There are so many great stamp pads on the market. If you are new to paper crafting and stamping, choosing what stamp pads to buy can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you choose:

1. Buy at least 1 black stamp pad. Below are two suggestions that are very popular and can be purchased at a discounted price. Both are frequently on sale at Joann’s Fabrics for $4.99.
   • Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad – Great ink for everyday use. Works with alcohol markers. Since it’s water based, it will run if you try to watercolor over it.
   • Tsukineko StazOn Jet Black Ink Pad – This is basically like a Sharpie in stamp form. If you plan on using watercolor, this is the black ink for you. This ink is alcohol-based and will run if you color with alcohol markers.
     
2. For other colors, you really can’t go wrong with purchasing stamp pads from any of the major crafting brands. Here are some suggestions (but there are many, many, many more out there):
   • Tim Holtz Distress Ink or Distress Oxide
   • Altenew Fresh Dye Ink
   • Catherine Pooler Ink Pads
   • Simon Says Stamp Hybrid Ink
   • Pink Fresh Ink Pads
     
3. Buy the cubes (smaller version) – All of the stamp pads listed above offer a cube size or smaller version of the larger ink pad. We highly recommend buying the cube or smaller version. Here are some reasons why:
   • Will get you the same results as a larger ink pad
   • Great way to save money and to save space on storage
   • Girl math – If I save money on buying the smaller version, then I can buy more variety and try out different types of inks. All jokes aside, there is validity to this because even though all these inks are great options, they do have different properties. You may find you prefer a certain brand over another depending on the technique or the look you are trying to achieve.

Hopefully these tips help you get started on your paper crafting/card making/stamping journey. Happy crafting!