Crafting A-Z

Everything About Paper Crafting & Card Making

Have you ever wondered how paper crafting started? Or maybe you want to learn fun, interesting, and unique facts about crafting supplies? From usage, manufacturing, tips, and techniques, learn everything you need to know about stamps, dies, inks, stencils, watercolors, and more through these ultimate crafting guides!

Explore Our Top Cardmaking & Paper Crafting Guides

The five most-read pages in the Altenew library — cardstock guides, acrylic painting ideas, and card message inspiration.

Crafting Guides From A to Z

18 comprehensive guides packed with techniques, tips, and inspiration. Pick a category to jump right in!

Everything You Need to Know About Stamps For Paper Crafting

Clear vs. rubber, storage, and getting a crisp impression every single time.

Read the pillar guide EXPLORE MORE STAMPS

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What is Altenew?

Altenew exists for everyone on a part of their creative journey, whether it begins with cardmaking, scrapbooking, journaling, watercolor, or something entirely new.

Founded in 2014 by Tasnim and Jen, Altenew began with a simple frustration: the designs they wanted didn't exist, so they decided to create them themselves, bringing a modern design perspective to stamps, dies, stencils, inks, papers, and coloring essentials — while developing innovative tools like the patented Stampwheel, Zero-Waste dies, Key-Hole system, and One-Go products.

But Altenew has never been just about crafting supplies. Through Altenew Academy, classes, and our Educator Certification Program, we've helped thousands of crafters grow their skills and share their passion. Because the point was never just the stamp or tool — it's what you make with it.

Read our story

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Master the Stampwheel with Jaycee Gaspar

The game-changing tool every craft room needs.

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Paper Crafting Questions, Answered

Short, practical answers to the questions crafters ask us most.

What is paper crafting?

Paper crafting is any craft that uses paper as its main material — card making, scrapbooking, journaling, origami and mixed media all sit under it. Most people start with a card, because a card needs only paper, an adhesive and one way to add a design.

What supplies do I need to make my first card?

Cardstock, an adhesive, and one design element — a stamp set with ink, or a die with a cutting machine. Everything else is optional. Our card making supplies guide lists the fifteen things worth owning once you are past the first few cards.

How do I get crisp, even stamped images?

Even pressure is what matters most. Use a firm surface, ink the stamp in a light tapping motion rather than pressing it into the pad, and press straight down without rocking. A stamping platform makes the impression repeatable, so you can re-stamp the same spot if the first pass is patchy.

Do I need a die cutting machine?

Not to start. Stamps, ink and cardstock will carry you a long way. A machine earns its place once you want intricate shapes, layered florals or repeatable card bases — see our die cutting guide for what each machine actually does.

How do I choose colors that work together?

Pick one color you love, then take two more from the same family — a lighter and a darker version — and add one neutral. Our ink sets are already grouped that way, so a single set gives you a working palette without any color theory.