order with me as your demonstrator.