Happy Tuesday and today is our day that we chat about tips and try to learn about different topics that revolve around stamping, organizing and basically “whatever” for this wonderful habit we have, STAMPING!
Today lets get some chatter rolling on Cardstock and I have for you some tips about what I think is a GREAT way to get a taste of our cardstock paper!
Before I get to my #1 tip for you…I want to say that I only use Stampin’ Up! Paper and let me explain why. One of the things that I adore about Stampin’ Up! is the fact that everything coordinates. For this reason, it is just simply easy to stick with what we have as I know it will always match!
Years ago when I was a Creative Memories Consultant I would have customers call me and say, “Can I come by and get a couple of sheets of the blue paper that I always use….I am in the middle of doing a project and I ran out”
Then this would happen…..she would come over to the house with a scrap of the blue that she needed and it was not a CM Paper….it was something that she purchased somewhere else! She would be frustrated and there was nothing that I could do as how would I know where she purchased it?
Now let me say, I understand that there are sooooo many great choices out there from other companies etc…but it is just easier to stick with what I know we have and what we will always have to match up! (I hope that this makes sense) 🙂
Here you go! I think the BEST way for you to get the FULL FLAVOR of what we have is to purchase the individual color collections in the sample packs. Below you will see the BRIGHTS COLLECTION and in the store line up at the end of the post you will see them all.
Why I like this is the simple fact that you will get (2) sheets of every color and then you will quickly discover which colors you gravitate towards and then perhaps you might want a full pack of that certain color.
In the catalog where the paper is (pages 169 – 171) you will see in the boxes to the right of the collections, the 2nd down is the 8 1/2″ X 11″ assorted sheets for just $8.00. This works out to be .40 per sheet.
I just want you to know….YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY EVERYTHING….because the truth of it is, YOU WILL NOT USE EVERYTHING! When I first stated with Stampin’ Up!, this is exactly what I did. As I learned the product and I decided to take my Stampin’ Up! love to a bigger step, I did order the colors in packs but you do not need to!
Next….I want to get to the next great and SUPER SMART thing that Stampin’ Up! did. When you look at the DSP Paper Collections (pages 172 – 174) you can see the DPS Papers and then look to the right and you will see the Cardstock Pack that coordinates to the DSP. Below you will see what I mean….I am showing you the Blooms & Bliss DSP and then the next picture you will see the Pack that works with it!
You get (8) sheets of each of the (3) colors offered. True, it is a bit cheaper (per sheet – .34) than the above but you are getting more and you are the one that needs to decide if you need that much paper! (again, hopefully this makes sense) 🙂
Well….there you go – my thoughts on how you can be a SMART SHOPPER and get a feel of the great offerings that we have. If you remember when I went away this winter….I did not take all of my paper bins….I purchased these assorted packs so I could have a little of everything and then when I returned home….I just shelved the sheets away that I did not use.
I hope that this has helped you decide a great strategic plan in how to build your paper inventory! Paper is a KEY and in my opinion a necessary part in making clean and simple cards! Paper adds so much…layers add so much!
Hopefully I was able to teach you another option in getting your supplies in order – have a fabulous day and please feel free to let me know how you love our cardstock!
Coordination is KEY and Stampin’ Up! has NAILED IT!
Great tip, Susan. I do love that SU coordinates everything. 🙂
Coordination is KEY….thanks my friend!
You’re exactly right, Susan. When I first found SU, I purchased each collection pack to find out which colors I really liked and used. Then I found the DSP matching solid packs. I have ordered specific whole pack of the same color. So I have a little of everything and it works well for me. I do love that everything coordinates to make a pretty presentation and make it easy on me to get a card made. Loving your tips.
Thanks for the great comment and I appreciate your kind words. I am happy that you are enjoying the tips on Tuesdays as I really think that I use my blog as much more than showing cards….I really like to explain the “precess”….
Excellent advice, Susan! I did the same as HJ and added on whole packs of certain colors that I gravitated towards. Love how everything coordinates within SU. Makes my “compulsiveness” to have everything match easier and more enjoyable! lol
YEAH – this comment makes me happy as you were able to see what works for YOU and then you went for the colors that are your favorites! Way to go in seeing, trying and then making the options work for you!
I have always found that SU has the best paper…I don’t buy anything else. Does that make me a paper snob???? Hahaha! Love SU!!!!!!
I am laughing…you paper snob!!!!
I confess, that I am both adhesive obsessed and a paper junkie. It’s amazing how these two obsessions go so well together. I do keep all my Stampin’ Up paper organized in one area. It is my “go to” area when I want to do a special card challenge because of the fact that everything matches or blends so well. Even with that said, I can’t pass up a sale or a “really cute” design.
