help me spend some $$$:)

[arimacias]

ok. so i am VERY new to digi...as you all know by now.

if you were a newbie and had $20.00 to spend, what are your top faves? i am looking for basics that i can use over and over again

links will be helpful and very appreciated

[earlofoxford]

You can't go wrong with Katie's new collection of Classic Cardstock. They have great texture and an absolutely delicious array of colors:

Classic Cardstock: Cleansing - Digital Scrapbooking Papers DesignerDigitals


Classic Cardstock: Verdant Arbor - Digital Scrapbooking Papers


Classic Cardstock: Energy - Digital Scrapbooking Papers DesignerDigitals

[dugarner]

All of Anna's Stitched by . . . collection is a must-have. I use the white and red on almost every page.





I also use any of Lynn Grieveson's "Worn" series. All the time, if you like the grunged look.

[cstaff]

Maybe a couple templates... something that matches your style... clean and simple by Cathy Z. or maybe artsy stuff by Anna... Lynn's templates are nice and word art by Ali is always special... Katie's brushes are so sweet. And on and on... We have a tendency to go overboard so get something to play with. Don't forget to check out the freebies here too... bar at the top of the page. And... continue to check the calendar for special events... like Cassie's tutorial this next week. So much here... you can't go wrong.

[marnie]

I'd start with a basic kraft paper, Fasten Its, a basic alpha, white stitching, and worn edges. Of course, it depends on your style --more worn or more clean.
Here are my go to basics:
MonoBlendz Origins No. 02 Paperie
Krafty Ledger Paper Pack
Worn Page Edges
Fasten Its!
Paper Bag Alphabet
Stitched by Anna White No. 01

[esther_a]

Yes, I agree with everything above and Marnie summed it up beautifully.
Can I also add - some of Patties brads - so great for adding a little pop of color to a page
and some of Katie's photo cluster frame sets. Katie has dozens of frame sets to choose from and they are such a great kick start for a page. You can also use the frames separately.

Have we exceeded your budget yet?! lol!

[maureenreynolds]

These are great suggestions, and I think you have a good overview of the basic needs products to start with.

I would pick a template that is fairly basic to get the hang of using layers. If you find one that can be tweaked in several way by leaving out some of the layers or moving them about you'll get more options out of one product. Templates are what really helped me at first.

Do be sure to keep up with the weekend 25c items as well as the items offered in the weekly challenges. Seeing how other scrappers use those same items will inspire you I'm sure. So often I've looked and thought...Now THAT never occurred to me!

Have fun shopping and stick to quality, like DD when you do spend your money.

[Kayleigh]

This is one of my all time favourite templates: Ali Edwards Layered Template No. 15 - Digital Scrapbooking Templates
My fave kit is by Katie: Little Shores Kit - Digital Scrapbooking Kits DesignerDigitals
Fav stitching by Anna: Stitched by Anna White No. 02 - Digital Scrapbooking Elements
Love the texture of this paper: Sierra Solids Paper Pack - Digital Scrapbooking Papers DesignerDigitals
Be sure to check out Pattie's acrylics, these arrows rock: Absolutely Acrylic: Arrows - Digital Scrapbooking Elements DesignerDigitals

[mungerre]

I would pick one kit that matches your style... judging by your gallery, I would recommend this kit by Mindy, sweet rainbow.

The kit gives you a few buttons, a few ribbons, a few flowers and then some beautiful bright papers. Combine that with Cassie's recoloring tutorial
Some simple frames are always nice... but if you are looking for a bit of variety right off the bat, I would recommend any of Katie's stamped and framed layered templates, where you can get a frame, a stamped blend and stitching holes in just one item.

[MIDA78466]

I second Katie's Classic Cardstock collection. I love it!!

[Amson]

My favourite all time paper pack is this one. And yes I used it again today..... I love value for money.

[Shannamay]

I would second Esther's idea about the photo frame clusters - looooove her vintage frames (first thing i ever bought and still use over and over!). A simply versatile alphabet like this one Chipboard Alphabet: Black
But then you just have to browse through the kits and buy something that you really, really love - just for the joy of it really!!

[LisaD]

Beckie thanks for the Sweet Rainbow kit by Mindy, it's in my wishlist now.

Don't put all your $ in one basket. I would go with a kit or two and a template. Play with these and then once you see what you like you can order more.

[Janet1949]

I simply CANNOT complete a page without Lynn Grieveson's WORN PAGE edges... I believe you need frames and masks, Katies vintage frames are awesome, and Anna's masks are to die for... Im sure we've spent your $20 now..

[LauraBean]

My most-used papers are probably either some version of Katie's Naturally Krafty or some version of her newer Classic Cardstock (Classic Cardstock: Autumn Ice shows up all the time on my pages these days).

Versatile alphas: Lynn's Printed Paper Alphabet; Pattie's DIY Sticker Alphabet. Be sure to pick up the Little Bits Alpha Red that's on special today: I love all the Little Bits alphas.

Fasteners: Pattie's Staple Its!, Anna's Stitched by Anna series.

Extras: I love Ali's Everyday Twill and have used them over and over. Katie's Buttoned Up includes a template for making your own flair-like buttons, so that's a great buy. Katie's Lil Bit Tags are perfect for adding a date.

Budget blown? :-) Always pick up the freebies and the 25-cent items; you will build a great stash that way without spending too much, and the more different kinds of things you play with, the better handle you will get on what suits your style.

[arimacias]

i have a shopping cart going.
still adding to it.
YIKES!!!!
ps. please keep adding your favorite basics. digi shopping can be a LITTLE bit overwhelming.

[maureenreynolds]

I know shopping is fun, but I'd say at this stage less might be better. See what's on your wishlist on Thursday and use your money wisely by starting with some of the "your" basics that are on sale. One of the reasons I suggest going slowly is that ...you may want to start tagging and organizing as you go on.

Look for what you love but not too much because I really think your style will evolve as you learn to love what digi can do. You'll be surprised! and have fun!