Card making is a fun and rewarding hobby that can brighten someone’s day and make them feel special. Sending a handmade card to a friend or family member shows them just how much you care. All you need to get started making handmade cards is a few basic card making supplies. The best part? You don’t need to be artistic to create beautiful cards! I’m crafty, but not artistic—that’s why I love using stamps!
Are you new to stamping or curious about what you need to get started with card making? I’m here to guide you! My goal is to make card making an enjoyable and stress-free experience for you. Let’s start with the basics.
To begin, all you need is a SIP: Stamps, Ink, and Paper. Before diving in and spending money on supplies, it’s helpful to learn a bit about these essentials to ensure you get the results you’re hoping for. Feel free to do some research or reach out to me for advice—I’d be happy to help!
Start with a Card Making Kit –

You can start simple by purchasing an all-inclusive card kit or picking up a few basic supplies to get you started. Stampin’ Up! kits are a fantastic option, as they include pre-cut cardstock, stamps, ink, embellishments, and step-by-step instructions to help you create beautiful handmade cards with ease. They provide a stress-free way to learn basic techniques before investing in individual supplies. Once you feel confident, you can start gathering your own materials to design cards from scratch.
Basic Card Making Tools & Supplies –

Are you looking to dive into the world of card making? This creative and rewarding hobby allows you to craft unique, heartfelt cards for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, having the right supplies is key. Here’s everything you need to get started!
Essential Card Making Supplies
Stamps
- Photopolymer Stamps – Use these with a foam pad for crisp, clear impressions.
- Red Rubber Stamps – Great for detailed stamping and long-lasting use.
- Clear Blocks – Necessary for mounting your stamps and achieving precise placement.
Ink
- Black Ink Pad – Ideal for outline stamps, perfect for coloring with markers or pencils.
- Colored Ink Pads – Great for stamping solid images and adding variety to your designs.
Paper
- Solid Color Cardstock – The foundation of any handmade card, typically 80-100 lb weight for a sturdy base.
- White or Vanilla Cardstock – Essential for stamping, layering, and creating contrast.
- Patterned Paper (Optional) – Designer Series Paper (DSP) or patterned cardstock adds color and texture effortlessly.
Cutting & Scoring Tools
- Paper Trimmer with Scoring Blade – Ensures straight, clean cuts and precise scoring for professional-looking cards.
- Paper Snips – Perfect for fussy cutting and intricate details.
- Bone Folder – Creates crisp, smooth folds for a polished finish.
Adhesives
- Tape Runner or Liquid Glue – Essential for assembling your cards with a strong, lasting hold.
- Stampin’ Dimensionals (Optional) – Adds depth and dimension to your designs for a more dynamic look.
Stamp Cleaning Tools
- Stamp Cleaner – Keeps your stamps in great condition by cleaning and conditioning them after each use.
Finishing Touches
- Envelopes – Complete your handmade cards with coordinating envelopes for a professional presentation.
- Embellishments – Ribbons, sequins, enamel dots, and other decorative elements personalize and enhance your cards.
Why Choose Stampin’ Up! for Your Card Making Supplies?
There are plenty of places to buy craft supplies, but if you want high-quality, beautifully coordinated products, Stampin’ Up! is the best choice—and I’d love to be your go-to source for everything you need!
As an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, I’m passionate about sharing what makes Stampin’ Up! special—and why I fell in love with their products. The biggest game-changer for me? Stampin’ Up!’s incredible color coordination! When you choose a shade like “Real Red,” you can trust that your cardstock, Designer Series Paper, ink, and embellishments will all match perfectly. No more hunting through craft stores trying to find coordinating colors!
Before I discovered Stampin’ Up!, I was a scrapbooker. I spent hours searching for matching supplies, only to find that even within the same brand, colors varied from batch to batch. It was frustrating! Then, I found Stampin’ Up!, and it completely transformed the way I crafted. Their high-quality products, seamless coordination, and exclusive designs make creating stunning handmade cards easy and enjoyable.
If you’re ready to take your card making to the next level, I’d love to help you get started with Stampin’ Up! supplies. Contact me today, and let’s find the perfect products to bring your creative ideas to life!

With these essential tools, you’ll be ready to create stunning handmade cards with ease. Be sure to check out my next post for tips on starting simple, building your skills, and—most importantly—enjoying the creative process!
Have you made your first handmade card? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