I LOVE your obsessions….that is so funny! We all have our loves. I know that sometimes it is hard to make that “cut” into our paper. To me, when I see my paper area full and filled…I smile as it is a beautiful sight of amazing colors!
DSP paper packs are actually a great idea. At first I thought that was goofy but then I thought about it. I have been getting shares instead of buying the DSP and then hoarding the packs. Well, I saw a set of cards made with the coordinating cardstock as the base card and I really loved the idea. It happened I didn’t have much or if any of the cardstock base colors since you only get 2 in the regular sample packs. Well, I decided to try one of the DSP paper packs and it was really just perfect for my set of cards plus the holder. So, I was really impressed with this idea plus not having a whole pack sitting around. I am trying to limit the full packs to Christmas card colors, black, vanilla, and of course white. Oh, and I think I will get a brown one and my crumb cake is getting low. Anyway, it is definitely a great idea if you want just a little bit more of a certain color without getting a whole pack. How many of us bought a whole pack and then it was discontinued or you decided some other color was better? My hand is held high – I was in love with that sage color they had a few years ago. I have the whole pack minus 2 sheets (I used for the base of 4 cards) left plus the ribbon. The ink pad seemed to have disappeared into a black hole in one of my junk piles.
Hello my friend…My hand went up!!! I think that we are all guilty of getting a deal…and then we do not use it. LIFE! I am happy that you take advantage of the product shares….they are the BEST way to get a great feel of the product!!!
Hi Susan, thanks for sharing these great tips! I have a question for you. I am drawn to the Designer Series Paper Stacks, but am having a hard time choosing which color. I think I would use them mostly for backgrounds. Any suggestions?
Wow…this is a tough one but as I had comment to an earlier comment, when I offer product shares, I always offer these stacks in 1/2 sheets in all of the color combinations….this way YOU will be able to get a great idea to the color collection that you gravitate to….
For me….I seem to go through different loves….love the Regals for their rich colors, the Brights for their boldness and fun but I think that the best way os to get a product share with all of them….then you will really have fun!
Great suggestions! I gravitated to Stampin Up for the color coordination and the Angel Policy. I have lots of pretty paper, received as gifts and purchased by me in the past, that is REALLY hard to use because it doesn’t match anything. It is great to be able to coordinate cardstock, DSP, ribbons and accessories to easily give your creations a more polished “stepped up” look so easily.
I especially love the new coordinating paperpacks that go with the DSP. Even if I don’t buy the coordinating DSP, it is a more economical way to add to my available palette of paper. For those starting out with Stampin Up, or with papercrafting in general, the Color Collection packs are a great way to “test drive” the colors to see which ones you like best and want to use more.
Also, I recently followed some of your paper storage suggestions. I think I’m going to like them. Keep up the good work.
Hi Barbara! GREAT feedback and I could not agree more with you….if you are getting your engines going with Stampin’ Up! – the packs are the way to go!!!
I love, love, LOVE that SU does a sampler pack of cardstock to match the DP. Did they always do that or is that new? I’ve never noticed it before.
I agree, I think that it was a super smart move for Stampin’ Up! to do this! I think that this is the 2nd Annual Catalog that they have done this….brilliant as it is great to have the coordinating colors to go with your DSP! Thanks for the comment….
I really appreciate all your tips.
Love the idea of SU having DP to match the solids. I have no eye for color, this really helps.
I wished SU did not sell the DP in 40 sheets to a stack. I would buy one of each of the DP if it were in 20 stacks of paper. Then I could have some of each. 12 x 12 paper goes so much further and would last me for ever. There for I have never purchased any of the DP.
Many thanks for the comment and I agree, it is great that our DSP matches so nicely with our cardstock. I am a HUGE fan of the DSP Paper Stacks that I think you are talking about (40 sheets) and I totally understand that 40 is a BUNCH of paper, plus that it is $$$$. When I offer product shares, I always offer this as a share getting 1/2 sheets. It is such a popular share – I adore this paper….maybe try one of these shares when the new Holiday Catalog rolls around!
Susan
I’ve been loving your series of tips for everything! They are really helpful. I, like everyone else, have bought too much paper so I love the new Stampin’ Up coordinating cardstock packs. But I do agree that 40 sheets of DSP is way too much. I think I’ll have to go the shares route from now on especially since you do half sheets. I’ve been organizing and purging — a never ending task!!
Thanks Peggy for the comment and I agree with you….Doing product shares are a great way to go! As far as the DSP Paper Stacks, I will be offering them again in my next share with the Holiday Catalog. Keep a lookout in mid August – they are the best way to get these special papers! Many thanks for popping in!