When I started paper crafting I was a bit intimidated by all of the things out there in the industry. I actually didn’t “think” I was all that interested in paper crafting. I mean, I had friends who scrapbooked, created journals, and that sort of thing, and they would show me their projects; but I just didn’t get the excitement. That is, until a few years ago when depression hit and I started watching YouTube to pass the time.
I want to say, albeit a bit unfairly, that it’s all Jennifer McGuire‘s fault that I’ve fallen head over heals in love with all things paper. LOL
I watched her create the most lovely cards with basic supplies and I wanted to try it. I learned all about Simon Says Stamp, Lawn Fawn, and other retailers. Through Jennifer, I started following other designers like Kristina Werner, Kelly Latevola-Taylor, Koren Wiskman, Kathy Zielske, Amy R (Prairie paper and Ink), Gina K, Tim Holtz and Simon Hurley… just to name a few. Then Creativation happened and I watched so many attendees and their live videos of this event. It all captivated my attention and I was hooked.
I ordered a card kit from Simon Says Stamp to see if I would “like” this genre of crafting before I decided to spend a fortune kitting myself out. I also ordered the stamp of the month from May May Made it. My first kits came and I was absolutely IN LOVE. I watched the unboxing videos from other creators, I took copious notes and by the next morning, I was ready to start my journey into the world of paper.
Three SSS and May May kits in, I had joined Spellbinders Large and Small Die kit of the month and had signed up to be a demonstrator for Stampin’ Up! I was posting my cards on social media and before I knew it, I had people asking me to make cards for them. My very first customer ordered 12 Christmas cards and I was OVER the moon with excitement!
All this to tell you, if you are just wanting to “try it on for size”, card kits are the BEST way to try out this hobby. In fact, there are kits for all kinds of crafty genre’s out there. Even fly tying! Who knew?
Some kits are pricey and some are fairly reasonable. I still subscribe to many and enjoy them. They are a great way to build your stash too.
Another good way to try this out is to attend a local crop (a group who gets together to paper craft) or attend an online or in-person craft event, like Brutus Monroe’s Staycation 2021. I had never attended something like this, but even after being in this genre for 2 years, I still feel like a newbie. This was a three day event and there were three classes per day on different basic topics/trends. Because of COVID, we attended virtually, but this didn’t stop us from socializing and learning new things.
Some of my favorite Kits:
Come craft with me!
A papery world 